Etowah County, AL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
103,105
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$54,563/yr
2.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
47,603
0.2% year-over-year change

Etowah County population

How many people live in Etowah County

Etowah County is home to 103,105 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.6% of Etowah County locals are male, and 51.4% are female.

Total population
103,105
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.6%
50,075
Female
51.4%
53,030
Value Percent YoY change
Male 50,075 48.6% 0.1%
Female 53,030 51.4% -0.3%
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 Etowah County is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.9% are children under 15, then 11.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.9% of the population, while another 26.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.9%
15 to 24
11.8%
25 to 44
23.9%
45 to 64
26.7%
Over 65
19.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 18,488 17.9% 0.0%
15 to 24 12,136 11.8% -0.1%
25 to 44 24,629 23.9% -0.4%
45 to 64 27,512 26.7% -0.8%
Over 65 20,340 19.7% 1.1%
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 Etowah County, 97% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 77% of locals are Caucasian, 14.8% are African American and 0.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.3%
Non-citizens
1.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 100,045 97% 0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,371 1.3% -23.3%
Non-citizens 1,689 1.6% 9.8%
Racial breakdown
White
77%
Black or African American
14.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.3%
Other
2.7%
Value Percent
White 79,440 77%
Black or African American 15,231 14.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 526 0.5%
Asian 680 0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 43 0%
Two or more races 4,405 4.3%
Other 2,780 2.7%

Households in Etowah County

A peek inside Etowah County households

Etowah County has 39,411 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 66.3% are families, while the remaining 33.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
39,411
0.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
13,296
Family households
26,115
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 13,296 33.7% -1.3%
Family households 26,115 66.3% 1.6%
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 Etowah County

The housing landscape of Etowah County

Etowah County's housing consists of 47,603 units, with 78.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.8% 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 9.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
47,603
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 37,445 78.7%
1 unit, attached 359 0.8%
2 units 811 1.7%
3 or 4 units 1,224 2.6%
5 to 9 units 1,451 3%
10 to 19 units 760 1.6%
20 to 49 units 422 0.9%
50 or more units 626 1.3%
Mobile home 4,367 9.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 138 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
591
116.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Etowah County

In Etowah County, the median construction year is 1975. About 6.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,929 6.2% -13.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 3,995 8.4% 11.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 6,497 13.6% -1.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 6,324 13.3% 0.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 7,643 16.1% 2.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 5,361 11.3% -7.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 5,860 12.3% -4.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 5,509 11.6% 12.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,894 6.1% -4.2%
Built in 2020 or later 591 1.2% 116.5%
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.

Etowah County occupancy rates

Out of the 39,411 occupied housing units in Etowah County, 73.9% are owner-occupied, while 26.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 17.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
39,411
0.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
10,283
Owner occupied
29,128
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 10,283 26.1% 0.0%
Owner occupied 29,128 73.9% 0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
17.2%
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.

Etowah County housing costs

Housing costs in Etowah County come to a median of $770 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $847.

Median housing costs per month
$770/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 Etowah County
$847/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 Etowah County

Etowah County education at a glance

About 45% of the population in Etowah County went to high school, while 23.9% pursued college studies. Another 10.2% earned an associate degree and 10.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 3,277 4.1% -8.5%
High school diploma 36,245 45% 1.8%
College diploma 19,250 23.9% -5.0%
Associate degree 8,226 10.2% 0.2%
Bachelor's degree 8,509 10.6% 5.5%
Graduate degree 5,016 6.2% 0.6%
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 Etowah County

How much people earn in Etowah County

The average annual household income in Etowah County was $73,295 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $54,563, reflecting a +2.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Etowah County
$73,295/year
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Etowah County
$54,563/year
2.8% year-over-year change

Etowah County income by age

In Etowah County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $60,724. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $64,369 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $35,281, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $44,181 in earnings. Overall, 83.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $35,281 5.1%
25 - 44 $60,724 6.4%
45 - 64 $64,369 2.1%
Over 65 $44,181 1.9%
Above poverty level
83,611
Below poverty level
16,790
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 83,611 83.3% 0.1%
Below poverty level 16,790 16.7% -1.3%

Employment in Etowah County

Workforce and job types in Etowah County

The job market in Etowah County is powered by 43,196 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 68.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11% run their own businesses, 68.9% are employed by private companies, and 15.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
43,196
-0.1% year-over-year change
White collar
29,647
Blue collar
13,549
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 29,647 68.6% 0.9%
Blue collar 13,549 31.4% -2.3%
Employer type
Self employees
11%
Private companies
68.9%
Governmental workers
15.7%
Not for profit companies
4.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 4,773 11% 6.6%
Private companies 29,768 68.9% -1.0%
Governmental workers 6,776 15.7% -1.3%
Not for profit companies 1,879 4.4% 2.4%
Unemployment rate
5.9%
-6.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Etowah County stands at 5.9%, 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 Etowah County

How people get around in Etowah County

Commuting methods vary: 93.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.8% 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 40,005 93.7% -0.3%
Taxicab 42 0.1% -14.3%
Bus or trolleybus 7 0% -12.5%
Ferryboat 64 0.2% 60.0%
Motorcycle 57 0.1% 111.1%
Bicycle 15 0% 36.4%
Walk 351 0.8% 3.5%
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 Etowah County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
35901 18,769 7,116 $48,876 $69,520
35903 17,113 6,872 $53,122 $71,546
35904 14,015 5,106 $43,771 $55,613
35905 6,452 2,412 $67,042 $83,644
35906 10,446 4,207 $56,420 $95,257
35907 9,357 3,289 $76,390 $92,840
35952 8,415 3,107 $48,361 $64,730
35954 12,054 4,834 $59,479 $69,412
35956 8,748 3,141 $61,290 $76,801
35961 5,879 2,098 $46,224 $61,859

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FAQs about Etowah County demographics 

What is the total population of Etowah County?

Etowah County has a total population of 103,105 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 -0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Etowah County?

The gender ratio in Etowah County is as follows:
  • 48.6% males (50,075 residents)
  • 51.4% females (53,030 residents)

What is the median age in Etowah County?

The median age in Etowah County is 41.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Etowah County?

The age distribution in Etowah County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.9% (18,488 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.8% (12,136 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.9% (24,629 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.7% (27,512 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.7% (20,340 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Etowah County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Etowah County is as follows:
  • White: 77% (79,440 residents)
  • Black or African American: 14.8% (15,231 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (526 residents)
  • Asian: 0.7% (680 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (43 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.3% (4,405 residents)
  • Other: 2.7% (2,780 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97% of the population in Etowah County.

How many housing units are there in Etowah County?

There are 47,603 housing units in Etowah County, reflecting a +0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Etowah County has a total of 39,411 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Etowah County?

Etowah County has a median household income of $54,563, representing a +2.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Etowah County?

The employment rate is 94.1% in Etowah County, with a workforce of 43,196 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68.6% (29,647 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.4% (13,549 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11% (4,773 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.9% (29,768 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.7% (6,776 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.4% (1,879 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