Gadsden, AL
Population 33,617 · Alabama
About Gadsden, AL
Gadsden is a mid-sized city located in Alabama with a population of 33,617 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $38,699 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Gadsden features a median home value of $101,900, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Gadsden one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $787, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 16,378 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (7,035 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (5,907 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Gadsden shows an unemployment rate of 8.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 27.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Gadsden have an average one-way commute time of 19.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
14.8% of Gadsden 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 3.4% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 4.7% Asian residents, with 4.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Gadsden experiences an annual average temperature of 63.1°F with 52" 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 39°F (December–January).
How Gadsden Ranks in Alabama
Cost of Living in Gadsden, AL
Compared to national averages, Gadsden has a median household income of $38,699 (49% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $101,900, which is 58% below the national median. Monthly rent at $787 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Gadsden's income is 33% below the state average of $57,952, and home values are 36% below the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Gadsden, AL?
Gadsden offers affordable housing with a median home value of $101,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $787/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($38,699) that falls below the national average. However, Gadsden’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Gadsden has a population of 33,617 with a median age of 39.6 years. Compare Gadsden with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Gadsden
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabaster | 33,633 | $90,163 | $242,600 | Compare |
| Opelika | 31,944 | $58,763 | $213,700 | Compare |
| Northport | 30,991 | $77,781 | $258,800 | Compare |
| Enterprise | 28,990 | $68,306 | $198,500 | Compare |
| Phenix City | 38,477 | $49,715 | $160,000 | Compare |
| Daphne | 28,673 | $86,479 | $309,700 | Compare |
| Vestavia Hills | 38,704 | $129,171 | $494,500 | Compare |
| Prattville | 38,850 | $79,396 | $208,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Gadsden
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 57 | 65 | 66 | 71 | 79 | 87 | 91 | 90 | 84 | 73 | 65 | 57 |
| Low °F | 40 | 45 | 45 | 50 | 59 | 66 | 71 | 71 | 64 | 54 | 45 | 38 |
| Rain " | 7.6 | 4.6 | 5.3 | 5.2 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 3.9 | 5.9 | 2.8 | 1.3 | 3.2 | 3.8 |
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Gadsden With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Gadsden
What is the population of Gadsden, AL?
The population of Gadsden, AL is 33,617 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 Gadsden?
The median household income in Gadsden, AL is $38,699 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gadsden?
The median home value in Gadsden, AL is $101,900, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Gadsden?
The median monthly rent in Gadsden, AL is $787, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gadsden?
The unemployment rate in Gadsden, AL is 8.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Gadsden, AL a good place to live?
Gadsden offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 33,617 and a median age of 39.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Gadsden, AL?
14.8% of residents in Gadsden 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 Gadsden?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gadsden, AL: median home value is $101,900 (58% below national), median rent is $787/month, and median household income is $38,699. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Gadsden?
The poverty rate in Gadsden, AL is 27.6%, 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 Gadsden, AL?
Gadsden's population is 3.4% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 4.7% Asian, and 36.8% two or more races. 4.1% of residents are foreign-born.