Skip to main content
Population Review

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.

Hale County within Alabama · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

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%.

2010 · 16K20102024

15,116

Population (2024)

15,745

Population (2010)

15,745

Peak (2010)

-0.28%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201015,745
201115,360
201215,366
201315,249
201415,047
201515,016
201614,845
201714,812
201814,773
201914,669
202014,771
202114,715
202214,613
202314,931
202415,116

Race & Ethnicity

White38.4%
Black or African American55.8%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)0.5%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

41.0

Median Age

52.2%

Female

47.8%

Male

20.0%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
6.6%
5–9
9.5%
10–14
4.4%
15–19
6.7%
20–24
5.3%
25–34
11.2%
35–44
11.8%
45–54
10.7%
55–59
7.3%
60–64
6.7%
65–74
12.0%
75–84
5.3%
85+
2.7%

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 rate16.0%+4.7% vs state
Unemployment rate2.9%
Employment-to-population47.1%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
31.9%
Manufacturing
15.1%
Education & health care
9.7%
Retail trade
6.2%
Finance & real estate
5.3%
Agriculture
4.1%
Public administration
3.9%
Construction
3.7%

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.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.