Selma, AL
Population 17,442 · Alabama
About Selma, AL
Selma is a mid-sized city located in Alabama with a population of 17,442 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $32,184 per year, which is 57% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Selma features a median home value of $102,500, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Selma one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $723, 38% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,449 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (3,591 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (4,205 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Selma shows an unemployment rate of 14.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 28.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Selma have an average one-way commute time of 24.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.0% of Selma 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 0.7% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 3.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Selma experiences an annual average temperature of 67.3°F with 55.38" of precipitation per year. The warm climate makes it appealing for those who prefer mild winters and plenty of sunshine. Summer highs average around 95°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 43°F (December–January).
How Selma Ranks in Alabama
Cost of Living in Selma, AL
Compared to national averages, Selma has a median household income of $32,184 (57% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $102,500, which is 58% below the national median. Monthly rent at $723 is 38% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Selma's income is 44% below the state average of $57,952, and home values are 36% below the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Selma, AL?
Selma offers affordable housing with a median home value of $102,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $723/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($32,184) that falls below the national average. However, Selma’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Selma has a population of 17,442 with a median age of 39.4 years. Compare Selma with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Selma
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tillmans Corner | 17,678 | $52,249 | $155,000 | Compare |
| Calera | 17,188 | $82,441 | $214,200 | Compare |
| Troy | 17,733 | $47,595 | $214,100 | Compare |
| Millbrook | 16,923 | $64,522 | $193,600 | Compare |
| Muscle Shoals | 16,670 | $70,927 | $198,300 | Compare |
| Hueytown | 16,541 | $62,362 | $142,900 | Compare |
| Saraland | 16,304 | $60,577 | $210,500 | Compare |
| Center Point | 16,125 | $52,401 | $130,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Selma
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 61 | 69 | 71 | 76 | 85 | 90 | 94 | 96 | 89 | 76 | 67 | 60 |
| Low °F | 44 | 50 | 50 | 55 | 63 | 69 | 74 | 75 | 69 | 57 | 48 | 43 |
| Rain " | 8.0 | 6.9 | 7.0 | 6.7 | 3.2 | 5.8 | 2.8 | 3.2 | 1.6 | 2.0 | 2.7 | 5.5 |
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Selma With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Selma
What is the population of Selma, AL?
The population of Selma, AL is 17,442 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 Selma?
The median household income in Selma, AL is $32,184 per year, which is 57% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Selma?
The median home value in Selma, AL is $102,500, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Selma?
The median monthly rent in Selma, AL is $723, which is 38% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Selma?
The unemployment rate in Selma, AL is 14.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Selma, AL a good place to live?
Selma offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,442 and a median age of 39.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Selma, AL?
19.0% of residents in Selma 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 Selma?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Selma, AL: median home value is $102,500 (58% below national), median rent is $723/month, and median household income is $32,184. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Selma?
The poverty rate in Selma, AL is 28.3%, 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 Selma, AL?
Selma's population is 0.7% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 81.0% two or more races. 3.0% of residents are foreign-born.