Muscle Shoals, Alabama Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Muscle Shoals, Alabama is 16,670 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 40th-largest city in Alabama. The median household income is $70,927, the median home value is $198,300, and the median age is 37.2.
The population has grown 31.9% since 2010 (13,199 → 17,409).
16,670
Population
988
People / sq mi
$70,927
Median Income
$198,300
Median Home Value
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Muscle Shoals covers 16.9 sq mi of land at 988 people per square mile.
About Muscle Shoals, AL
Muscle Shoals stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US cities, at roughly 988 people per square mile. Muscle Shoals is a city in Alabama with a population of 16,670. It ranks #40 among cities in Alabama by population.
Median household income is $70,927, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 10.7%, below the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $198,300, with typical rent around $939.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US cities: 24.4% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is close to the national 14.0% at 13.7%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Muscle Shoals city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Muscle Shoals city had a population of 13,199 in 2010 and 17,409 in 2024, a 31.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,409 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.04%.
17,409
Population (2024)
13,199
Population (2010)
17,409
Peak (2024)
2.04%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 13,199 |
| 2011 | 13,300 |
| 2012 | 13,383 |
| 2013 | 13,456 |
| 2014 | 13,559 |
| 2015 | 13,681 |
| 2016 | 13,854 |
| 2017 | 14,064 |
| 2018 | 14,319 |
| 2019 | 14,575 |
| 2020 | 16,373 |
| 2021 | 16,695 |
| 2022 | 17,051 |
| 2023 | 17,243 |
| 2024 | 17,409 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 77.9% |
| Black or African American | 13.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$70,927
Median Household Income
$36,427
Per Capita Income
10.7%
Poverty Rate
1.5%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$198,300
Median Home Value
$939
Median Rent
68.8%
Owner-Occupied
Education
90.8%
High School+
24.4%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
79.4%
Public Transit
13.7%
Work From Home
20.7 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
26.9%
Foreign Born
96.3%
Non-English at Home
8.6%
Veterans
13.0%
With Disability
95.1%
Health Insurance
92.8%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 19.4% |
| Manufacturing | 16.5% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 11.6% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 9.1% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 6.9% |
| Retail Trade | 6.2% |
| Public Administration | 5.4% |
| Construction | 4.9% |
| Information | 3.2% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.7% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.3% |
Largest cities in Alabama
Largest counties in Alabama
Part of Alabama
Metro areas in Alabama
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Muscle Shoals, Alabama has a population of 16,670 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 40th-largest city in Alabama.
The median household income in Muscle Shoals, Alabama is $70,927, with 10.7% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Muscle Shoals, Alabama is $198,300, with median monthly rent at $939 and a homeownership rate of 68.8%.
The median age in Muscle Shoals, Alabama is 37.2 years. The population is 47.0% male and 53.0% female.
The population has grown 31.9% since 2010 (13,199 → 17,409).
Where to stay in Muscle Shoals
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Statewide data for Alabama
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.