Birmingham, AL
Population 199,322 · Alabama
About Birmingham, AL
Birmingham is a major city located in Alabama with a population of 199,322 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $44,376 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Birmingham features a median home value of $138,600, which is 43% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Birmingham one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,047, 10% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 108,903 total housing units, 45% are owner-occupied (39,962 units) and 55% are renter-occupied (48,565 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Birmingham shows an unemployment rate of 6.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 25.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Birmingham have an average one-way commute time of 21.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
30.7% of Birmingham residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.8% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 4.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Birmingham experiences an annual average temperature of 64.3°F with 50.55" of precipitation per year. The moderate climate offers a balance of seasonal variety without extremes. Summer highs average around 90°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 41°F (December–January).
How Birmingham Ranks in Alabama
Cost of Living in Birmingham, AL
Compared to national averages, Birmingham has a median household income of $44,376 (41% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $138,600, which is 43% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,047 is 10% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Birmingham's income is 23% below the state average of $57,952, and home values are 13% below the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Birmingham, AL?
Birmingham offers affordable housing with a median home value of $138,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,047/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($44,376) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Birmingham provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Birmingham has a population of 199,322 with a median age of 35.9 years. Compare Birmingham with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Birmingham
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery | 198,440 | $55,687 | $148,500 | Compare |
| Mobile | 185,097 | $51,090 | $170,300 | Compare |
| Huntsville | 218,814 | $70,778 | $263,100 | Compare |
| Tuscaloosa | 107,699 | $48,536 | $236,600 | Compare |
| Hoover | 92,401 | $107,822 | $391,300 | Compare |
| Auburn | 78,738 | $56,123 | $342,400 | Compare |
| Dothan | 71,118 | $55,052 | $186,600 | Compare |
| Madison | 58,335 | $131,436 | $367,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Birmingham
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 58 | 65 | 67 | 71 | 81 | 88 | 90 | 91 | 86 | 74 | 65 | 58 |
| Low °F | 42 | 47 | 47 | 52 | 61 | 68 | 71 | 72 | 66 | 55 | 46 | 40 |
| Rain " | 6.0 | 6.2 | 4.9 | 5.2 | 3.9 | 5.3 | 5.2 | 6.1 | 1.1 | 0.7 | 3.1 | 2.7 |
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Birmingham With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Birmingham
What is the population of Birmingham, AL?
The population of Birmingham, AL is 199,322 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Alabama.
What is the median household income in Birmingham?
The median household income in Birmingham, AL is $44,376 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Birmingham?
The median home value in Birmingham, AL is $138,600, which is 43% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Birmingham?
The median monthly rent in Birmingham, AL is $1,047, which is 10% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Birmingham?
The unemployment rate in Birmingham, AL is 6.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Birmingham, AL a good place to live?
Birmingham offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 199,322 and a median age of 35.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Birmingham, AL?
30.7% of residents in Birmingham 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 Birmingham?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Birmingham, AL: median home value is $138,600 (43% below national), median rent is $1,047/month, and median household income is $44,376. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Birmingham?
The poverty rate in Birmingham, AL is 25.2%, 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 Birmingham, AL?
Birmingham's population is 2.8% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 66.9% two or more races. 4.4% of residents are foreign-born.