Jefferson County, Alabama Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 1st-largest in Alabama
The population of Jefferson County, Alabama is 669,744 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 1st-largest county in Alabama. The median household income is $64,589, the median home value is $224,900, and the median age is 37.8.
The population of Jefferson County has grown 1.0% since 2010 (658,230 → 664,744), a +0.07% annualized rate.
669,744
Population
+0.07%
Annual growth
603
People / sq mi
$64,589
Median Income
$224,900
Median Home Value
Jefferson County covers 1,112 sq mi of land at 602.5 people per square mile.
About Jefferson County, AL
Jefferson County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most densely settled of US counties, at roughly 603 people per square mile. Jefferson County is a county in Alabama with a population of 669,744. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Alabama in the country, at #1 by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $64,589 — below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 11.6%, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $224,900, with typical rent around $1,132.
College attainment is above the local norm at 35.9%, near the national 35.0%. About 9.8% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
That density explains much of the rest of the profile in Jefferson County: denser places lean toward renting, shorter commutes by transit, and a younger working-age mix.
Jefferson County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Jefferson County had a population of 658,230 in 2010 and 664,744 in 2024, a 1.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 674,727 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.07%.
664,744
Population (2024)
658,230
Population (2010)
674,727
Peak (2020)
0.07%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 658,230 |
| 2011 | 658,175 |
| 2012 | 658,183 |
| 2013 | 659,434 |
| 2014 | 660,185 |
| 2015 | 660,717 |
| 2016 | 660,507 |
| 2017 | 659,892 |
| 2018 | 659,672 |
| 2019 | 658,539 |
| 2020 | 674,727 |
| 2021 | 669,677 |
| 2022 | 665,543 |
| 2023 | 664,084 |
| 2024 | 664,744 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 49.3% |
| Black or African American | 42.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
37.8
Median Age
52.5%
Female
47.5%
Male
16.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.1% · Seniors (65+): 16.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $64,589+$2,562 vs state |
| Mean household income | $97,165 |
| Per-capita income | $39,826 |
| Poverty rate | 11.6%+0.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 58.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Jefferson County is professional & business services, accounting for 26.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
1.6%
Carpool
78.3%
Public transit
9.8%
Work from home
24.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$224,900+$29,800 vs state
Median home value
$1,132
Median rent
63.7%
Homeownership rate
309,542
Total housing units
86.9%
Occupied
13.1%
Vacant
36.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.8%
With health insurance
94.2%
With broadband internet
21.1%
Foreign-born
6.4%
Veterans (18+)
15.3%
With a disability
93.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.0%
High School+
35.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Alabama
Other counties in Alabama
Part of Alabama
Metro areas in Alabama
County rankings
Common questions about Jefferson County, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Jefferson County, Alabama has a population of 669,744 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 1st-largest county in Alabama. Population density is 603 people per square mile.
The population of Jefferson County has grown 1.0% since 2010 (658,230 → 664,744), a +0.07% annualized rate.
The median household income in Jefferson County, Alabama is $64,589, with mean (average) household income of $97,165 and per-capita income of $39,826. 11.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Jefferson County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (49.3%), Black or African American (42.5%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Jefferson County, Alabama is 37.8 years. Residents are 52.5% female and 47.5% male.
The median home value in Jefferson County is $224,900 and median monthly rent is $1,132. 63.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 309,542 total housing units, 13.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Jefferson County, Alabama is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 26.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.9%.
Huntsville is among the largest cities associated with Jefferson County, Alabama, with a population of 218,814.
Jefferson County, AL Climate
Jefferson County, AL has an average annual temperature of 16.7°C (62°F) and receives about 1442 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.7°C
Avg Temp
1442
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6° / 42° | 142 mm |
| February | 8° / 46° | 124 mm |
| March | 12° / 54° | 167 mm |
| April | 16° / 62° | 129 mm |
| May | 21° / 69° | 121 mm |
| June | 25° / 76° | 103 mm |
| July | 27° / 80° | 133 mm |
| August | 26° / 79° | 93 mm |
| September | 23° / 74° | 103 mm |
| October | 17° / 63° | 82 mm |
| November | 12° / 53° | 114 mm |
| December | 8° / 46° | 131 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 Jefferson County, AL
The most comfortable months to visit Jefferson County, AL are typically May, September and October, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near 0°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Jefferson County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.