Pickens County, Alabama Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 49th-largest in Alabama
The population of Pickens County, Alabama is 18,843 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 49th-largest county in Alabama. The median household income is $47,014, the median home value is $123,300, and the median age is 42.5.
The population of Pickens County has declined 6.3% since 2010 (19,749 → 18,508), a -0.46% annualized rate.
18,843
Population
-0.46%
Annual growth
21
People / sq mi
$47,014
Median Income
$123,300
Median Home Value
Pickens County covers 881 sq mi of land at 21.4 people per square mile.
About Pickens County, AL
Pickens County is a county in Alabama with a population of 18,843. It ranks #49 among counties in Alabama by population. The median age is 42.5, older than the national median. The population is 48.4% male and 51.6% female.
The median household income in Pickens County is $47,014, below the US median of $74,580. 15.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $123,300, with monthly rent averaging $600. The homeownership rate of 75.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Pickens County reflects 13.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 34.0 minutes each way.
Pickens County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Pickens County had a population of 19,749 in 2010 and 18,508 in 2024, a -6.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 20,788 in 2015. Average annual growth rate: -0.44%.
18,508
Population (2024)
19,749
Population (2010)
20,788
Peak (2015)
-0.44%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 19,749 |
| 2011 | 19,357 |
| 2012 | 19,314 |
| 2013 | 19,309 |
| 2014 | 20,283 |
| 2015 | 20,788 |
| 2016 | 20,337 |
| 2017 | 20,224 |
| 2018 | 19,949 |
| 2019 | 19,940 |
| 2020 | 18,962 |
| 2021 | 18,615 |
| 2022 | 18,780 |
| 2023 | 18,741 |
| 2024 | 18,508 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 58.2% |
| Black or African American | 39.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.5
Median Age
51.6%
Female
48.4%
Male
19.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.9% · Seniors (65+): 19.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $47,014$-15,013 vs state |
| Mean household income | $66,646 |
| Per-capita income | $26,328 |
| Poverty rate | 15.8%+4.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 43.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Pickens County is manufacturing, accounting for 23.9% of workers.
How residents commute
1.1%
Drive alone
0.3%
Carpool
88.5%
Public transit
5.0%
Work from home
34.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$123,300$-71,800 vs state
Median home value
$600
Median rent
75.4%
Homeownership rate
8,726
Total housing units
79.6%
Occupied
20.4%
Vacant
24.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.1%
With health insurance
86.4%
With broadband internet
25.4%
Foreign-born
6.7%
Veterans (18+)
24.1%
With a disability
94.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
83.9%
High School+
13.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Alabama
Other counties in Alabama
Part of Alabama
Metro areas in Alabama
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Pickens County, Alabama has a population of 18,843 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 49th-largest county in Alabama. Population density is 21 people per square mile.
The population of Pickens County has declined 6.3% since 2010 (19,749 → 18,508), a -0.46% annualized rate.
The median household income in Pickens County, Alabama is $47,014, with mean (average) household income of $66,646 and per-capita income of $26,328. 15.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Pickens County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (58.2%), Black or African American (39.3%), Hispanic or Latino (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Pickens County, Alabama is 42.5 years. Residents are 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
The median home value in Pickens County is $123,300 and median monthly rent is $600. 75.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,726 total housing units, 20.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Pickens County, Alabama is manufacturing, employing 23.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Huntsville is among the largest cities associated with Pickens 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.