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