Fort Payne, AL
Population 14,886 · Alabama
About Fort Payne, AL
Fort Payne is a mid-sized city in Alabama with a population of 14,886 residents. The median household income is $48,623 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Fort Payne is 39.3 years.
Housing in Fort Payne has a median home value of $158,100 and median monthly rent of $670. Of the 6,497 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 3,812 owner-occupied and 1,851 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Fort Payne is 6.0% and the poverty rate is 23.5%. 17.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 18.6 minutes.
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
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 Fort Payne
What is the population of Fort Payne, AL?
The population of Fort Payne, AL is 14,886 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Fort Payne?
The median household income in Fort Payne, AL is $48,623 per year.
What is the median home value in Fort Payne?
The median home value in Fort Payne, AL is $158,100.
What is the average rent in Fort Payne?
The median monthly rent in Fort Payne, AL is $670.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Payne?
The unemployment rate in Fort Payne, AL is 6.0%.