Sylvania, AL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,925
-4.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,161/yr
4.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
784
-3.9% year-over-year change

Sylvania population

How many people live in Sylvania

Sylvania is home to 1,925 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 41.5% of Sylvania locals are male, and 58.5% are female.

Total population
1,925
-4.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
41.5%
799
Female
58.5%
1,126
Value Percent YoY change
Male 799 41.5% -7.0%
Female 1,126 58.5% -1.8%
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 Sylvania is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 22.2% are children under 15, then 11.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 33.5% of the population, while another 19.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.7% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
22.2%
15 to 24
11.9%
25 to 44
33.5%
45 to 64
19.7%
Over 65
12.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 427 22.2% -11.0%
15 to 24 229 11.9% 19.3%
25 to 44 645 33.5% 7.1%
45 to 64 380 19.7% -18.4%
Over 65 244 12.7% -7.9%
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 Sylvania, 91.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 5.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.4%
Non-citizens
6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,763 91.6% -5.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 47 2.4% 9.3%
Non-citizens 115 6% 18.6%
Racial breakdown
White
83.1%
Black or African American
1.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.7%
Other
8.8%
Value Percent
White 1,600 83.1%
Black or African American 37 1.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 8 0.4%
Two or more races 110 5.7%
Other 170 8.8%

Households in Sylvania

A peek inside Sylvania households

Sylvania has 693 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 75.8% are families, while the remaining 24.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
693
-1.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
168
Family households
525
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 168 24.2% -6.2%
Family households 525 75.8% -0.2%
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 Sylvania

The housing landscape of Sylvania

Sylvania's housing consists of 784 units, with 70% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.5% 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 25.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
784
-3.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 549 70%
1 unit, attached 4 0.5%
2 units 18 2.3%
3 or 4 units 5 0.6%
5 to 9 units 1 0.1%
Mobile home 203 25.9%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 4 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
9
50.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sylvania

In Sylvania, the median construction year is 1985. About 2.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.6% 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 19 2.4% 5.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 34 4.3% 112.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 59 7.5% -40.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 101 12.9% -26.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 126 16.1% 43.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 105 13.4% 5.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 152 19.4% -9.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 112 14.3% -11.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 67 8.6% 15.5%
Built in 2020 or later 9 1.2% 50.0%
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.

Sylvania occupancy rates

Out of the 693 occupied housing units in Sylvania, 66.8% are owner-occupied, while 33.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
693
-1.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
230
Owner occupied
463
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 230 33.2% 1.3%
Owner occupied 463 66.8% -3.1%
Unoccupied housing units
11.6%
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.

Sylvania housing costs

Housing costs in Sylvania come to a median of $699 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $692.

Median housing costs per month
$699/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 Sylvania
$692/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 Sylvania

Sylvania education at a glance

About 45.4% of the population in Sylvania went to high school, while 17.6% pursued college studies. Another 12.7% earned an associate degree and 15.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 57 4% -8.1%
High school diploma 639 45.4% -4.8%
College diploma 248 17.6% 2.1%
Associate degree 179 12.7% 5.9%
Bachelor's degree 219 15.6% 14.7%
Graduate degree 64 4.6% -26.4%
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 Sylvania

How much people earn in Sylvania

The average annual household income in Sylvania was $65,622 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -11.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $56,161, reflecting a +4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sylvania
$65,622/year
-11.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sylvania
$56,161/year
4.0% year-over-year change

Sylvania income by age

In Sylvania, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $66,250. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $55,227 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $58,611, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $42,404 in earnings. Overall, 89.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $58,611 3.6%
25 - 44 $66,250 N/A
45 - 64 $55,227 -5.4%
Over 65 $42,404 -1.7%
Above poverty level
1,701
Below poverty level
195
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,701 89.7% -3.3%
Below poverty level 195 10.3% -4.4%

Average renter income in Sylvania

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Sylvania, their median household income was $26,085 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 31.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$26,085
Rent-to-income ratio
31.8%
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 Sylvania

Workforce and job types in Sylvania

The job market in Sylvania is powered by 848 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 61.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 38.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.3% run their own businesses, 80.3% are employed by private companies, and 4.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
848
-5.2% year-over-year change
White collar
518
Blue collar
330
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 518 61.1% -1.7%
Blue collar 330 38.9% -10.1%
Employer type
Self employees
11.3%
Private companies
80.3%
Governmental workers
4.1%
Not for profit companies
4.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 96 11.3% 3.2%
Private companies 681 80.3% -1.3%
Governmental workers 35 4.1% -37.5%
Not for profit companies 36 4.2% -34.5%
Unemployment rate
5.4%
-11.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Sylvania stands at 5.4%, 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 Sylvania

How people get around in Sylvania

Commuting methods vary: 96.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.6% 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 810 96.3% -6.8%
Walk 5 0.6% 66.7%
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 Sylvania by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
35988 2,368 794 $53,684 $68,714

Explore more communities

FAQs about Sylvania demographics 

What is the total population of Sylvania?

Sylvania has a total population of 1,925 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 -4.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sylvania?

The gender ratio in Sylvania is as follows:
  • 41.5% males (799 residents)
  • 58.5% females (1,126 residents)

What is the median age in Sylvania?

The median age in Sylvania is 34.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sylvania?

The age distribution in Sylvania is as follows:
  • Under 15: 22.2% (427 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.9% (229 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 33.5% (645 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.7% (380 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.7% (244 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sylvania?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sylvania is as follows:
  • White: 83.1% (1,600 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.9% (37 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (8 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.7% (110 residents)
  • Other: 8.8% (170 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.6% of the population in Sylvania.

How many housing units are there in Sylvania?

There are 784 housing units in Sylvania, reflecting a -3.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Sylvania has a total of 693 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sylvania?

Sylvania has a median household income of $56,161, representing a +4.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.6% in Sylvania, with a workforce of 848 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 61.1% (518 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 38.9% (330 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.3% (96 residents)
  • Private companies: 80.3% (681 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 4.1% (35 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.2% (36 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