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Population & Demographics

ZIP Code 35020 has 24,213 residents and 9,813 households (average 2.44 persons per household). The median age is 39.4 years, about the same as the state (39.7) and about the same as the nation (38.8). The gender split is 47.0% male and 53.0% female, which is slightly lower than the national male share (49.1%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are Black or African American (72.1%, much higher than the state average of 25.8% and well above the national average of 12.4%) and White (14.9%, much lower than the state average of 64.1% and well below the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 11.9%, which is lower than the national average (18.7%), and Black or African American share is much higher than both the state (25.8%) and national averages (12.4%).

Explore More:Population Over Time By Age & Gender By Race By Gender Nativity & Citizenship

Source: U.S. Census 2020 Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC) and U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates.

2020 Population:	24,213Source: Census DHC
2023 ACS Population Estimate:	25,308Source: Census ACS
2025 ZC Population Estimate:	24,951Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:	1,462.4 people per sq mile
Average Income:	$33,247Source: Census ACS

Households:	9,813Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:	$90,900Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:	2.44Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:	4.50Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)

Line chart of ZIP 35020 population estimates from 2011-2023, with markers for the 2010 and 2020 Decennial Census counts to show growth or decline over time. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2010	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Census ACS Population Estimate	--	26,898	25,924	26,675	26,604	26,729	27,134	26,768	26,345	25,757	24,821	25,763	25,713	25,308
Decennial Census	27,139	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	24,213	--	--	--

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP05. DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)

Median Age: 39.4

Male Median Age: 37.4

Female Median Age: 41.4

Line chart for ZIP 35020 showing total, male, and female population by age group. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	< 5	5-9	10-14	15-19	20-24	25-29	30-34	35-39	40-44	45-49	50-54	55-59	60-64	65-69	70-74	75-79	80-84	85+
Male	804	769	832	799	665	716	719	752	654	677	677	788	791	659	496	268	192	128
Female	741	807	791	744	674	837	828	766	688	705	725	872	1,040	890	688	400	280	351
Total	1,545	1,576	1,623	1,543	1,339	1,553	1,547	1,518	1,342	1,382	1,402	1,660	1,831	1,549	1,184	668	472	479

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Population by Race

Pie chart of the racial and ethnic makeup of ZIP 35020. Table below includes counts and percentages. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

White:	3,612	13.96%
Black:	17,452	67.43%
Hispanic:*	2,880	11.13%
Asian:	25	0.10%
American Indian:	123	0.48%
Hawaiian:	14	0.05%
Other:	1,774	6.85%
Total:	25,880	100%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

* NOTE: Hispanic or Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. This means individuals who identify as Hispanic will also be included in one of the race categories (such as White or Black). As a result, the totals shown here may exceed 100% when Hispanic is displayed alongside racial groups.

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Gender Breakdown

Simple chart showing male vs female share of the population in ZIP Code 35020. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Gender	Count	%	Median Age
Males:	11,386	47.02%	37.4 years
Females:	12,827	52.98%	41.4 years
Total:	24,213	100%	39.4 years

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship

Pie chart showing nativity in ZIP 35020. Categories include native residents (born in the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Island Areas, or abroad to American parents) and foreign-born residents. A table below lists counts and percentages. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Native, born in the United States:	23,778	93.95%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:	189	0.75%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:	169	0.67%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:	1,172	5.30%
Total Population:	25,308	100%
Total Native Population:	23,967	94.70%
Total Foreign-born Population:	1,341	5.30%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Note: Nativity and Citizenship derived from American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. Total Population listed here will not match official ZIP Code population totals, which are based on the Decennial Census.

Income & Employment

In 2023, the Median household income is $33,247, which is far less than the national median ($78,538), is up $9,186 (38.2%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $4,114. Family households earn a median of $44,905 versus $23,485 for nonfamily households (a difference of $21,420). By gender, male median income is $37,408 and female is $37,326, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $82 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 49.9%, which is far less than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 7.9%, which is markedly higher than the state rate (4.8%). The largest occupation group is Production (28.8%).

Explore More:Income Over Time Household Income Employment Status By Occupation

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02, DP03, DP04 and DP05.

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)

Line chart showing median income in ZIP 35020 from 2011-2023 for five series: household, family, nonfamily, male, and female. The table below lists the yearly values. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Income Type	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Median Household Income	$24,061	$23,698	$24,570	$25,708	$25,042	$26,789	$27,772	$29,067	$29,133	$28,129	$28,812	$31,257	$33,247
Median Family Income	$31,993	$32,500	$32,647	$32,866	$32,979	$34,871	$36,882	$38,931	$41,199	$40,944	$39,291	$43,958	$44,905
Median NonFamily Income	$14,609	$14,849	$14,938	$15,208	$15,146	$16,063	$17,003	$17,213	$17,420	$20,352	$21,100	$22,774	$23,485
Median Male Income	$32,138	$29,471	$28,333	$27,401	$31,345	$31,687	$32,139	$34,268	$35,812	$33,871	$35,981	$37,872	$37,408
Median Female Income	$25,274	$24,426	$24,792	$26,390	$25,992	$26,033	$27,947	$30,481	$31,837	$31,758	$32,038	$34,581	$37,326

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income

Bar chart showing average household income comparing ZIP 35020, city of Bessemer, Jefferson County, state of Alabama, and United States national values. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Employment Status

Pie chart of employment status for ZIP 35020, showing the shares who are employed, unemployed, and not in the labor force. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Employed:	9,012	45.97%
Unemployed:	775	3.95%
Not In Labor Force:	9,818	50.08%
Total:	19,605	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)

Donut Chart showing the distribution of employed civilians aged 16 and over by occupation category: management, service, sales and office, natural resources and construction, and production and transportation. A table with the same data and percentages is provided as well.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Management, business, science, and arts:	1,534	17.02%
Service:	2,467	27.37%
Sales and Office:	1,603	17.79%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:	814	9.03%
Production, transportation, and material moving:	2,594	28.78%
Total Civilian Employed Population:	9,012	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Housing & Affordability

In 2023, the median home value is $90,900, which is much lower than the national median ($303,400), is up $22,800 (33.48%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $22,100. The median gross rent is $856, which is much lower than the national median ($1,348), is up $211 (32.71%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $124. Of occupied housing, owners make up 56.20% (45.65% with a mortgage, 54.35% free-and-clear) and renters 43.80% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 18.26%, which is much higher than the national rate (10.43%).

Explore More:Compare Home Value Home Value Over Time Rent & Over Time Housing Occupancy

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Table DP03, SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Median Home Value (Comparison)

Bar chart showing the median home value for ZIP 35020, compared with Bessemer, Jefferson County, state of Alabama, and the U.S. National Average. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Home Value Over Time

Line chart showing median home values for ZIP 35020 across years 2011-2023 using ACS 5-year estimates. The chart displays the typical dollar value of owner-occupied housing units. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Median Home Value	$68,100	$67,800	$67,500	$68,200	$67,200	$67,700	$68,700	$67,400	$68,800	$73,700	$76,600	$87,000	$90,900

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid

Pie chart of gross rent for renter-occupied homes in ZIP 35020, showing monthly rent brackets and the share of units in each range. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Less than $500:	908	20.58%
$500 to $999:	1,764	39.97%
$1,000 to $1,499:	1,172	26.56%
$1,500 to $1,999:	158	3.58%
$2,000 to $2,499:	11	0.25%
$2,500 to $2,999:	0	0.00%
$3,000 or more:	8	0.18%
No Rent:	392	8.88%
Total:	4,413	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Gross Rent Over Time

Line chart displaying median gross rent for ZIP 35020 over the years 2011-2023 using ACS 5-year estimates. The chart represents typical monthly housing costs for renter households. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Median Rent	$645	$634	$657	$673	$656	$678	$704	$731	$732	$746	$755	$828	$856

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy

Pie chart showing housing occupancy for ZIP 35020. Categories include owner-occupied units with a mortgage, owner-occupied units free and clear, and renter-occupied units. A table below lists counts and percentages. Vacant housing units are shown separately in the Vacancy chart. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Owner Occupied (with mortgage):	2,585	25.66%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):	3,078	30.55%
Renter Occupied:	4,413	43.80%
Total Occupied Housing Units:	10,076	100%

Occupied Housing Units:	10,076	81.74%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):	2,251	18.26%
Total Housing Units:	12,327	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)

Pie chart showing housing type distribution for ZIP 35020. Categories include single-family units (detached or attached), multi-family units (from 2 units up to 50 or more units), and other structures such as mobile homes or boats/RVs. A table below lists counts and percentages for each group.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Single-Family Units:	9,668	78.43%
Multi-Family Units:	2,065	16.75%
Other Units:	594	4.82%
Total Housing Units:	12,327	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community

In 2023, 9.90% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 82.40%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 17.40%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 40.10%, which is falls below the national rate (67.30%). Public coverage is 56.30%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 28.40%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.70%), up 4.80 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 5.30 percentage points. This signals a sharp increase in hardship - a shrinking consumer base, heavy pressure on public services, and job-market contraction risks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (49.30%). College enrollment is 19.85%, which is far lower than the national rate (26.70%), indicating the community may be more oriented toward vocational/trade or direct-to-workforce opportunities.

Explore More:Educational Attainment Health Insurance Poverty Over Time School Enrollment

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02 and DP03.

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)

Pie chart of educational attainment for adults (25+) in ZIP 35020, including each level from less than 9th grade to graduate/professional. Summary rows show high school or higher and bachelor's or higher. A table lists counts and percentages.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Less than 9th grade:	946	5.46%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:	2,101	12.12%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):	7,102	40.98%
Some college, no degree:	4,140	23.89%
Associate's degree:	1,327	7.66%
Bachelor's degree:	1,174	6.77%
Graduate or professional degree:	541	3.12%
Total:	17,331	100%
High school or higher:	14,284	82.42%
Bachelor's degree or higher:	1,715	9.90%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)

Pie chart illustrating health insurance coverage by type for ZIP Code 35020. Categories include private insurance, public coverage such as Medicare and Medicaid, and individuals with no health insurance. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Private Insurance:	10,075	35.25%
Public Insurance:	14,146	49.49%
No Insurance:	4,363	15.26%
Total:	28,584	100%
Has Health Insurance:	24,221	84.74%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2023)

Line chart displaying the share of families and people in ZIP 35020 whose income falls below the federal poverty threshold, using ACS 5-year estimates from 2011 through 2023. The chart shows year-to-year changes in the percentage of people in poverty. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
% of People in Poverty	23.6%	25.0%	28.3%	29.6%	30.2%	27.4%	26.2%	24.8%	23.1%	24.9%	28.8%	28.1%	28.4%

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)

Pie Chart showing enrollment of residents ages 3 and older in Nursery School or Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary (grades 1-8), High School (grades 9-12), and College or Graduate School. A table with the same data and percentages is provided as well.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Nursery School, Preschool:	390	7.77%
Kindergarten:	117	2.33%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):	2,476	49.30%
High school (grades 9-12):	1,042	20.75%
College or graduate school:	997	19.85%
Total:	5,022	100%
Early Childhood:	507	10.10%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):	3,635	72.38%

Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

City:	Bessemer, Alabama
City Alias:	Brighton
County:	Jefferson County
Timezone:	Central (GMT -06:00)
Local Time:	9:14:49 PM
Population:	24,213 [See All]
Area Codes:	205 / 659
Classification:	Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:	33.4019, -86.9432
Land Area:	16.557 sq mi
Quick Link:	https://www.zip-codes.com/zip-code/35020/zip-code-35020.asp

# Residential Mailboxes:	10,226Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:	1,010Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:	11,223Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:	8,379Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:	511Source: USPS

# of Businesses:	440Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:	$74,652,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:	$310,021,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:	5,904Source: CBP

CBSA Name:	Birmingham, ALSource: Census
CBSA Number:	13820Source: Census
CBSA Type:	MetroSource: Census
CBSA Division:	--Source: Census
CBSA Population:	1,181,432Source: Census
MSA:	Birmingham, AL MSASource: Census
Land Area:	16.557 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:	0.004 sq miSource: Census

Congressional District:	07Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:	10156.13 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:	--Source: Census
Intro Date:	< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:	0105980Source: Census
Place Name:	Bessemer city; AlabamaSource: Census

ZIP Code 35020 in Bessemer, AL

Population & Demographics

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)

Population by Race

Gender Breakdown

Nativity & Citizenship

Income & Employment

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)

Average Household Income

Employment Status

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)

Housing & Affordability

Median Home Value (Comparison)

Median Home Value Over Time

Gross Rent Paid

Median Gross Rent Over Time

Housing Occupancy

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)

Education, Health & Community

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2023)

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)

Business & Employment Statistics

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes

Schools in ZIP Code 35020

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 35020

Sources & References