Alabama is a weird, beautiful, and sometimes confusing place. If you’re looking at a list of cities in Alabama USA, you might think you’re just seeing names on a map. But honestly? Those names don't tell you the real story. You've got the space-obsessed engineers in the north and the Mardi Gras-throwing sailors in the south. In between? A lot of history, some incredible food, and cities that are changing faster than the local weather.
People usually assume Birmingham is the biggest city. It's not. Not anymore. Huntsville took that crown a couple of years ago and hasn't looked back. It’s kinda fascinating how the "Rocket City" just blasted past everyone else.
If you’re planning a move, a road trip, or you're just a data nerd trying to figure out where everyone is going, here is the ground-level truth about the major hubs in the Heart of Dixie.
The Big Four: Not Who You Think They Are
The hierarchy of Alabama cities has flipped. For decades, Birmingham was the undisputed heavyweight. Now? Things are different.
Huntsville: The Rocket City Takeover
Huntsville is basically the brainiac of the state. As of 2026, the population is sitting around 237,413, according to recent projections. It’s growing at roughly 1.5% a year. Why? Because of Redstone Arsenal and NASA. You can’t throw a rock in Huntsville without hitting someone with a PhD in aerospace engineering.
It’s not just lab coats, though. The city is currently expanding the MidCity District and the Orion Amphitheater is drawing huge acts. It feels less like a sleepy Southern town and more like a tech hub that happens to serve great barbecue.
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Birmingham: The Magic City’s Evolution
Birmingham is still the soul of the state, even if it's technically third in population now at about 194,400. Don't tell a local they're "smaller" than Huntsville; they won't like it. The city is undergoing a massive revitalization.
Check this out: construction is finally starting this year on the next phase of the old Carraway Hospital site—reborn as "The Star Uptown." They’re putting in cottages and townhomes where a blighted hospital used to sit. It’s a huge win for Mayor Randall Woodfin’s neighborhood revitalization plan. Plus, the food scene here is legitimately world-class. You haven't lived until you've had a meal at Highlands Bar & Grill or explored the stalls at the Pizitz Food Hall.
Mobile: The Port City Vibes
Mobile is actually the second-largest city now, hovering near 198,806. It’s the oldest city in Alabama and, fun fact, the birthplace of Mardi Gras in America. Sorry, New Orleans, but Mobile did it first in 1703.
Right now, Mobile is in the middle of a massive construction boom. They are moving commercial flights from the regional airport out in West Mobile to the Mobile International Airport downtown at Brookley Aeroplex. That terminal is slated to open in late 2026. Oh, and they just broke ground on a $300 million arena to replace the old Civic Center. It’s going to be a game-changer for concerts and hockey.
Montgomery: The Capital City
Montgomery stays steady around 193,700. It’s a city where history is literally on every corner. You’ve got the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, which are heavy but essential visits.
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But it’s also a military town. Maxwell Air Force Base is a huge economic driver. The city is also trying to lean into its riverfront more, with new developments popping up along the Alabama River. It’s a mix of deep-rooted tradition and a slow, steady push toward the future.
The Rising Stars and College Towns
Outside the "Big Four," the list of cities in Alabama USA gets even more interesting. This is where the real growth is happening.
- Tuscaloosa (Pop. 118,643): It’s more than just Alabama football, though let's be real, Saturdays in the fall are the only thing that matters here. The city is currently working on the University Boulevard East project to handle the massive traffic.
- Auburn (Pop. 87,102): One of the fastest-growing spots in the state. It’s got that "Loveliest Village on the Plains" vibe, but it’s becoming a serious mid-sized city.
- Madison (Pop. 67,388): This is Huntsville’s neighbor. It has a growth rate of over 2.5%. It’s basically where all the engineers go to raise their kids.
- Foley (Pop. 31,622): This is the wild card. Foley is growing at a staggering 6% clip. It’s the gateway to the beaches, and with OWA Parks & Resort expanding, people are just deciding to stay there instead of just passing through.
The Rural Reality
Alabama isn't just a list of urban centers. Roughly 42% of the state is still considered rural. That’s a huge number compared to the US average of about 20%.
Towns like Natural Bridge in Winston County have a population of... 41 people. Total. But it’s home to the longest natural stone arch east of the Rockies. These small towns are the backbone of the state’s timber and poultry industries, but they face real challenges. Healthcare access is a big one. Only about 15 rural counties in the whole state have labor and delivery units. If you’re moving to a smaller Alabama town, that’s something you’ve got to keep in mind.
What Most People Get Wrong About Alabama Cities
People think Alabama is a monolith. It’s not.
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If you go to Dauphin Island, you’re in a coastal paradise. If you go to Mentone on Lookout Mountain, you’re in a foggy, high-altitude village with log cabins and art galleries.
The list of cities in Alabama USA is actually a list of distinct cultures. The "Wiregrass" region around Dothan feels very different from the "Shoals" area (Florence/Muscle Shoals), where the music history is so thick you can almost hear the ghosts of Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding in the recording studios.
Your Alabama City Cheat Sheet
If you’re trying to decide where to focus your attention, look at the growth trends.
| City | Vibe | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Huntsville | Tech, Space, High-growth | The New King |
| Birmingham | Food, Healthcare, History | The Cultural Heart |
| Mobile | Coast, Port, Party | The Historic Port |
| Auburn/Opelika | Education, High-energy | The Growing Hub |
| Gulf Shores | Tourism, Beach, Salt Life | The Vacation Spot |
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re looking to explore or move to one of these spots, don’t just look at the census data.
- Check the 2026 infrastructure projects: Cities like Mobile and Birmingham are in the middle of massive redevelopments. If you hate construction, maybe avoid downtown Birmingham for a few months.
- Look at the school districts in Madison and Hoover: If you have kids, these are the perennial top performers, which is why property values there are through the roof.
- Visit during the "Off-Season": Want to see what Mobile is really like? Go in October, not during Mardi Gras. Want to feel the soul of Tuscaloosa? Go in the summer when the students are gone.
Alabama is changing. The old stereotypes of dusty roads and stagnant towns are dying out, replaced by crane-filled skylines in Huntsville and tech startups in Birmingham. It’s a state of 5 million people spread across cities that are finally starting to find their modern identity.