Alabama Is the Heart of the South for a Reason
Alabama is a sunny state in the southern United States. It has white beaches, tall pine forests, and busy cities. In 2026, Alabama is growing, voting, and working to fix its schools.
Here is what makes it special right now.
How Many People Live There?
Alabama is home to about 5,223,121 people, making it the 24th most populated state in the country. The capital city is Montgomery. But the biggest city is Huntsville, with a population of 237,140 in 2026.
Top Growing Counties:
- 🌱 Limestone County — fastest growth in the state
- 🏡 Baldwin County — growing fast near the coast
- 🚀 Madison County — home to Huntsville’s tech boom
Counties Losing People:
- 📉 Perry County — biggest population drop
- 📉 Wilcox County — also shrinking
A Snapshot Chart
| Topic | 2026 Fact |
|---|---|
| State Population | 5,223,121 |
| Biggest City | Huntsville (237,140) |
| Capital | Montgomery |
| Average Income | $45,197 per person |
| Public School Students | 743,516 |
| Public Schools | 1,516 |
Alabama’s Schools: Better, But Still Behind
Education is a big topic in Alabama right now. The state serves over 740,000 students in public schools, with 90% of all kids attending public school. But test scores show there is work to do:
- 📖 Only 47% of students are proficient in reading
- 🔢 Only 30% of students are proficient in math
- 📈 Alabama’s 4th grade math rank jumped from 52nd to 32nd in the nation in recent years
- 📈 4th grade reading rank moved from 49th to 34th
Even though the state ranks low overall, some districts are excelling. Schools are also gaining national recognition for strong elementary and middle school programs.
Politics: A Big Election Year
2026 is a major election year in Alabama. Voters will choose a new governor on November 3, since current Governor Kay Ivey cannot run again due to term limits. Republican Tommy Tuberville, a former U.S. Senator and college football coach, faces Democrat Doug Jones, a former U.S. Senator, in the race.
Other big changes happening:
- 🗳️ A new lieutenant governor will be elected, since Will Ainsworth is term-limited
- ⚖️ A new attorney general will be chosen, since Steve Marshall is term-limited
- 🏫 Five seats on the State Board of Education are also up for election
Alabama has not elected a Democratic governor since 1998, making this race one political watchers are following closely.
Why Is Alabama Growing?
People are moving to Alabama for jobs and lower living costs. The state has a strong manufacturing hub with aerospace and automotive industries. Huntsville, nicknamed “Rocket City,” builds spacecraft parts and works closely with NASA.
Growth has slowed recently, though. The population grew only about 1% in 2025, partly due to slower immigration into the state.
Quick Fun Facts
- 🏈 Alabama loves football — college games pack stadiums every fall.
- 🚀 Huntsville helped send astronauts to the moon.
- 🌊 The Gulf Coast has soft, white sand beaches.
- 🌲 Northern Alabama has mountains and forests perfect for hiking.
Conclusion
Alabama in 2026 is a state in motion. Its population is shifting toward fast-growing cities, its schools are slowly climbing the national rankings, and its political landscape is about to change with a wide-open governor’s race.
Whether you care about beaches, classrooms, or ballots, there’s a lot to watch in Alabama this year.