Huntsville, AL, August 12, 2025
News Summary
Huntsville is nearing a population of 250,000 residents, having experienced significant growth of over 34,000 residents in the past five years. This surge is driven by its appealing job market and cost of living, coupled with robust housing development. The city has added nearly 2,000 housing units in the first half of the year alone. In contrast, other Alabama cities have seen declines in their population, highlighting Huntsville’s unique position as a focal point for new residents and opportunities.
Huntsville is nearing a significant population milestone with an estimated 249,102 residents as of July 1, edging closer to the 250,000 mark. This figure underscores the city’s rapid growth, as it has added over 34,000 new residents in the past five years, which translates to an average of roughly 18 new residents per day.
According to U.S. Census data, Huntsville’s population was recorded at 230,402 at the end of 2024, solidifying its status as Alabama’s largest city. The population growth in Huntsville significantly outstrips that of other major cities in Alabama, such as Birmingham, Mobile, and Montgomery. For instance, while Mobile enjoyed some growth through recent annexations, it still experienced a loss of 500 residents last year. In contrast, Birmingham saw a more substantial decline, losing over 29,000 residents between 2023 and 2024. Montgomery also witnessed a decrease, albeit smaller, with a drop of 289 residents.
The City of Huntsville’s Planning Department provides annual estimates that give city leaders a real-time snapshot of demographic changes, guiding decisions on local development and infrastructure.
Ranked among the top 20 fastest-growing cities in the United States, Huntsville’s growth has become notable across the country. It is among the 100 largest cities, and its appeal is largely driven by a low cost of living, high quality of life, and a robust job market. Much of this growth can be attributed to the significant presence of Redstone Arsenal, which plays a crucial role in the city’s economy.
The city has been proactive in housing development, adding a net total of 1,945 housing units from January to June, bringing the total to 120,904 housing units. Huntsville is on track to exceed 4,000 new housing units by the end of the year, marking its fourth consecutive year of strong housing expansion. Since 2020, over 20,500 new housing units have been introduced to cater to the increasing population, with a noticeable surge in both apartment developments and build-to-rent communities alongside traditional home construction.
During the last year, Huntsville welcomed 4,100 new residents, making it the top city in Alabama for attracting new inhabitants. Neighboring cities have also experienced population growth: Madison and Foley gained over 3,000 residents, while Athens saw an increase of over 1,600 residents.
City leaders, including Mayor Tommy Battle, underscore the importance of effectively managing this growth to ensure a high quality of life for both long-term and newly arrived residents. While certain parts of Alabama, especially in the rural Black Belt region, are experiencing population declines, Huntsville stands out as a beacon of growth and opportunity.
Population Growth Highlights
- Estimated population: 249,102 as of July 1
- Growth over past five years: 34,000 new residents
- Daily average increase: 18 new residents
- Majority in housing development: 1,945 new units added from Jan to Jun
- Total housing units: 120,904
- Projected new units by year end: 4,000+
- New residents last year: 4,100
Context of Population Growth in Alabama
Huntsville’s growth contrasts sharply with other cities in Alabama, such as Mobile, which recorded a population decrease last year, and Birmingham, which lost over 29,000 residents. This disparity highlights the unique economic and social dynamics propelling Huntsville’s continued ascent as a vibrant city within the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Huntsville’s current population?
The estimated population of Huntsville is 249,102 as of July 1, moving toward 250,000 residents.
How much has Huntsville’s population grown recently?
Huntsville has experienced a growth of over 34,000 new residents in the past five years.
Why is Huntsville growing faster than other cities in Alabama?
Huntsville’s growth is attributed to its low cost of living, high quality of life, and a strong job market, particularly due to the presence of Redstone Arsenal.
How many new housing units have been added in Huntsville?
Since January, Huntsville has added 1,945 housing units, with a target of adding over 4,000 by the year’s end.
Which nearby cities are also growing?
Cities like Madison and Foley added over 3,000 new residents, while Athens saw an increase of over 1,600 residents.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Current Population | 249,102 |
| Population Growth (Last 5 Years) | 34,000 new residents |
| Daily Average Growth | 18 residents |
| New Housing Units (Jan to Jun) | 1,945 |
| Total Housing Units | 120,904 |
| Projected New Housing Units (Year End) | 4,000+ |
| New Residents (Last Year) | 4,100 |
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Additional Resources
- Alabama Reflector: Huntsville’s Population Study
- Wikipedia: Huntsville, Alabama
- AL.com: Huntsville’s Population Surge
- Google Search: Huntsville Alabama Population Growth
- Huntsville Business Journal: Local Hospitals and Population Growth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alabama
- Yellowhammer News: Alabama’s Population Shifts
- Google News: Alabama Population Trends
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.
