Pelham, AL
Population 24,510 · Alabama
About Pelham, AL
Pelham is a mid-sized city located in Alabama with a population of 24,510 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $91,904 per year, which is 22% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Pelham features a median home value of $278,900, which is 14% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Pelham in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,573, 35% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,698 total housing units, 83% are owner-occupied (7,922 units) and 17% are renter-occupied (1,579 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pelham shows an unemployment rate of 1.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Pelham have an average one-way commute time of 28.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
48.8% of Pelham 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 7.6% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 2.2% Black or African American, and 4.3% Asian residents, with 8.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Pelham experiences an annual average temperature of 64.3°F with 45.79" 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 41°F (December–January).
How Pelham Ranks in Alabama
Cost of Living in Pelham, AL
Compared to national averages, Pelham has a median household income of $91,904 (22% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $278,900, which is 14% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,573 is 35% above the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Pelham's income is 59% above the state average of $57,952, and home values are 75% above the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Pelham, AL?
Pelham offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $91,904, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.7%, and a well-educated community where 48.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.2%, better than the national average.
Pelham has a population of 24,510 with a median age of 41.2 years. Compare Pelham with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Pelham
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bessemer | 25,655 | $37,844 | $129,800 | Compare |
| Fairhope | 23,360 | $86,509 | $406,500 | Compare |
| Trussville | 26,182 | $120,794 | $351,500 | Compare |
| Albertville | 22,584 | $57,103 | $158,900 | Compare |
| Foley | 22,330 | $67,346 | $260,100 | Compare |
| Mountain Brook | 22,160 | $191,128 | $891,300 | Compare |
| Oxford | 22,063 | $70,065 | $164,700 | Compare |
| Athens | 27,474 | $65,000 | $253,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Pelham
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 59 | 66 | 68 | 72 | 81 | 87 | 90 | 91 | 86 | 74 | 64 | 58 |
| Low °F | 42 | 48 | 47 | 52 | 60 | 67 | 71 | 72 | 66 | 55 | 46 | 40 |
| Rain " | 5.4 | 6.3 | 5.4 | 3.7 | 3.7 | 4.7 | 4.4 | 3.7 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 3.6 | 3.2 |
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Pelham With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pelham
What is the population of Pelham, AL?
The population of Pelham, AL is 24,510 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 Pelham?
The median household income in Pelham, AL is $91,904 per year, which is 22% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pelham?
The median home value in Pelham, AL is $278,900, which is 14% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pelham?
The median monthly rent in Pelham, AL is $1,573, which is 35% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pelham?
The unemployment rate in Pelham, AL is 1.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Pelham, AL a good place to live?
Pelham offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 24,510 and a median age of 41.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Pelham, AL?
48.8% of residents in Pelham 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 Pelham?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pelham, AL: median home value is $278,900 (14% above national), median rent is $1,573/month, and median household income is $91,904. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Pelham?
The poverty rate in Pelham, AL is 7.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Pelham, AL?
Pelham's population is 7.6% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 2.2% Black or African American, 4.3% Asian, and 12.9% two or more races. 8.3% of residents are foreign-born.