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).
Where to stay in Chelsea
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.