Austin, Texas and Huntsville, Alabama, provide distinctive lifestyles, each offering unique amenities, culture, and opportunities. Austin, known for its vibrant music scene, tech start-ups, and fantastic food, offers a bustling city life, whereas Huntsville, often referred to as the Rocket City, is renowned for its strong aerospace and defense industries. The two cities differ significantly in various aspects such as crime and safety, cost of living, commerce, and climate, among others.
Distance between
Austin, TX and
Huntsville, AL : 717.1 miles
Austin's population is larger by 344%. Its population has grown by 307,615 people (46.9%) since 2000. The population of Huntsville has grown by 58,747 people (37.1%) during that time.
Austin, like any big city, has diverse neighborhoods with varying levels of safety. Overall, the crime rates are average for a U.S. city of its size. Huntsville, on the other hand, has a slightly higher crime rate than Austin, but it varies by neighborhood. Both cities work continuously on safety improvements and have engaged community policing efforts.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,411 registered sex offenders living in Austin and 157 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Austin is 672 to 1; the ratio in Huntsville is 1,250 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Austin than in Huntsville.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Austin is higher compared to Huntsville, with housing being the biggest contributor to the difference. Goods and services, utilities, and groceries are also generally more expensive in Austin. Conversely, Huntsville is one of the most affordable cities in Alabama and the cost of living is below the national average.
Income Tax
Texas does not impose a state income tax, providing a fiscal advantage for Austin residents. Alabama imposes income tax with rates ranging from 2% to 5%.
Property Tax
Property taxes in both Austin and Huntsville vary. However, rates in Austin are generally higher compared to Huntsville. Texas doesn't have a state property tax, but local tax rates can be steep.
Sales Tax
Both cities have sales taxes, with Austin's combined city and state sales tax rate being 8.25%, while Huntsville's combined rate is slightly higher at 9%.
Income
Type
Austin
Huntsville
Estimated median household income
$79,542
$70,757
Estimated per capita income
$53,937
$42,232
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.4
83.8
If you make $50,000 in Huntsville, you will have to make $57,518 in Austin to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Austin is located in central Texas and features a mix of urban and natural elements with rolling hills and beautiful lakes. Huntsville is located in North Alabama and characterized by a combination of flatlands, hills, and proximity to the Tennessee River.
Both cities boast strong public education systems. Huntsville is home to top-ranking Alabama schools, while Austin's schools are some of the best in Texas. For higher education, Austin has the prestigious University of Texas, and Huntsville offers the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Alabama A&M University.
Economically, Austin is renowned for its tech industry with many start-ups and large tech companies like Dell and IBM. Huntsville has a strong economy centered around aerospace and defense, with NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and the U.S. Army's Redstone Arsenal located there.
Biggest Employers
Austin's leading employers consist of tech firms and the University of Texas. Huntsville's biggest employers include government entities and defense contractors, such as the Department of Defense and NASA.
There were 4,180 building permits issued in Austin in 2012 (2467 more than in 2011) compared to 1,483 building permits issued in Huntsville in 2012 (465 more than in 2011).
In Austin (Travis County), 60.2% voted for Democrats and 36.2% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Huntsville (Madison County), 40.2% voted for Democrats and 58.9% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Austin
Huntsville
Austin
Huntsville
Austin
Huntsville
2020
71.7%
44.8%
26.5%
52.8%
1.8%
2.4%
2016
65.8%
38.4%
27.2%
54.8%
7.0%
6.8%
2012
60.2%
40.2%
36.2%
58.9%
3.6%
1.0%
2008
63.8%
41.9%
34.4%
56.9%
1.8%
1.2%
2004
56.1%
40.2%
42.1%
59.0%
1.8%
0.8%
2000
41.7%
42.6%
47.0%
54.9%
11.3%
2.5%
1996
52.4%
41.9%
40.0%
50.0%
7.7%
8.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Austin
Huntsville
Austin
Huntsville
CATHOLIC CHURCH
17.3%
4.2%
4.5%
1.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
8.0%
19.9%
22.8%
21.8%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.4%
1.0%
2.8%
1.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
0.3%
0.7%
0.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.0%
0.5%
2.5%
0.9%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.9%
0.3%
2.1%
1.2%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
0.7%
0.6%
1.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
1.9%
1.0%
2.5%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
0.6%
0.1%
0.2%
Weather
Climate-wise, Austin's summers are hotter and longer, but winters are mild with very little snow. Huntsville experiences a more varied climate with distinctive seasons, including mild winters that can occasionally have snowfall. Both cities experience high humidity, but Huntsville sees more rainfall annually.
Weather and climate
Type
Austin
Huntsville
Temperature - Average
68.5°F
60.2°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.2%
76.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
40%
39%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
89%
90%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
49%
51%
Precipitation - Yearly average
33.7 in
56.7 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.4 in
7.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.3%
16.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
63.3%
60.9%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
20.2%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
64.5%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
50%
44.3%
Wind speed - Average
7.2 mph
7.8 mph
Average climate in Austin, Texas
Average climate in Huntsville, Alabama
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM25
SO2
Year
Austin
Huntsville
Austin
Austin
Huntsville
Austin
Huntsville
Austin
Huntsville
Austin
Huntsville
2018
76
66
N/A
N/A
4.9
N/A
26.7
31.9
8.7
9.3
0.2
N/A
2017
76
60
N/A
N/A
4.6
N/A
29.7
30.4
8.3
6.7
0.3
N/A
2016
71
74
N/A
N/A
4.2
N/A
29.5
33.4
8.2
7.8
0.2
N/A
2015
78
67
N/A
N/A
4.4
N/A
28.9
30.2
8.6
7.7
0.3
N/A
2014
74
60
N/A
N/A
5.2
N/A
28.3
31.5
8.7
N/A
0.5
N/A
2013
78
60
0.09
N/A
5.5
N/A
29.5
32.5
8.6
N/A
0.5
N/A
2012
86
81
0.13
N/A
5.5
N/A
30.1
34.0
8.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
2011
83
82
0.11
N/A
2.6
N/A
33.0
33.9
9.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
2010
77
82
0.05
N/A
3.2
N/A
29.4
32.4
8.8
11.1
N/A
N/A
2009
76
73
0.05
N/A
2.6
N/A
29.7
31.3
9.0
12.2
N/A
N/A
2008
81
70
0.12
N/A
3.2
N/A
30.7
30.4
9.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
2007
82
85
0.12
N/A
3.1
N/A
27.1
32.1
9.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
2006
89
84
0.14
N/A
3.8
N/A
31.3
31.1
10.0
N/A
0.2
N/A
2005
92
81
0.15
N/A
4.4
N/A
29.0
28.6
10.7
N/A
0.2
N/A
2004
74
80
0.16
N/A
3.3
N/A
26.8
28.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2003
85
82
0.26
N/A
4.2
5.3
28.9
27.5
N/A
N/A
0.1
1.6
2002
83
83
0.33
N/A
3.9
N/A
27.2
26.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2001
83
80
0.31
N/A
4.2
N/A
25.5
27.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2000
86
95
0.28
N/A
4.7
N/A
27.8
29.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Austin
Huntsville
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
137.9%
246.2%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
80.4%
262.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
29%
17%
Transportation
Austin provides a variety of transportation options including buses, light rail, bike-sharing, and ride-hailing services. Huntsville, on the other hand, relies mainly on car travel with limited public transportation options.
Transport
Type
Austin
Huntsville
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
0
FAA registered aircraft
911
280
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
21
5
Means of transportation to work
Type
Austin
Huntsville
Bicycle
0.8%
0.1%
Bus
1.5%
0.2%
Carpooled
7.9%
6.5%
Car alone
85.9%
91.5%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
2%
0.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
Austin
Huntsville
Average
29.9 min
28.5 min
Other means
22.7 min
19.3 min
Public transportation
37.9 min
31.7 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Austin
Huntsville
Average
1.1
1.1
Drove alone
91.2%
93.2%
In 2 person carpool
6.3%
4.7%
In 3 person carpool
1.7%
1.3%
In 4 person carpool
0.6%
0.6%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Both cities offer diverse real estate options from urban apartments to suburban homes. However, Austin's real estate market is more competitive and expensive compared to Huntsville.
Neighborhoods
Austin neighborhoods range from vibrant downtown districts to serene suburban areas. Huntsville offers peaceful, family-friendly neighborhoods and historic districts, which exemplify the city's deep-rooted Southern charm.
Houses and residents
Type
Austin
Huntsville
Houses
469,156
104,141
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.3
Median year apartment built
1997
1985
Median year house/condo built
1988
1983
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.1 years
12.6 years
Houses occupied
449,399 (95.8%)
96,551 (92.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
196,458 (43.7%)
59,015 (61.1%)
Houses occupied by renters
252,941 (56.3%)
37,536 (38.9%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,286
$1,286
Median monthly housing costs
$1,521
$935
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$549,769
$246,721
Estimated median house or condo value
$482,900
$250,400
Median numbers of rooms
4.4
6
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.4
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
7.3
Median house price - detached houses
$595,996
$257,633
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$393,984
$66,368
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$262,826
$111,845
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$576,111
$246,169
Median house price - mobile homes
$56,102
$113,555
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$459,657
$196,303
Median house price - All housing units
$571,154
$253,177
Median house age
28
39
Renting percentage
54.9%
42%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,865.3
598.4
House value disparities
28.4%
36.8%
Household income disparities
44.8%
45%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$141,177
$100,571
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$86,430
$69,689
Housing units without a mortgage
1,799 (1.3%)
806 (2.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,421 (4.8%)
2,456 (6.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
132,628 (98.7%)
35,004 (97.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
206 (0.2%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
8,515 (6.3%)
2,651 (7.4%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
9
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.9%
2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.6%
1.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Austin
Huntsville
One, detached
43.1%
67.1%
One, attached
5.2%
3.5%
Two
2.4%
2.0%
3 or 4
4.1%
5.2%
5 to 9
7.2%
6.3%
10 to 19
11.0%
6.6%
20 to 49
8.9%
3.2%
50 or more
17.2%
5.3%
Mobile homes
1.0%
0.9%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
38,777
5,111
State government workers
46,229
4,814
Unpaid family workers
102
668
Industries and Occupations
Austin is notably loaded with high-tech occupations due to the abundant tech firms, while Huntsville's dominant industries are aerospace, defense, and biotechnology. Both cities offer numerous opportunities for career growth in these sectors.
Both cities have highly-rated healthcare facilities. Austin houses leading health systems like Ascension Seton and Baylor Scott & White. Huntsville has facilities such as Huntsville Hospital, one of the largest not-for-profit healthcare systems in Alabama.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Austin
Huntsville
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Austin is recognized for its robust infrastructure, including a thriving downtown, extensive highway system, and an international airport. Huntsville’s infrastructure, while not as extensive, supports its inhabitants suitably, including Huntsville International Airport and comprehensive local transit services.
Infrastructure
Type
Austin
Huntsville
Hospitals
65
10
TV stations
20
9
Arenas or stadiums
2
1
Bank branches located here
264
62
Bank institutions located here
43
20
Main business address for public companies
44
3
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
46
3
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Austin
Huntsville
1999
4,733
536
2000
2,950
393
2001
2,038
234
2002
1,772
259
2003
2,213
261
2004
2,458
393
2005
3,121
556
2006
3,367
607
2007
2,560
425
2008
1,747
178
2009
1,067
104
Culture and Food
Austin’s culture is a blend of Texas tradition and counter-culture. Known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," it hosts numerous cultural festivals. Its food scene is diverse with an emphasis on Tex-Mex and barbeque. Huntsville maintains a traditional Southern culture with a fusion of global influence due to its tech industry. It offers Southern style cuisine, craft breweries, and growing dining trends.
Sports Teams
Austin is home to MLS team Austin F.C., and Texas Longhorns college sports while Huntsville hosts minor league and college sports, including the Huntsville Havoc hockey team and Alabama A&M Bulldogs.
Austin, TX
Huntsville, AL
Austin, TX and 
Huntsville, AL : 717.1 miles
