Huntsville, AL, September 21, 2025
News Summary
Huntsville has dramatically fallen to 85th place in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Places to Live rankings, facing major changes due to the relocation of Space Command employees. Meanwhile, Colorado Springs has dropped even further to 406th, raising concerns regarding job growth and crime rates in both cities. As Huntsville prepares for an influx of Space Command staff, it contrasts with Colorado Springs, where rising crime and economic uncertainty are prevalent. The shifting rankings reflect significant challenges and opportunities ahead for both communities.
Huntsville Experiences Dramatic Rise in U.S. News & World Report Rankings
Huntsville has fallen dramatically from the 1st position to the 85th in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Places to Live rankings. This significant decline comes as the city prepares for an influx of approximately 1,700 Space Command employees expected to relocate following the headquarters’ move from Colorado Springs to Huntsville.
In contrast, Colorado Springs has seen an even steeper decline, plummeting from 3rd to 406th in the same rankings. Both cities have long been tied to the aerospace and defense industries, hosting major military installations and employers. However, the transition of the U.S. Space Command headquarters is poised to create considerable economic shifts in both areas.
Crime and Cost of Living Factors
While Huntsville’s crime rate is falling and remains lower than the national average, Colorado Springs faces rising crime challenges. The latter ranks within the top 15% for crime rates among 850 cities surveyed. Both violent and property crime rates in Colorado Springs exceed those of similar-sized cities, highlighting a critical concern for residents and potential newcomers.
In terms of housing affordability, Huntsville has a significant advantage over Colorado Springs. The median home price in Colorado Springs was recorded at $475,000 as of June, while Huntsville’s median home price in July was $345,000. Additionally, average rent in Colorado Springs stands at $1,925 per month, necessitating an income of $77,000 to affordably rent. Conversely, Huntsville’s average rent is $1,464 per month, which requires a salary of $58,584.
Job Growth and Economic Diversity
Huntsville has shown robust job growth, ranking 7th nationally in long-term job growth from 2018 to 2023. It is also 5th in short-term job growth for 2022-2023 and ranks highly in wage growth and high-tech GDP performance. These factors illustrate a thriving economy bolstered by numerous job opportunities.
Colorado Springs does not fare as well in job growth comparisons, ranking 30th in long-term growth and 24th in short-term growth, while also facing challenges related to wage growth. The city is home to major military installations, including NORAD, and Fort Carson, but faces an uncertain economic future with the deterioration in job prospects and an increase in crime rates.
Community Response and Future Prospects
In anticipation of the Space Command transition, recruitment strategies are being discussed to attract personnel to Huntsville. Meanwhile, Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade is actively pursuing new aerospace opportunities to bolster the local economy following the relocation of Space Command. Local officials in Colorado Springs have raised concerns about losing critical military and civilian jobs and the potential economic ripple effects stemming from the departure.
Both cities continue to be key players in the aerospace and defense sectors, with Huntsville emerging as a hub known as the “Pentagon of the South.” The city employs over 50,000 individuals at Redstone Arsenal, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, and various defense contractors. Colorado Springs, while home to significant facilities, now faces a pivotal moment as it adapts to the changes being brought about by the relocation of the Space Command headquarters.
Conclusion
As Huntsville rises and Colorado Springs faces notable declines in rankings, the outcomes of the U.S. Space Command transition underscore substantial changes affecting the lives of residents in both cities. The drive for economic stability, community safety, and housing affordability will shape the future of both locales.
FAQ Section
What was Huntsville’s rank in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Places to Live rankings?
Huntsville fell from No. 1 to 85th in the U.S. News & World Report Best Places to Live rankings.
What was Colorado Springs’ rank in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Places to Live rankings?
Colorado Springs plummeted from No. 3 to 406th in the same rankings, marking a dramatic decline.
What impact will the relocation of U.S. Space Command headquarters have on employment in Huntsville?
The relocation of U.S. Space Command headquarters from Colorado Springs to Huntsville may incentivize approximately 1,700 Space Command employees to transfer.
What are the crime rate standings in Colorado Springs compared to Huntsville?
Colorado Springs has one of the highest crime rates, ranking in the top 15% of 850 cities surveyed by U.S. News & World Report, while Huntsville’s crime rate is lower than the national average and is declining, despite ongoing population growth.
How do housing prices compare between Huntsville and Colorado Springs?
The median home price in Colorado Springs was reported at $475,000 in June, while Huntsville’s median home price in July was $345,000.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Huntsville | Colorado Springs |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. News & World Report Ranking | 85th | 406th |
| Median Home Price | $345,000 | $475,000 |
| Average Rent | $1,464 | $1,925 |
| Crime Rate | Lower than National Average | Top 15% in Crime Rates |
| Long-Term Job Growth Ranking | 7th | 30th |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Huntsville Contends for U.S. Space Command Headquarters
Huntsville Leaders Optimistic About U.S. Space Command Relocation
Alabama Ranks 19th in CNBC’s Top States for Business 2025
Additional Resources
- AL.com: Why Move to Alabama for Space Command?
- Washington Examiner: Colorado Springs Rebound and Space Command
- Axios: Colorado and Alabama Space Command Moves
- Colorado Sun: Space Command Leaving Colorado
- CNN: Trump Space Command Headquarters Moves to Huntsville
- Wikipedia: Space Command
- Google Search: Huntsville Crime Rate
- Google Scholar: Space Command Relocation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Space Command
- Google News: Huntsville Space Command
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
