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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

Monroe County is a county in Alabama with a population of 19,580. It ranks #46 among counties in Alabama by population. The median age is 43.9, older than the national median. The population is 48.3% male and 51.7% female.

The median household income in Monroe County is $40,225, below the US median of $74,580. 17.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $114,900, with monthly rent averaging $721. The homeownership rate of 70.2% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Monroe County reflects 11.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 3.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.2 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

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.