Gadsden city, Alabama Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Gadsden city, Alabama has a total population of 33,617, the 16th largest city in Alabama, with a median household income of $38,699, which is 38% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 27.6%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 38% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (27.6%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Unemployment rate of 8.9% is notably above the national average.
Gadsden city Quick Facts
How Gadsden city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 52 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Gadsden city Rankings in Alabama
Explore Alabama Rankings
Cities Similar to Gadsden city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opelika city | 31,944 | $58,763 | $213,700 | 33.5% | 15.0% |
| Phenix City city | 38,477 | $49,715 | $160,000 | 23.3% | 23.8% |
| Bessemer city | 25,655 | $37,844 | $129,800 | 14.4% | 30.7% |
| Florence city | 41,231 | $50,396 | $174,100 | 31.1% | 19.3% |
| Alabaster city | 33,633 | $90,163 | $242,600 | 40.8% | 5.3% |
Population Overview
Gadsden city is a mid-sized community located in Alabama. The total population is 33,617. It ranks as the 16th most populous out of 589 cities and towns in Alabama.
Age Demographics
The median age in Gadsden city is 39.6 years. This is about average than the state median of 39.3 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Gadsden city is $38,699. This is 38% lower than the state median of $62,027. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 51% lower. The poverty rate stands at 27.6%. This is 77% 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 8.9%. This is 85% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $101,900. Housing costs are 48% lower than the state median of $195,100. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.6x, Gadsden city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 54.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 22% lower than the state average of 69.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Gadsden city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 49.8% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 36.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (9.2% vs 5.4%).
Education
14.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 47% lower 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 82.4%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Gadsden 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 Gadsden city, Alabama?
Gadsden city, Alabama has a population of 33,617 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Gadsden city, AL?
The median household income in Gadsden city is $38,699, which is 51% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Gadsden city, AL?
The poverty rate in Gadsden city is 27.6%. This means approximately 9,015 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Gadsden city, Alabama?
Gadsden city's population is 49.8% White, 36.8% Black, 9.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in Gadsden city, AL?
The median home value in Gadsden city is $101,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x.
How educated is Gadsden city, Alabama?
14.8% of adults (25+) in Gadsden city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 5.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.