Hale County, Alabama Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 55th-largest in Alabama
The population of Hale County, Alabama is 14,749 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 55th-largest county in Alabama. The median household income is $41,325, the median home value is $126,300, and the median age is 41.0.
The population of Hale County has declined 4.0% since 2010 (15,745 → 15,116), a -0.29% annualized rate.
14,749
Population
-0.29%
Annual growth
23
People / sq mi
$41,325
Median Income
$126,300
Median Home Value
Hale County covers 644 sq mi of land at 22.9 people per square mile.
About Hale County, AL
Hale County is a county in Alabama with a population of 14,749. It ranks #55 among counties in Alabama by population. The median age is 41.0, older than the national median. The population is 47.8% male and 52.2% female.
The median household income in Hale County is $41,325, below the US median of $74,580. 16.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $126,300, with monthly rent averaging $723. The homeownership rate of 77.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Hale County reflects 16.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 2.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 34.7 minutes each way.
Hale County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Hale County had a population of 15,745 in 2010 and 15,116 in 2024, a -4.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 15,745 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.28%.
15,116
Population (2024)
15,745
Population (2010)
15,745
Peak (2010)
-0.28%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 15,745 |
| 2011 | 15,360 |
| 2012 | 15,366 |
| 2013 | 15,249 |
| 2014 | 15,047 |
| 2015 | 15,016 |
| 2016 | 14,845 |
| 2017 | 14,812 |
| 2018 | 14,773 |
| 2019 | 14,669 |
| 2020 | 14,771 |
| 2021 | 14,715 |
| 2022 | 14,613 |
| 2023 | 14,931 |
| 2024 | 15,116 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 38.4% |
| Black or African American | 55.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.0
Median Age
52.2%
Female
47.8%
Male
20.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.5% · Seniors (65+): 20.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $41,325$-20,702 vs state |
| Mean household income | $61,740 |
| Per-capita income | $26,024 |
| Poverty rate | 16.0%+4.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 47.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Hale County is professional & business services, accounting for 31.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
0.9%
Carpool
86.8%
Public transit
2.0%
Work from home
34.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$126,300$-68,800 vs state
Median home value
$723
Median rent
77.0%
Homeownership rate
7,514
Total housing units
73.7%
Occupied
26.3%
Vacant
23.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.7%
With health insurance
85.1%
With broadband internet
13.5%
Foreign-born
7.0%
Veterans (18+)
25.5%
With a disability
98.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
81.9%
High School+
16.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Alabama
Other counties in Alabama
Part of Alabama
Metro areas in Alabama
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Hale County, Alabama has a population of 14,749 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 55th-largest county in Alabama. Population density is 23 people per square mile.
The population of Hale County has declined 4.0% since 2010 (15,745 → 15,116), a -0.29% annualized rate.
The median household income in Hale County, Alabama is $41,325, with mean (average) household income of $61,740 and per-capita income of $26,024. 16.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Hale County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Black or African American (55.8%), White (38.4%), Hispanic or Latino (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Hale County, Alabama is 41.0 years. Residents are 52.2% female and 47.8% male.
The median home value in Hale County is $126,300 and median monthly rent is $723. 77.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,514 total housing units, 26.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Hale County, Alabama is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 31.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.9%.
Huntsville is among the largest cities associated with Hale 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.