Selma, AL
Population 17,442 · Alabama
About Selma, AL
Selma is a mid-sized city in Alabama with a population of 17,442 residents. The median household income is $32,184 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Selma is 39.4 years.
Housing in Selma has a median home value of $102,500 and median monthly rent of $723. Of the 9,449 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 3,591 owner-occupied and 4,205 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Selma is 14.4% and the poverty rate is 28.3%. 19.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 24.2 minutes.
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
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 Selma
What is the population of Selma, AL?
The population of Selma, AL is 17,442 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Selma?
The median household income in Selma, AL is $32,184 per year.
What is the median home value in Selma?
The median home value in Selma, AL is $102,500.
What is the average rent in Selma?
The median monthly rent in Selma, AL is $723.
What is the unemployment rate in Selma?
The unemployment rate in Selma, AL is 14.4%.