Birmingham city, Alabama Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Birmingham city, Alabama has a total population of 199,322, the 2nd largest city in Alabama, with a median household income of $44,376, which is 28% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 25.2%.
Key Takeaways
- Birmingham city is the 2nd largest city in Alabama with a population of 199,322.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (25.2%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
Birmingham city Quick Facts
How Birmingham city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 52 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Birmingham city Rankings in Alabama
Explore Alabama Rankings
Cities Similar to Birmingham city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery city | 198,440 | $55,687 | $148,500 | 33.5% | 20.9% |
| Mobile city | 185,097 | $51,090 | $170,300 | 31.5% | 18.9% |
| Huntsville city | 218,814 | $70,778 | $263,100 | 46.2% | 13.8% |
| Tuscaloosa city | 107,699 | $48,536 | $236,600 | 38.1% | 23.8% |
| Auburn city | 78,738 | $56,123 | $342,400 | 62.7% | 26.1% |
Population Overview
Birmingham city is a major urban center located in Alabama. The total population is 199,322. It ranks as the 2nd most populous out of 589 cities and towns in Alabama.
Age Demographics
The median age in Birmingham city is 35.9 years. This is 9% lower than the state median of 39.3 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Birmingham city is $44,376. This is 28% lower than the state median of $62,027. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 43% lower. The poverty rate stands at 25.2%. This is 61% higher than the state poverty rate of 15.6%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 6.1%. This is 26% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $138,600. Housing costs are 29% lower than the state median of $195,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x. 45.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 35% lower than the state average of 69.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Birmingham city is Black or African American, making up 66.9% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 24.2%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (24.2%) is well below the state average of 63.8%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (66.9% vs 25.9%).
Education
30.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 10% higher than the state rate of 27.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 88.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Birmingham city, Alabama is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Alabama state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 589 Census-designated places in Alabama. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Birmingham city, Alabama?
Birmingham city, Alabama has a population of 199,322 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Birmingham city, AL?
The median household income in Birmingham city is $44,376, which is 43% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Birmingham city, AL?
The poverty rate in Birmingham city is 25.2%. This means approximately 47,975 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Birmingham city, Alabama?
Birmingham city's population is 24.2% White, 66.9% Black, 4.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in Birmingham city, AL?
The median home value in Birmingham city is $138,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
How educated is Birmingham city, Alabama?
30.7% of adults (25+) in Birmingham city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 12.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.