With a population of 215,006 as of 2022, Huntsville is the largest city in northern Alabama and the second largest city in the state after Birmingham. Nicknamed the “Rocket City” due to its history with space and rocket development, Huntsville has seen rapid population growth in recent decades thanks to its thriving aerospace and technology industries.
History
Huntsville was incorporated as a town in 1811 and became an incorporated city in 1812. For the first half of the 19th century, Huntsville remained a small regional town with a population under 2,000. But things began to change in the 1850s and 1860s. The Memphis and Charleston Railroad was constructed linking Huntsville to other major southern cities, cotton textile mills were established, and the population grew to around 3,500 by 1860.
After the Civil War, Huntsville’s population declined to around 3,000 by 1870. But it quickly rebounded as northern capitalists took an interest in the city’s industrial potential. The population reached nearly 5,000 by 1880. The establishment of Huntsville Depot as a center for cotton and textile trade further fueled growth. By 1890, the population was over 7,000.
The early 20th century saw steady but modest population gains, hitting about 11,000 by 1930. It was in the years during and after World War II that Huntsville was truly transformed. The city was selected as the site for Redstone Arsenal in 1941, a major U.S. Army missile development center and rocket testing site. Leading German rocket scientists were brought to Huntsville after the war as part of Operation Paperclip, further cementing the city’s role in rocketry and defense technology.
Major aerospace and technology companies established facilities in Huntsville over the next few decades, causing the population to soar. It reached 72,365 by 1960, 139,282 by 1980, and 186,254 by 2000.
Recent Population Growth
In recent years, Huntsville has been one of the fastest growing major cities in Alabama. Here are some key facts about its recent population growth:
- According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Huntsville had a population of 215,006, making it the largest city in northern Alabama.
- From 2010 to 2020, Huntsville’s population grew by 15.1% or nearly 29,000 new residents.
- Huntsville ranked as the 2nd fastest growing large metro area in Alabama from 2010 to 2020.
- Madison County, home to Huntsville, was the fastest growing county in Alabama over the decade.
- Huntsville’s recent growth has been driven by the continued expansion of high-tech industries and its four military bases.
Huntsville Economy and Major Employers
The Huntsville economy features a large technology and aerospace sector, with major employers including:
- Lockheed Martin – defense, aerospace, and advanced technology company
- The Boeing Company – aerospace and defense technology
- Northrop Grumman – global security and aerospace technology
- Raytheon Technologies – defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions
- L3Harris Technologies – defense contractor and information technology
- ADTRAN – networking and communications technology
- SAIC – solutions for defense, space, intelligence, and critical infrastructure
- Hexagon – design, measurement, and visualization technologies
The University of Alabama Huntsville, Cummings Research Park, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, and Redstone Arsenal are also major anchors of the regional high-tech economy.
Attractions and Tourism
Some of Huntsville’s top attractions drawing in tourists include:
- U.S. Space & Rocket Center – museum with rockets, space memorabilia, and simulated space experiences
- Huntsville Botanical Garden – nature preserve and educational center
- Bridge Street Town Centre – large outdoor shopping mall with restaurants and entertainment
- Burritt on the Mountain – 1950s mansion and farm with educational exhibits
- Monte Sano State Park – 2,000 acre state park with hiking and outdoor recreation
Popular annual events that attract visitors include the Panoply Arts Festival, Concerts in the Park, Huntsville Comic Con, and the Huntsville Christmas Parade.
Sports
For sports fans, Huntsville is home to:
- The Rocket City Trash Pandas – a Minor League Baseball team
- The Huntsville Havoc – a minor league hockey team
- The Huntsville Amphitheater – an outdoor concert stadium that also hosts sports including hockey and soccer
- Several annual sporting events like the Rocketman Triathlon
These professional, college, and amateur sports teams and major event venues provide entertainment for both visitors and residents of Huntsville.
Population Outlook
Huntsville is projected to continue experiencing positive population growth in the 2020s due to its strong economy. Here are some predictions:
- A city economic study estimated Huntsville’s population could approach 300,000 by 2030.
- With more companies like Toyota, Mazda, and Facebook building plants in Huntsville, more jobs will bring more people.
- More commercial space and retail development is planned for the city, including MidCity, a mixed-used district with dining, entertainment, office space and shopping.
- Population growth will likely spill over into outskirts of Madison County as Huntsville becomes more metropolitan.
Huntsville is poised to continue growing thanks to its skilled workforce, high-tech economy, great quality of life, and job opportunities.