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Population Review

Washington County, Alabama Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 53rd-largest in Alabama

The population of Washington County, Alabama is 15,270 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 53rd-largest county in Alabama. The median household income is $60,503, the median home value is $152,800, and the median age is 44.1.

The population of Washington County has declined 14.8% since 2010 (17,627 → 15,018), a -1.14% annualized rate.

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

15,270

Population

-1.14%

Annual growth

14

People / sq mi

$60,503

Median Income

$152,800

Median Home Value

Washington County covers 1,080 sq mi of land at 14.1 people per square mile.

About Washington County, AL

Homeownership is the standout figure in Washington County: 85.9% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. Washington County is a county in Alabama with a population of 15,270.

Median household income is $60,503, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 16.0%, above the national 12.4%. Median home value is $152,800, with typical rent around $628.

Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 16.2% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Just 5.2% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 35 minutes each way.

The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Washington County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.

Washington County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Washington County had a population of 17,627 in 2010 and 15,018 in 2024, a -14.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,627 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.13%.

2010 · 18K20102024
Washington County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

15,018

Population (2024)

17,627

Population (2010)

17,627

Peak (2010)

-1.13%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
201017,627
201117,356
201217,147
201316,898
201416,868
201516,831
201616,607
201716,484
201816,336
201916,279
202015,331
202115,226
202215,098
202315,040
202415,018

Race & Ethnicity

White66.9%
Black or African American22.7%
Asian1.6%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)8.4%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

44.1

Median Age

50.2%

Female

49.8%

Male

20.4%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
5.5%
5–9
6.3%
10–14
4.7%
15–19
5.5%
20–24
7.7%
25–34
9.3%
35–44
11.7%
45–54
12.6%
55–59
8.5%
60–64
7.8%
65–74
12.2%
75–84
6.7%
85+
1.5%

Children (under 15): 16.5% · Seniors (65+): 20.4%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$60,503$-1,524 vs state
Mean household income$80,526
Per-capita income$31,555
Poverty rate16.0%+4.7% vs state
Unemployment rate3.0%
Employment-to-population46.4%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
22.3%
Manufacturing
19.7%
Retail trade
10.5%
Construction
7.6%
Finance & real estate
5.8%
Agriculture
5.7%
Public administration
5.2%
Arts, entertainment & food
3.8%

The largest employment sector in Washington County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.3% of workers.

How residents commute

0.1%

Drive alone

0.5%

Carpool

85.7%

Public transit

5.2%

Work from home

34.6 min

Avg commute

Housing

$152,800$-42,300 vs state

Median home value

$628

Median rent

85.9%

Homeownership rate

7,774

Total housing units

73.0%

Occupied

27.0%

Vacant

14.1%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

92.3%

With health insurance

86.4%

With broadband internet

21.0%

Foreign-born

6.1%

Veterans (18+)

14.6%

With a disability

98.6%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

88.7%

High School+

16.2%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Alabama

Other counties in Alabama

Part of Alabama

Metro areas in Alabama

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington County, Alabama has a population of 15,270 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 53rd-largest county in Alabama. Population density is 14 people per square mile.

The population of Washington County has declined 14.8% since 2010 (17,627 → 15,018), a -1.14% annualized rate.

The median household income in Washington County, Alabama is $60,503, with mean (average) household income of $80,526 and per-capita income of $31,555. 16.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Washington County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (66.9%), Black or African American (22.7%), Hispanic or Latino (8.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Washington County, Alabama is 44.1 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.

The median home value in Washington County is $152,800 and median monthly rent is $628. 85.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,774 total housing units, 27.0% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Washington County, Alabama is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.

Huntsville is among the largest cities associated with Washington County, Alabama, with a population of 218,814.


Washington County, AL Climate

Washington County, AL has an average annual temperature of 18.5°C (65°F) and receives about 1572 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.

18.5°C

Avg Temp

1572

Precip (mm/yr)

Jul

Hottest Month

Jan

Coldest Month

0°10°20°30°40°171mmJFMAMJJASOND
Avg temp (°C) Precipitation (mm)
Washington County, AL — monthly temperature & precipitation (1970–2000 normals) · Source: WorldClim 2.1
MonthAvg (°C/°F)Precip
January9° / 48°138 mm
February11° / 51°148 mm
March15° / 58°171 mm
April18° / 65°122 mm
May22° / 72°136 mm
June26° / 78°117 mm
July27° / 81°160 mm
August27° / 80°126 mm
September25° / 76°112 mm
October19° / 66°80 mm
November14° / 57°113 mm
December10° / 50°149 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 Washington County, AL

The most comfortable months to visit Washington County, AL are typically October, May and April, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 34°C high). The coldest is January (near 2°C low). March is usually the wettest month.

OctoberMayApril

Where to stay near Washington County

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Top-rated places to stay near Washington County

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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.