Alabama has witnessed substantial growth over the past year, adding nearly 50,000 residents according to newly released Census data. This surge is largely fueled by an influx of out-of-state transplants and is reflective of diverse economic opportunities across the state.
Prominent growth areas include Madison County in north Alabama, which has been experiencing an annual increase of approximately 10,000 people since 2019, driven mainly by economic development in Huntsville. Additionally, Baldwin County, known for its picturesque beaches, has become a popular destination for retirees, welcoming over 8,000 new residents in the past year.
Nyesha Black from the University of Alabama’s Center for Business and Economics Research notes that these regions attract individuals for distinct reasons: while Madison County is pulling in workers drawn by job opportunities, Baldwin County’s appeal lies in its natural beauty and retirement-friendly environment.
According to data analyzed by AL.com from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, Alabama’s population grew by about 1% from 2023 to 2024, a modest increase from approximately 0.7% in previous years, bringing the total population to around 5.16 million.
Despite this demographic upswing, the challenges persist. Deaths have outnumbered births in Alabama since the onset of the pandemic, necessitating reliance on migration for population growth. While about 58,000 births were recorded in 2024, the state also reported over 59,000 deaths in 2023. Consequently, Alabama’s growth is closely tied to migration, with nearly 26,000 people moving into the state from other states and about 16,000 from international destinations.
Jefferson County has seen the highest influx of out-of-state residents, gaining approximately 3,300 newcomers, followed closely by Baldwin County and Montgomery County. This trend underscores the importance of migration for fostering Alabama’s population growth.
As the state expands, its demographic landscape is becoming increasingly diverse. For instance, nearly 315,000 residents now identify as multiracial, and there have been increases in Hispanic, Latino, Black, and Asian communities. In contrast, the white population has seen a slight decline, emphasizing a shift in the state’s demographic makeup.
Looking ahead, experts highlight the necessity for Alabama to maintain its appealing economic climate to attract new residents. Black warns that as immigrant populations wane due to shifting policies and lower birth rates, Alabama must bolster its efforts to draw workers from other states to sustain growth.
In summary, as Alabama experiences positive demographic changes bolstered by migration, it also faces the crucial challenge of fostering economic conditions that continue to attract a diverse and vibrant population. This multifaceted growth story showcases not only the resilience of Alabama’s communities but also the importance of adapting to evolving demographic trends.