Chelsea, Alabama Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Chelsea, Alabama is 15,731 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 46th-largest city in Alabama. The median household income is $110,056, the median home value is $339,400, and the median age is 38.2.
The population has grown 61.0% since 2010 (10,738 → 17,293).
15,731
Population
482
People / sq mi
$110,056
Median Income
$339,400
Median Home Value
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Chelsea covers 32.6 sq mi of land at 482 people per square mile.
About Chelsea, AL
The poverty rate is what most separates Chelsea from the typical city: 1.1% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 15,731 residents, Chelsea is a city in Alabama. It ranks #46 among cities in Alabama by population.
Households take in a median $110,056, comfortably above the US median of $78,538. Very few residents live in poverty — 1.1%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $339,400, with typical rent around $1,456.
About 44.9% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, above the 35.0% national figure. Remote work is close to the national 14.0% at 13.8%, and the average commute runs about 34 minutes each way.
Chelsea city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Chelsea city had a population of 10,738 in 2010 and 17,293 in 2024, a 61.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,293 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 3.47%.
17,293
Population (2024)
10,738
Population (2010)
17,293
Peak (2024)
3.47%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 10,738 |
| 2011 | 10,881 |
| 2012 | 11,130 |
| 2013 | 11,545 |
| 2014 | 11,944 |
| 2015 | 12,237 |
| 2016 | 12,557 |
| 2017 | 13,048 |
| 2018 | 13,532 |
| 2019 | 14,126 |
| 2020 | 15,238 |
| 2021 | 15,737 |
| 2022 | 16,237 |
| 2023 | 16,826 |
| 2024 | 17,293 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 85.3% |
| Black or African American | 7.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$110,056
Median Household Income
$45,990
Per Capita Income
1.1%
Poverty Rate
2.4%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$339,400
Median Home Value
$1,456
Median Rent
89.9%
Owner-Occupied
Education
96.8%
High School+
44.9%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.4%
Drive Alone
80.1%
Public Transit
13.8%
Work From Home
34.0 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
34.9%
Foreign Born
91.2%
Non-English at Home
9.9%
Veterans
9.5%
With Disability
95.4%
Health Insurance
98.7%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 19.0% |
| Information | 15.5% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 10.2% |
| Retail Trade | 8.3% |
| Construction | 7.6% |
| Public Administration | 6.2% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.5% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 4.3% |
| Manufacturing | 4.1% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 2.2% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.7% |
Largest cities in Alabama
Largest counties in Alabama
Part of Alabama
Metro areas in Alabama
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Chelsea, Alabama has a population of 15,731 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 46th-largest city in Alabama.
The median household income in Chelsea, Alabama is $110,056, with 1.1% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Chelsea, Alabama is $339,400, with median monthly rent at $1,456 and a homeownership rate of 89.9%.
The median age in Chelsea, Alabama is 38.2 years. The population is 52.4% male and 47.6% female.
The population has grown 61.0% since 2010 (10,738 → 17,293).
Chelsea city, AL Climate
Chelsea city, AL has an average annual temperature of 16.5°C (62°F) and receives about 1440 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.5°C
Avg Temp
1440
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6° / 43° | 143 mm |
| February | 8° / 46° | 128 mm |
| March | 12° / 54° | 170 mm |
| April | 16° / 61° | 132 mm |
| May | 21° / 69° | 114 mm |
| June | 24° / 76° | 106 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 133 mm |
| August | 26° / 79° | 97 mm |
| September | 23° / 73° | 100 mm |
| October | 17° / 62° | 79 mm |
| November | 12° / 53° | 110 mm |
| December | 8° / 46° | 128 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 Chelsea city, AL
The most comfortable months to visit Chelsea 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 Chelsea
Visiting or relocating to Chelsea, AL? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
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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.