Summary
- • Birmingham has a population of 200,733 as of 2021
- • The median age in Birmingham is 35.7 years
- • 51.1% of Birmingham's population is female
- • 68.7% of Birmingham's population is African American
- • 25.8% of Birmingham's population is White
- • 3.6% of Birmingham's population is Hispanic or Latino
- • The average household size in Birmingham is 2.44 persons
- • Birmingham covers a land area of 146.1 square miles
- • The city's elevation ranges from 460 to 1,160 feet above sea level
- • Birmingham is located in the Jones Valley
- • The city is situated at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains
- • Birmingham has a humid subtropical climate
- • The average annual rainfall in Birmingham is 53.7 inches
- • Birmingham experiences an average of 2,212 hours of sunshine annually
- • The median household income in Birmingham is $37,375
Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Birmingham, Alabama, is not just the most populous city in the state but also a vibrant tapestry of culture, history, and diversity. With a population of 200,733 and a median age of 35.7, Birmingham is a city where the past blends seamlessly with the present. From its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement to the bustling economy with a GDP of $63.8 billion, Birmingham is a city on the rise. So, grab a glass of sweet tea, and lets explore the Magic City where steel meets soul, and history meets innovation.
Culture
- The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute opened in 1992
- The Alabama Theatre, built in 1927, is a historic landmark in Birmingham
- The Sidewalk Film Festival, held annually in Birmingham, began in 1999
- The Birmingham Museum of Art houses over 27,000 works of art
- The city hosts the Magic City Art Connection, an annual art festival
- Birmingham is home to the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame
- The city's Vulcan statue is the largest cast iron statue in the world
Interpretation
Birmingham, the crown jewel of Alabama, shines brighter than ever with its rich cultural tapestry and vibrant artistic scene. From the stirring echoes of the Civil Rights movement at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to the timeless charm of the historic Alabama Theatre, this city is a canvas painted with history and innovation. With its impressive collection of over 27,000 art works at the Birmingham Museum of Art and the soulful melodies celebrated at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, Birmingham is not just a city; it's a symphony of creativity. And let's not forget the towering presence of the Vulcan statue, standing tall and proud as a beacon of Birmingham's unique blend of tradition and modernity. In a city where art is life, and history is a living, breathing entity, Birmingham continues to captivate and inspire all who walk its streets.
Demographics
- Birmingham has a population of 200,733 as of 2021
- The median age in Birmingham is 35.7 years
- 51.1% of Birmingham's population is female
- 68.7% of Birmingham's population is African American
- 25.8% of Birmingham's population is White
- 3.6% of Birmingham's population is Hispanic or Latino
- The average household size in Birmingham is 2.44 persons
Interpretation
Birmingham, Alabama, proves that it's not just the numbers that make a city vibrant but the diverse mosaic of its residents. With a population of 200,733, Birmingham's heartbeat resonates through its youthful median age of 35.7 years and the majority female presence at 51.1%. The city proudly wears its rich cultural tapestry, with 68.7% of its residents identifying as African American, 25.8% as White, and 3.6% as Hispanic or Latino. In every home, an average of 2.44 persons share in the city's legacy, proving that Birmingham is not just a city of numbers, but a living, breathing testament to the strength of its people.
Economy
- The median household income in Birmingham is $37,375
- 25.7% of Birmingham's population lives in poverty
- The unemployment rate in Birmingham is 5.6% as of 2021
- Birmingham's GDP was $63.8 billion in 2020
- The city's largest employer is the University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Birmingham's cost of living index is 80.7, lower than the national average
- The median property value in Birmingham is $92,200
Interpretation
Birmingham, Alabama: where the university reigns supreme and the cost of living is lower than your average latte. The city's contradictory statistics tell a tale of resilience and disparity, with a median income that leaves much to be desired at $37,375, yet a robust GDP of $63.8 billion in 2020. While the University of Alabama at Birmingham stands as the largest employer, a quarter of the population grapples with poverty. In this city of contrasts, where property values are relatively affordable at $92,200, there's a delicate dance between economic promise and persistent challenges, showcasing Birmingham's potential for growth amidst its stark realities.
Education
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham has over 22,000 students
- Birmingham City Schools serve about 22,000 students
- The city has 7 public high schools
- Samford University, founded in 1841, is located in Birmingham
- Birmingham-Southern College, a private liberal arts college, was founded in 1856
- The city is home to Miles College, a historically black college founded in 1898
- Birmingham has 8 public library locations
Interpretation
With over 22,000 students spread across various educational institutions, it's safe to say that Birmingham is a city where learning is not just a pastime but a way of life. From the historically significant foundations of institutions like Samford University and Birmingham-Southern College to the diversity celebrated at Miles College, education in this bustling Alabama city is as rich and colorful as its cultural tapestry. The abundance of public high schools and libraries further underscore Birmingham's commitment to fostering knowledge and growth among its residents. In this student-centric metropolis, it seems the only thing more populous than the population itself is the thirst for knowledge that thrives within its city limits.
Geography
- Birmingham covers a land area of 146.1 square miles
- The city's elevation ranges from 460 to 1,160 feet above sea level
- Birmingham is located in the Jones Valley
- The city is situated at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains
- Birmingham has a humid subtropical climate
- The average annual rainfall in Birmingham is 53.7 inches
- Birmingham experiences an average of 2,212 hours of sunshine annually
Interpretation
Birmingham, with its sprawling land area and varied elevations flirting with the clouds, stands as the majestic gem of Alabama. Nestled in the embrace of the Jones Valley and saluting the mighty Appalachian Mountains, this city experiences a climate as unpredictable as its traffic patterns. With rainfall that could rival a tropical rainforest and enough sunshine hours to keep its residents smiling through the occasional storm, Birmingham embodies the resilience and charm that makes it the heartbeat of the Deep South.
Healthcare
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital is the third-largest public hospital in the U.S.
- Children's of Alabama is one of the largest pediatric medical facilities in the U.S.
- Birmingham has 9 major hospitals
- The city's Cooper Green Mercy Health Services provides care for low-income residents
- UAB Hospital performed Alabama's first heart transplant in 1981
- The Southern Research Institute in Birmingham conducts medical research
- Birmingham's St. Vincent's Hospital was founded in 1898
Interpretation
Birmingham, Alabama is not only the hub of Southern charm but also a powerhouse in the world of healthcare. With the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital leading the charge as the third-largest public hospital in the country and Children's of Alabama standing tall as a premier pediatric medical facility, the city has solidified its position as a healthcare mecca. Boasting a total of 9 major hospitals, including the historic St. Vincent's founded in 1898, Birmingham ensures that its residents, regardless of income, have access to top-notch care through institutions like Cooper Green Mercy Health Services. From pioneering procedures like Alabama's first heart transplant in 1981 at UAB Hospital to groundbreaking medical research at the Southern Research Institute, Birmingham's commitment to healthcare is not just a statistic but a testament to its unwavering dedication to the well-being of its community.
History
- Birmingham was founded in 1871
- The city was named after Birmingham, England
- Birmingham was once known as the 'Pittsburgh of the South' due to its steel industry
- The city played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s
- Birmingham was the site of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in 1963
- The city was incorporated on December 19, 1871
- Birmingham was the first city in Alabama to install electric street lights in 1886
Interpretation
Birmingham, the glowing gem of Alabama, illuminates a history as rich and diverse as its city lights. From its roots in steel to its pivotal stance in civil rights, Birmingham stands tall as a testament to resilience and progress. While once dubbed the 'Pittsburgh of the South,' this city has forged its own path, shedding light on the darkness of injustice and leading the charge towards equality. A place where history and innovation converge, Birmingham not only shines bright with electric street lights but also with the enduring spirit of its people.
Transportation
- The Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport serves over 3 million passengers annually
- Amtrak's Crescent line connects Birmingham to New York and New Orleans
- The city has a bus system operated by the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority
- Birmingham's first electric streetcar line began operation in 1885
- The city has over 300 miles of sidewalks
- Birmingham implemented a bike-share program called Zyp BikeShare in 2015
- The city's MAX Transit system operates 31 fixed bus routes
Interpretation
Birmingham, the bustling heart of Alabama, proves that big things come in small packages. With over 3 million passengers jetting through the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport annually, and a seamless transportation network that includes Amtrak, buses, electric streetcars, over 300 miles of sidewalks, a bike-share program, and 31 fixed bus routes, it's clear that this city is not just a hub of activity—it's the locomotive engine propelling the state towards a modern, interconnected future.
Urban Planning
- Birmingham has 99 neighborhoods
- The city has over 2,000 acres of parks and recreational areas
- Birmingham implemented a comprehensive plan called 'The Plan' in 2013
- The city has a Bus Rapid Transit system called Birmingham Xpress
- Birmingham has 158 miles of bike lanes and shared lanes
- The city has a 19-mile trail called the Red Rock Trail System
- Birmingham's first green space, Linn Park, was established in 1883
Interpretation
Birmingham, known for its Southern charm and vibrant cultural scene, isn't just Alabama's most populous city, it's also a playground for urban enthusiasts. With 99 distinct neighborhoods to explore, over 2,000 acres of green spaces for relaxation, and a well-planned Bus Rapid Transit system dubbed Birmingham Xpress, this city is more than just steel and industry - it's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and city slickers alike. Add in 158 miles of bike lanes, a 19-mile trail system, and the historic Linn Park dating back to 1883, and it's clear that Birmingham is blending history with modern progress in a way that's uniquely its own.
