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 defined demographically by education — 13.7% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average. Pickens County is a county in Alabama with a population of 18,843. It ranks #49 among counties in Alabama by population.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $47,014, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 15.8%, above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $123,300, with typical rent around $600.
Pickens County is among the least college-educated US counties, at 13.7% — below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.0% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 34 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.
Pickens County, AL Climate
Pickens County, AL has an average annual temperature of 16.7°C (62°F) and receives about 1446 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
1446
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6° / 42° | 144 mm |
| February | 8° / 46° | 132 mm |
| March | 12° / 54° | 162 mm |
| April | 16° / 62° | 146 mm |
| May | 21° / 69° | 114 mm |
| June | 25° / 76° | 101 mm |
| July | 27° / 80° | 126 mm |
| August | 26° / 79° | 95 mm |
| September | 23° / 74° | 92 mm |
| October | 17° / 62° | 81 mm |
| November | 12° / 53° | 113 mm |
| December | 8° / 46° | 140 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 Pickens County, AL
The most comfortable months to visit Pickens 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 Pickens County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.