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
Homeownership is the standout figure in Dale County: 61.3% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. Dale County is a county in Alabama with a population of 49,516. It ranks #28 among counties in Alabama by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $53,955, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 14.9% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $129,100, with typical rent around $863.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 19.3% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 3.9% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 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.
Dale County, AL Climate
Dale County, AL has an average annual temperature of 18.4°C (65°F) and receives about 1333 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
18.4°C
Avg Temp
1333
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 9° / 48° | 121 mm |
| February | 11° / 51° | 128 mm |
| March | 15° / 58° | 144 mm |
| April | 18° / 65° | 103 mm |
| May | 22° / 72° | 95 mm |
| June | 26° / 78° | 116 mm |
| July | 27° / 80° | 142 mm |
| August | 27° / 80° | 107 mm |
| September | 24° / 76° | 99 mm |
| October | 19° / 66° | 69 mm |
| November | 14° / 57° | 80 mm |
| December | 10° / 50° | 129 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 Dale County, AL
The most comfortable months to visit Dale County, AL are typically October, May and April, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near 3°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Dale County
Visiting or relocating to Dale County, AL? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Dale County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Dale County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Dale County, AL by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Alabama
Population 669,744
Population 413,162
Population 397,135
Population 239,945
Full rankings of Alabama counties
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.