Bessemer, Alabama Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Bessemer, Alabama is 25,655 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 24th-largest city in Alabama. The median household income is $37,844, the median home value is $129,800, and the median age is 42.8.
The population has declined 9.2% since 2010 (27,628 → 25,079).
25,655
Population
631
People / sq mi
$37,844
Median Income
$129,800
Median Home Value
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Bessemer covers 40.6 sq mi of land at 631 people per square mile.
About Bessemer, AL
Among US cities, Bessemer stands out first on household income: a median of $37,844, below the US median of $78,538. Bessemer is a city in Alabama with a population of 25,655. It ranks #24 among cities in Alabama by population.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US cities: the median household earns just $37,844, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US cities: 23.9%, above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $129,800, with typical rent around $922.
College credentials are comparatively rare here: just 14.4%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 9.6%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
Bessemer city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Bessemer city had a population of 27,628 in 2010 and 25,079 in 2024, a -9.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 27,628 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.69%.
25,079
Population (2024)
27,628
Population (2010)
27,628
Peak (2010)
-0.69%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 27,628 |
| 2011 | 27,575 |
| 2012 | 27,425 |
| 2013 | 27,267 |
| 2014 | 27,131 |
| 2015 | 26,943 |
| 2016 | 26,733 |
| 2017 | 26,641 |
| 2018 | 26,583 |
| 2019 | 26,472 |
| 2020 | 26,018 |
| 2021 | 25,598 |
| 2022 | 25,229 |
| 2023 | 25,019 |
| 2024 | 25,079 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 19.8% |
| Black or African American | 70.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$37,844
Median Household Income
$24,074
Per Capita Income
23.9%
Poverty Rate
4.4%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$129,800
Median Home Value
$922
Median Rent
55.1%
Owner-Occupied
Education
86.9%
High School+
14.4%
Bachelor's+
Commute
1.3%
Drive Alone
76.5%
Public Transit
9.6%
Work From Home
25.6 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
13.1%
Foreign Born
92.5%
Non-English at Home
7.7%
Veterans
24.7%
With Disability
86.1%
Health Insurance
90.3%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 22.0% |
| Manufacturing | 14.3% |
| Retail Trade | 10.4% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 10.3% |
| Information | 8.8% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 6.7% |
| Public Administration | 4.0% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.6% |
| Construction | 3.2% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.1% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.4% |
Largest cities in Alabama
Largest counties in Alabama
Part of Alabama
Metro areas in Alabama
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Bessemer, Alabama has a population of 25,655 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 24th-largest city in Alabama.
The median household income in Bessemer, Alabama is $37,844, with 23.9% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Bessemer, Alabama is $129,800, with median monthly rent at $922 and a homeownership rate of 55.1%.
The median age in Bessemer, Alabama is 42.8 years. The population is 47.2% male and 52.8% female.
The population has declined 9.2% since 2010 (27,628 → 25,079).
Where to stay in Bessemer
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Statewide data for Alabama
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Alabama
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.