Fort Payne, AL
Population 14,886 · Alabama
About Fort Payne, AL
Fort Payne is a mid-sized city located in Alabama with a population of 14,886 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,623 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fort Payne features a median home value of $158,100, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Fort Payne in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $670, 42% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,497 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (3,812 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (1,851 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fort Payne shows an unemployment rate of 6.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 23.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fort Payne have an average one-way commute time of 18.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.5% of Fort Payne 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 10.6% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 3.6% Black or African American, and 9.1% Asian residents, with 10.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Fort Payne experiences an annual average temperature of 61.4°F with 51.31" of precipitation per year. The moderate climate offers a balance of seasonal variety without extremes. Summer highs average around 89°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 38°F (December–January).
How Fort Payne Ranks in Alabama
Cost of Living in Fort Payne, AL
Compared to national averages, Fort Payne has a median household income of $48,623 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $158,100, which is 35% below the national median. Monthly rent at $670 is 42% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Fort Payne's income is 16% below the state average of $57,952, and home values are 1% below the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Fort Payne, AL?
Fort Payne offers affordable housing with a median home value of $158,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $670/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,623) that falls below the national average. However, Fort Payne’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fort Payne has a population of 14,886 with a median age of 39.3 years. Compare Fort Payne with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Fort Payne
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Talladega | 15,041 | $46,820 | $116,600 | Compare |
| Alexander City | 14,686 | $42,367 | $135,900 | Compare |
| Jasper | 14,480 | $66,250 | $208,000 | Compare |
| Ozark | 14,348 | $46,951 | $138,600 | Compare |
| Jacksonville | 14,345 | $47,146 | $179,600 | Compare |
| Hartselle | 15,586 | $67,863 | $192,200 | Compare |
| Scottsboro | 15,641 | $52,949 | $175,700 | Compare |
| Chelsea | 15,731 | $110,056 | $339,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Fort Payne
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 54 | 62 | 63 | 68 | 78 | 85 | 90 | 88 | 83 | 71 | 62 | 54 |
| Low °F | 39 | 44 | 43 | 49 | 58 | 65 | 69 | 69 | 63 | 52 | 44 | 37 |
| Rain " | 9.7 | 4.8 | 5.5 | 6.3 | 3.2 | 4.6 | 3.0 | 3.8 | 1.4 | 0.6 | 3.5 | 4.8 |
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Fort Payne With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Payne
What is the population of Fort Payne, AL?
The population of Fort Payne, AL is 14,886 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 Fort Payne?
The median household income in Fort Payne, AL is $48,623 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fort Payne?
The median home value in Fort Payne, AL is $158,100, which is 35% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fort Payne?
The median monthly rent in Fort Payne, AL is $670, which is 42% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Payne?
The unemployment rate in Fort Payne, AL is 6.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fort Payne, AL a good place to live?
Fort Payne offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 14,886 and a median age of 39.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fort Payne, AL?
17.5% of residents in Fort Payne 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 Fort Payne?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fort Payne, AL: median home value is $158,100 (35% below national), median rent is $670/month, and median household income is $48,623. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Payne?
The poverty rate in Fort Payne, AL is 23.5%, 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 Fort Payne, AL?
Fort Payne's population is 10.6% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 3.6% Black or African American, 9.1% Asian, and 1.8% two or more races. 10.1% of residents are foreign-born.