Birmingham, AL Census Data
The 2nd largest city in Alabama by population · 10 cities ranked
Birmingham is the 2nd largest city in Alabama by population and ranks 10th of 10 for median household income. With 199,322 residents, its poverty rate of 25.2% ranks among the higher rates in Alabama. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
199,322
47.2% male · 52.8% female
Median Age
35.9
2.8 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$44,376
$34,162 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
30.7%
4.3% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 88.7%
Poverty Rate
25.2%
12.8% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 12.5%
Broadband Access
92.1%
2.4% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$138,600
Median rent: $1,047 · 45% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
6.1%
Labor force participation: 54.9%
Per Capita Income
$33,773
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
5.7%
Disability rate: 18.2%
How Birmingham Compares to Other Alabama Cities
Rankings among all 10 Alabama cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 2nd of 10 | Top 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 10th of 10 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 9th of 10 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 8th of 10 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 10th of 10 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Birmingham, AL Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Birmingham, AL?
The population of Birmingham, AL is 199,322 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 35.9 years.
What is the median household income in Birmingham?
The median household income in Birmingham, AL is $44,376, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $33,773.
What is the poverty rate in Birmingham?
The poverty rate in Birmingham, AL is 25.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 12.5% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Birmingham residents have a college degree?
30.7% of adults (25+) in Birmingham hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 88.7% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Birmingham?
The median home value in Birmingham, AL is $138,600. Median rent is $1,047 per month, with 45% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Birmingham?
Birmingham's population is 25.6% White, 67.1% Black, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.4% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Birmingham rank among Alabama cities?
Birmingham is the 2nd largest city in Alabama by population, the 10th highest for median household income, the 9th lowest for poverty rate, the 8th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 10 ranked Alabama cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Birmingham?
The unemployment rate in Birmingham, AL is 6.1%, with a labor force participation rate of 54.9%. Per capita income is $33,773.
Cities Similar to Birmingham
Other Alabama cities with comparable population and income levels.