News Summary
Huntsville has been confirmed as Alabama’s largest city according to a new report by the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama. The city welcomed around 4,100 new residents within a year, while Birmingham’s population has seen a significant decline of over 29,000, dropping it to third place after Mobile. Despite facing its own challenges, Mobile’s population has grown due to annexations. Montgomery’s slight decrease in residents raises questions about data accuracy, while some areas like Brookside have reported notable growth.
Huntsville has officially retained its title as Alabama’s largest city, following a new report released by the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama (PARCA) that highlights significant shifts in population across the state. The city’s growth comes at a time when Birmingham, once the largest city in Alabama, has fallen to third place, having lost over 29,000 residents in 2024.
As of 2024, Huntsville has seen an influx of approximately 4,100 new residents within the past year, solidifying its position as the most populated city in the state. This growth contrasts with trends observed in Birmingham, which has experienced a steep population decline. Despite Birmingham’s extensive history and urban development, it has now been surpassed by Mobile, which has managed to grow its population through neighborhood annexations in 2023, swelling its numbers from fewer than 190,000 residents in 2020 to nearly 210,000.
Mobile, however, faced its own challenges, reporting a loss of 500 residents last year. The city’s mayor, Sandy Stimpson, attributed this decline to issues such as the age of housing and urban blight in certain areas. City officials are actively pursuing investments in affordable housing as part of an effort to revitalize the community and attract new residents.
Meanwhile, Montgomery’s population has decreased by only 289 residents, a trend that Mayor Steven L. Reed questions, citing concerns over the accuracy of PARCA’s data. He has suggested that the city may consider conducting a mid-decade census count. Montgomery has also seen business expansions and new developments, indicating a potential for growth despite the slight population decrease.
In contrast to these declines, some cities have reported notable increases in population. Brookside, located in Jefferson County, experienced the most significant growth in the state, boasting a 13% increase from 2023 to 2024. Other cities such as Foley, Madison, and Athens also reported positive trends, with Madison and Foley adding just over 3,000 new residents each, and Athens increasing its population by more than 1,600. Overall, Alabama’s population grew by approximately 49,000 people between July 2023 and July 2024, reaching around 5.16 million residents.
An encouraging statistic is that every county in the Birmingham metro area has seen population growth for the first time in over a decade. Notably, Limestone County, part of the Huntsville metro area, recorded a commendable growth rate of 3.6% from July 1, 2023, to July 1, 2024.
Conversely, Greene County, found in Alabama’s Black Belt region, reported a 2.4% decline, marking it as the fastest decline in the state. This trend is mirrored in other regions where populations are stagnating or decreasing. However, the Wiregrass and Alabama’s coastal areas, including Baldwin County, have also experienced marked growth and contributed to the positive demographic movement in the state.
In summary, as Huntsville retains its position as Alabama’s largest city, the state as a whole reflects a complex landscape of demographic changes. While certain urban centers grapple with population losses, other areas continue to thrive, highlighting shifting trends that will undoubtedly shape Alabama’s future communities and economic conditions.
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Additional Resources
- Alabama Reflector: Huntsville’s Population Climbing
- Patch: Tuscaloosa Mayor Touts City’s Recent Population Growth
- Yellowhammer News: Alabama’s Population Shifts
- AL.com: Alabama’s Fastest Growing Counties
- Huntsville Business Journal: New Real Estate Office Amid Regional Growth
- Wikipedia: Demographics of Alabama
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Huntsville, Alabama
- Google Search: Alabama Population Growth
- Google Scholar: Alabama City Population Trends
- Google News: Huntsville Alabama Population
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
