Gadsden, AL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
33,374
-0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$40,345/yr
4.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
16,513
0.8% year-over-year change

Gadsden population

How many people live in Gadsden

Gadsden is home to 33,374 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.3% of Gadsden locals are male, and 52.7% are female.

Total population
33,374
-0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.3%
15,789
Female
52.7%
17,585
Value Percent YoY change
Male 15,789 47.3% -0.3%
Female 17,585 52.7% -1.1%
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 Gadsden is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 20% are children under 15, then 13.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.9% of the population, while another 24.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
20%
15 to 24
13.5%
25 to 44
23.9%
45 to 64
24.5%
Over 65
18%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,681 20% 2.3%
15 to 24 4,512 13.5% 3.8%
25 to 44 7,976 23.9% -2.8%
45 to 64 8,185 24.5% -2.0%
Over 65 6,020 18% -2.6%
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 Gadsden, 95.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 50.7% of locals are Caucasian, 36.2% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. Another 1.1% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 5.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 5.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.6%
Non-citizens
3.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 31,782 95.2% -0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 527 1.6% -22.0%
Non-citizens 1,065 3.2% 15.3%
Racial breakdown
White
50.7%
Black or African American
36.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.1%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
5.7%
Other
5.8%
Value Percent
White 16,912 50.7%
Black or African American 12,075 36.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 381 1.1%
Asian 142 0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 21 0.1%
Two or more races 1,917 5.7%
Other 1,926 5.8%

Households in Gadsden

A peek inside Gadsden households

Gadsden has 12,746 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 57.2% are families, while the remaining 42.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
12,746
-1.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
5,461
Family households
7,285
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,461 42.8% -3.0%
Family households 7,285 57.2% -0.3%
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 Gadsden

The housing landscape of Gadsden

Gadsden's housing consists of 16,513 units, with 75.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.7% 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 2.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
16,513
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 12,432 75.3%
1 unit, attached 274 1.7%
2 units 638 3.9%
3 or 4 units 737 4.5%
5 to 9 units 936 5.7%
10 to 19 units 305 1.8%
20 to 49 units 184 1.1%
50 or more units 525 3.2%
Mobile home 482 2.9%
Homes built since 2020
64
82.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Gadsden

In Gadsden, the median construction year is 1959. About 10.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 17.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,785 10.8% -12.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,860 17.3% 16.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,810 23.1% -5.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,014 18.2% 3.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,978 12% 6.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 855 5.2% -0.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 803 4.9% -16.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 660 4% 18.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 684 4.1% 5.4%
Built in 2020 or later 64 0.4% 82.9%
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.

Gadsden occupancy rates

Out of the 12,746 occupied housing units in Gadsden, 55.7% are owner-occupied, while 44.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 22.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
12,746
-1.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,649
Owner occupied
7,097
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,649 44.3% -4.4%
Owner occupied 7,097 55.7% 0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
22.8%
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.

Gadsden housing costs

Housing costs in Gadsden come to a median of $726 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $808.

Median housing costs per month
$726/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 Gadsden
$808/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 Gadsden

Gadsden education at a glance

About 47.2% of the population in Gadsden went to high school, while 25.6% pursued college studies. Another 8.4% earned an associate degree and 9.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,262 5% -0.2%
High school diploma 11,997 47.2% -3.5%
College diploma 6,514 25.6% -2.5%
Associate degree 2,130 8.4% 6.2%
Bachelor's degree 2,398 9.4% 7.4%
Graduate degree 1,130 4.4% -8.0%
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 Gadsden

How much people earn in Gadsden

The average annual household income in Gadsden was $55,742 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -0.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $40,345, reflecting a +4.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Gadsden
$55,742/year
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Gadsden
$40,345/year
4.2% year-over-year change

Gadsden income by age

In Gadsden, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $42,555. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $41,952 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $25,324, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $35,137 in earnings. Overall, 72.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $25,324 2.0%
25 - 44 $42,555 5.3%
45 - 64 $41,952 0.9%
Over 65 $35,137 2.1%
Above poverty level
23,195
Below poverty level
8,861
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 23,195 72.4% -1.4%
Below poverty level 8,861 27.6% 0.6%

Average renter income in Gadsden

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Gadsden, their median household income was $30,839 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$30,839
Rent-to-income ratio
31.4%
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 Gadsden

Workforce and job types in Gadsden

The job market in Gadsden is powered by 12,547 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 62.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 37.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.1% run their own businesses, 74% are employed by private companies, and 14.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
12,547
-3.3% year-over-year change
White collar
7,796
Blue collar
4,751
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 7,796 62.1% 0.3%
Blue collar 4,751 37.9% -8.6%
Employer type
Self employees
7.1%
Private companies
74%
Governmental workers
14.5%
Not for profit companies
4.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 887 7.1% -0.9%
Private companies 9,280 74% -5.0%
Governmental workers 1,822 14.5% 6.7%
Not for profit companies 558 4.4% -7.5%
Unemployment rate
7.2%
-22.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Gadsden stands at 7.2%, 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 Gadsden

How people get around in Gadsden

Commuting methods vary: 92.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2% 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 11,467 92.8% -3.9%
Taxicab 42 0.3% -14.3%
Bus or trolleybus 7 0.1% -12.5%
Motorcycle 9 0.1% 0.0%
Walk 247 2% 51.5%
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 Gadsden 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
35907 9,357 3,289 $76,390 $92,840

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FAQs about Gadsden demographics 

What is the total population of Gadsden?

Gadsden has a total population of 33,374 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 -0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Gadsden?

The gender ratio in Gadsden is as follows:
  • 47.3% males (15,789 residents)
  • 52.7% females (17,585 residents)

What is the median age in Gadsden?

The median age in Gadsden is 38.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Gadsden?

The age distribution in Gadsden is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20% (6,681 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.5% (4,512 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.9% (7,976 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.5% (8,185 residents)
  • Over 65: 18% (6,020 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Gadsden?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Gadsden is as follows:
  • White: 50.7% (16,912 residents)
  • Black or African American: 36.2% (12,075 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.1% (381 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (142 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (21 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.7% (1,917 residents)
  • Other: 5.8% (1,926 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.2% of the population in Gadsden.

How many housing units are there in Gadsden?

There are 16,513 housing units in Gadsden, reflecting a +0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Gadsden has a total of 12,746 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Gadsden?

Gadsden has a median household income of $40,345, representing a +4.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 92.8% in Gadsden, with a workforce of 12,547 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 62.1% (7,796 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 37.9% (4,751 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.1% (887 residents)
  • Private companies: 74% (9,280 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.5% (1,822 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.4% (558 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