Selma, Alabama Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Selma, Alabama is 17,442 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 37th-largest city in Alabama. The median household income is $32,184, the median home value is $102,500, and the median age is 39.4.
The population has declined 21.5% since 2010 (20,782 → 16,312).
17,442
Population
1263
People / sq mi
$32,184
Median Income
$102,500
Median Home Value
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Selma covers 13.8 sq mi of land at 1263 people per square mile.
About Selma, AL
What sets Selma apart is money: median household income runs $32,184, below the US median of $78,538. With 17,442 residents, Selma is a city in Alabama. It ranks #37 among cities in Alabama by population.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $32,184, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 25.7%, poverty is near the top of the range for US cities, above the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $102,500, with typical rent around $723.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US cities: 19.0% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Just 5.1% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
Selma city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Selma city had a population of 20,782 in 2010 and 16,312 in 2024, a -21.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 20,782 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.70%.
16,312
Population (2024)
20,782
Population (2010)
20,782
Peak (2010)
-1.70%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 20,782 |
| 2011 | 20,497 |
| 2012 | 20,181 |
| 2013 | 19,762 |
| 2014 | 19,578 |
| 2015 | 19,229 |
| 2016 | 18,783 |
| 2017 | 18,314 |
| 2018 | 17,799 |
| 2019 | 17,231 |
| 2020 | 17,824 |
| 2021 | 17,424 |
| 2022 | 17,010 |
| 2023 | 16,721 |
| 2024 | 16,312 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 16.5% |
| Black or African American | 81.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$32,184
Median Household Income
$24,726
Per Capita Income
25.7%
Poverty Rate
7.5%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$102,500
Median Home Value
$723
Median Rent
46.1%
Owner-Occupied
Education
88.3%
High School+
19.0%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.7%
Drive Alone
81.8%
Public Transit
5.1%
Work From Home
24.2 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
10.7%
Foreign Born
97.2%
Non-English at Home
6.0%
Veterans
19.0%
With Disability
90.6%
Health Insurance
88.6%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 24.9% |
| Manufacturing | 18.6% |
| Information | 8.4% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 8.0% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 6.7% |
| Public Administration | 6.3% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.4% |
| Retail Trade | 4.1% |
| Construction | 3.8% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.7% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.8% |
Largest cities in Alabama
Largest counties in Alabama
Part of Alabama
Metro areas in Alabama
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Selma, Alabama has a population of 17,442 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 37th-largest city in Alabama.
The median household income in Selma, Alabama is $32,184, with 25.7% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Selma, Alabama is $102,500, with median monthly rent at $723 and a homeownership rate of 46.1%.
The median age in Selma, Alabama is 39.4 years. The population is 44.0% male and 56.0% female.
The population has declined 21.5% since 2010 (20,782 → 16,312).
Selma city, AL Climate
Selma city, AL has an average annual temperature of 17.9°C (64°F) and receives about 1363 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
17.9°C
Avg Temp
1363
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 8° / 46° | 141 mm |
| February | 10° / 49° | 130 mm |
| March | 14° / 57° | 165 mm |
| April | 18° / 64° | 116 mm |
| May | 22° / 72° | 98 mm |
| June | 26° / 78° | 101 mm |
| July | 27° / 81° | 116 mm |
| August | 27° / 80° | 99 mm |
| September | 24° / 76° | 95 mm |
| October | 18° / 65° | 70 mm |
| November | 13° / 55° | 105 mm |
| December | 9° / 48° | 127 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 Selma city, AL
The most comfortable months to visit Selma city, AL are typically May, October and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near 2°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Selma
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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.