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).
Where to stay in 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.