Metro areas in Alabama: income, rent and home values
Alabama has 13 metropolitan areas with annual Census data, led by Birmingham, AL with 1.2 million residents. Household incomes are highest in Huntsville, AL ($90,308). Renters spend the smallest share of income in Anniston, AL (26.0%) and the largest in Auburn, AL (38.1%). The fastest-growing metro since 2021 is Auburn, AL (+17.2%).
| Metro area | Population | Median income | Median rent | Home value | Rent / income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham, AL | 1,197,766 | $75,472 | $1,250 | $282,200 | 31.7% |
| Huntsville, AL | 556,444 | $90,308 | $1,328 | $337,700 | 26.9% |
| Mobile, AL | 411,658 | $63,668 | $1,154 | $218,600 | 30.7% |
| Montgomery, AL | 388,991 | $73,652 | $1,300 | $227,000 | 29.9% |
| Columbus, GA | 330,327 | $59,762 | $1,147 | $216,300 | 32.4% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | 279,150 | $62,730 | $1,124 | $247,300 | 31.3% |
| Daphne, AL | 267,761 | $81,409 | $1,407 | $355,400 | 32.7% |
| Auburn, AL | 207,724 | $66,258 | $1,170 | $291,600 | 38.1% |
| Decatur, AL | 160,326 | $64,316 | $976 | $252,900 | 26.4% |
| Florence, AL | 156,609 | $61,813 | $943 | $228,800 | 29.3% |
| Dothan, AL | 156,266 | $65,208 | $937 | $214,100 | 26.5% |
| Anniston, AL | 115,834 | $56,689 | $904 | $185,900 | 26.0% |
| Gadsden, AL | 103,886 | $63,551 | $763 | $195,100 | 26.2% |
Includes 1 metro area that cross into neighboring states.
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Alabama at a glance
What is the most affordable metro area in Alabama for renters?+
Anniston, AL, where renters spend a median 26.0% of household income on rent (2025 Census data).
Which metro area in Alabama has the highest income?+
Huntsville, AL, with a median household income of $90,308 in 2025.
How many metro areas are in Alabama?+
13 metropolitan statistical areas in Alabama have annual Census estimates (population 65,000+).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 1-year estimates (released September 2026), with 2024 and 2021 for trends. Figures are survey estimates with margins of error; small differences between metros may not be meaningful. Metro areas use the official Metropolitan Statistical Area boundaries. Compiled and analyzed by Metro Research. Methodology.