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Property Value
Percent Owner Occupied
Housing Prices
Median Rent
Population
Ensley, a neighborhood in Birmingham, Alabama, has experienced significant changes in its housing market over the past decade. This analysis examines the fluctuations in homeownership rates, average home prices, and rental trends from 2013 to 2024, as well as projections for the future. The homeownership rate in Ensley has shown considerable volatility since 2013. Starting at 37% in 2013, it peaked at 49% in 2018 before declining to 32% by 2022. This fluctuation coincided with substantial increases in average home prices. In 2013, the average home price in Ensley was $16,940, which more than tripled to $55,371 by 2022, indicating a significant appreciation in property values. Federal interest rates have played a crucial role in shaping homeownership trends in Ensley. During periods of historically low interest rates between 2013 and 2016 (ranging from 0.09% to 0.4%), homeownership rates in Ensley increased slightly from 37% to 38%. This aligns with the general trend of lower interest rates encouraging homeownership due to more affordable financing options. However, as interest rates began to rise in 2017 (1%) and continued upward, homeownership rates in Ensley showed some volatility, reaching 49% in 2018 before declining in subsequent years.
The rental market in Ensley has also undergone significant changes. The percentage of renters increased from 63% in 2013 to 68% in 2022. During this period, average rent prices rose from $844 in 2013 to $860 in 2022, with fluctuations in between. Notably, the highest average rent of $942 was recorded in 2021, coinciding with a period of low interest rates (0.08%) and increasing home prices, which may have pushed more residents towards renting. As of 2024, the average home price in Ensley stands at $57,889, continuing the upward trend from the 2023 price of $56,603. This increase occurs against a backdrop of higher federal interest rates, which reached 5.33% in 2024, up from 5.02% in 2023. These higher interest rates could potentially impact future homeownership rates in the neighborhood. Based on observed trends and current market conditions, projections suggest that average home prices in Ensley will continue to rise moderately over the next five years, potentially reaching around $65,000 by 2029. Average rent prices are also expected to increase, albeit at a slower pace, potentially reaching approximately $950 per month by 2029. These projections assume a continuation of current economic conditions and local market trends. In conclusion, Ensley has experienced significant changes in its housing market over the past decade. The neighborhood has seen a substantial increase in average home prices, fluctuating homeownership rates, and a general trend towards more renters. These changes reflect the interplay between local market conditions, broader economic factors, and federal interest rate policies. As Ensley continues to evolve, its housing market is likely to remain dynamic, influenced by both local and national economic trends.