Birmingham, AL
Population 199,322 · Alabama
About Birmingham, AL
Birmingham is a major city in Alabama with a population of 199,322 residents. The median household income is $44,376 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Birmingham is 35.9 years.
Housing in Birmingham has a median home value of $138,600 and median monthly rent of $1,047. Of the 108,903 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 39,962 owner-occupied and 48,565 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Birmingham is 6.1% and the poverty rate is 25.2%. 30.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 21.5 minutes.
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
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Birmingham
What is the population of Birmingham, AL?
The population of Birmingham, AL is 199,322 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Birmingham?
The median household income in Birmingham, AL is $44,376 per year.
What is the median home value in Birmingham?
The median home value in Birmingham, AL is $138,600.
What is the average rent in Birmingham?
The median monthly rent in Birmingham, AL is $1,047.
What is the unemployment rate in Birmingham?
The unemployment rate in Birmingham, AL is 6.1%.