Living in Alabaster, AL: Homes, Schools and What to Know
Alabaster is a Shelby County suburb about 23 miles south of downtown Birmingham via US-31 or I-65, with 33,284 residents at the 2020 census. It runs its own school system, Alabaster City Schools, which separated from Shelby County Schools in 2013. Confirm school zoning by address before you buy.
Alabaster at a glance
- County: Shelby County.
- Population: 33,284 at the 2020 census; the Census Bureau's 2025 estimate is 34,748.
- Location: about 23 miles south of downtown Birmingham via US-31 or I-65.
- History: incorporated February 23, 1953, and merged with the town of Siluria in 1971.
Schools in Alabaster
Alabaster City Schools became its own district on July 1, 2013. The schools are Creek View Elementary, Meadow View Elementary, Thompson Intermediate, Thompson Middle and Thompson High. School assignment follows the address, so check it for any home you are considering.
Shopping and growth
District 31, a 350,000 square foot retail complex at US-31 and I-65, was still under construction as of 2026.
What to check before buying in Alabaster
- School zoning for the exact address.
- Your commute to Birmingham or wherever you work, on US-31 and I-65.
Related reading: Is Alabaster, Alabama safe? and the Alabaster homes for sale page.
Sources
Sources: Wikipedia: Alabaster, Alabama (2020 census and 2025 estimate figures). Details change, so confirm current numbers and school zoning for any address.
Alabaster questions, answered
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Christian Kelly, Associate Broker
ARC Realty
4501 Pine Tree Cir, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243 · AL License #000116513-0