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
Winston County is a county in Alabama with a population of 23,637. It ranks #42 among counties in Alabama by population. The median age is 45.3, older than the national median. The population is 49.9% male and 50.1% female.
The median household income in Winston County is $48,032, below the US median of $74,580. 13.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $110,500, with monthly rent averaging $744. The homeownership rate of 76.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Winston County reflects 13.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 27.5 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.