Pelham, AL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
24,827
1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$101,094/yr
10.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
9,690
-0.1% year-over-year change

Pelham population

How many people live in Pelham

Pelham is home to 24,827 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47% of Pelham locals are male, and 53% are female.

Total population
24,827
1.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47%
11,662
Female
53%
13,165
Value Percent YoY change
Male 11,662 47% 1.4%
Female 13,165 53% 1.2%
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 Pelham is 40, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.4% are children under 15, then 11.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.3% of the population, while another 24.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
40
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.4%
15 to 24
11.2%
25 to 44
26.3%
45 to 64
24.9%
Over 65
18.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 4,813 19.4% 8.9%
15 to 24 2,772 11.2% -8.5%
25 to 44 6,527 26.3% 3.6%
45 to 64 6,182 24.9% -4.5%
Over 65 4,533 18.3% 5.6%
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 Pelham, 91% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 70.4% of locals are Caucasian, 11.7% are African American and 3.1% have Asian roots. Another 0.1% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.8% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 10.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.7%
Non-citizens
4.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 22,604 91% 3.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,174 4.7% -2.4%
Non-citizens 1,049 4.2% -22.5%
Racial breakdown
White
70.4%
Black or African American
11.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
3.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
10.6%
Other
3.8%
Value Percent
White 17,486 70.4%
Black or African American 2,896 11.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 25 0.1%
Asian 780 3.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 42 0.2%
Two or more races 2,645 10.6%
Other 953 3.8%

Households in Pelham

A peek inside Pelham households

Pelham has 9,498 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 71.7% are families, while the remaining 28.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
9,498
-0.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
2,688
Family households
6,810
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,688 28.3% -10.8%
Family households 6,810 71.7% 5.0%
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 Pelham

The housing landscape of Pelham

Pelham's housing consists of 9,690 units, with 76.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 13.8% 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 3.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
9,690
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 7,441 76.8%
1 unit, attached 1,340 13.8%
3 or 4 units 141 1.5%
5 to 9 units 95 1%
10 to 19 units 280 2.9%
50 or more units 36 0.4%
Mobile home 357 3.7%
Homes built since 2020
94
161.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Pelham

In Pelham, the median construction year is 2001. About 0.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 34.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 16.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 35 0.4% 29.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 78 0.8% 160.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 34 0.4% -40.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 111 1.2% 19.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,189 12.3% -4.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,272 13.1% -1.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,915 19.8% -3.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,351 34.6% -1.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,611 16.6% 4.8%
Built in 2020 or later 94 1% 161.1%
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.

Pelham occupancy rates

Out of the 9,498 occupied housing units in Pelham, 83.9% are owner-occupied, while 16.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
9,498
-0.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,530
Owner occupied
7,968
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,530 16.1% -3.1%
Owner occupied 7,968 83.9% 0.6%
Unoccupied housing units
2.0%
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.

Pelham housing costs

Housing costs in Pelham come to a median of $1,348 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,577.

Median housing costs per month
$1,348/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 Pelham
$1,577/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 Pelham

Pelham education at a glance

About 25.9% of the population in Pelham went to high school, while 21.7% pursued college studies. Another 6.8% earned an associate degree and 28.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 15.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 245 1.3% -32.3%
High school diploma 4,875 25.9% 2.0%
College diploma 4,079 21.7% 8.9%
Associate degree 1,289 6.8% -2.6%
Bachelor's degree 5,363 28.5% -4.3%
Graduate degree 2,963 15.8% -1.9%
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 Pelham

How much people earn in Pelham

The average annual household income in Pelham was $119,512 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $101,094, reflecting a +10% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Pelham
$119,512/year
5.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Pelham
$101,094/year
10.0% year-over-year change

Pelham income by age

In Pelham, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $108,606. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $131,607 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $147,533, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $74,111 in earnings. Overall, 93.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $147,533 N/A
25 - 44 $108,606 19.2%
45 - 64 $131,607 4.5%
Over 65 $74,111 3.5%
Above poverty level
22,882
Below poverty level
1,665
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 22,882 93.2% 1.6%
Below poverty level 1,665 6.8% -5.3%

Average renter income in Pelham

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Pelham, their median household income was $56,481 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$56,481
Rent-to-income ratio
33.5%
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 Pelham

Workforce and job types in Pelham

The job market in Pelham is powered by 13,582 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 84.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 15.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.8% run their own businesses, 68.4% are employed by private companies, and 11.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
13,582
0.0% year-over-year change
White collar
11,478
Blue collar
2,104
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 11,478 84.5% -0.1%
Blue collar 2,104 15.5% 0.8%
Employer type
Self employees
9.8%
Private companies
68.4%
Governmental workers
11.7%
Not for profit companies
10.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,327 9.8% -8.1%
Private companies 9,297 68.4% 1.4%
Governmental workers 1,592 11.7% 0.3%
Not for profit companies 1,366 10.1% -1.0%
Unemployment rate
2.0%
18.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Pelham stands at 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 Pelham

How people get around in Pelham

Commuting methods vary: 80.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.1% 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 10,766 80.6% -1.2%
Bicycle 16 0.1% N/A
Walk 14 0.1% -36.4%
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 Pelham by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
35043 15,837 5,289 $121,356 $140,731
35124 25,238 9,900 $99,726 $122,513

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FAQs about Pelham demographics 

What is the total population of Pelham?

Pelham has a total population of 24,827 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 +1.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Pelham?

The gender ratio in Pelham is as follows:
  • 47% males (11,662 residents)
  • 53% females (13,165 residents)

What is the median age in Pelham?

The median age in Pelham is 40.

What is the age distribution of the population in Pelham?

The age distribution in Pelham is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.4% (4,813 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.2% (2,772 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.3% (6,527 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.9% (6,182 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.3% (4,533 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Pelham?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Pelham is as follows:
  • White: 70.4% (17,486 residents)
  • Black or African American: 11.7% (2,896 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (25 residents)
  • Asian: 3.1% (780 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (42 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.6% (2,645 residents)
  • Other: 3.8% (953 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 91% of the population in Pelham.

How many housing units are there in Pelham?

There are 9,690 housing units in Pelham, reflecting a -0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Pelham has a total of 9,498 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Pelham?

Pelham has a median household income of $101,094, representing a +10.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 98% in Pelham, with a workforce of 13,582 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 84.5% (11,478 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 15.5% (2,104 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.8% (1,327 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.4% (9,297 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.7% (1,592 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.1% (1,366 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