By population, Huntsville has surpassed Birmingham to become Alabama's largest city.
Huntsville Becomes Alabama's Most Populous City
Recent data indicates a significant shift in Alabama's urban landscape, with Huntsville now holding the title of the state's largest city by population. This marks a notable change after decades during which Birmingham consistently held the top position.
Population Figures: Huntsville vs. Birmingham (2023)
Huntsville's sustained growth has led to its population exceeding that of Birmingham. According to recent census data from 2023, Huntsville's resident count significantly outnumbers Birmingham's.
| City | 2023 Population |
|---|---|
| Huntsville | 225,564 |
| Birmingham | 196,644 |
This table clearly illustrates the current population standings, with Huntsville having approximately 29,000 more residents than Birmingham.
A Historical Shift
For many decades, Birmingham was the undisputed largest city in Alabama, playing a central role as a hub for industry, commerce, and culture. Huntsville, while historically significant due to its aerospace and technology sectors, has experienced rapid population growth in recent years, propelling it past Birmingham. This demographic shift reflects changing economic landscapes and migration patterns within the state.
Key aspects of this change include:
- Accelerated Growth: Huntsville has seen robust population growth driven by its expanding technology, aerospace, and defense industries.
- New Leadership: The city now stands as the most populous municipality in Alabama by resident count.
- Demographic Change: This represents a significant demographic milestone for the state, altering the long-standing hierarchy of its major cities.
Understanding "Bigger" by Population
When comparing cities, the term "bigger" can refer to various metrics, including land area, economic output, or the size of the metropolitan statistical area (which includes surrounding suburbs and counties). However, the most common and definitive measure for a city's "size" is its municipal resident population. Based strictly on this metric, Huntsville currently holds the distinction of being Alabama's largest city.
To explore more about city populations and demographics, you can refer to resources like the U.S. Census Bureau.
