Alabama Population 2013
The United States Census Bureau estimates that the population of Alabama in 2013 was 4,822,023, which is ranked the 23rd largest population in the United States. This estimate shows a 0.9% increase since the last census in 2010, also conducted by the United States Census Bureau. The population density of the state is 94.7 people per square mile, ranked the 27th largest density in the United States. The population of Alabama is expected to reach approximately 5.2 million people by the year 2025, which is an approximate 7.8% increase from the current population.
Alabama Land Mass
The greatest distance from east to west of the state of Alabama is 210 miles, and the greatest distance from north to south is 329 miles. It has an approximate square area of 52,423 square miles, making it the 30th largest state in the country. Of the 52,423 square miles, 1,673 square miles are covered by water. The highest point in the state of Alabama is Cheaha Mountain, which is 2,407 feet above sea level. The lowest point in the state is at the Gulf of Mexico, which reaches sea level. The geographic center of Alabama is located in Chilton County, 12 miles southwest of Clanton. Alabama is bordered by four states: Tennessee, Florida, Mississippi, and Georgia. The Gulf of Mexico borders the southern portion of the state.
Alabama can be broken up into five distinct geographic land areas: the East Gulf Coastal Plain, the Piedmont Upland, the Alabama Valley and Ridge, the Cumberland Plateau, and the Highland Rim. The East Gulf Coastal Plain makes up the majority of the state with differing types of landscapes. The southwest portion of the state has low and swampy areas. The southeastern portion is an important farming area. The northern portion is often times called the Central Pine Belt due to the many pines trees and hilly regions. The Black Belt Prairie is the portion that divides the Northern and Southern parts of the Gulf Coastal Plain. It used to be home to one of the country’s largest plantations due to the quality of the soil to grow cotton. The Piedmont Upland is in the eastern central section of the state, made up of low hills and sandy valleys. This area is also full of minerals and the highest point in the state. The Alabama Ridge and Valley is to the northwest of the Piedmont and it is made up of sandstone ridges and fertile limestone valleys. This area is rich with coal, iron ore, and limestone, which led to the high production of steel historically in this area. The Cumberland Plateau, located to the northwest of the Alabama Ridge and Valley, is made up of varying landscapes, made up of both rolling and flat terrains. Lastly, the Highland Rim is in the northwestern corner of the state. This area is mainly made up of farmland that grows corn and cotton.
Alabama Demographics
Of the approximate 4.8 million people in the state of Alabama, about 51.5% of the population is female, while 48.5% is male. Also, approximately 70% of the population identifies as white (including Hispanic or Latino). But, out of that 70%, only about 4% do identify as Hispanic or Latino and the other 66% as Caucasian. Those that identify as Black or African American make up only 27% of the entire population of the state of Alabama. The rest of the population is made up of those that identify as Asian, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Hawaiian, other Pacific Islanders, or those that identify as two or more races. These other races make up about 3% of the Alabama population.
Alabama Religion
The population of Alabama identifies as religious at a much higher rate than the national average. About 63% of the state population identifies as religious, compared to the national average of 49%. Out of the 63%, about 37% identify as members of the Baptist Church, making it the largest denomination in the state of Alabama. The next largest denomination is Methodist, which makes up about 9% of the population. All the other Christian denominations make up about 16.6% of the population. Those who identify as Jewish, Islamic, or Eastern religions only make up 0.4% of the population.
Alabama Gulf Coast
Alabama Sports
While the state of Alabama does not have any professional sports teams, there is a large sports fan base in the state. The main attraction is college football. There are two main state universities in Alabama: University of Alabama and the University of Auburn. The common question in the state is whether you are an Alabama fan or an Auburn fan. College football has just as big, if not bigger, of a following than any professional sport could in the state. Whether Alabama fan are yelling “Roll Tide” or the Auburn fans are yelling “War Eagle”, there is a constant battle among friends and strangers between who is the better team. The two teams face off every year in what is called the “Iron Bowl”. Auburn won the first ever Iron Bowl, which took place in February of 1893. However, there was a hiatus from the years 1907 until 1948. Alabama won the Bowl the first year back. The series is currently held at 42-34-1 with Alabama leading the series.
Other Resources
Learn more about Alabama Population Statistics here