Fayette County, Alabama Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 52nd-largest in Alabama
The population of Fayette County, Alabama is 16,173 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 52nd-largest county in Alabama. The median household income is $50,733, the median home value is $121,200, and the median age is 42.8.
The population of Fayette County has declined 7.9% since 2010 (17,232 → 15,863), a -0.59% annualized rate.
16,173
Population
-0.59%
Annual growth
26
People / sq mi
$50,733
Median Income
$121,200
Median Home Value
Fayette County covers 628 sq mi of land at 25.8 people per square mile.
About Fayette County, AL
Fayette County is a county in Alabama with a population of 16,173. It ranks #52 among counties in Alabama by population. The median age is 42.8, older than the national median. The population is 48.6% male and 51.4% female.
The median household income in Fayette County is $50,733, below the US median of $74,580. 13.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $121,200, with monthly rent averaging $622. The homeownership rate of 78.2% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Fayette County reflects 15.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 1.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 29.3 minutes each way.
Fayette County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Fayette County had a population of 17,232 in 2010 and 15,863 in 2024, a -7.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,232 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.59%.
15,863
Population (2024)
17,232
Population (2010)
17,232
Peak (2010)
-0.59%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,232 |
| 2011 | 17,061 |
| 2012 | 16,955 |
| 2013 | 16,837 |
| 2014 | 16,784 |
| 2015 | 16,711 |
| 2016 | 16,581 |
| 2017 | 16,478 |
| 2018 | 16,451 |
| 2019 | 16,279 |
| 2020 | 16,329 |
| 2021 | 16,119 |
| 2022 | 16,041 |
| 2023 | 15,913 |
| 2024 | 15,863 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 84.5% |
| Black or African American | 12.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.8
Median Age
51.4%
Female
48.6%
Male
21.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.2% · Seniors (65+): 21.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $50,733$-11,294 vs state |
| Mean household income | $69,566 |
| Per-capita income | $27,734 |
| Poverty rate | 13.1%+1.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 46.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Fayette County is manufacturing, accounting for 26.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
0.4%
Carpool
88.6%
Public transit
1.8%
Work from home
29.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$121,200$-73,900 vs state
Median home value
$622
Median rent
78.2%
Homeownership rate
7,798
Total housing units
77.6%
Occupied
22.4%
Vacant
21.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.1%
With health insurance
85.0%
With broadband internet
20.6%
Foreign-born
6.4%
Veterans (18+)
23.5%
With a disability
98.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.2%
High School+
15.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Alabama
Other counties in Alabama
Part of Alabama
Metro areas in Alabama
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Fayette County, Alabama has a population of 16,173 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 52nd-largest county in Alabama. Population density is 26 people per square mile.
The population of Fayette County has declined 7.9% since 2010 (17,232 → 15,863), a -0.59% annualized rate.
The median household income in Fayette County, Alabama is $50,733, with mean (average) household income of $69,566 and per-capita income of $27,734. 13.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Fayette County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (84.5%), Black or African American (12.3%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Fayette County, Alabama is 42.8 years. Residents are 51.4% female and 48.6% male.
The median home value in Fayette County is $121,200 and median monthly rent is $622. 78.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,798 total housing units, 22.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Fayette County, Alabama is manufacturing, employing 26.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.9%.
Huntsville is among the largest cities associated with Fayette 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.