Butler County, Alabama Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 50th-largest in Alabama
The population of Butler County, Alabama is 18,807 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 50th-largest county in Alabama. The median household income is $44,881, the median home value is $99,700, and the median age is 42.2.
The population of Butler County has declined 12.8% since 2010 (20,933 → 18,256), a -0.97% annualized rate.
18,807
Population
-0.97%
Annual growth
24
People / sq mi
$44,881
Median Income
$99,700
Median Home Value
Butler County covers 777 sq mi of land at 24.2 people per square mile.
About Butler County, AL
Butler County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 11.8% of the population. With 18,807 residents, Butler County is a county in Alabama. It ranks #50 among counties in Alabama by population.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US counties: the median household earns just $44,881, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 18.5%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $99,700, with typical rent around $722.
College attainment is 13.8%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 4.8%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
Butler County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Butler County had a population of 20,933 in 2010 and 18,256 in 2024, a -12.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 20,933 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.97%.
18,256
Population (2024)
20,933
Population (2010)
20,933
Peak (2010)
-0.97%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 20,933 |
| 2011 | 20,867 |
| 2012 | 20,672 |
| 2013 | 20,359 |
| 2014 | 20,332 |
| 2015 | 20,168 |
| 2016 | 20,040 |
| 2017 | 19,911 |
| 2018 | 19,675 |
| 2019 | 19,501 |
| 2020 | 19,027 |
| 2021 | 18,856 |
| 2022 | 18,652 |
| 2023 | 18,357 |
| 2024 | 18,256 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 51.2% |
| Black or African American | 44.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.2
Median Age
54.0%
Female
46.0%
Male
21.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.4% · Seniors (65+): 21.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $44,881$-17,146 vs state |
| Mean household income | $69,162 |
| Per-capita income | $28,306 |
| Poverty rate | 18.5%+7.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 49.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Butler County is manufacturing, accounting for 20.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
0.5%
Carpool
85.1%
Public transit
4.8%
Work from home
24.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$99,700$-95,400 vs state
Median home value
$722
Median rent
68.4%
Homeownership rate
9,841
Total housing units
73.8%
Occupied
26.2%
Vacant
31.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
87.7%
With health insurance
88.5%
With broadband internet
11.8%
Foreign-born
6.5%
Veterans (18+)
16.5%
With a disability
97.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.6%
High School+
13.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Alabama
Other counties in Alabama
Part of Alabama
Metro areas in Alabama
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Butler County, Alabama has a population of 18,807 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 50th-largest county in Alabama. Population density is 24 people per square mile.
The population of Butler County has declined 12.8% since 2010 (20,933 → 18,256), a -0.97% annualized rate.
The median household income in Butler County, Alabama is $44,881, with mean (average) household income of $69,162 and per-capita income of $28,306. 18.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Butler County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (51.2%), Black or African American (44.7%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Butler County, Alabama is 42.2 years. Residents are 54.0% female and 46.0% male.
The median home value in Butler County is $99,700 and median monthly rent is $722. 68.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,841 total housing units, 26.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Butler County, Alabama is manufacturing, employing 20.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.6%.
Huntsville is among the largest cities associated with Butler County, Alabama, with a population of 218,814.
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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.