Franchise Businesses Market: ZIP 35242
Opportunity Score
77
/ 100
Good
Based on walkability, population density, income levels, and local business competition.
Market Summary
ZIP 35242 is an urban area with low foot traffic. with a population of 56,956 and household incomes well above the national median ($116,053).
Area Profile
56,956
Population
$116,053
Median Income
+56% vs. national
Urban
Area Type
7.1/20
Foot Traffic
Car-Dependent
Median Age: 42.9 —
older demographic, may prefer sit-down options.
College-Educated: 46.2% —
strong appetite for artisan/specialty food.
Competition
Franchise Businesses and related businesses in ZIP 35242.
41
Business Consultants
7.2 per 10K residents
3
Small Business Lenders
0.5 per 10K residents
Operating Costs
Local cost levels affect space, labor, and operating expenses.
$1,690
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,430
Median Gross Rent
$450 K
Median Home Value
17
Bank Branches
$1.7 M deposits
Tips for Starting a Franchise Business in Alabama
- Franchise fees range from $10K to $100K+ depending on the brand. That's before buildout, equipment, or working capital. Read the FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document) line by line.
- Royalties run 4-8% of gross revenue. Every month. Forever. That's gross, not net. Factor this into your break-even math from day one.
- Talk to at least 10 existing franchisees before signing. The FDD lists every current and former franchisee. Call the ones who left. They'll be honest.
- Territory protection matters. Some franchises let other franchisees open 2 miles away. Verify your exclusive territory in writing.
- The median income here is $116,053. That gives you pricing room most markets don't offer. Don't underprice.
Quick Facts
- Area Type
- Urban
- Foot Traffic
- Car-Dependent
- Related Businesses
- 44
- Bank Branches
- 17
vs. National Average
Median Income
+56% vs. $74,580
Walkability
-3.4 pts vs. national avg
Nearby Markets
35243
5.0 mi
Pop: 17,776
$99,063
Walk: 8.9
35223
6.4 mi
Pop: 10,665
$155,079
Walk: 12.1
35213
7.6 mi
Pop: 15,950
$161,902
Walk: 7.6
35043
7.9 mi
Pop: 15,068
$115,588
35210
8.1 mi
Pop: 13,878
$72,632
Walk: 9.6
35216
8.2 mi
Pop: 36,587
$73,125
Walk: 12.2
35124
8.6 mi
Pop: 24,871
$91,513
Walk: 6.6
35229
8.9 mi
Pop: 2,603
Walk: 8.9
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About This Data
Data sources
U.S. Census Bureau (ACS, ZBP) · HUD Fair Market Rents · EPA Walkability Index · USDA RUCA · IRS SOI · FDIC Summary of Deposits