Fort Payne, AL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
14,927
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$47,479/yr
-2.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,369
-2.0% year-over-year change

Fort Payne population

How many people live in Fort Payne

Fort Payne is home to 14,927 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.2% of Fort Payne locals are male, and 53.8% are female.

Total population
14,927
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.2%
6,904
Female
53.8%
8,023
Value Percent YoY change
Male 6,904 46.2% -4.0%
Female 8,023 53.8% 4.3%
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 Fort Payne is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 21.5% are children under 15, then 15.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.1% of the population, while another 24.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
21.5%
15 to 24
15.1%
25 to 44
23.1%
45 to 64
24.7%
Over 65
15.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,211 21.5% 6.4%
15 to 24 2,260 15.1% 4.6%
25 to 44 3,453 23.1% 1.6%
45 to 64 3,692 24.7% -4.0%
Over 65 2,311 15.5% -6.2%
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 Fort Payne, 89.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 75.6% of locals are Caucasian, 1.3% are African American and 0.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.6%
Non-citizens
7.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 13,407 89.8% 0.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 382 2.6% -9.5%
Non-citizens 1,138 7.6% -3.0%
Racial breakdown
White
75.6%
Black or African American
1.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.3%
Asian
0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.1%
Other
15.4%
Value Percent
White 11,284 75.6%
Black or African American 194 1.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 345 2.3%
Asian 34 0.2%
Two or more races 765 5.1%
Other 2,305 15.4%

Households in Fort Payne

A peek inside Fort Payne households

Fort Payne has 5,522 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 64.5% are families, while the remaining 35.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,522
-2.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,962
Family households
3,560
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,962 35.5% -6.6%
Family households 3,560 64.5% -0.1%
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 Fort Payne

The housing landscape of Fort Payne

Fort Payne's housing consists of 6,369 units, with 74.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.7% 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 8.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,369
-2.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,745 74.5%
1 unit, attached 46 0.7%
2 units 58 0.9%
3 or 4 units 410 6.4%
5 to 9 units 331 5.2%
10 to 19 units 112 1.8%
20 to 49 units 33 0.5%
50 or more units 81 1.3%
Mobile home 553 8.7%
Homes built since 2020
11
10.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Fort Payne

In Fort Payne, the median construction year is 1977. About 7.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 484 7.6% 9.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 218 3.4% -35.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 764 12% -2.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 969 15.2% 5.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,085 17% -6.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,052 16.5% 7.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 839 13.2% -5.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 677 10.6% -16.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 270 4.2% 57.0%
Built in 2020 or later 11 0.2% 10.0%
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.

Fort Payne occupancy rates

Out of the 5,522 occupied housing units in Fort Payne, 69.3% are owner-occupied, while 30.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,522
-2.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,695
Owner occupied
3,827
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,695 30.7% -8.4%
Owner occupied 3,827 69.3% 0.4%
Unoccupied housing units
13.3%
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.

Fort Payne housing costs

Housing costs in Fort Payne come to a median of $684 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $679.

Median housing costs per month
$684/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 Fort Payne
$679/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 Fort Payne

Fort Payne education at a glance

About 39.9% of the population in Fort Payne went to high school, while 18.7% pursued college studies. Another 14.1% earned an associate degree and 8.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,247 11.3% 7.1%
High school diploma 4,391 39.9% -1.6%
College diploma 2,051 18.7% -5.3%
Associate degree 1,549 14.1% 0.5%
Bachelor's degree 950 8.6% -14.5%
Graduate degree 806 7.3% 8.9%
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 Fort Payne

How much people earn in Fort Payne

The average annual household income in Fort Payne was $65,613 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $47,479, reflecting a -2.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Fort Payne
$65,613/year
-1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Fort Payne
$47,479/year
-2.4% year-over-year change

Fort Payne income by age

In Fort Payne, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $45,313. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $52,618 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $33,895, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $50,099 in earnings. Overall, 68.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $33,895 0.3%
25 - 44 $45,313 7.9%
45 - 64 $52,618 -2.6%
Over 65 $50,099 6.8%
Above poverty level
9,737
Below poverty level
4,549
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 9,737 68.2% -11.4%
Below poverty level 4,549 31.8% 39.0%

Average renter income in Fort Payne

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Fort Payne, their median household income was $24,769 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$24,769
Rent-to-income ratio
32.9%
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 Fort Payne

Workforce and job types in Fort Payne

The job market in Fort Payne is powered by 6,165 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 66.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 33.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.5% run their own businesses, 69.9% are employed by private companies, and 10.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
6,165
-2.9% year-over-year change
White collar
4,099
Blue collar
2,066
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,099 66.5% -4.0%
Blue collar 2,066 33.5% -0.6%
Employer type
Self employees
15.5%
Private companies
69.9%
Governmental workers
10.3%
Not for profit companies
4.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 954 15.5% 7.4%
Private companies 4,311 69.9% -1.0%
Governmental workers 637 10.3% -11.5%
Not for profit companies 263 4.3% -31.1%
Unemployment rate
5.0%
-19.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Fort Payne stands at 5%, 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 Fort Payne

How people get around in Fort Payne

Commuting methods vary: 90.5% 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 5,569 90.5% -2.6%
Walk 86 1.4% -41.1%
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 Fort Payne by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
35967 16,957 6,549 $47,051 $65,335
35968 4,763 1,638 $43,539 $62,283

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FAQs about Fort Payne demographics 

What is the total population of Fort Payne?

Fort Payne has a total population of 14,927 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 +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Fort Payne?

The gender ratio in Fort Payne is as follows:
  • 46.2% males (6,904 residents)
  • 53.8% females (8,023 residents)

What is the median age in Fort Payne?

The median age in Fort Payne is 37.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Fort Payne?

The age distribution in Fort Payne is as follows:
  • Under 15: 21.5% (3,211 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.1% (2,260 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.1% (3,453 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.7% (3,692 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.5% (2,311 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Payne?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Payne is as follows:
  • White: 75.6% (11,284 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.3% (194 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.3% (345 residents)
  • Asian: 0.2% (34 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.1% (765 residents)
  • Other: 15.4% (2,305 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.8% of the population in Fort Payne.

How many housing units are there in Fort Payne?

There are 6,369 housing units in Fort Payne, reflecting a -2.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Fort Payne has a total of 5,522 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Fort Payne?

Fort Payne has a median household income of $47,479, representing a -2.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Fort Payne?

The employment rate is 95% in Fort Payne, with a workforce of 6,165 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 66.5% (4,099 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 33.5% (2,066 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.5% (954 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.9% (4,311 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.3% (637 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.3% (263 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