Demographics
As of 2023, Jefferson County, AL, has an estimated population of 662,000. The age distribution includes 21% under 18, 60% between 18-64, and 19% aged 65 and older. Females make up approximately 52% of the population, while males account for 48%. Racially, about 47% identify as White, 42% as Black or African American, 4% as Hispanic or Latino, 2% as Asian, and 5% as other or multiracial groups.
Elections
Jefferson County, AL, had over 470,000 registered voters in 2022. Voters participate in local, state, and federal elections, including primaries and general elections. In the 2020 presidential race, 56% voted Democrat and 43% Republican. The county operates 180+ polling locations, overseen by the Board of Registrars and Probate Court. Key issues include education, public safety, and property taxes. Democrats typically dominate Birmingham, while Republicans have strength in suburban areas. Voter registration can be completed online, by mail, or in person, and both parties maintain active local offices to mobilize support and address voter concerns.
Education, Employment and Housing
Jefferson County, AL, has over 55 public high schools and several private institutions, with a high school graduation rate of about 89%. Around 30% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Niche scores the county’s school district a B+, highlighting solid academics and diverse programs, including AP and career tech. School safety initiatives include resource officers and security upgrades. Educational programs focus on STEM and workforce readiness, enhancing opportunities for approximately 10,000 high school students. Adult education centers offer GED and vocational training to support continued learning.
As of 2023, Jefferson County, AL, has an employment rate of approximately 59%. Key industries include healthcare and social assistance (23%), retail trade (12%), and educational services (11%). Leading occupation types are office and administrative support (13%), management (10%), and sales (9%). Most residents (about 82%) commute by car, with a mean travel time of 25 minutes. Employment is concentrated in Birmingham, the county seat, which serves as a major hub for jobs in healthcare, education, and services.
Jefferson County, AL, has a homeownership rate of about 62%, with a median home value around $195,000 as of 2023. The median rent is approximately $1,200 per month. Property values have risen roughly 5% year-over-year. Housing types range from historic bungalows in Birmingham neighborhoods like Crestwood and Avondale to suburban single-family homes in Hoover and Vestavia Hills. The average property tax rate is 0.54% of assessed value, among the lowest in the nation. Up-and-coming areas include Homewood and Trussville, known for strong schools and community amenities.
County Crime & Safety
Jefferson County, AL, reported a crime rate of 41.1 per 1,000 residents in 2023, higher than the national average. Violent crimes, including assault and robbery, accounted for 5.6 per 1,000, while property crimes, such as burglary and theft, made up 35.5 per 1,000. Crime reports are submitted to local law enforcement and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, ensuring data transparency. Police have increased patrols in high-risk areas, but residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity and participate in neighborhood watch programs to help improve safety levels.
Popular names
- James Williams
- Michael Smith
- James Smith
- William Smith
- Mary Smith
- John Smith
- Michael Jones
- Robert Smith
- David Smith
- Michael Johnson
- Charles Smith
- James Johnson
- Michael Williams
- James Jones
- David Johnson
- James Brown
- James Davis
- Robert Jones
- David Jones
- Mary Johnson
- Mary Williams
- Mary Jones
- Jason Smith
- James Thomas
- Michael Davis
- Christopher Smith
- Robert Johnson
- Jennifer Smith
- Robert Williams
- William Jones
- Christopher Jones
- John Williams
- William Johnson
- Ashley Smith
- John Brown
- Mary Davis
- James Harris
- William Brown
- John Davis
- Linda Smith
- William Davis
- Elizabeth Smith
- John Johnson
- Ashley Johnson
- Mary Thomas
- Michael Brown
- Angela Smith
- Patricia Smith
- Christopher Brown
- David Williams
- James Taylor
- James White
- Sarah Smith
- Angela Williams
- James Moore
- Matthew Smith
- Jennifer Williams
- John White
- Joshua Jones
- Anthony Williams
Other Counties in Alabama
- Autauga
- Baldwin
- Barbour
- Bibb
- Blount
- Bullock
- Butler
- Calhoun
- Chambers
- Cherokee
- Chilton
- Choctaw
- Clarke
- Clay
- Cleburne
- Coffee
- Colbert
- Conecuh
- Coosa
- Covington
- Crenshaw
- Cullman
- Dale
- Dallas
- De Kalb
- Elmore
- Escambia
- Etowah
- Fayette
- Franklin
- Geneva
- Greene
- Hale
- Henry
- Houston
- Jackson
- Lamar
- Lauderdale
- Lawrence
- Lee
- Limestone
- Lowndes
- Macon
- Madison
- Marengo
- Marion
- Marshall
- Mobile
- Monroe
- Montgomery