The combined population of Alabama’s cities exceeds 5 million people. There isn’t a single city in Alabama with a population of one million or more, despite the state being the 25th most populous in the US. With more than 200,000 residents, Huntsville is the state’s largest city. Four cities in the state—Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, and Birmingham—have populations of 100,000 or more. Alabama has 58 cities with populations ranging from 10,000 to 100,000.
List of Top 10 Largest Cities in Alabama
- Huntsville
- Birmingham
- Montgomery
- Mobile
- Tuscaloosa
- Hoover
- Auburn
- Dothan
- Madison
- Decatur
1) Huntsville
Huntsville, a major city in northern Alabama, had surpassed Birmingham as the biggest city in the state in 2024. With more than 228,616 citizens, Huntsville’s growth is fueled by its robust employment market, vibrant economy, and high standard of living. Known as “Rocket City,” Huntsville is a center for the defense and aerospace sectors, with the U.S. Army’s Redstone Arsenal and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center acting as important centerpieces.
The city’s successful recruitment of biotechnology enterprises, sophisticated manufacturing companies, and IT startups has strengthened its economic diversification. Professionals and families find it to be a desirable option due to its high median income and comparatively inexpensive cost of living. With sites like the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville Museum of Art, and thriving local music and culinary cultures, Huntsville also has a thriving cultural environment.
The city’s inventive edge has been bolstered by educational institutions such as the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) and its focus on STEM subjects. Great recreational options are also offered by the large parks and greenways, as well as the easy access to the Appalachian foothills. Huntsville’s reputation as a premier Alabama city is further cemented by its well-balanced population, culture, and economic growth.
2) Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, which has a population of over 195,400, is the second biggest and most significant city in the state. Once dubbed the “Magic City” due to its explosive expansion throughout the industrial era, Birmingham has developed into a contemporary city center distinguished by its rich history, thriving culture, and varied economy.
One of the top medical and research universities in the country, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) serves as the city’s main hub for biotechnology and healthcare. Along with promoting innovation and improvements in education, UAB has boosted economic growth. Birmingham’s importance in manufacturing and finance is also maintained by its small enterprises, steel industry, and strong banking system.
Birmingham is a cultural hotspot because of its top-notch institutions, including the Birmingham Museum of Art and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, which commemorates the city’s crucial contribution to the Civil Rights Movement. With options ranging from award-winning BBQ to gourmet dining, its culinary culture is well-known across the country.
Alongside parks like Red Mountain Park and Railroad Park, the city also loves the outdoors and combines green areas with urban living. Birmingham remains an important city in Alabama because of its unique blend of innovation, history, and Southern charm.
3) Montgomery
Montgomery, Alabama, which has a population of about 193,702, is among the biggest and most historically significant places in the state. A center of government, society, and history, Montgomery serves as the state capital and offers a distinctive fusion of contemporary energy and Southern charm.
The Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice, the Rosa Parks Museum, and the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church are just a few of the famous sites in Montgomery, which is well-known for its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. The city’s long history of social development is highlighted by these sites, which attract tourists from all over the world.
Government activities, military facilities like Maxwell Air Force Base, and a burgeoning industrial and technology industry are the main drivers of Montgomery’s economy. Riverfront Park, the Montgomery Biscuits baseball stadium, and a growing cultural scene including the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts are all part of the city’s rebuilt downtown.
The cultural and academic vibrancy of the city is enhanced by educational establishments such as Troy University’s Montgomery campus and Alabama State University. Montgomery’s blend of contemporary construction, heritage, and neighborhood-focused programs guarantees its status as one of Alabama’s top cities.
4) Mobile
Mobile, Alabama, which has a population of over 181,253, is the fourth biggest and fastest-growing city in the state. Mobile, a significant historical, cultural, and economic center on the Gulf Coast, combines Southern customs with the allure of the seaside.
The Port of Mobile, one of the busiest ports in the US, is a vital component of the city’s economy. With the help of businesses like Airbus and Austal USA, it propels industrial growth, commerce, and shipping, especially in the shipbuilding and aerospace industries. The city’s expanding tourist industry is also very important because of its distinctive charms and close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico.
As the origin of Mardi Gras in the United States, Mobile is renowned for its rich historical heritage. With its vibrant parades and rich cultural customs, the yearly Carnival season attracts thousands of tourists. The city is also home to notable sites including the historic Oakleigh District and the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park.
Mobile’s attractiveness to both locals and tourists is guaranteed by cultural establishments including the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, the Mobile Museum of Art, and lively festivals. Mobile’s advantageous location, varied economy, and rich history make it an important Alabama city.
5) Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, which has a population of around 113,711, is the fifth biggest city in the state. The University of Alabama (UA) serves as the center of Tuscaloosa, a thriving fusion of commerce, academics, and Southern charm known as the “Druid City” for its historic oak trees.
The institution serves as the economic and cultural hub of the city, drawing tens of thousands of students each year and bolstering a robust local economy. The impact of UA goes beyond education; it also promotes a vibrant arts and sports culture and stimulates innovation through research projects. Home to the storied Crimson Tide football team, Bryant-Denny Stadium is a representation of the city’s long standing customs and attracts supporters from all across the country.
Tuscaloosa has a diverse economy that includes sectors including manufacturing, medical care, and technology in addition to its academic connections. Among the major employers is the Mercedes-Benz U.S. International factory, which has supported the automotive industry in the area.
With attractions like the Alabama Museum of Natural History, the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk, and a plethora of parks and trails, Tuscaloosa provides a good standard of living. In Alabama, Tuscaloosa stands out due to its unique blend of college enthusiasm, economic expansion, and a friendly community.
6) Hoover
Hoover, Alabama, which has a population of around 92,351, is one of the biggest and most successful cities in the state. Situated just south of Birmingham, Hoover is a highly sought-after city to reside in in Alabama due to its great schools, robust economy, and family-friendly atmosphere.
Built by the Riverchase Galleria, one of the biggest shopping malls in the Southeast, and a flourishing business sector, the city is a center for commerce and retail. Additionally, companies and small businesses have been drawn to it by its advantageous position close to major roads, which has helped to maintain economic growth.
The city has a vast network of parks, such as Veterans Park, which holds social gatherings and leisure pursuits, and Moss Rock Preserve, a popular spot for rock climbing and hiking. The Hoover Metropolitan Complex draws tourists and encourages community involvement by offering spaces for conferences, entertainment, and sports.
Another important asset is education, since the Hoover City Schools are frequently rated as among the best in the state. Hoover’s reputation as one of Alabama’s top cities is cemented by its well-planned communities, low crime rate, and ability to combine metropolitan convenience with suburban peace.
7) Auburn
Auburn, Alabama, which has a population of around 83,684, is among the most populous and growing cities in the state. As “The Loveliest Village on the Plains,” Auburn is well-known for its lively college-town vibe, which is fueled by Auburn University, a preeminent university in research, academics, and athletics.
The city’s beating heart is the university, which draws staff, students, and tourists from all over the world. Its impact goes beyond education; via activities like SEC football games at Jordan-Hare Stadium, it stimulates the neighborhood, supports small companies, and encourages innovation. Auburn is a magnet for development and progress because of its academic and cultural offers.
Auburn’s economy is broad, with robust industries in manufacturing, healthcare, education, and technology. The Auburn Research Park and other businesses, such as car suppliers, provide a thriving labor market and a promising economic environment.
The city is renowned for its excellent standard of living, which combines contemporary conveniences with small-town charm. Locals take pleasure in outdoor areas such as Chewacla State Park and the vast system of greenways and trails. Auburn’s distinctive fusion of history, modernity, and camaraderie guarantees its status as one of Alabama’s top cities.
8) Dothan
Dothan, Alabama, will rank among the biggest cities in the state, home to around 75,000 people. Dothan, sometimes referred to as the “Peanut Capital of the World,” is a major player in Alabama’s agricultural sector and a developing regional center for education, shopping, and tourism in the state’s southeast.
As seen by the National Peanut Festival, which honors the area’s agricultural legacy and welcomes thousands of tourists each year, agriculture continues to play a significant role in Dothan’s identity. The city’s economy has been diversified, nevertheless, with robust healthcare and retail sectors that serve the Wiregrass area with a variety of shopping malls and neighborhood establishments. Southeast Health and Flowers Hospital are the city’s leading healthcare providers.
Dothan has a good standard of living, with good schools, reasonably priced homes, and a friendly sense of community. Outdoor attractions like Landmark Park, which conserves the region’s agricultural past, and the adjacent adventures at the Gulf Coast beaches, which are only a short drive away, are popular with both locals and tourists.
Dothan’s advantageous location close to key highways makes it a transportation crossroads that facilitates economic integration. Dothan’s position as a significant Alabama city is cemented by its unique combination of Southern charm, economic expansion, and community-focused lifestyle.
9) Madison
Madison, Alabama, which has a population of over 60,000, is one of the biggest and fastest-growing cities in the state. Situated in the Huntsville metropolitan region, Madison has the advantages of being close to the rapidly expanding defense, technology, and aerospace sectors, which are concentrated around Redstone Arsenal and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.
One of the greatest locations to live in Alabama is Madison, which is well-known for its excellent standard of living. With its top-notch public schools, notably the nationally acclaimed Madison City School System, the city draws families looking for the best education possible. Madison’s community design is perfect for families and outdoor lovers since it features plenty of parks, well-kept neighborhoods, and recreational spaces like Palmer Park and Dublin Park.
Madison has a varied economy, with a focus on sophisticated manufacturing, engineering, and technology. While retaining its bucolic appeal, the community has developed into a center for professionals employed in Huntsville’s high-tech corridor. Its downtown section, containing boutique stores, eateries, and community activities, gives a friendly small-town ambiance.
10) Decatur
Decatur, Alabama, will be among the biggest cities in the state, home to about 58,000 people. Decatur, also referred to as the “River City,” is home to the Tennessee River and has long been a hub for north Alabama’s manufacturing, transportation, and business sectors.
The city’s industrial foundation forms the backbone of its economy, with industries including logistics, chemical manufacture, and automobile manufacturing playing important roles. Along with the vibrant activity at the Port of Decatur, arguably one of the busiest inland ports in the United States, businesses like United Launch Alliance and Ascend Performance Materials also contribute to Decatur’s economic vibrancy.
Decatur is renowned for its leisure options and scenic surroundings. Wheeler Lake and other wildlife refuges provide great boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities, while Point Mallard Park has year-round activities, including its golf course and water park. The city draws tourists from all across the region with its cultural activities, such as the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Festival.
| Rank | City | Population (2024) |
| 1 | Huntsville | 228,616 |
| 2 | Birmingham | 195,400 |
| 3 | Montgomery | 193,702 |
| 4 | Mobile | 181,253 |
| 5 | Tuscaloosa | 113,711 |
| 6 | Hoover | 92,351 |
| 7 | Auburn | 83,684 |
| 8 | Dothan | 71,317 |
| 9 | Madison | 62,038 |
| 10 | Decatur | 58,512 |
Conclusion
The biggest cities in Alabama—Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, and Tuscaloosa—all have a significant impact on the development, culture, and economics of the state. Birmingham is a financial and cultural center, whereas Huntsville is notable for its tech-driven economy. Mobile prospers as a port city with a robust industrial foundation, while Montgomery, the state capital, has a rich political and historical legacy.
Tuscaloosa, with its university presence, has a bustling college-town ambiance, and Hoover offers suburban comfort near Birmingham. These cities are essential to Alabama’s future growth and success because they provide citizens a variety of cultural experiences in addition to acting as commercial centers.
FAQs
Which Alabama City is the Largest?
In 2024, Huntsville will have 228,616 residents, making it the largest city in Alabama.
Which Alabama City is Expanding at the Quickest Rate?
With an annual growth rate of 10.88% since 2020, Triana has been the fastest-growing city in Alabama for the last four years.
Which 10 Alabama Cities are the Biggest?
Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Hoover, Auburn, Dothan, Madison, and Decatur are Alabama’s ten biggest cities.
What Makes Birmingham So Well-known?
Birmingham was the world’s first industrial town since it was home to the renowned scientists and innovators William Murdoch, James Watt, and Matthew Boulton.
Is it too Expensive to Live in the City of Alabama?
The average cost of living, as per the last data available in Alabama, is $39,657 per year.
