Dale County, Alabama Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 28th-largest in Alabama
The population of Dale County, Alabama is 49,516 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 28th-largest county in Alabama. The median household income is $53,955, the median home value is $129,100, and the median age is 38.0.
The population of Dale County has declined 0.7% since 2010 (50,396 → 50,067), a -0.05% annualized rate.
49,516
Population
-0.05%
Annual growth
88
People / sq mi
$53,955
Median Income
$129,100
Median Home Value
Dale County covers 561 sq mi of land at 88.2 people per square mile.
About Dale County, AL
Dale County is a county in Alabama with a population of 49,516. It ranks #28 among counties in Alabama by population. The median age is 38.0, in line with the national median. The population is 49.3% male and 50.7% female.
The median household income in Dale County is $53,955, below the US median of $74,580. 14.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $129,100, with monthly rent averaging $863. The homeownership rate of 61.3% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Dale County reflects 19.3% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 3.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.3 minutes each way.
Dale County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Dale County had a population of 50,396 in 2010 and 50,067 in 2024, a -0.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 50,396 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.05%.
50,067
Population (2024)
50,396
Population (2010)
50,396
Peak (2010)
-0.05%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 50,396 |
| 2011 | 50,134 |
| 2012 | 50,313 |
| 2013 | 49,807 |
| 2014 | 49,465 |
| 2015 | 49,428 |
| 2016 | 49,476 |
| 2017 | 49,467 |
| 2018 | 49,268 |
| 2019 | 49,294 |
| 2020 | 49,260 |
| 2021 | 49,344 |
| 2022 | 49,472 |
| 2023 | 49,852 |
| 2024 | 50,067 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 68.6% |
| Black or African American | 21.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.0
Median Age
50.7%
Female
49.3%
Male
18.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.5% · Seniors (65+): 18.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $53,955$-8,072 vs state |
| Mean household income | $69,759 |
| Per-capita income | $29,344 |
| Poverty rate | 14.9%+3.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 45.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Dale County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
2.8%
Carpool
82.7%
Public transit
3.9%
Work from home
22.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$129,100$-66,000 vs state
Median home value
$863
Median rent
61.3%
Homeownership rate
22,910
Total housing units
86.3%
Occupied
13.7%
Vacant
38.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.1%
With health insurance
92.5%
With broadband internet
39.6%
Foreign-born
14.6%
Veterans (18+)
20.3%
With a disability
93.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.7%
High School+
19.3%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Alabama
Other counties in Alabama
Part of Alabama
Metro areas in Alabama
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Dale County, Alabama has a population of 49,516 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 28th-largest county in Alabama. Population density is 88 people per square mile.
The population of Dale County has declined 0.7% since 2010 (50,396 → 50,067), a -0.05% annualized rate.
The median household income in Dale County, Alabama is $53,955, with mean (average) household income of $69,759 and per-capita income of $29,344. 14.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Dale County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (68.6%), Black or African American (21.2%), Hispanic or Latino (2.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Dale County, Alabama is 38.0 years. Residents are 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
The median home value in Dale County is $129,100 and median monthly rent is $863. 61.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 22,910 total housing units, 13.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Dale County, Alabama is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.
Huntsville is among the largest cities associated with Dale 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.