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Population Review

Birmingham, Alabama Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates

The population of Birmingham, Alabama is 199,322 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 2nd-largest city in Alabama. The median household income is $44,376, the median home value is $138,600, and the median age is 35.9.

The population has declined 7.5% since 2010 (212,328 → 196,357).

199,322

Population

1355

People / sq mi

$44,376

Median Income

$138,600

Median Home Value

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Birmingham covers 147.1 sq mi of land at 1355 people per square mile.

About Birmingham, AL

Among US cities, Birmingham stands out first on household income: a median of $44,376, below the US median of $78,538. Birmingham is a city in Alabama with a population of 199,322. That makes it one of the ten largest cities in Alabama in the country, at #2 by population.

Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $44,376, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 19.4%, poverty is near the top of the range for US cities, above the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $138,600, with typical rent around $1,047.

Roughly 30.7% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 8.5% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.

Birmingham city Population History (2010-2024)

The city of Birmingham city had a population of 212,328 in 2010 and 196,357 in 2024, a -7.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 212,328 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.55%.

2010 · 212K20102024
Birmingham city population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

196,357

Population (2024)

212,328

Population (2010)

212,328

Peak (2010)

-0.55%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010212,328
2011212,095
2012211,287
2013211,765
2014211,651
2015212,259
2016211,977
2017211,533
2018210,487
2019209,403
2020200,270
2021197,645
2022196,898
2023196,818
2024196,357

Race & Ethnicity

White25.6%
Black or African American67.1%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)0.9%
Two or More Races0.0%

Economy & Income

$44,376

Median Household Income

$31,616

Per Capita Income

19.4%

Poverty Rate

3.5%

Unemployment Rate

Housing

$138,600

Median Home Value

$1,047

Median Rent

45.1%

Owner-Occupied

Education

88.7%

High School+

30.7%

Bachelor's+

Commute

1.3%

Drive Alone

74.4%

Public Transit

8.5%

Work From Home

21.5 min

Avg Commute

Community Profile

19.5%

Foreign Born

93.3%

Non-English at Home

5.7%

Veterans

18.2%

With Disability

87.5%

Health Insurance

92.1%

Internet Access

Employment by Industry

Professional, Scientific & Management26.7%
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate10.6%
Education, Health Care & Social Services9.8%
Manufacturing8.5%
Retail Trade7.2%
Information6.4%
Construction5.1%
Arts, Entertainment & Food Services4.8%
Public Administration4.7%
Transportation & Warehousing1.4%
Agriculture & Mining0.4%

Largest cities in Alabama

Largest counties in Alabama

Part of Alabama

Metro areas in Alabama

City rankings

Common questions about Birmingham, AL

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham, Alabama has a population of 199,322 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 2nd-largest city in Alabama.

The median household income in Birmingham, Alabama is $44,376, with 19.4% of residents living below the federal poverty level.

The median home value in Birmingham, Alabama is $138,600, with median monthly rent at $1,047 and a homeownership rate of 45.1%.

The median age in Birmingham, Alabama is 35.9 years. The population is 47.2% male and 52.8% female.

The population has declined 7.5% since 2010 (212,328 → 196,357).


Birmingham city, AL Climate

Birmingham city, AL has an average annual temperature of 16.9°C (62°F) and receives about 1427 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.

16.9°C

Avg Temp

1427

Precip (mm/yr)

Jul

Hottest Month

Jan

Coldest Month

-5°5°15°25°35°166mmJFMAMJJASOND
Avg temp (°C) Precipitation (mm)
Birmingham city, AL — monthly temperature & precipitation (1970–2000 normals) · Source: WorldClim 2.1
MonthAvg (°C/°F)Precip
January6° / 42°141 mm
February8° / 47°120 mm
March13° / 55°166 mm
April17° / 62°127 mm
May21° / 70°121 mm
June25° / 77°102 mm
July27° / 81°131 mm
August27° / 80°93 mm
September23° / 74°103 mm
October17° / 63°83 mm
November12° / 53°115 mm
December8° / 46°125 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 Birmingham city, AL

The most comfortable months to visit Birmingham 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.

MaySeptemberOctober

Where to stay near Birmingham

Visiting or relocating to Birmingham, AL? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.

Top-rated places to stay near Birmingham

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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.