Russell County, Alabama Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 24th-largest in Alabama
The population of Russell County, Alabama is 58,858 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 24th-largest county in Alabama. The median household income is $50,046, the median home value is $152,300, and the median age is 37.2.
The population of Russell County has grown 10.3% since 2010 (53,327 → 58,837), a +0.70% annualized rate.
58,858
Population
+0.70%
Annual growth
92
People / sq mi
$50,046
Median Income
$152,300
Median Home Value
Russell County covers 641 sq mi of land at 91.8 people per square mile.
About Russell County, AL
Russell County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 63.6% of the population. Russell County is a county in Alabama with a population of 58,858. It ranks #24 among counties in Alabama by population.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $50,046, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 18.0%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $152,300, with typical rent around $898.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 16.9% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. About 7.5% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Russell County, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
Russell County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Russell County had a population of 53,327 in 2010 and 58,837 in 2024, a 10.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 59,310 in 2014. Average annual growth rate: 0.72%.
58,837
Population (2024)
53,327
Population (2010)
59,310
Peak (2014)
0.72%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 53,327 |
| 2011 | 54,884 |
| 2012 | 57,549 |
| 2013 | 59,219 |
| 2014 | 59,310 |
| 2015 | 58,946 |
| 2016 | 58,290 |
| 2017 | 57,134 |
| 2018 | 57,933 |
| 2019 | 58,098 |
| 2020 | 59,252 |
| 2021 | 58,651 |
| 2022 | 58,522 |
| 2023 | 58,792 |
| 2024 | 58,837 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 46.6% |
| Black or African American | 45.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
37.2
Median Age
52.4%
Female
47.6%
Male
15.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.5% · Seniors (65+): 15.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $50,046$-11,981 vs state |
| Mean household income | $65,547 |
| Per-capita income | $27,383 |
| Poverty rate | 18.0%+6.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% |
| Employment-to-population | 48.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Russell County is professional & business services, accounting for 18.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.9%
Drive alone
1.1%
Carpool
79.8%
Public transit
7.5%
Work from home
25.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$152,300$-42,800 vs state
Median home value
$898
Median rent
60.6%
Homeownership rate
27,531
Total housing units
86.4%
Occupied
13.6%
Vacant
39.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.5%
With health insurance
88.0%
With broadband internet
63.6%
Foreign-born
13.3%
Veterans (18+)
19.9%
With a disability
95.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.8%
High School+
16.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Alabama
Other counties in Alabama
Part of Alabama
Metro areas in Alabama
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Russell County, Alabama has a population of 58,858 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 24th-largest county in Alabama. Population density is 92 people per square mile.
The population of Russell County has grown 10.3% since 2010 (53,327 → 58,837), a +0.70% annualized rate.
The median household income in Russell County, Alabama is $50,046, with mean (average) household income of $65,547 and per-capita income of $27,383. 18.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Russell County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (46.6%), Black or African American (45.5%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Russell County, Alabama is 37.2 years. Residents are 52.4% female and 47.6% male.
The median home value in Russell County is $152,300 and median monthly rent is $898. 60.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 27,531 total housing units, 13.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Russell County, Alabama is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 18.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.5%.
Huntsville is among the largest cities associated with Russell 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.