Alabama is home to several large and vibrant cities that serve as economic and cultural hubs for the state. Major metropolitan areas like Birmingham, Huntsville, and Montgomery anchor regional economies, while historic port cities like Mobile connect Alabama to the Gulf Coast. Smaller university towns like Tuscaloosa and Auburn also draw visitors with their spirited collegiate charm.
This article explores Alabama’s largest and most influential cities. For each city, we will highlight key details including population statistics, major industries and employers, as well as attractions bringing tourists to the area.
Understanding the diverse urban landscapes across Alabama provides insight into the state’s economy and culture as a whole. Tracking growth patterns over time also indicates emerging trends in different regions.
Look Here: 10 Largest Cities in Alaska
Table summarizing key details about the 10 largest cities of Alabama:
| City | Population | Year Founded | Key Industries | Major Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | 209,403 | 1871 | Healthcare, Banking, Power | Civil Rights Institute, Vulcan Statue |
| Montgomery | 201,717 | 1819 | Government, Automotive | State Capitol, Dexter Ave. Church |
| Mobile | 187,041 | 1702 | Shipping, Aerospace | Mardi Gras Museum, USS Alabama |
| Huntsville | 215,006 | 1811 | Aerospace, Defense | Space & Rocket Center, Botanical Garden |
| Tuscaloosa | 101,129 | 1819 | Education, Automotive | Univ. of Alabama, Amphitheater |
| Hoover | 86,966 | 1967 | Retail, Healthcare | Riverchase Galleria, Aldridge Gardens |
| Dothan | 68,941 | 1885 | Agriculture, Healthcare | Peanut Festival, Landmark Park |
| Auburn | 66,259 | 1839 | Education | Auburn University, Chewacla Park |
| Decatur | 54,863 | 1821 | Chemicals, Manufacturing | Cook Museum, Riverfest Festival |
| Madison | 51,851 | 1869 | Technology | Historic Downtown, Dublin Park |
10 Largest Cities in Alabama
1. Birmingham
General information about Birmingham
Birmingham is the most populous city in Alabama, with an estimated population of 209,403 as of 2022. It was founded in 1871 and quickly grew as an industrial center for steel production and rail transport. Major companies headquartered in Birmingham include medical provider Encompass Health, banking company Regions Financial, and power company Alabama Power.
Key features and attractions
Some of Birmingham’s top attractions include the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, which details the city’s pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, and Vulcan Park and Museum, home of the largest cast iron statue in the world. The Birmingham Zoo and Botanical Gardens feature over 900 animals and the Birmingham Museum of Art houses a renowned collection of Asian art.
Popular neighborhoods include downtown Birmingham, Five Points South, and Avondale. The Uptown Entertainment District contains the state’s largest concentration of nightclubs and restaurants. Birmingham is also home to the Birmingham Barons minor league baseball team.
2. Montgomery
General information about Montgomery
Montgomery is the capital city of Alabama, with a population of 201,717 as of 2022. It is located along the Alabama River and was incorporated in 1819. For a brief period in 1861, Montgomery served as the first capital city of the Confederate States of America. Major private employers today include Baptist Health and Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama.
Key features and attractions
Top attractions in Montgomery include the Alabama State Capitol building, Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. served as pastor, and the Rosa Parks Museum detailing the life of the famous civil rights activist. The Hank Williams Museum celebrates the legendary country singer who lived in Montgomery.
Popular areas include downtown Montgomery along the riverfront, the Garden District with historic homes, and the revitalized Eastchase District with shopping and dining. Local cultural venues include the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival.
3. Mobile
General information about Mobile
Mobile is a port city located along Mobile Bay with an estimated population of 187,041 as of 2022. It was founded in 1702 and features historic architecture in the downtown area. Today, Mobile’s economy revolves around manufacturing, shipping, healthcare, and tourism. Major companies include Austal USA and Airbus.
Key features and attractions
Top attractions include antebellum-style Oakleigh Historic Complex, the USS Alabama and USS Drum naval battleships, and Bellingrath Gardens featuring 65 acres of floral displays. The Mobile Carnival Museum showcases the history of Mardi Gras, which has been celebrated in the city for nearly 300 years.
Popular districts include downtown Mobile, Dauphin Street for nightlife, and Midtown Mobile with boutique shopping. The Mobile Bay area provides fishing, boating, and golfing opportunities. Mobile is also known for its culinary scene featuring fresh Gulf seafood.
4. Huntsville
General information about Huntsville
Huntsville is a city located in northern Alabama near the Tennessee border. It has an estimated population of 215,006 as of 2022. Huntsville was incorporated in 1811 and is home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and the US Army Aviation and Missile Command. Major private employers include Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.
Key features and attractions
The US Space & Rocket Center museum is one of Huntsville’s top attractions and allows visitors to experience interactive NASA exhibits. Other top sites include the Huntsville Botanical Garden featuring aquatic gardens and the Huntsville Museum of Art showcasing American art.
Popular dining and entertainment districts include downtown Huntsville, Bridge Street outdoor shopping mall, and Stovehouse food hall in a repurposed industrial site. Natural attractions nearby include Monte Sano State Park and Burritt on the Mountain showcasing folk art. The Von Braun Center and Orion Amphitheater host concerts and events.
5. Tuscaloosa
General information about Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa is a city located along the Black Warrior River in west-central Alabama. It has an estimated population of 101,129 as of 2022. Tuscaloosa was incorporated in 1819 and is home to the University of Alabama. Major private employers include Mercedes-Benz U.S. International and Hunt Refining Company.
Key features and attractions
Top attractions include the University of Alabama campus featuring famous landmarks like Denny Chimes Tower and Bryant-Denny Stadium. Also popular is the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater hosting concerts and events along the riverfront. The Children’s Hands-On Museum offers interactive science exhibits.
Key districts include downtown Tuscaloosa with shops and dining, the lively Strip next to campus, and the Riverwalk along the Black Warrior River. Natural recreation areas nearby include Lake Tuscaloosa and Lake Lurleen State Park. Tuscaloosa also hosts sports events and festivals throughout the year.
6. Hoover
General information about Hoover
Hoover is a suburb of Birmingham located along Interstate 459. It has an estimated population of 86,966 as of 2022. Hoover was incorporated in 1967 and features a blend of residential neighborhoods and commercial districts. Major companies headquartered in Hoover include supermarket chain Publix and construction company BE&K.
Key features and attractions
Riverchase Galleria is Alabama’s largest mall with over 160 stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. The Hoover Metropolitan Stadium hosts events and minor league baseball. Aldridge Gardens is a popular botanical garden with hydrangea and camellia collections.
The key districts of Hoover include Highway 31 with retail centers, Lorna Road as a medical services hub, and Bluff Park along Shades Mountain. The Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa is also located in Hoover. Family attractions include the Finley Center arena and Hoover Public Library, Alabama’s 2003 Library of the Year.
7. Dothan
General information about Dothan
Dothan is a city located in southeast Alabama near the Florida state border. It has an estimated population of 68,941 as of 2022. Dothan was founded in 1885 as a hub for cotton production and trade. Today, major private employers include Southeast Health and Pilgrim’s chicken processing plant.
Key features and attractions
Top attractions include the Peanut Festival held each fall to celebrate the local peanut harvest. Also popular is the Landmark Park Agricultural Museum displaying late 19th-century farm life. The Wiregrass Museum of Art features contemporary art exhibits.
Key areas include downtown Dothan along Foster Street, the Westgate Historic District showcasing turn-of-the-century homes, and the Ross Clark Circle hub of retail shops and dining. Nearby attractions include Lake Eufaula for fishing and boating opportunities. Sports fans enjoy the National Peanut Festival Grand Prix car races held each November.
8. Auburn
General information about Auburn
Auburn is a city located in east central Alabama. It has an estimated population of 66,259 as of 2022. Auburn was incorporated in 1839 and is known as home to Auburn University. Major private employers include Briggs & Stratton manufacturing company and Ajinomoto Foods packaging plant.
Key features and attractions
Auburn University dominates the city’s culture and economy. Top university attractions include Jordan-Hare Stadium, the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, and the Samford Hall clock tower. Chewacla State Park offers hiking and biking trails.
Downtown Auburn features Toomer’s Corner known for its celebration rituals and local dining spots. Other key districts include the developing Town Creek Park area and Opelika Road retail corridor. Auburn also hosts several festivals throughout the year such as CityFest.
9. Decatur
General information about Decatur
Decatur is a city located along the Tennessee River in northern Alabama. It has an estimated population of 54,863 as of 2022. Decatur was incorporated in 1821 and emerged as an industrial hub in the early 20th century. Today, major employers include chemical companies Solvay, Daikin America, and 3M.
Key features and attractions
The Cook’s Natural Science Museum is located downtown and features wildlife exhibits. Also downtown along the riverfront is the Alabama Center for the Arts showcasing theater and music performances. Popular annual events include the Riverfest BBQ Cook-Off and the Spirit of America Festival fireworks display.
Key districts include the historic Old Decatur neighborhood with restored 19th-century buildings. The Beltline Road area features retail shops and restaurants. Outdoor recreation activities are popular along the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge and Point Mallard Park along the Tennessee River.
10. Madison
General information about Madison
Madison is a suburban city located outside of Huntsville in northern Alabama. It has an estimated population of 51,851 as of 2022. Madison was incorporated in 1869 and features a quaint downtown along with high-tech business parks. Major private employers include Toyota and Facebook.
Key features and attractions
Downtown Madison offers local boutique shops and dining spots housed in historic buildings. The Madison Historic District contains over 130 antebellum homes showcasing 19th-century Southern architecture.
Other top sites include the U.S. Space & Rocket Center with NASA memorabilia and the Huntsville Botanical Garden featuring aquatic plant exhibits. Popular family attractions include Dublin Park Sports Complex and Rainbow Mountain amusement park.
Conclusion
Alabama’s major cities represent the heartbeat of the state, from the bustling economy of Huntsville to the rich history of Mobile. Birmingham serves as the cultural capital, while the capital city Montgomery remains the seat of state government. College towns inject youthful energy, and river cities like Decatur and Tuscaloosa connect to wider transportation networks.
Looking at population data over the past few decades reveals that mid-sized metro areas like Huntsville and Hoover have experienced rapid growth, while Birmingham’s population has remained relatively steady.
This likely indicates economic expansion in northern Alabama metro areas, especially tied to technical industries. However, Birmingham still maintains its status as the economic engine and cultural hub for the central region of the state. Each of these cities contributes something unique to the identity of Alabama.
Understanding the diverse urban landscapes gives us better insight into the state’s evolving economy and cultural geography. The growth patterns and industries propelling different cities forward provide clues to emerging trends shaping Alabama’s future.