Valley, AL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
10,277
-1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$51,661/yr
-6.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,795
-1.8% year-over-year change

Valley population

How many people live in Valley

Valley is home to 10,277 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Valley locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
10,277
-1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
5,102
Female
50.4%
5,175
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,102 49.6% 1.3%
Female 5,175 50.4% -3.6%
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 Valley is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.5% are children under 15, then 14.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.3% of the population, while another 21.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.5%
15 to 24
14.8%
25 to 44
27.3%
45 to 64
21.4%
Over 65
16%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,110 20.5% -3.6%
15 to 24 1,517 14.8% -4.9%
25 to 44 2,807 27.3% -8.8%
45 to 64 2,198 21.4% 2.1%
Over 65 1,645 16% 18.2%
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 Valley, 96% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 55.4% of locals are Caucasian, 37.1% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.1%
Non-citizens
3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 9,863 96% -1.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 111 1.1% 32.1%
Non-citizens 303 3% 3.8%
Racial breakdown
White
55.4%
Black or African American
37.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.7%
Other
3.4%
Value Percent
White 5,695 55.4%
Black or African American 3,813 37.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 5 0%
Asian 36 0.4%
Two or more races 383 3.7%
Other 345 3.4%

Households in Valley

A peek inside Valley households

Valley has 3,954 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 68.5% are families, while the remaining 31.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,954
-2.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
1,245
Family households
2,709
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,245 31.5% -12.9%
Family households 2,709 68.5% 3.8%
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 Valley

The housing landscape of Valley

Valley's housing consists of 4,795 units, with 69.5% 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 3.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,795
-1.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,334 69.5%
1 unit, attached 22 0.5%
2 units 77 1.6%
3 or 4 units 78 1.6%
5 to 9 units 523 10.9%
10 to 19 units 208 4.3%
20 to 49 units 173 3.6%
50 or more units 199 4.2%
Mobile home 181 3.8%
Homes built since 2020
59
43.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Valley

In Valley, the median construction year is 1978. About 16.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.6% 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 808 16.8% 2.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 254 5.3% -23.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 494 10.3% 17.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 472 9.8% 11.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 475 9.9% -13.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 581 12.1% 30.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 304 6.3% 34.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 744 15.5% -25.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 604 12.6% -8.1%
Built in 2020 or later 59 1.2% 43.9%
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.

Valley occupancy rates

Out of the 3,954 occupied housing units in Valley, 67.5% are owner-occupied, while 32.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 17.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,954
-2.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,286
Owner occupied
2,668
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,286 32.5% -19.1%
Owner occupied 2,668 67.5% 8.9%
Unoccupied housing units
17.5%
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.

Valley housing costs

Housing costs in Valley come to a median of $861 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,016.

Median housing costs per month
$861/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 Valley
$1,016/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 Valley

Valley education at a glance

About 54.9% of the population in Valley went to high school, while 19.2% pursued college studies. Another 6.6% earned an associate degree and 8.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 328 4.2% 13.9%
High school diploma 4,265 54.9% 7.3%
College diploma 1,490 19.2% -9.8%
Associate degree 516 6.6% -22.8%
Bachelor's degree 654 8.4% -14.3%
Graduate degree 511 6.6% 4.3%
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 Valley

How much people earn in Valley

The average annual household income in Valley was $64,329 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -6.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $51,661, reflecting a -6.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Valley
$64,329/year
-6.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Valley
$51,661/year
-6.8% year-over-year change

Valley income by age

In Valley, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $56,491. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $42,112 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $69,667, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $37,040 in earnings. Overall, 85% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $69,667 -4.0%
25 - 44 $56,491 -17.4%
45 - 64 $42,112 -40.4%
Over 65 $37,040 1.0%
Above poverty level
8,531
Below poverty level
1,510
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 8,531 85% -1.4%
Below poverty level 1,510 15% 1.8%

Average renter income in Valley

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Valley, their median household income was $47,418 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 25.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$47,418
Rent-to-income ratio
25.7%
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 Valley

Workforce and job types in Valley

The job market in Valley is powered by 4,472 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 58.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 41.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9% run their own businesses, 74.3% are employed by private companies, and 12.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,472
-7.3% year-over-year change
White collar
2,602
Blue collar
1,870
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,602 58.2% -12.1%
Blue collar 1,870 41.8% 0.2%
Employer type
Self employees
9%
Private companies
74.3%
Governmental workers
12.5%
Not for profit companies
4.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 403 9% 15.5%
Private companies 3,321 74.3% -7.0%
Governmental workers 560 12.5% -26.3%
Not for profit companies 188 4.2% 27.9%
Unemployment rate
3.5%
46.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Valley stands at 3.5%, 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 Valley

How people get around in Valley

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 4,184 94.4% -7.6%
Motorcycle 5 0.1% -37.5%
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 Valley by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
36854 16,537 6,468 $55,973 $73,867

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FAQs about Valley demographics 

What is the total population of Valley?

Valley has a total population of 10,277 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 -1.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Valley?

The gender ratio in Valley is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (5,102 residents)
  • 50.4% females (5,175 residents)

What is the median age in Valley?

The median age in Valley is 34.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Valley?

The age distribution in Valley is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.5% (2,110 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.8% (1,517 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.3% (2,807 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.4% (2,198 residents)
  • Over 65: 16% (1,645 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Valley?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Valley is as follows:
  • White: 55.4% (5,695 residents)
  • Black or African American: 37.1% (3,813 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (5 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (36 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.7% (383 residents)
  • Other: 3.4% (345 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96% of the population in Valley.

How many housing units are there in Valley?

There are 4,795 housing units in Valley, reflecting a -1.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Valley has a total of 3,954 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Valley?

Valley has a median household income of $51,661, representing a -6.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.5% in Valley, with a workforce of 4,472 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 58.2% (2,602 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 41.8% (1,870 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9% (403 residents)
  • Private companies: 74.3% (3,321 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.5% (560 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.2% (188 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