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.
DeKalb County, AL Climate
DeKalb County, AL has an average annual temperature of 14.8°C (59°F) and receives about 1472 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.8°C
Avg Temp
1472
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 38° | 141 mm |
| February | 6° / 42° | 134 mm |
| March | 10° / 50° | 167 mm |
| April | 14° / 58° | 131 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 122 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 102 mm |
| July | 25° / 77° | 123 mm |
| August | 25° / 76° | 91 mm |
| September | 21° / 71° | 116 mm |
| October | 15° / 59° | 86 mm |
| November | 10° / 50° | 117 mm |
| December | 6° / 42° | 142 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 DeKalb County, AL
The most comfortable months to visit DeKalb County, AL are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -2°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near DeKalb County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.