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Population Review

Monroe County, Alabama Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 46th-largest in Alabama

The population of Monroe County, Alabama is 19,580 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 46th-largest county in Alabama. The median household income is $40,225, the median home value is $114,900, and the median age is 43.9.

The population of Monroe County has declined 17.2% since 2010 (23,004 → 19,057), a -1.34% annualized rate.

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

19,580

Population

-1.34%

Annual growth

19

People / sq mi

$40,225

Median Income

$114,900

Median Home Value

Monroe County covers 1,026 sq mi of land at 19.1 people per square mile.

About Monroe County, AL

Educational attainment is the headline number in Monroe County: 11.4% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. With 19,580 residents, Monroe County is a county in Alabama. It ranks #46 among counties in Alabama by population.

Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $40,225, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 17.1% of residents fall below the poverty line, above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $114,900, with typical rent around $721.

Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US counties, 11.4%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is rare here (3.1%, below the national 14.0%), and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.

Monroe County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Monroe County had a population of 23,004 in 2010 and 19,057 in 2024, a -17.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 23,004 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.33%.

2010 · 23K20102024
Monroe County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

19,057

Population (2024)

23,004

Population (2010)

23,004

Peak (2010)

-1.33%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201023,004
201122,799
201222,582
201322,174
201421,927
201521,720
201621,553
201721,294
201821,035
201920,689
202019,704
202119,530
202219,403
202319,244
202419,057

Race & Ethnicity

White53.7%
Black or African American42.2%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1.9%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

43.9

Median Age

51.7%

Female

48.3%

Male

21.1%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
3.5%
5–9
6.3%
10–14
7.3%
15–19
7.4%
20–24
6.6%
25–34
8.8%
35–44
11.6%
45–54
12.6%
55–59
6.8%
60–64
8.0%
65–74
12.5%
75–84
7.5%
85+
1.1%

Children (under 15): 17.1% · Seniors (65+): 21.1%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$40,225$-21,802 vs state
Mean household income$57,308
Per-capita income$23,470
Poverty rate17.1%+5.8% vs state
Unemployment rate5.3%
Employment-to-population39.6%

Top Industries by Employment

Manufacturing
22.0%
Professional & business services
15.2%
Construction
9.4%
Public administration
7.6%
Education & health care
6.2%
Finance & real estate
6.1%
Retail trade
5.6%
Agriculture
4.7%

The largest employment sector in Monroe County is manufacturing, accounting for 22.0% of workers.

How residents commute

0.8%

Drive alone

0.8%

Carpool

90.2%

Public transit

3.1%

Work from home

24.2 min

Avg commute

Housing

$114,900$-80,200 vs state

Median home value

$721

Median rent

70.2%

Homeownership rate

10,193

Total housing units

72.6%

Occupied

27.4%

Vacant

29.8%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

88.8%

With health insurance

78.2%

With broadband internet

12.0%

Foreign-born

5.4%

Veterans (18+)

16.8%

With a disability

99.1%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

83.6%

High School+

11.4%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Alabama

Other counties in Alabama

Part of Alabama

Metro areas in Alabama

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Monroe County, Alabama has a population of 19,580 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 46th-largest county in Alabama. Population density is 19 people per square mile.

The population of Monroe County has declined 17.2% since 2010 (23,004 → 19,057), a -1.34% annualized rate.

The median household income in Monroe County, Alabama is $40,225, with mean (average) household income of $57,308 and per-capita income of $23,470. 17.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Monroe County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (53.7%), Black or African American (42.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Monroe County, Alabama is 43.9 years. Residents are 51.7% female and 48.3% male.

The median home value in Monroe County is $114,900 and median monthly rent is $721. 70.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 10,193 total housing units, 27.4% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Monroe County, Alabama is manufacturing, employing 22.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 5.3%.

Huntsville is among the largest cities associated with Monroe 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.