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).
Bessemer city, AL Climate
Bessemer city, AL has an average annual temperature of 16.7°C (62°F) and receives about 1478 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.7°C
Avg Temp
1478
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6° / 42° | 145 mm |
| February | 8° / 46° | 132 mm |
| March | 12° / 54° | 170 mm |
| April | 16° / 62° | 131 mm |
| May | 21° / 69° | 121 mm |
| June | 25° / 76° | 110 mm |
| July | 27° / 80° | 136 mm |
| August | 26° / 79° | 98 mm |
| September | 23° / 74° | 103 mm |
| October | 17° / 63° | 79 mm |
| November | 12° / 53° | 115 mm |
| December | 8° / 46° | 138 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Bessemer city, AL
The most comfortable months to visit Bessemer city, AL are typically May, September and October, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near 0°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near 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.