City Of Huntsville — Photo via the City of Huntsville’s Facebook

Huntsville blasted past Birmingham and Montgomery to become the largest city in Alabama, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Today, nationwide, the official population counts for cities and counties from the 2020 Decennial Census – the once-a-decade headcount of all people living in the country was released.

Huntsville is Number #1

Space Shuttle With External Fuel Tank — Photo via U.S. Space and Rocket Center

In Alabama, we were anticipating a three way tie at the top — it wasn’t even close.

Since the last census in 2010, the Rocket City has grown 19%, adding nearly 35,000 people, jumping from 180,105 to 215,006.

Its closest rivals— Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile all lost population .

Here is the final tally:

Birmingham – 200,733 (2020) — 212,585 in 2010
Montgomery – 200, 603 (2020)— 205,764 in 2010
Mobile – 187,041 (2020)— 195,111 in 2010

Birmingham Skyline — Birmingham from TJ Tower. Photo via Jon Eastwood

Despite the decrease in population city-wise – Jefferson County grew by 16,255 people. Madison County increased its numbers by 53,342, while Montgomery (-489) and Mobile (+1817) counties were nearly the same as 2010.

Fastest Growing

Gorgeous Streets And Walkways Of Fairhope — Gorgeous streets and walkways of Fairhope. Photo via Liv George for The Bama Buzz.

Gulf Shores was the fastest growing city in Alabama. The once sleepy tourist town increased its population from 54% from 9,741 to 15,014.

Chelsea (+47%), Fairhope (+47%) and Auburn (+43) also experienced explosive growth.

On the negative side – Pritchard, Selma and Gadsden led the state in loss of population.

Statewide, the Yellowhammer State topped 5 million people, an increase of 244,543 or a little over 5 percent. The increase was just enough to help keep the state’s seven congressional seats.

Use the U.S. Census Population Tool

If you are interested to find out how your community fared over the past ten years, go to this WEBPAGE and insert a state, county or city for the numbers. You will not only get the population numbers, there are also dozens of additional categories including the local poverty rate, education levels, even computer and internet use.

Tell us what you think of the latest population numbers. Tag us @thebamabuzz on social media to share your thoughts