Cherokee County, Alabama Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 40th-largest in Alabama
The population of Cherokee County, Alabama is 25,224 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 40th-largest county in Alabama. The median household income is $50,769, the median home value is $165,900, and the median age is 47.4.
The population of Cherokee County has grown 0.7% since 2010 (25,968 → 26,138), a +0.05% annualized rate.
25,224
Population
+0.05%
Annual growth
46
People / sq mi
$50,769
Median Income
$165,900
Median Home Value
Cherokee County covers 554 sq mi of land at 45.6 people per square mile.
About Cherokee County, AL
Cherokee County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 47.6% of the population. With 25,224 residents, Cherokee County is a county in Alabama. It ranks #40 among counties in Alabama by population.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $50,769, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 12.6%, close to the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $165,900, with typical rent around $750.
College attainment is 15.9%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 4.3%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Cherokee County, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
Cherokee County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Cherokee County had a population of 25,968 in 2010 and 26,138 in 2024, a 0.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 26,254 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: 0.06%.
26,138
Population (2024)
25,968
Population (2010)
26,254
Peak (2019)
0.06%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 25,968 |
| 2011 | 25,993 |
| 2012 | 25,961 |
| 2013 | 26,022 |
| 2014 | 25,900 |
| 2015 | 25,739 |
| 2016 | 25,769 |
| 2017 | 25,822 |
| 2018 | 26,035 |
| 2019 | 26,254 |
| 2020 | 24,981 |
| 2021 | 25,060 |
| 2022 | 25,334 |
| 2023 | 25,700 |
| 2024 | 26,138 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 91.3% |
| Black or African American | 3.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
47.4
Median Age
50.7%
Female
49.3%
Male
23.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.4% · Seniors (65+): 23.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $50,769$-11,258 vs state |
| Mean household income | $71,062 |
| Per-capita income | $31,360 |
| Poverty rate | 12.6%+1.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 49.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Cherokee County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
0.9%
Carpool
85.8%
Public transit
4.3%
Work from home
29.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$165,900$-29,200 vs state
Median home value
$750
Median rent
79.5%
Homeownership rate
14,663
Total housing units
71.5%
Occupied
28.5%
Vacant
20.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.0%
With health insurance
88.6%
With broadband internet
47.6%
Foreign-born
7.0%
Veterans (18+)
19.6%
With a disability
97.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
83.9%
High School+
15.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Alabama
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Cherokee County, Alabama has a population of 25,224 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 40th-largest county in Alabama. Population density is 46 people per square mile.
The population of Cherokee County has grown 0.7% since 2010 (25,968 → 26,138), a +0.05% annualized rate.
The median household income in Cherokee County, Alabama is $50,769, with mean (average) household income of $71,062 and per-capita income of $31,360. 12.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Cherokee County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (91.3%), Black or African American (3.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Cherokee County, Alabama is 47.4 years. Residents are 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
The median home value in Cherokee County is $165,900 and median monthly rent is $750. 79.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 14,663 total housing units, 28.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Cherokee County, Alabama is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.7%.
Huntsville is among the largest cities associated with Cherokee County, Alabama, with a population of 218,814.
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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.