Huntsville AL Population in 2025 | Statistics & Facts

Population in Huntsville AL 2025

Huntsville, Alabama has transformed into one of America’s most dynamic metropolitan areas, experiencing unprecedented growth that places it among the nation’s fastest-expanding cities. As the largest city in Alabama, Huntsville AL population 2025 reflects a remarkable surge in residents drawn by aerospace innovation, technology opportunities, and exceptional quality of life. The city’s strategic location in northern Alabama, combined with major employers like NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and Redstone Arsenal, continues to attract professionals, families, and businesses from across the United States.

The city’s population trajectory showcases consistent upward momentum that began accelerating dramatically after 2010. Between the 2020 Census and July 1, 2025, Huntsville welcomed approximately 34,000 new residents, translating to roughly 18 people choosing Huntsville as their new home every single day. This sustained growth pattern demonstrates the city’s ability to maintain its appeal while managing expansion through strategic urban planning, infrastructure development, and community investment that preserves livability even as population numbers climb steadily higher.

Interesting Stats & Facts About Huntsville AL Population 2025

Data Source: City of Huntsville Planning Department, U.S. Census Bureau, Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

The numbers tell a compelling story of transformation. Huntsville’s population of 249,102 as of July 1, 2025 represents a dramatic increase from the 215,006 residents counted during the 2020 Census. This 15.9% growth rate over five years substantially outpaces both state and national averages, positioning Huntsville among the top 20 fastest-growing cities in the entire United States out of 346 cities with populations exceeding 100,000 people. The city’s expansion has been so significant that it now spans four counties—Madison, Limestone, Marshall, and Morgan—making it the only municipality in Alabama with such geographic reach.

The metropolitan statistical area surrounding Huntsville encompasses approximately 542,000 residents, creating a substantial regional economic hub that extends well beyond city limits. Population density has increased to 1,093.64 people per square mile in 2025, up from 974.11 per square mile in 2020, reflecting both population growth and strategic annexation efforts. The city’s housing stock has expanded proportionally, with 120,904 housing units now available, representing an increase of more than 20,500 units since 2020—demonstrating responsive development that accommodates incoming residents while maintaining housing availability across various price points and neighborhood types.

Historical Population Growth in Huntsville AL 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau Decennial Census, City of Huntsville Planning Department Annual Estimates

Huntsville’s population history reveals fascinating patterns of growth tied directly to economic development and federal investment. The 2010 to 2020 decade brought 34,901 additional residents, marking a 19.4% increase that established momentum continuing into the current decade. The 2000s initially showed modest growth after a slight population dip in the 1990s, but the recovery accelerated dramatically as aerospace and technology sectors expanded. Between 1980 and 2025, Huntsville’s population increased by 106,589 people, representing 74.8% growth over 45 years—an average annual increase of approximately 2,369 residents that has accelerated significantly in recent years.

The 2020 to 2025 period stands out as particularly remarkable, with the 15.9% increase occurring over just five years rather than the typical 10-year census cycle. This acceleration reflects multiple converging factors including technology sector expansion, aerospace industry growth, quality educational institutions, relatively affordable cost of living compared to coastal technology hubs, and strategic city planning that has maintained livability while accommodating rapid expansion. The annual growth rate of 1.33% substantially exceeds Alabama’s statewide growth rate and positions Huntsville as the clear population leader among Alabama’s major metropolitan areas, surpassing both Birmingham and Mobile in total residents.

Age Demographics in Huntsville AL 2025

Data Source: American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates, U.S. Census Bureau

Huntsville’s age distribution reveals a community dominated by working-age adults and young professionals, with 43.05% of residents falling between 30 and 64 years old. This substantial working-age population supports the city’s thriving aerospace, technology, defense, and research sectors while contributing to a vibrant economy with strong consumer spending and tax revenue generation. The median age of 36.4 years positions Huntsville as notably younger than Alabama’s statewide median of 39.6 years, reflecting the city’s appeal to younger workers drawn by career opportunities in high-technology industries and research institutions.

The 24.22% of residents aged 15 to 29 years includes college students attending the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Alabama A&M University, and other local institutions, along with young professionals beginning careers in engineering, technology, and scientific fields. This demographic cohort ensures continued economic vitality and innovation while supporting the city’s cultural scene, entertainment venues, and retail sectors. Children under 15 years comprise 16.24% of the population, indicating healthy family formation and suggesting continued demand for quality schools, parks, recreational facilities, and family-oriented services that the city has prioritized in its growth strategy.

Racial and Ethnic Composition in Huntsville AL 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2020 Census, American Community Survey 2019-2023 Estimates

Huntsville’s racial and ethnic diversity reflects its evolution from a traditional Southern city into a cosmopolitan technology hub attracting residents from across America and around the world. The White population at 58.41% represents a slight decrease from historical levels as the city becomes increasingly diverse through migration patterns driven by employment opportunities in aerospace, defense contracting, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing sectors. The African American community at 29.73% maintains strong historical roots in Huntsville, with significant contributions to the city’s culture, economy, and civic life through institutions like Alabama A&M University and established neighborhoods with deep community connections.

The Hispanic or Latino population, ranging between 7.75% and 8.1% depending on measurement methodology, represents one of Huntsville’s fastest-growing demographic segments. This community expansion reflects both domestic migration and international immigration attracted by employment opportunities, with growing support infrastructure including Spanish-language services, cultural organizations, and businesses serving Hispanic residents. The Asian population at approximately 2.6% includes professionals employed by technology companies, research institutions, and engineering firms, along with students and faculty at local universities. This demographic typically features high educational attainment and median incomes, contributing significantly to the city’s knowledge economy and innovation sectors.

Economic and Income Characteristics in Huntsville AL 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, Federal Reserve Economic Data, Data USA

Huntsville’s economic profile demonstrates remarkable strength with a median household income of $70,778, positioning residents approximately 20% above Alabama’s state median of $62,027 and reflecting the prevalence of high-skilled, well-compensated employment in aerospace, technology, engineering, and defense sectors. The average household income of $101,671 significantly exceeds the median, indicating substantial numbers of high-earning households in professional and technical occupations, particularly those employed by NASA, Redstone Arsenal, defense contractors, and technology companies concentrated in Cummings Research Park, the nation’s second-largest research park.

Per capita income of $49,064 substantially exceeds Alabama’s state average, demonstrating widespread economic prosperity extending beyond household measures. The poverty rate of 13.83%, while still representing significant needs within the community, remains lower than many comparable Southern cities and reflects Huntsville’s strong employment base providing family-sustaining wages. Employment growth of 3.02% between 2022 and 2023 added approximately 7,000 jobs, with total employment reaching 248,000 positions across diverse sectors including Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (35,569 employees), Manufacturing (35,348 employees), and Health Care & Social Assistance (29,264 employees).

Housing Market Dynamics in Huntsville AL 2025

Data Source: City of Huntsville Planning Department, U.S. Census Bureau, Point2Homes Market Data

Huntsville’s housing market demonstrates robust expansion matching population growth, with 120,904 total housing units available as of 2025, representing an increase of 20,513 units since the 2020 Census count of 100,391 units. This represents the fourth consecutive year of historically high housing development, with the city on track to add more than 4,000 new housing units during 2025 alone. Between January and June 2025, developers added a net total of 1,945 housing units, maintaining momentum despite slight moderation from previous record-breaking years. This sustained construction activity ensures adequate housing supply for incoming residents while supporting construction employment and property tax revenue.

The homeownership rate of 58.1% indicates that most Huntsville households own their residences, promoting neighborhood stability and long-term community investment. The 41.9% renter-occupied percentage supports a healthy rental market serving young professionals, students, military personnel assigned to Redstone Arsenal, and residents preferring rental flexibility. The 8.3% vacancy rate suggests balanced market conditions—sufficient availability without excessive oversupply that could indicate market weakness. Median home values of $265,000 remain substantially below national averages, providing affordability advantages over coastal technology hubs while still reflecting appreciation from growing demand and new construction incorporating modern amenities and energy-efficient features.

Educational Attainment in Huntsville AL 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023, Census Reporter

Huntsville’s educational profile reveals an exceptionally well-educated population reflecting the knowledge economy driving the city’s growth. An impressive 92.0% of residents aged 25 and older have completed high school or higher education, exceeding Alabama’s statewide rate of 89.1% and approaching levels typically found in major metropolitan areas. More remarkably, 47.7% of adults hold bachelor’s degrees or higher education credentials—substantially exceeding the national average and more than 1.5 times Alabama’s statewide rate of 28.9%. This concentration of college-educated residents directly supports aerospace, engineering, biotechnology, and technology sectors requiring advanced knowledge and technical skills.

The 17.7% of residents holding graduate or professional degrees represents exceptional concentration of advanced education, supporting research institutions, universities, and companies requiring specialized expertise in fields like aerospace engineering, computer science, physics, and biological sciences. The 24.8% with bachelor’s degrees alone indicates substantial numbers of professionals in business, education, healthcare, and technical fields contributing to the city’s diverse economy. Even among residents without four-year degrees, 25.1% have some college education and 6.9% hold associate degrees, demonstrating widespread educational engagement supporting technical positions, skilled trades, and professional services requiring post-secondary training without requiring traditional four-year university programs.

Employment Sectors in Huntsville AL 2025

Data Source: Data USA Employment Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey

Huntsville’s employment landscape showcases remarkable concentration in knowledge-based industries, with Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services employing 35,569 people, making it the city’s largest sector. This category encompasses aerospace engineering firms, defense contractors, software development companies, research laboratories, and consulting services supporting NASA, Redstone Arsenal, and private technology companies concentrated in Cummings Research Park. This employment concentration drives high median incomes, attracts educated workers from across the nation, and generates innovation contributing to continued economic growth and business formation within the technology ecosystem.

Manufacturing employs 35,348 workers, reflecting Huntsville’s substantial industrial base producing aerospace components, defense systems, automotive parts, and advanced technology products. This sector combines traditional manufacturing with cutting-edge production techniques, robotics, and advanced materials science. Health Care & Social Assistance provides 29,264 jobs through hospitals, medical practices, research facilities, home health services, and social services organizations serving the growing population. Major healthcare employers include Huntsville Hospital Health System, specialty medical practices, and emerging biotechnology companies commercializing medical discoveries from local research institutions. The 3.02% employment growth between 2022 and 2023 added approximately 7,000 positions, demonstrating continued economic expansion supporting population growth through job creation across diverse sectors.

Metropolitan Area Population Trends in Huntsville AL 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Federal Reserve Economic Data, City of Huntsville

The Huntsville Metropolitan Statistical Area encompasses approximately 542,000 residents spread across multiple counties, creating a regional economic hub substantially larger than the city’s municipal population. This broader metropolitan definition captures the economic integration of surrounding communities whose residents commute to Huntsville for employment, shopping, healthcare, and entertainment while residing in adjacent jurisdictions. Madison County, with approximately 412,600 residents, contains the vast majority of Huntsville’s municipal area and serves as the urban core, housing NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, Redstone Arsenal, downtown Huntsville, and major commercial districts.

Huntsville has strategically expanded through annexation, adding territory in Limestone County to the west (21.5 square miles in the early 2000s), Morgan County to the south (1.03 square miles in 2018), and most recently Marshall County near Hobbs Island (over 1,000 acres in 2025). These expansions make Huntsville the only municipality in Alabama located in four counties, enabling the city to capture tax revenue from growing commercial and residential development while extending city services to previously unincorporated areas. The city now measures 32.1 miles from its easternmost to westernmost points and 25.67 miles from north to south, giving it the 29th largest land area among American cities with populations exceeding 100,000 residents.

Population Density and Urban Development in Huntsville AL 2025

Data Source: City of Huntsville Planning Department, AreaVibes Demographics

Population density of 1,093.64 people per square mile in 2025 represents substantial increase from the 974.11 per square mile recorded in 2020, reflecting faster population growth than territorial expansion despite continued annexation. This density level creates urban characteristics supporting public transportation, walkable neighborhoods, diverse retail options, and concentrated amenities while remaining substantially less dense than major metropolitan areas in the Northeast or West Coast. The density is 839% higher than Alabama’s statewide average, demonstrating Huntsville’s urban character compared to the predominantly rural state landscape.

The city’s development pattern combines urban core neighborhoods near downtown with extensive suburban development featuring single-family homes, shopping centers, and office parks. Recent planning initiatives emphasize “smart growth” principles incorporating mixed-use developments, pedestrian-friendly design, park networks, and infrastructure investments supporting quality of life as population increases. The 227.77 square miles of total land area provides substantial room for continued development while presenting challenges for efficient public services delivery, transportation infrastructure, and maintaining neighborhood character as infill development intensifies in established areas. Strategic annexation continues adding territory ahead of development, enabling the city to guide growth patterns through zoning, building codes, and infrastructure planning.

Migration Patterns and Population Sources in Huntsville AL 2025

Data Source: PopulationU, U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023

Migration patterns reveal Huntsville attracts residents from across America and internationally, with approximately 42.6% of native-born residents originating from states other than Alabama. This substantial interstate migration reflects career opportunities drawing professionals from other regions, military transfers to Redstone Arsenal, university students who remain after graduation, and families seeking affordable living costs with urban amenities. The foreign-born population of 13,274 includes professionals recruited by aerospace companies, international students, refugees resettled through federal programs, and immigrants drawn by employment opportunities and family connections.

Among foreign-born residents, 2,552 originate from Asia, 1,574 from Africa, 1,061 from Latin America, 699 from Europe, and 166 from Northern America (primarily Canada), reflecting global recruitment by technology and aerospace employers. The 54.8% of residents born in Alabama provides stability and community continuity while the diverse migration sources create cultural richness, entrepreneurial energy, and global connections benefiting the local economy. The steady influx of approximately 18 new residents daily sustains economic growth, supports new business formation, generates tax revenue funding city services, and creates vibrant neighborhoods welcoming newcomers into the community.

Gender Distribution in Huntsville AL 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, PopulationU, Point2Homes Demographics

Huntsville’s gender distribution closely mirrors national patterns, with females comprising approximately 51-52% of the population and males representing 48-49%. This slight female majority appears consistent across most age groups, with more pronounced differences in older age cohorts where women’s longer life expectancy creates larger gender gaps. The male median age of 35.4 years compared to female median age of 37.9 years reflects both biological factors and possible differences in migration patterns, with younger male workers potentially more likely to relocate for employment opportunities in engineering and technology sectors traditionally male-dominated.

Among voters, the gender gap appears somewhat larger, with females representing approximately 53.4% of the voting-age population and males comprising 46.6%. This difference may reflect both demographic patterns and voter registration rates. The relatively balanced gender distribution supports diverse perspectives in community planning, ensures adequate services for both male and female residents, and creates inclusive environments in workplaces, schools, and civic institutions. As Huntsville continues growing, maintaining gender equity in employment opportunities, public safety, healthcare access, and community services remains important for supporting all residents regardless of gender identity.

Huntsville’s population trajectory suggests continued robust growth through the remainder of the 2020s decade and into the 2030s, driven by sustained aerospace sector expansion, technology company growth, quality of life advantages, and strategic economic development initiatives. The recent announcement that United States Space Command headquarters will relocate to Huntsville from Colorado Springs promises substantial additional employment growth, with military personnel, civilian employees, contractors, and support services generating thousands of new jobs attracting more residents. This federal commitment reinforces Huntsville’s position as America’s premier center for space technology, defense systems, and aerospace engineering, attracting additional private investment and talented professionals to the region.

Demographic projections suggest Huntsville could surpass 260,000 residents by 2027-2028 if current growth rates continue, potentially reaching 275,000-300,000 people by the early 2030s. This expansion will require continued infrastructure investment in roads, utilities, schools, and public services while maintaining the quality of life attributes that make Huntsville attractive. City planners emphasize “smart growth” strategies incorporating diverse housing options, mixed-use development, park networks, and walkable neighborhoods rather than simply accommodating sprawl. The challenge facing city leaders involves balancing growth’s economic benefits with preserving community character, managing traffic congestion, maintaining school quality, and ensuring affordable housing remains available across income levels as demand intensifies and property values continue appreciating.

Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.

Email ID:

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Email

Email *

SUBSCRIBE