Moving to Alabama statistics (2024 data)

How many people move to Alabama?

Approximately 119,421 people moved to Alabama in 2023, while 99,663 moved out. This represents a net gain of 19,758 residents. The state received approximately 99 movers per day between 2022 and 2023, significantly more than neighboring Mississippi but less than other states in the Deep South like Georgia and South Carolina.

Alabama has been growing in popularity among domestic migrants. According to a recent ConsumerAffairs study based on a sample of 143,506 ConsumerAffairs.com users who expressed an interest in moving between January 2023 and March 2024, Alabama ranked as the seventh most desired state to move to.

Top 5 cities that people moved to in Alabama

Alabama ranks as the 20th best U.S. state to move to in 2024, according to weighted data on factors like affordability and quality of life. While the state ranked as one of the least desirable to move to in years past, the growing tech industry and other opportunities have attracted many movers in recent years. By the summer of 2025, SpaceFactory — a major space and terrestrial construction technology company — will relocate its headquarters to Huntsville.

People moving to the Heart of Dixie are choosing a diverse set of locations, including major cities and smaller towns. Tuscaloosa attracted the most new residents, adding 11,710 (11.8% growth) between 2020 and 2023. Huntsville attracted a similar number, at 10,444 new residents. However, the city's larger population equates to smaller population growth. Athens and Foley saw the highest population growth as the result of domestic migration, each increasing their local numbers by over 21%.

The top five Alabama cities people moved to between 2020 and 2023 are as follows:

Why do people move to Alabama?

From rich forests and the stunning Golf Coast to growing cities and job opportunities, there are many reasons why people move to Alabama. Migration is generally split between older retirees and younger job seekers. The Cotton State is ranked third for states where Social Security goes the furthest, making it an affordable destination for retirees.

Affordability is also a factor for younger job seekers, especially when combined with the growing tech industry and other opportunities. The largest industries in the state are trade, transportation, and utilities, government, and manufacturing. Collectively, these industries employ 50.5% of nonfarm workers. The fastest-growing industry in the state is construction, growing by 6.1% between July 2023 and July 2024.

Alabama housing statistics

With a median rent price of $1,345.38 and a median home sale price of $271,800, Alabama renters and homeowners can expect to pay a significant 35.3% less than the national median for housing.

Alabama also has the second lowest property tax rate in the U.S. at 0.4%. The tax rate here is less than half that of North Carolina, which offers the 19th lowest property taxes. In 2021, the average property owner in Alabama’s Tuscaloosa County paid $665 in annual property taxes. The most expensive country is Shelby County, where residents paid an average of $1,167, while the most affordable county is Choctaw County, where residents paid as little as $200 that same year.

Cost-of-living statistics in Alabama

Alabama’s cost-of-living index is 88.8, making it the fifth most affordable state in the union. Gas prices are also less than the national average ($3.26) at $3.09 per gallon. This is the case despite the low oil and gas production compared to states like Texas. However, Alabama only ranks as the 33rd most green state, partly due to high carbon emissions from the large manufacturing industry.

Though Alabama does have a lower-than-average cost of living, the state’s median household income is $58,275. That means the typical household here earns 22.7% less than the national median of $75,358. Luckily, unemployment is also lower (2.9%) than the national average (4.2%).

Overall, Alabama boasts one of the lowest living costs in the country but with a much lower-than-average median household income. Would-be residents should budget carefully and be mindful of the job opportunities available.

Who lives in Alabama?

An estimated 5,108,468 people live in Alabama as of 2023, making it the 24th largest state in terms of population. This represents a population increase of 34,565 people compared to 2022.

Alabama’s population skews female, with women accounting for 51.5% and men accounting for 48.5% of residents. In 2023, approximately 2.63 million Alabama residents were female, and 2.48 million were male.

On average, Alabama’s population is also slightly older (39.5 years old) than the U.S. average of 38.9 years. The largest age demographic in the state is those between 45 and 64 years old, accounting for 25.5% of the population. This demographic is just slightly higher than the share of those between 25 and 44 years old, who account for 24.9% of the population.

White residents account for the largest share of Alabama residents, representing 68.9% of the population (3.52 million people). The state also has one of the largest Black populations in the U.S., representing 26.6% of the population (about 1.36 million people). This is followed by a much smaller share of Hispanic and Asian residents, who account for 5.7% and 1.6% of the population, respectively.

Tips for moving to Alabama

Not sure how to start your move to Alabama? Consider these step-by-step moving tips:

1. Understand the cost of living

With low property taxes, inexpensive housing and the fifth lowest cost of living, Alabama is one of the most affordable states in the nation. However, expenses will still vary by region. For example, you can expect the cost of living in the suburbs of Birmingham to be far higher than in the state’s rural regions. Additionally, Alabama’s low median household income may impact your overall affordability based on your career. To get a bigger picture of the cost of living in your new area, we recommend visiting Alabama.gov for more information.

2. Learn about the job market

With growing aerospace, manufacturing and technology industries, Alabama offers a lot of potential for job seekers. Huntsville, unofficially known as “Rocket City,” is a major hub for aerospace and technology jobs, while rural portions of the state often specialize in manufacturing or agriculture. However, you should also be prepared for lower salaries, as Alabama has one of the lower median household incomes nationwide. Before moving, explore job opportunities in your field through online job boards and state resources like the Alabama Department of Labor website.

3. Prepare for the humid climate

Alabama's humid subtropical climate might entail mild winters, but it also means humid, buggy summers. In summer, heavy rainfall is common, and temperatures regularly climb into the 90s. Prepare yourself by investing in breathable, waterproof clothing, as well as a home with adequate cooling systems. Stay informed about weather patterns and severe weather warnings through the National Weather Service.

4. Understand transportation options

Major hubs like Birmingham and Montgomery offer buses and some other public transportation options, but most of Alabama is car dependent. If you’re relocating to a rural area, owning a personal vehicle will be essential for travel. To familiarize yourself with local traffic patterns, road conditions and the public transportation available to you, visit the Alabama Department of Transportation website.

5. Be aware of natural hazards

Though Alabama has a small coastline, its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico means hurricanes and flooding are always a risk. Hurricane season here runs from June through November. Tornadoes have also become increasingly common, especially during spring. Choose your home carefully and find out how you can prepare for natural disasters through the Alabama Emergency Management Agency website.

6. Embrace the culture and history

Known as the Heart of Dixie, Alabama offers some of the richest Southern culture in the union. From delicious soul food to beautiful landmarks, you can find Southern charm and history everywhere. Whether you're a history buff, foodie or nature enthusiast, Alabama has something to offer everyone.

7. Understand mover quotes and tipping

When moving to Alabama, carefully review and compare moving company quotes. Be sure to account for potential additional fees depending on where you’re relocating to. Tipping movers is customary; a tip of 10% to 20% of the total cost is standard based on the quality of service.