DeKalb County, Alabama Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 20th-largest in Alabama
The population of DeKalb County, Alabama is 71,946 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 20th-largest county in Alabama. The median household income is $51,149, the median home value is $135,500, and the median age is 39.6.
The population of DeKalb County has grown 2.8% since 2010 (71,133 → 73,122), a +0.20% annualized rate.
71,946
Population
+0.20%
Annual growth
93
People / sq mi
$51,149
Median Income
$135,500
Median Home Value
DeKalb County covers 777 sq mi of land at 92.6 people per square mile.
About DeKalb County, AL
DeKalb County is defined demographically by education — 13.9% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average. With 71,946 residents, DeKalb County is a county in Alabama. It ranks #20 among counties in Alabama by population.
The typical household earns $51,149, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 14.6% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $135,500, with typical rent around $683.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 13.9%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 3.8%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
DeKalb County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of DeKalb County had a population of 71,133 in 2010 and 73,122 in 2024, a 2.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 73,122 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.20%.
73,122
Population (2024)
71,133
Population (2010)
73,122
Peak (2024)
0.20%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 71,133 |
| 2011 | 71,335 |
| 2012 | 70,913 |
| 2013 | 70,881 |
| 2014 | 70,963 |
| 2015 | 71,065 |
| 2016 | 71,116 |
| 2017 | 71,441 |
| 2018 | 71,430 |
| 2019 | 71,506 |
| 2020 | 71,673 |
| 2021 | 71,880 |
| 2022 | 72,046 |
| 2023 | 72,626 |
| 2024 | 73,122 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 81.3% |
| Black or African American | 1.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.5% |
Age & Sex
39.6
Median Age
50.0%
Female
50.0%
Male
17.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.6% · Seniors (65+): 17.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $51,149$-10,878 vs state |
| Mean household income | $65,789 |
| Per-capita income | $25,274 |
| Poverty rate | 14.6%+3.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in DeKalb County is manufacturing, accounting for 24.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.1%
Carpool
81.6%
Public transit
3.8%
Work from home
24.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$135,500$-59,600 vs state
Median home value
$683
Median rent
76.8%
Homeownership rate
30,853
Total housing units
84.1%
Occupied
15.9%
Vacant
23.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
85.0%
With health insurance
90.6%
With broadband internet
24.8%
Foreign-born
6.1%
Veterans (18+)
15.9%
With a disability
85.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
78.9%
High School+
13.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Alabama
Other counties in Alabama
Part of Alabama
Metro areas in Alabama
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
DeKalb County, Alabama has a population of 71,946 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 20th-largest county in Alabama. Population density is 93 people per square mile.
The population of DeKalb County has grown 2.8% since 2010 (71,133 → 73,122), a +0.20% annualized rate.
The median household income in DeKalb County, Alabama is $51,149, with mean (average) household income of $65,789 and per-capita income of $25,274. 14.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In DeKalb County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (81.3%), Hispanic or Latino (3.8%), Black or African American (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in DeKalb County, Alabama is 39.6 years. Residents are 50.0% female and 50.0% male.
The median home value in DeKalb County is $135,500 and median monthly rent is $683. 76.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 30,853 total housing units, 15.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in DeKalb County, Alabama is manufacturing, employing 24.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.4%.
Huntsville is among the largest cities associated with DeKalb County, Alabama, with a population of 218,814.
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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.