Winston County, Alabama Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 42nd-largest in Alabama
The population of Winston County, Alabama is 23,637 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 42nd-largest county in Alabama. The median household income is $48,032, the median home value is $110,500, and the median age is 45.3.
The population of Winston County has declined 2.2% since 2010 (24,412 → 23,869), a -0.16% annualized rate.
23,637
Population
-0.16%
Annual growth
39
People / sq mi
$48,032
Median Income
$110,500
Median Home Value
Winston County covers 613 sq mi of land at 38.6 people per square mile.
About Winston County, AL
Educational attainment is the headline number in Winston County: 13.4% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. With 23,637 residents, Winston County is a county in Alabama. It ranks #42 among counties in Alabama by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $48,032, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 13.7%, above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $110,500, with typical rent around $744.
College credentials are comparatively rare here: just 13.4%, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.7% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
Winston County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Winston County had a population of 24,412 in 2010 and 23,869 in 2024, a -2.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 24,412 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.16%.
23,869
Population (2024)
24,412
Population (2010)
24,412
Peak (2010)
-0.16%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 24,412 |
| 2011 | 24,362 |
| 2012 | 24,194 |
| 2013 | 24,190 |
| 2014 | 24,141 |
| 2015 | 23,929 |
| 2016 | 23,911 |
| 2017 | 23,753 |
| 2018 | 23,690 |
| 2019 | 23,700 |
| 2020 | 23,488 |
| 2021 | 23,639 |
| 2022 | 23,741 |
| 2023 | 23,673 |
| 2024 | 23,869 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.8% |
| Black or African American | 1.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.3
Median Age
50.1%
Female
49.9%
Male
21.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.6% · Seniors (65+): 21.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $48,032$-13,995 vs state |
| Mean household income | $66,939 |
| Per-capita income | $27,258 |
| Poverty rate | 13.7%+2.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 49.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Winston County is manufacturing, accounting for 23.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.1%
Carpool
74.8%
Public transit
5.7%
Work from home
27.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$110,500$-84,600 vs state
Median home value
$744
Median rent
76.6%
Homeownership rate
13,111
Total housing units
71.1%
Occupied
28.9%
Vacant
23.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.6%
With health insurance
87.4%
With broadband internet
20.2%
Foreign-born
5.7%
Veterans (18+)
22.6%
With a disability
97.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
78.8%
High School+
13.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Alabama
Other counties in Alabama
Part of Alabama
Metro areas in Alabama
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Winston County, Alabama has a population of 23,637 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 42nd-largest county in Alabama. Population density is 39 people per square mile.
The population of Winston County has declined 2.2% since 2010 (24,412 → 23,869), a -0.16% annualized rate.
The median household income in Winston County, Alabama is $48,032, with mean (average) household income of $66,939 and per-capita income of $27,258. 13.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Winston County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.8%), Hispanic or Latino (2.1%), Black or African American (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Winston County, Alabama is 45.3 years. Residents are 50.1% female and 49.9% male.
The median home value in Winston County is $110,500 and median monthly rent is $744. 76.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 13,111 total housing units, 28.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Winston County, Alabama is manufacturing, employing 23.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.2%.
Huntsville is among the largest cities associated with Winston 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.