Alabama Population 2023

Alabama's population was recently eclipsed by South Carolina's, pushing Alabama to 24th in state rank by population. Alabama's population growth is at 0.26% a year, which ranks it as the 36th fastest growing state.

Alabama Area and Population Density

Based on current population estimates, there are 94.4 people per square mile (36 per square kilometer) over a total surface area of 52,420 square miles, which ranks Alabama 27th in population density in the United States.

Alabama Gender and Religion Statistics

Alabama has a median age of 38.6 years for the overall population in 2018, with gender percentages currently at 51.5% Female and 48.5% Male (see chart further below).

A large majority of Alabamans - 86% - associate themselves with any variation of Christianity, the remaining 12% are unaffiliated to a particular religion in general.

Alabama Boundary, Census and Statehood History

Most of present-day Alabama was part of Georgia until the south-central part was included in Mississippi Territory, whose establishment was authorized by Congress in 1798 and agreed to by Georgia in 1802. In 1804, Mississippi Territory was expanded to include the rest of Alabama except for the Gulf Coast portion, which was added in 1812 although still in dispute with Spain until 1819. Alabama became a territory in 1817, and was admitted as the 22nd State on December 14, 1819 with substantially its present boundaries (Encyclopedia of Alabama, 2018).

Census coverage of Alabama began in 1800, included much of the State by 1820, and added the rest by 1840. The totals for 1800 and 1810 are for areas then in Mississippi Territory. In 1820 the official State total (127,901) did not include the population (16,416) of three counties whose census returns only arrived in Washington in 1822.

Alabama Population History

Like other states across the US, the population of Alabama exploded at the start of the 19th century. Recorded figures from 1800 show the number of residents at just 1,250 but by 1810, that had grown by no less than 623.7% to 9,046.

Further substantial population growth was recorded throughout the 1800s, and although the larger increases had settled down by the start of the next century, growth has continued to be recorded at every following census.

However, in the years between 1990 and 2000, that percentage increase was on the move once again, and at the start of the new millennium, Alabama’s numbers had grown by 10.1% to 4,447,100.

Alabama Population Growth

With regards to Alabama’s natural growth, the state recorded 502,457 births minus 381,403 deaths and an increase in net migration of 104,991 in the years between the 2000 and 2010 Censuses.

Overall, like most of the US, Alabama’s growth has been on a reliable upward trend, but it’s also been a little unremarkable. Further growth at its current rate will bring the population of the state to nearly 5 million by 2020.

Alabama Population Projections

Alabama's population has grown considerably but rather than this being a steady growth, the increase in citizens has been quite variable in recent years. For example, between 1970 and 1980 the population grew by an impressive 13.1% but in the ten years that followed, a mere 3.8% rise was recorded.

Much of this growth can be attributed to the influx of major metropolitan areas, such as the city of Birmingham and the counties of Baldwin (16%), Lee (14%), and Limestone (13%). Jefferson County remains the top populated county with a total current estimate of over 650,000 and a growth rate of .17%.

Alabama has one of the largest populations of African American residents in the United States. With over 26% of the population identifying as black or African American, this state ranks 7th when compared to the other 49 states plus Washington D.C. This large population is a result of slaves that were brought to the region, which was known as the "Black Belt." Following the abolishment of slavery after the Civil War, many African Americans settled in this region to work in agriulture.

Alabama has a very low percentage of residents that identify with two or more races -- accounting for just over 1% of the population. This puts Alabama in 48th place when compared to other states. It also has a lower population of Asians and Hispanics than the majority of other states, while its population of whites and American Indians fall about squarely in the middle when compared to other states. Alabama did, however, see 145% growth in its Hispanic population between the years 2000 and 2010, which led to a total population increase of 27.7% from 2000 to 2009.

While there is a high percentage of white residents, the median age of whites is 41.2 years, according to data from 2010. Hispanics and African Americans have median ages of 24.8 and 32.2 years, respectively, which could indicate a change in future demographics.

• The State Constitution of Alabama is one of the longest in the US, containing over 700 amendments.
• Magnolia Springs, Alabama, has mail delivered by boat and the only all-water mail route in the country.
• Alabama is the largest supplier of steel pipe and cast-iron products, and the state has all of the natural resources needed to make these products.
• Alabama was the 4th state to secede from the Union on January 11, 1861.
• The Unclaimed Baggage Center of Scottsboro is where all unclaimed airline luggage is sent.
• The Saturn V rocket, which was used during the Apollo 11 mission to the moon, was built in Huntsville.
• The first Mardi Gras was originally celebrated when Mobile was founded in 1702. Now, the annual celebration is held in New Orleans, Louisiana.
• The East Gulf Coastal Plain covers two-thirds of the state.
• The state of Alabama has had five capitals throughout its history.