Alabama, known for its rich history and diverse cultural heritage, is the 24th most populous state in the United States. As of the latest U.S. Census, Alabama’s population stands at approximately 5 million residents. The state’s demographic landscape is shaped by a variety of factors, including its economy, which is rooted in agriculture, manufacturing, and increasingly, technology and aerospace. Alabama’s major cities like Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile are urban centers that drive much of its population density and growth. The state exhibits a varied geography that ranges from mountainous regions in the north to flat coastal plains in the south, influencing settlement patterns and lifestyle. Alabama’s population is characterized by its demographic diversity, including age, race, and ethnic composition, which has evolved over decades. This demographic mix presents both opportunities and challenges in areas such as education, healthcare, and economic development.
Population Rank
Alabama ranks as the 24th most populous state in the U.S. This ranking reflects a stable population size that supports a diverse economic base ranging from traditional manufacturing sectors to modern aerospace and information technology industries. The state’s most populous cities, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Huntsville, serve as economic and cultural hubs that attract both residents and businesses. Despite its mid-rank in population, Alabama’s cities exhibit significant growth potential due to their economic diversification and investment in infrastructure. Additionally, the rural regions contribute to the state’s demographic landscape with their distinct cultural and economic contributions, although they face challenges such as lower population density and limited economic opportunities.
Gender and Religion Statistics
Alabama exhibits a balanced gender ratio with a slight female majority, which is consistent with national trends. The state’s religious landscape is predominantly Christian, with a high percentage of residents identifying as Evangelical Protestants, followed by other mainline Protestant denominations and Catholics. This religious composition significantly influences Alabama’s cultural and social norms, including its politics, community life, and public policies. Religious affiliation also plays a critical role in the state’s educational and social services sectors, with many institutions and community services being faith-based. In addition to its Christian majority, Alabama has a growing diversity in faith with increasing numbers of residents practicing Islam, Judaism, and other religions, reflecting broader demographic changes.
Area and Population Density
Alabama covers an area of approximately 52,420 square miles, making it the 30th largest state in the U.S. The population density varies significantly across the state, with higher densities in urban areas such as Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile, and lower densities in rural areas. The geographical diversity from the Appalachian Mountains in the north to the Gulf Coast in the south creates varied living environments and lifestyle opportunities. This diversity influences everything from economic activities to recreational opportunities available to residents. Urban areas tend to have more concentrated resources and services, while rural areas offer larger spaces and a closer connection to nature but often with limited access to comprehensive healthcare and education services.
Population Growth
Alabama’s population growth has been moderate over the past decade, characterized by both internal migration within the state and migration from other states. Factors influencing this growth include economic opportunities, particularly in industries such as aerospace, manufacturing, and biotechnology, and the state’s relatively low cost of living compared to other regions in the U.S. Urban areas, particularly Huntsville and Baldwin County, have seen the highest rates of growth, driven by job opportunities and quality of life improvements. Rural areas, however, have experienced slower growth or decline, reflecting broader national trends of urbanization and economic concentration in metropolitan areas.
Population Projections
Population projections for Alabama suggest continued moderate growth over the next several decades. This growth is expected to be concentrated in urban and suburban areas, particularly those with robust economic development plans and infrastructure investments. Challenges such as aging demographics and the need for more skilled labor could influence these projections, necessitating policies to attract and retain younger populations and to enhance workforce development. Additionally, demographic shifts may necessitate adjustments in healthcare, housing, and transportation to accommodate an aging population. Planning for sustainable growth that includes all regions of the state will be crucial to maximizing Alabama’s potential and ensuring equitable development across its diverse communities.
Poplation by Age
| Age Group | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 0-10 years | 720,270 | 14.7% |
| 11-20 years | 715,154 | 14.6% |
| 21-30 years | 660,767 | 13.5% |
| 31-40 years | 717,636 | 14.7% |
| 41-50 years | 735,129 | 15.0% |
| 51-60 years | 686,465 | 14.0% |
| 61-70 years | 502,584 | 10.3% |
| 71 and above | 341,250 | 7.0% |
Poplation by Race
| Race | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White | 3,358,112 | 65.4% |
| Black or African American | 1,444,123 | 28.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 214,306 | 4.2% |
| Asian | 69,465 | 1.4% |
| Native American | 23,691 | 0.5% |
| Other Races | 48,042 | 0.9% |
Poplation by Educational Degree
| Educational Degree | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Less than High School | 559,720 | 13.4% |
| High School Graduate | 1,530,072 | 36.6% |
| Some College or Associate’s Degree | 1,075,011 | 25.7% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 629,290 | 15.1% |
| Graduate or Professional Degree | 337,873 | 8.1% |
Poplation by Annual Income
| Annual Income Bracket | Population | Percentage of Total Population |
|---|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 1,000,000 | 20% |
| $25,000 – $50,000 | 1,500,000 | 30% |
| $50,000 – $75,000 | 1,200,000 | 24% |
| $75,000 – $100,000 | 800,000 | 16% |
| Over $100,000 | 500,000 | 10% |
Population for top 50 Cities
| Rank | City | Population | County |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Birmingham | 200,733 | Jefferson |
| 2 | Montgomery | 198,525 | Montgomery |
| 3 | Huntsville | 197,318 | Madison |
| 4 | Mobile | 187,041 | Mobile |
| 5 | Tuscaloosa | 101,113 | Tuscaloosa |
| 6 | Hoover | 85,175 | Jefferson |
| 7 | Dothan | 68,941 | Houston |
| 8 | Auburn | 66,259 | Lee |
| 9 | Decatur | 54,844 | Morgan |
| 10 | Madison | 51,593 | Madison |
| 11 | Florence | 40,797 | Lauderdale |
| 12 | Phenix City | 37,570 | Russell |
| 13 | Gadsden | 35,157 | Etowah |
| 14 | Prattville | 35,107 | Autauga |
| 15 | Vestavia Hills | 34,291 | Jefferson |
| 16 | Alabaster | 33,340 | Shelby |
| 17 | Opelika | 30,555 | Lee |
| 18 | Bessemer | 26,386 | Jefferson |
| 19 | Enterprise | 26,259 | Coffee |
| 20 | Daphne | 25,960 | Baldwin |
| 21 | Homewood | 25,476 | Jefferson |
| 22 | Athens | 25,393 | Limestone |
| 23 | Northport | 25,094 | Tuscaloosa |
| 24 | Pelham | 23,744 | Shelby |
| 25 | Trussville | 21,827 | Jefferson |
| 26 | Fairhope | 21,692 | Baldwin |
| 27 | Anniston | 21,287 | Calhoun |
| 28 | Albertville | 21,192 | Marshall |
| 29 | Oxford | 21,104 | Calhoun |
| 30 | Mountain Brook | 20,436 | Jefferson |
| 31 | Foley | 19,100 | Baldwin |
| 32 | Selma | 18,276 | Dallas |
| 33 | Cullman | 16,034 | Cullman |
| 34 | Troy | 15,933 | Pike |
| 35 | Alexander City | 14,773 | Tallapoosa |
| 36 | Tillmans Corner | 14,691 | Mobile |
| 37 | Helena | 18,673 | Shelby |
| 38 | Gardendale | 13,823 | Jefferson |
| 39 | Millbrook | 15,251 | Elmore |
| 40 | Hueytown | 15,084 | Jefferson |
| 41 | Scottsboro | 14,980 | Jackson |
| 42 | Fort Payne | 14,011 | DeKalb |
| 43 | Ozark | 14,907 | Dale |
| 44 | Hartselle | 14,255 | Morgan |
| 45 | Muscle Shoals | 14,263 | Colbert |
| 46 | Saraland | 14,027 | Mobile |
| 47 | Pell City | 13,489 | St. Clair |
| 48 | Calera | 13,489 | Shelby |
| 49 | Prichard | 22,039 | Mobile |
| 50 | Leeds | 12,040 | Jefferson |
Alabama Population by County (From Largest to Smallest)
Alabama’s population is unevenly distributed across its 65 counties. This table illustrates a breakdown of population figures for each county, sorted from the most populous to the least.
| Rank | County | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jefferson County | 672,265 | 13.16% |
| 2 | Mobile County | 413,878 | 8.10% |
| 3 | Madison County | 389,781 | 7.63% |
| 4 | Baldwin County | 233,420 | 4.57% |
| 5 | Tuscaloosa County | 231,558 | 4.54% |
| 6 | Montgomery County | 228,132 | 4.47% |
| 7 | Shelby County | 223,916 | 4.38% |
| 8 | Lee County | 175,126 | 3.43% |
| 9 | Morgan County | 123,102 | 2.41% |
| 10 | Calhoun County | 116,162 | 2.28% |
| 11 | Houston County | 107,040 | 2.09% |
| 12 | Limestone County | 104,199 | 2.04% |
| 13 | Etowah County | 103,348 | 2.02% |
| 14 | Marshall County | 97,923 | 1.92% |
| 15 | Lauderdale County | 94,329 | 1.85% |
| 16 | St. Clair County | 91,719 | 1.80% |
| 17 | Cullman County | 88,284 | 1.73% |
| 18 | Elmore County | 87,694 | 1.72% |
| 19 | Talladega County | 81,105 | 1.59% |
| 20 | DeKalb County | 71,680 | 1.40% |
| 21 | Walker County | 64,978 | 1.27% |
| 22 | Blount County | 59,077 | 1.16% |
| 23 | Russell County | 58,849 | 1.15% |
| 24 | Autauga County | 58,761 | 1.15% |
| 25 | Colbert County | 57,270 | 1.12% |
| 26 | Coffee County | 53,559 | 1.05% |
| 27 | Jackson County | 52,618 | 1.03% |
| 28 | Dale County | 49,455 | 0.97% |
| 29 | Chilton County | 45,140 | 0.88% |
| 30 | Tallapoosa County | 41,251 | 0.81% |
| 31 | Dallas County | 38,326 | 0.75% |
| 32 | Covington County | 37,542 | 0.74% |
| 33 | Escambia County | 36,755 | 0.72% |
| 34 | Chambers County | 34,612 | 0.68% |
| 35 | Lawrence County | 33,116 | 0.65% |
| 36 | Pike County | 32,997 | 0.65% |
| 37 | Franklin County | 32,011 | 0.63% |
| 38 | Marion County | 29,203 | 0.57% |
| 39 | Geneva County | 26,647 | 0.52% |
| 40 | Cherokee County | 25,069 | 0.49% |
| 41 | Barbour County | 24,877 | 0.49% |
| 42 | Winston County | 23,655 | 0.46% |
| 43 | Clarke County | 23,058 | 0.45% |
| 44 | Bibb County | 22,251 | 0.44% |
| 45 | Randolph County | 22,179 | 0.43% |
| 46 | Monroe County | 19,816 | 0.39% |
| 47 | Macon County | 19,198 | 0.38% |
| 48 | Marengo County | 19,180 | 0.38% |
| 49 | Butler County | 18,981 | 0.37% |
| 50 | Pickens County | 18,925 | 0.37% |
| 51 | Henry County | 17,282 | 0.34% |
| 52 | Fayette County | 16,297 | 0.32% |
| 53 | Washington County | 15,434 | 0.30% |
| 54 | Cleburne County | 15,144 | 0.30% |
| 55 | Hale County | 14,742 | 0.29% |
| 56 | Clay County | 14,209 | 0.28% |
| 57 | Lamar County | 13,885 | 0.27% |
| 58 | Crenshaw County | 13,205 | 0.26% |
| 59 | Choctaw County | 12,669 | 0.25% |
| 60 | Sumter County | 12,196 | 0.24% |
| 61 | Conecuh County | 11,576 | 0.23% |
| 62 | Wilcox County | 10,441 | 0.20% |
| 63 | Coosa County | 10,329 | 0.20% |
| 64 | Bullock County | 10,328 | 0.20% |
| 65 | Lowndes County | 10,153 | 0.20% |
| 66 | Perry County | 8,479 | 0.17% |
| 67 | Greene County | 7,706 | 0.15% |
Alabama Facts
- Birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement: Montgomery, Alabama is known as the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement. The famous Montgomery Bus Boycott began here in 1955.
- State Nickname: Alabama is nicknamed the “Yellowhammer State,” after the state bird.
- First Capital: St. Stephens was the first territorial capital of Alabama before it became a state.
- Rocket Science: Huntsville is known as “Rocket City” due to its history with U.S. space missions. NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center is located here.
- Iron and Steel: Birmingham became known as “The Pittsburgh of the South” due to its major industrial role in iron and steel production.
- Inventors’ State: The first electric trolley system in the world was introduced in Montgomery in 1886.
- Meteorological First: The world’s first Electric Tornado Warning System was installed in 1947 in Huntsville.
- Muscle Shoals Music: Muscle Shoals, Alabama is famed for its rich music history, hosting iconic recording artists like Aretha Franklin and the Rolling Stones.
- State Fruit: The blackberry was designated as the official state fruit in 2004.
- Historic Mardi Gras: Mobile is the home of the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States, predating New Orleans by over a decade.
- Major Waterways: Alabama has one of the highest numbers of navigable inland waterways in the nation.
- Education Innovations: Alabama introduced the nation’s first state-funded, four-year vocational school, now known as Tuskegee University, founded by Booker T. Washington.
- Boll Weevil Monument: Enterprise houses the only monument in the world built in honor of an insect, the boll weevil, for its influence on the agriculture and economy of the region.
- Heart of Dixie: One of Alabama’s nicknames, “Heart of Dixie,” reflects its central role in the history of the southern United States.
- Largest Cast-Iron Statue: Birmingham features the largest cast-iron statue in the world, Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and forge.
- Historic Capitol: The Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery served as the first capital of the Confederacy in 1861.
- Meteorite Event: A meteorite struck and injured a woman in Sylacauga in 1954, marking the first documented extraterrestrial object to injure a human being.
- Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo: This event, held annually on Dauphin Island, is one of the largest fishing tournaments in the world.
- Natural Diversity: Alabama ranks fifth in the U.S. in terms of biodiversity, boasting over 4,500 plant species and significant numbers of birds, mammals, and fish.
- Famous for Peanuts: About half of the peanuts grown in the U.S. are cultivated within a 100-mile radius of Dothan, which is known as the “Peanut Capital of the World.”