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
What sets Fayette County apart is where people work — remote work is unusually rare here, at 1.8% versus 14.0% nationally. Fayette County is a county in Alabama with a population of 16,173.
The typical household earns $50,733, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 13.1%, above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $121,200, with typical rent around $622.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 15.6% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Almost everyone commutes — only 1.8% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 29 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.