Alabama Population

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