Birmingham is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Alabama, with a population of 209,403 as of the 2020 census. Located in Jefferson County in central Alabama, Birmingham is the center of the Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan Statistical Area, which had a population of 1,085,330 in 2020, making it the most populous metro area in Alabama.
History
Birmingham was founded in 1871 as the site of the junction for two rail lines and quickly grew into an industrial center for iron and steel production. The city was named after Birmingham, England, the center of that country’s iron industry. Birmingham experienced rapid population growth through the early 20th century as people were drawn to the area for jobs.
Demographics
Birmingham has a diverse population in terms of race, ethnicity, and income. According to the 2020 census, the racial and ethnic makeup of Birmingham was as follows:
- White: 28.5%
- Black or African American: 63.3%
- Hispanic or Latino: 5.0%
- Asian: 2.0%
- Two or more races: 1.8%
The median household income in Birmingham was $37,517 in 2020, compared to the national median of $64,994. About 21.2% of the population lives below the poverty line.
Economy and Major Employers
Historically Birmingham relied on the steel industry and manufacturing for economic growth. While those sectors are still important, the city has worked to diversify its economy around healthcare, banking, education, technology, transportation, and tourism. Some of the major employers in Birmingham are:
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) – Alabama’s largest employer with over 23,000 employees
- BBVA – Multinational bank with a major regional hub in Birmingham
- Birmingham VA Medical Center – Provides care to over 60,000 veterans annually
- Regions Financial Corporation – One of the nation’s largest full-service providers of banking
- Target – Major retailer with a distribution center in Birmingham
- Honda – Automaker with a large manufacturing plant in the area
Healthcare, education, finance, and manufacturing remain pillars of Birmingham’s economy. However, the city has focused on growing other sectors like biotechnology, research, IT, and food services. Law, telecommunications, insurance, and retail also provide many jobs.
Landmarks and Points of Interest
Some of the most popular landmarks and attractions in Birmingham include:
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute – Museum and research center focused on the American Civil Rights Movement, located in the historic A.G. Gaston Building.
- The Hangout – Music venue that hosts concerts and cultural events.
- Birmingham Botanical Gardens – 67 acre garden with over 12,000 different plant species.
- Birmingham Museum of Art – Collection of over 27,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, and drawings.
- Alabama Theatre – Historic theater dating to 1927 and home of the Alabama Ballet.
- Birmingham Zoo – Home to over 950 animals from 230 species.
- USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park – WWII naval battleship turned museum.
Birmingham also has a lively food scene, parks, nature trails, and cultural festivals throughout the year. The city center along with neighborhoods like Avondale, Five Points South, and Lakeview offer great shopping, dining, arts, and nightlife.
Sports
Birmingham is passionate about sports, particularly college football and baseball. The city is home to two major professional sports teams:
- Birmingham Barons – Minor league baseball team, an affiliate of the Chicago White Sox in the Southern League.
- Birmingham Iron – Professional football team in the Alliance of American Football league.
Legion Field stadium hosts the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Blazers football team. Other popular college teams in the area include Alabama Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers football.
Government
Birmingham has a mayor-council form of government. The mayor serves as the chief executive while the nine-member city council acts as the legislative body. Some of the city’s government departments and services include:
- Mayor’s Office
- City Council
- Police Department
- Fire and Rescue Service
- Public Transit
- Public Works
- Parks and Recreation
The city government is focused on issues like public safety, education, economic development, neighborhood revitalization, sustainability, and better city services.
Living in Birmingham
Birmingham offers an affordable cost of living compared to other major U.S. cities. Housing options range from urban apartments to single-family homes in the suburbs. Public and private schools serve the city, along with institutions of higher education like University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
Residents enjoy access to the metro area’s job market along with cultural amenities like museums, music venues, performing arts, and parks. Birmingham has a rich culinary scene with award-winning chefs and restaurants. There are family-friendly attractions like the zoo, McWane Science Center, and Railroad Park.
Transportation options include a major airport, public transit, Amtrak, and interstate highways. The mild climate brings warm summers and mild winters. Birmingham offers an excellent quality of life with southern charm and urban energy.
Population Outlook
Birmingham’s population peaked in 1960 at around 340,887 residents. It then declined each census year from 1970 to 2010 due to suburbanization and economic shifts. The 2020 census marked the first population increase in Birmingham since the 1960s, reflecting renewed growth and investment.
Estimates show Birmingham’s population bouncing back and projected to reach 225,000 by 2040. Ongoing revitalization efforts, combined with the city’s affordability, job market, and amenities point toward an upward trend. Birmingham is poised to grow in diversity and economy, cementing its role as the heart of Alabama.