Birmingham City Demographics

As of 2022, Birmingham city in Jefferson County, AL, had a population of about 196,000. The median age was 36.8 years. Gender distribution is roughly 53% female and 47% male. Racially, the city is approximately 68% Black or African American, 24% White, 4% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.4% Asian. Other races and those identifying with two or more races comprise the remainder.

Birmingham City Healthcare

Birmingham, Jefferson County, AL is a regional healthcare hub, home to over 20 hospitals, including UAB Hospital, the state’s largest, and Children’s of Alabama. The city hosts 40+ clinics and federally qualified health centers, serving a diverse population: ~57% Black, 36% White. Leading health issues include hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity; Jefferson County adult obesity rate is 36%. Approximately 89% of residents have health insurance (2022 Census), but disparities persist. Healthcare employment exceeds 35,000, with a patient-provider ratio of ~900:1 for primary care physicians, somewhat better than the Alabama state average.

Birmingham City Housing

Birmingham, Jefferson County, AL, has a homeownership rate of around 54%, with median home values near $105,000 in 2024. Median rent is about $1,050/month. The city features diverse housing types—from historic bungalows in Avondale to newer homes in Crestwood. Popular neighborhoods include Highland Park, Forest Park, and Southside. The property tax rate is approximately 0.65%, making taxes on a $150,000 home about $975 annually. The local market has seen 5% home value appreciation year-over-year. Rental demand remains strong, particularly near UAB and downtown areas.

Education in Birmingham City

Birmingham, in Jefferson County, AL, hosts over 100 public schools, including 7 high schools in Birmingham City Schools. The high school graduation rate is around 78%. About 30% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School ratings average 3-6/10 on GreatSchools. Educational programs range from STEM magnet options to career tech centers. Birmingham also offers robust adult education, including GED and workforce development programs. School safety is a focus, with metal detectors in all public high schools and dedicated school resource officers, contributing to a 70% decrease in major on-campus incidents since 2017.

Transportation in Birmingham City

Birmingham, in Jefferson County, AL, relies heavily on automobiles, with about 87% of commuters driving alone and only 1.2% using public transit (U.S. Census, 2022). The average commute time is approximately 23.2 minutes. Major highways like I-20, I-59, and I-65 form the city's transportation backbone, while the Birmingham-Jefferson Transit Authority operates local buses but serves a small segment. Vehicle ownership is high, with over 90% of households owning at least one car. Key employment hubs include UAB, downtown Birmingham, and the Medical District, sustaining the daily influx of commuters.

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