Alabama State Population

Home to nearly 5 million residents.

Alabama's population currently hovers around 5.1 million residents, a figure that reflects a complex history of demographic shifts. Following its admission to the Union, the state experienced rapid growth throughout the 19th century, fueled by the expansion of cotton agriculture and, tragically, enslaved labor, reaching over 2 million by the early 20th century. However, the mid-20th century saw significant out-migration, particularly during the Great Migration when many African Americans left the South seeking better opportunities, leading to periods of slower growth or even stagnation for several decades. More recently, Alabama has resumed a modest but steady upward trend, fueled by natural increase (births exceeding deaths) and net in-migration, especially from other U.S. states seeking lower costs of living and job opportunities in sectors like aerospace, automotive, and healthcare, while also experiencing increasing ethnic diversity and an aging population.

Data Source: US Census Bureau