Cherokee, AL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,120
5.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$50,815/yr
-6.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
481
6.0% year-over-year change

Cherokee population

How many people live in Cherokee

Cherokee is home to 1,120 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.3% of Cherokee locals are male, and 46.7% are female.

Total population
1,120
5.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.3%
597
Female
46.7%
523
Value Percent YoY change
Male 597 53.3% 10.3%
Female 523 46.7% 1.0%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Cherokee is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 24.2% are children under 15, then 11.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22% of the population, while another 18% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
24.2%
15 to 24
11.3%
25 to 44
22%
45 to 64
18%
Over 65
24.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 271 24.2% 21.5%
15 to 24 127 11.3% 9.5%
25 to 44 246 22% 18.3%
45 to 64 201 18% -30.2%
Over 65 275 24.6% 22.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Cherokee, 97.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 8.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.7%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,090 97.3% 5.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 30 2.7% 42.9%
Racial breakdown
White
70.4%
Black or African American
16%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.8%
Other
4.7%
Value Percent
White 788 70.4%
Black or African American 179 16%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2 0.2%
Two or more races 98 8.8%
Other 53 4.7%

Households in Cherokee

A peek inside Cherokee households

Cherokee has 435 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 74% are families, while the remaining 26% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
435
4.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
113
Family households
322
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 113 26% 32.9%
Family households 322 74% -2.7%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Cherokee

The housing landscape of Cherokee

Cherokee's housing consists of 481 units, with 85.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 5.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
481
6.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 412 85.6%
1 unit, attached 2 0.4%
2 units 4 0.8%
3 or 4 units 20 4.2%
5 to 9 units 17 3.5%
Mobile home 26 5.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cherokee

In Cherokee, the median construction year is 1965. About 8.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 41 8.5% 20.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 29 6% 141.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 107 22.2% 4.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 135 28.1% -4.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 71 14.8% 0.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 28 5.8% 7.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 35 7.3% -10.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 18 3.7% 200.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 17 3.5% -26.1%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Cherokee occupancy rates

Out of the 435 occupied housing units in Cherokee, 70.6% are owner-occupied, while 29.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
435
4.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
128
Owner occupied
307
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 128 29.4% 17.4%
Owner occupied 307 70.6% 0.0%
Unoccupied housing units
9.6%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Cherokee housing costs

Housing costs in Cherokee come to a median of $574 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $902.

Median housing costs per month
$574/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Cherokee
$902/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Cherokee

Cherokee education at a glance

About 54% of the population in Cherokee went to high school, while 22.1% pursued college studies. Another 7.7% earned an associate degree and 8.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 15 1.8% 66.7%
High school diploma 440 54% 6.5%
College diploma 180 22.1% -12.6%
Associate degree 63 7.7% 14.6%
Bachelor's degree 72 8.8% 9.1%
Graduate degree 44 5.4% -29.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Cherokee

How much people earn in Cherokee

The average annual household income in Cherokee was $56,978 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -6.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $50,815, reflecting a -6.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Cherokee
$56,978/year
-6.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cherokee
$50,815/year
-6.1% year-over-year change

Cherokee income by age

In Cherokee, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $66,429. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $50,481 overall. Overall, 79.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $66,429 0.3%
45 - 64 $50,481 -13.9%
Over 65 $40,000 8.1%
Above poverty level
869
Below poverty level
229
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 869 79.1% 4.3%
Below poverty level 229 20.9% 4.6%

Average renter income in Cherokee

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Cherokee, their median household income was $31,923 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$31,923
Rent-to-income ratio
33.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Cherokee

Workforce and job types in Cherokee

The job market in Cherokee is powered by 357 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 61.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 38.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.2% run their own businesses, 79% are employed by private companies, and 10.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
357
-14.8% year-over-year change
White collar
219
Blue collar
138
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 219 61.3% -22.3%
Blue collar 138 38.7% 0.7%
Employer type
Self employees
9.2%
Private companies
79%
Governmental workers
10.9%
Not for profit companies
0.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 33 9.2% 0.0%
Private companies 282 79% -6.9%
Governmental workers 39 10.9% -49.4%
Not for profit companies 3 0.8% -50.0%
Unemployment rate
6.3%
140.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Cherokee stands at 6.3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Cherokee

How people get around in Cherokee

Commuting methods vary: 96.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 337 96.6% -14.0%
Walk 5 1.4% -44.4%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Cherokee by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
35616 3,731 1,514 $48,720 $62,660

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FAQs about Cherokee demographics 

What is the total population of Cherokee?

Cherokee has a total population of 1,120 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +5.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Cherokee?

The gender ratio in Cherokee is as follows:
  • 53.3% males (597 residents)
  • 46.7% females (523 residents)

What is the median age in Cherokee?

The median age in Cherokee is 36.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Cherokee?

The age distribution in Cherokee is as follows:
  • Under 15: 24.2% (271 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.3% (127 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22% (246 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 18% (201 residents)
  • Over 65: 24.6% (275 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cherokee?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cherokee is as follows:
  • White: 70.4% (788 residents)
  • Black or African American: 16% (179 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (2 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.8% (98 residents)
  • Other: 4.7% (53 residents)

What percentage of the population in Cherokee are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.3% of the population in Cherokee.

How many housing units are there in Cherokee?

There are 481 housing units in Cherokee, reflecting a +6.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Cherokee and what is the average household size?

Cherokee has a total of 435 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cherokee?

Cherokee has a median household income of $50,815, representing a -6.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Cherokee?

The employment rate is 93.7% in Cherokee, with a workforce of 357 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 61.3% (219 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 38.7% (138 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.2% (33 residents)
  • Private companies: 79% (282 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.9% (39 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 0.8% (3 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025