Gardendale city, Alabama Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Gardendale city, Alabama has a total population of 16,110, the 44th largest city in Alabama, with a median household income of $81,215, which is 31% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 5.9%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 31% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in Alabama.
- 36.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — top 10% in Alabama.
Gardendale city Quick Facts
How Gardendale 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+)
Gardendale city Rankings in Alabama
Explore Alabama Rankings
Cities Similar to Gardendale city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulf Shores city | 15,785 | $73,873 | $367,000 | 38.0% | 11.4% |
| Calera city | 17,188 | $82,441 | $214,200 | 37.1% | 6.7% |
| Muscle Shoals city | 16,670 | $70,927 | $198,300 | 24.4% | 10.4% |
| Hartselle city | 15,586 | $67,863 | $192,200 | 29.3% | 12.6% |
| Hueytown city | 16,541 | $62,362 | $142,900 | 23.2% | 16.3% |
Population Overview
Gardendale city is a small city located in Alabama. The total population is 16,110. It ranks as the 44th most populous out of 589 cities and towns in Alabama.
Age Demographics
The median age in Gardendale city is 38.9 years. This is 1% lower than the state median of 39.3 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Gardendale city is $81,215. This is 31% higher than the state median of $62,027. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 3% higher. The poverty rate stands at 5.9%. This is 62% lower than the state poverty rate of 15.6%. The unemployment rate is 3.2%. This is 34% lower than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $234,900. Housing costs are 20% higher than the state median of $195,100. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, Gardendale city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 81.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 16% higher than the state average of 69.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Gardendale city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 68.9% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 21.9%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.4%) is well below the state average of 5.4%. The Asian population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 1.4%.
Education
36.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This places Gardendale city in the top 10% of all cities in the state for educational attainment. This is 30% 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 90.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Gardendale 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 Gardendale city, Alabama?
Gardendale city, Alabama has a population of 16,110 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Gardendale city, AL?
The median household income in Gardendale city is $81,215, which is 3% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Gardendale city, AL?
The poverty rate in Gardendale city is 5.9%. This means approximately 902 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Gardendale city, Alabama?
Gardendale city's population is 68.9% White, 21.9% Black, 1.4% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in Gardendale city, AL?
The median home value in Gardendale city is $234,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x.
How educated is Gardendale city, Alabama?
36.0% of adults (25+) in Gardendale city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 13.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.