Fort Payne, Alabama Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Fort Payne, Alabama is 14,886 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 50th-largest city in Alabama. The median household income is $48,623, the median home value is $158,100, and the median age is 39.3.
The population has grown 6.5% since 2010 (14,103 → 15,017).
14,886
Population
264
People / sq mi
$48,623
Median Income
$158,100
Median Home Value
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Fort Payne covers 56.4 sq mi of land at 264 people per square mile.
About Fort Payne, AL
What distinguishes Fort Payne is density: among the most sparsely settled of US cities, around 264 people per square mile. Fort Payne is a city in Alabama with a population of 14,886. It ranks #50 among cities in Alabama by population.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $48,623, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 16.7% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $158,100, with typical rent around $670.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US cities: 17.5% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 5.9%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
Fort Payne city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Fort Payne city had a population of 14,103 in 2010 and 15,017 in 2024, a 6.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 15,017 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.46%.
15,017
Population (2024)
14,103
Population (2010)
15,017
Peak (2024)
0.46%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 14,103 |
| 2011 | 14,245 |
| 2012 | 14,140 |
| 2013 | 14,107 |
| 2014 | 14,112 |
| 2015 | 14,122 |
| 2016 | 14,113 |
| 2017 | 14,145 |
| 2018 | 14,099 |
| 2019 | 14,074 |
| 2020 | 14,871 |
| 2021 | 14,880 |
| 2022 | 14,863 |
| 2023 | 14,953 |
| 2024 | 15,017 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 79.8% |
| Black or African American | 1.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$48,623
Median Household Income
$27,039
Per Capita Income
16.7%
Poverty Rate
3.5%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$158,100
Median Home Value
$670
Median Rent
67.3%
Owner-Occupied
Education
80.1%
High School+
17.5%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
73.3%
Public Transit
5.9%
Work From Home
18.6 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
25.6%
Foreign Born
80.4%
Non-English at Home
5.7%
Veterans
15.4%
With Disability
85.0%
Health Insurance
89.5%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 20.9% |
| Manufacturing | 19.3% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 11.1% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 8.2% |
| Retail Trade | 6.6% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 6.0% |
| Construction | 5.9% |
| Public Administration | 4.4% |
| Information | 3.5% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 3.1% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.5% |
Largest cities in Alabama
Largest counties in Alabama
Part of Alabama
Metro areas in Alabama
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Fort Payne, Alabama has a population of 14,886 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 50th-largest city in Alabama.
The median household income in Fort Payne, Alabama is $48,623, with 16.7% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Fort Payne, Alabama is $158,100, with median monthly rent at $670 and a homeownership rate of 67.3%.
The median age in Fort Payne, Alabama is 39.3 years. The population is 48.3% male and 51.7% female.
The population has grown 6.5% since 2010 (14,103 → 15,017).
Fort Payne city, AL Climate
Fort Payne city, AL has an average annual temperature of 14.7°C (58°F) and receives about 1476 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.7°C
Avg Temp
1476
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 38° | 141 mm |
| February | 6° / 42° | 135 mm |
| March | 10° / 50° | 168 mm |
| April | 14° / 58° | 131 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 122 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 103 mm |
| July | 25° / 77° | 124 mm |
| August | 25° / 76° | 92 mm |
| September | 21° / 70° | 115 mm |
| October | 15° / 59° | 87 mm |
| November | 10° / 50° | 116 mm |
| December | 6° / 42° | 142 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 Fort Payne city, AL
The most comfortable months to visit Fort Payne city, AL are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -2°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.