Huntsville, AL
Population 218,814 · Alabama
About Huntsville, AL
Huntsville is a major city located in Alabama with a population of 218,814 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,778 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Huntsville features a median home value of $263,100, which is 7% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Huntsville in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,078, 7% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 102,592 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (54,616 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (39,442 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Huntsville shows an unemployment rate of 4.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 13.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Huntsville have an average one-way commute time of 19.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
46.2% of Huntsville 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 4.3% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, and 2.5% Asian residents, with 6.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Huntsville experiences an annual average temperature of 62.4°F with 49.87" 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 Huntsville Ranks in Alabama
Cost of Living in Huntsville, AL
Compared to national averages, Huntsville has a median household income of $70,778 (6% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $263,100, which is 7% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,078 is 7% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Huntsville's income is 22% above the state average of $57,952, and home values are 65% above the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Huntsville, AL?
Huntsville offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,078/month, and a well-educated community where 46.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 19.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,778) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Huntsville provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Huntsville has a population of 218,814 with a median age of 36.4 years. Compare Huntsville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Huntsville
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | 199,322 | $44,376 | $138,600 | Compare |
| Montgomery | 198,440 | $55,687 | $148,500 | Compare |
| Mobile | 185,097 | $51,090 | $170,300 | 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
Climate & Weather in Huntsville
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 55 | 63 | 63 | 69 | 80 | 87 | 90 | 88 | 85 | 73 | 65 | 56 |
| Low °F | 39 | 44 | 43 | 49 | 59 | 65 | 70 | 69 | 64 | 54 | 44 | 38 |
| Rain " | 6.0 | 7.2 | 5.8 | 4.9 | 3.0 | 3.8 | 4.6 | 6.2 | 0.7 | 0.5 | 2.5 | 4.6 |
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Huntsville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Huntsville
What is the population of Huntsville, AL?
The population of Huntsville, AL is 218,814 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Alabama.
What is the median household income in Huntsville?
The median household income in Huntsville, AL is $70,778 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Huntsville?
The median home value in Huntsville, AL is $263,100, which is 7% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Huntsville?
The median monthly rent in Huntsville, AL is $1,078, which is 7% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Huntsville?
The unemployment rate in Huntsville, AL is 4.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Huntsville, AL a good place to live?
Huntsville offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 218,814 and a median age of 36.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Huntsville, AL?
46.2% of residents in Huntsville 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 Huntsville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Huntsville, AL: median home value is $263,100 (7% above national), median rent is $1,078/month, and median household income is $70,778. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Huntsville?
The poverty rate in Huntsville, AL is 13.8%, 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 Huntsville, AL?
Huntsville's population is 4.3% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 29.4% two or more races. 6.6% of residents are foreign-born.