Population & Household section gives reader an outlook. of general population profile, structure, and outlook.
Population Trend
Pickens County, AL, is experiencing a decline in population, with a 13-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -0.42% and a one-year growth rate of -1.6%, contrasting sharply with Alabama's overall population growth of 0.6%. The county's median age is 42.9, higher than the state median of 39.3, indicating an aging population. Additionally, 19.4% of residents are over 65, slightly above the state average of 17.3%. Compared to nearby counties, Pickens shows a more significant demographic challenge, as many counties in Alabama are experiencing growth or stability.
Total Population
18925
Sex Ratio
93.6 %
Population Growth (2021-2022)
-1.6 %
Population CAGR (2010-2022)
-0.42 %
Population Growth Rate (%)
Source: Census.gov
Age Structure
Dependency Rate
63.1 %
Median Age
42.9 y.o.
% of Population > 65 y.o.
19.4 %
Active Aging Index
122.1 %
Old Dependency Rate
31.6 %
Young Dependency Rate
31.5 %
Age Structure (%)
Source: Census.gov
Population Structure
Source: Census.gov
Household Status
Pickens County, AL, with a total of 7,083 households, exhibits a unique demographic profile compared to other counties in Alabama. The county has a higher percentage of households with elderly residents (36.7%) than the state average (31.9%) and many neighboring counties, indicating a potentially aging population. The average household size is slightly below the state average (2.43 vs. 2.53), suggesting smaller family units. Notably, Pickens County has experienced a negative compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.02%, contrasting with the overall state growth rate of 0.5%. This decline may reflect economic challenges or out-migration trends, especially when compared to counties like Baldwin and Madison, which are experiencing positive growth rates.
Total Households
7083
Married-couple Household
3087
Household CAGR (2010-2022)
-1.02 %
Household Growth (2021-2022)
1.29 %
Average Household Size
2.43 p
Average Family Size
3.12 p
Household with Children (%)
25 %
Household with Elder 65+ (%)
36.7 %
Household Size
Source: Census.gov
Household Structure
Source: Census.gov
Marriage
Never Married
32.3 %
Now Married
46.2 %
Widowed
7.4 %
Divorced
14.1 %
Marriage Status
Source: Census.gov
Marriage Status Breakdown
Source: Census.gov | S1201
Cultures
*Culture section contains several components: races, education, marriage and other factors.
Racial Profiiles
Pickens County, AL exhibits a notably high single race percentage of 98.1%, significantly above the Alabama state average of 96.3% and the national average of 91.2%. The racial composition reveals a diverse landscape, with 39.7% identifying as Black and 5.2% as Hispanic, indicating a higher percentage of Black residents compared to the state average of 26.4%. This diversity is unique among nearby counties, where Black populations often range from 22% to 59%. The county's demographic profile suggests a rich cultural tapestry, reflective of broader trends in Alabama's rural areas.
One Race
98.1 %
Two or More Races
1.9 %
Non-White
42.5 %
Hispanic (Overlapping)
5.2 %
White
10880
Black
7506
Asian
10
Native American
33
Race Structure (%)
Source: Census.gov
Racial Profile Breakdown
Source: Census.gov
Place of Birth
In Pickens County, AL, 95.9% of the population is born in the U.S., slightly below Alabama's state average of 96.5%. Notably, 4.1% of residents are foreign-born, with a significant portion (94.1%) originating from South America, indicating a unique demographic trend compared to other counties in Alabama, where foreign-born populations are generally lower. The county's percentage of residents born outside the state (25.4%) aligns closely with the state average of 26.9%, suggesting a stable local population with some mobility. Overall, Pickens County reflects Alabama's broader demographic patterns while showcasing its distinct South American ties.
Native US Citizen
10880
Native US Citizen (%)
42.5 %
Born in Alabama (%)
70 %
Born in Other State (%)
25.4 %
Foreign Born (%)
4.1 %
Naturalized (% of Foreign Born)
16 %
Place of Birth Changes (2010-2022)
Source: Census.gov
Birthplace Breakdown (Outside of US)
Source: Census.gov
Migration
-
Migration Inflow (% of Population)
12.1 %
From Different County (% of Inflow)
55.7 %
From Different State (% of Inflow)
35.3 %
From Different Country (% of Inflow)
9 %
%
Source: Census.gov
Religion
Number of Congregations
99
Number of Adherents
13315
Adherents (% of Total Population)
70.4 %
Christian (% of Total Population)
68.4 %
Religion Breakdown
Source: Census.gov
Education Attainment
In Pickens County, AL, only 14.5% of the population aged 25 and older holds a bachelor's degree, significantly lower than the Alabama state average of 27.2% and the national average of 34.3%. Over the past decade, this percentage has increased from 11%, indicating a positive trend, albeit slow. The median earnings for residents in Pickens County are $39,221, which is below the state median of $43,016 and the national median of $48,747. Notably, individuals with a bachelor's degree in Pickens earn only slightly more than those with just a high school diploma, highlighting potential economic challenges in the region.