Bessemer, AL
Population 25,655 · Alabama
About Bessemer, AL
Bessemer is a mid-sized city located in Alabama with a population of 25,655 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $37,844 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.8 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bessemer features a median home value of $129,800, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Bessemer one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $922, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 12,612 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (5,837 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (4,761 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bessemer shows an unemployment rate of 8.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 30.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bessemer have an average one-way commute time of 25.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.4% of Bessemer residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 5.5% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 2.0% Asian residents, with 3.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Bessemer experiences an annual average temperature of 64.3°F with 50.42" of precipitation per year. The moderate climate offers a balance of seasonal variety without extremes. Summer highs average around 91°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 41°F (December–January).
How Bessemer Ranks in Alabama
Cost of Living in Bessemer, AL
Compared to national averages, Bessemer has a median household income of $37,844 (50% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $129,800, which is 47% below the national median. Monthly rent at $922 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Bessemer's income is 35% below the state average of $57,952, and home values are 19% below the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Bessemer, AL?
Bessemer offers affordable housing with a median home value of $129,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $922/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($37,844) that falls below the national average. However, Bessemer’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bessemer has a population of 25,655 with a median age of 42.8 years. Compare Bessemer with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Bessemer
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trussville | 26,182 | $120,794 | $351,500 | Compare |
| Pelham | 24,510 | $91,904 | $278,900 | Compare |
| Athens | 27,474 | $65,000 | $253,700 | Compare |
| Homewood | 27,697 | $108,386 | $502,300 | Compare |
| Fairhope | 23,360 | $86,509 | $406,500 | Compare |
| Daphne | 28,673 | $86,479 | $309,700 | Compare |
| Albertville | 22,584 | $57,103 | $158,900 | Compare |
| Foley | 22,330 | $67,346 | $260,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Bessemer
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 59 | 66 | 67 | 72 | 81 | 88 | 91 | 91 | 86 | 74 | 65 | 59 |
| Low °F | 41 | 47 | 46 | 51 | 60 | 67 | 71 | 72 | 66 | 55 | 46 | 40 |
| Rain " | 6.0 | 5.7 | 4.6 | 4.2 | 4.8 | 5.1 | 5.3 | 5.9 | 1.1 | 0.7 | 4.1 | 3.0 |
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Bessemer With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bessemer
What is the population of Bessemer, AL?
The population of Bessemer, AL is 25,655 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Alabama.
What is the median household income in Bessemer?
The median household income in Bessemer, AL is $37,844 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bessemer?
The median home value in Bessemer, AL is $129,800, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bessemer?
The median monthly rent in Bessemer, AL is $922, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bessemer?
The unemployment rate in Bessemer, AL is 8.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bessemer, AL a good place to live?
Bessemer offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 25,655 and a median age of 42.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bessemer, AL?
14.4% of residents in Bessemer aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Bessemer?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bessemer, AL: median home value is $129,800 (47% below national), median rent is $922/month, and median household income is $37,844. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bessemer?
The poverty rate in Bessemer, AL is 30.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Bessemer, AL?
Bessemer's population is 5.5% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 2.0% Asian, and 70.6% two or more races. 3.5% of residents are foreign-born.