Chelsea, AL
Population 15,731 · Alabama
About Chelsea, AL
Chelsea is a mid-sized city located in Alabama with a population of 15,731 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $110,056 per year, which is 46% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Chelsea features a median home value of $339,400, which is 39% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Chelsea in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,456, 25% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,733 total housing units, 90% are owner-occupied (4,975 units) and 10% are renter-occupied (556 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chelsea shows an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 2.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Chelsea have an average one-way commute time of 34 minutes.
Education & Demographics
44.9% of Chelsea residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 3.3% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 3.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Chelsea experiences an annual average temperature of 64.2°F with 48.02" 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 Chelsea Ranks in Alabama
Cost of Living in Chelsea, AL
Compared to national averages, Chelsea has a median household income of $110,056 (46% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $339,400, which is 39% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,456 is 25% above the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Chelsea's income is 90% above the state average of $57,952, and home values are 113% above the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Chelsea, AL?
Chelsea offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $110,056, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%, and a well-educated community where 44.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 2.2%, better than the national average.
Chelsea has a population of 15,731 with a median age of 38.2 years. Compare Chelsea with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Chelsea
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulf Shores | 15,785 | $73,873 | $367,000 | Compare |
| Scottsboro | 15,641 | $52,949 | $175,700 | Compare |
| Hartselle | 15,586 | $67,863 | $192,200 | Compare |
| Gardendale | 16,110 | $81,215 | $234,900 | Compare |
| Center Point | 16,125 | $52,401 | $130,200 | Compare |
| Saraland | 16,304 | $60,577 | $210,500 | Compare |
| Talladega | 15,041 | $46,820 | $116,600 | Compare |
| Hueytown | 16,541 | $62,362 | $142,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Chelsea
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 59 | 66 | 68 | 72 | 81 | 88 | 90 | 91 | 86 | 74 | 64 | 58 |
| Low °F | 42 | 47 | 47 | 52 | 61 | 67 | 71 | 72 | 66 | 55 | 46 | 40 |
| Rain " | 5.7 | 5.9 | 5.0 | 4.2 | 3.9 | 5.3 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 1.4 | 0.8 | 3.7 | 2.9 |
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Chelsea With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chelsea
What is the population of Chelsea, AL?
The population of Chelsea, AL is 15,731 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 Chelsea?
The median household income in Chelsea, AL is $110,056 per year, which is 46% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chelsea?
The median home value in Chelsea, AL is $339,400, which is 39% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Chelsea?
The median monthly rent in Chelsea, AL is $1,456, which is 25% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chelsea?
The unemployment rate in Chelsea, AL is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Chelsea, AL a good place to live?
Chelsea offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 15,731 and a median age of 38.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Chelsea, AL?
44.9% of residents in Chelsea aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Chelsea?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chelsea, AL: median home value is $339,400 (39% above national), median rent is $1,456/month, and median household income is $110,056. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Chelsea?
The poverty rate in Chelsea, AL is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Chelsea, AL?
Chelsea's population is 3.3% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 7.4% two or more races. 3.7% of residents are foreign-born.