News Summary
Huntsville has earned recognition as the 15th most educated city in the U.S. according to WalletHub’s latest report. The city excels in educational attainment, with 91.6% of adults over 25 having completed high school and 46.2% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Huntsville’s strong educational institutions have bolstered its ranking, especially in fields like STEM. The city also features a competitive job market with an emphasis on science and technology, making it an appealing location for skilled professionals seeking growth and opportunity.
Huntsville Ranked 15th in WalletHub’s Most Educated Cities in the U.S.
Huntsville has been recognized as the smartest city in Alabama and has achieved a significant national ranking by securing the 15th position in WalletHub’s recent report on the most educated cities in the United States. The city received a score of 72.01 out of 100, reflecting its strong educational attainment and quality of education across key metrics.
WalletHub’s analysis examined 150 of the largest metropolitan areas in the U.S., using 11 key metrics to assess the education levels within each city. Among the metrics evaluated were the percentage of adults aged over 25 with a bachelor’s degree or higher, the quality of public schools, and the gender education gap.
Educational Attainment in Huntsville
Huntsville achieved a commendable rank of 22nd for educational attainment, showcasing a high degree completion rate among its residents. According to Census data, a remarkable 91.6% of adults over 25 in Huntsville have successfully completed high school or achieved a higher level of education. Additionally, 46.2% of the population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher, which is notably above the national average of 37.9%.
The quality of education in Huntsville contributed significantly to the city’s ranking, particularly in the “Quality of Education & Attainment Gap” category, where the city scored highly. The presence of strong educational institutions, such as the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Alabama A&M University, in addition to various satellite campuses from other universities, has played a vital role in enhancing the educational landscape in the city.
Huntsville’s Competitive Position
In the broader context of the South, Huntsville stands out as one of only four Southern cities in the top 20 most educated cities, alongside Durham-Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Austin. In comparison, Birmingham-Hoover is ranked 79th, while Montgomery and Mobile are positioned at 103rd and 127th, respectively.
Furthermore, Huntsville ranks 4th among mid-sized cities in the U.S. for the availability of jobs in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) fields. Approximately 23% of local employment is connected to STEM industries, highlighting the city’s strong focus on these critical areas. Huntsville also claims the 7th-highest number of STEM establishments per capita across similar metropolitan areas.
Economic Implications and Workforce Development
The economic implications of Huntsville’s educational attainment are considerable. The city boasts the 8th-lowest unemployment rate among its peer metropolitan areas, fostering a robust job market. Over 400 science and technology employers, including well-known defense contractors and emerging health tech startups, have established a presence in the area. STEM professionals in Huntsville enjoy a competitive average salary exceeding $94,000 annually, which is comparable to the national average of $96,000 for STEM positions.
Additionally, Huntsville’s cost of living is approximately 6% lower than the national average, making it an attractive destination for individuals seeking both educational opportunities and job prospects.
Conclusion
Higher educational attainment in Huntsville is believed to spur economic growth and increase tax revenue, as noted in a report by the Economic Policy Institute. As the city continues to invest in education and attract a skilled workforce, it positions itself favorably among not only Southern cities but also nationwide, reflecting a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.
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Additional Resources
- Huntsville Ranked in WalletHub’s Most Educated Cities
- Wikipedia: Huntsville, Alabama
- Huntsville City Schools Approves New Cell Phone Policy
- Google Search: Huntsville Alabama education
- Forbes: Huntsville, Alabama
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Huntsville
- Huntsville Ranks as Smartest City in Alabama
- Google News: Huntsville education ranking
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.
