Bessemer, AL

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Population

26,697

0.592% decline

Median Age

40.5


Median Household Income

$31,308

2.04% growth

Poverty Rate

29.7%


Number of Employees

9,884

4.31% growth

Median Property Value

$84,000

1.52% decline

About

Economy

Health

Diversity

Housing & Living

About

In 2017, Bessemer, AL had a population of 26.7k people with a median age of 40.5 and a median household income of $31,308. Between 2016 and 2017 the population of Bessemer, AL declined from 26,856 to 26,697, a -0.592% decrease and its median household income grew from $30,682 to $31,308, a 2.04% increase.

The population of Bessemer, AL is 69.9% Black or African American Alone, 23% White Alone, and 4.73% Hispanic or Latino. 4.6% of the people in Bessemer, AL speak a non-English language, and 96.8% are U.S. citizens.

The median property value in Bessemer, AL is $84,000, and the homeownership rate is 55.1%. Most people in Bessemer, AL commute by Drove Alone, and the average commute time is 21.8 minutes. The average car ownership in Bessemer, AL is 2 cars per household.

Photo by Nicolas Henderson

United StatesAlabamaJefferson County, ALBirmingham-Hoover, ALHoover (North), Vestavia Hills & Homewood Cities PUMA, ALBessemer, Hueytown & Pleasant Grove Cities PUMA, ALBirmingham City (West) PUMA, AL

Economy

The economy of Bessemer, AL employs 9.88k people. The largest industries in Bessemer, AL are Health Care & Social Assistance (1,599 people), Retail Trade (1,363 people), and Manufacturing (1,335 people), and the highest paying industries are Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services ($69,362), Utilities ($55,149), and Transportation & Warehousing, & Utilities ($53,058).

Median household income in Bessemer, AL is $31,308. Males in Bessemer, AL have an average income that is 1.44 times higher than the average income of females, which is $40,615. The income inequality in Bessemer, AL (measured using the Gini index) is 0.46, which is lower than than the national average.

Wages

Median Household Income

$31,308

2017 value

± $1,873

2.04%

1 Year Growth

± 8.72%

Households in Bessemer, AL have a median annual income of $31,308, which is less than the median annual income of $60,336 across the entire United States. This is in comparison to a median income of $30,682 in 2016, which represents a 2.04% annual growth.

Look at the chart to see how the median household income in Bessemer, AL compares to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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Wage by Gender in Common Jobs

The PUMS dataset is not available at the Place level, so we are showing data for Alabama.

$58,549

Average Male Salary

± $1,465

$40,615

Average Female Salary

± $997

In 2017, full-time male employees in Bessemer, AL made 1.44 times more than female employees.

This chart shows the gender-based wage disparity in the 5 most common occupations in Bessemer, AL by number of full-time employees.

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Wage by Race and Ethnicity in Common Jobs

The PUMS dataset is not available at the Place level, so we are showing data for Alabama.

Highest Average Salaries by Race & Ethnicity

  1. Asian

    $58,018 ± $10,489

  2. White

    $47,885 ± $1,063

  3. American Indian and Alaska Native tribes specified; or American Indian or Alaska Native, not specified and no other races

    $45,909 ± $38,465

In 2017 the highest paid race/ethnicity of Bessemer, AL workers was Asian. These workers were paid 1.21 times more than White workers, who made the second highest salary of any race/ethnicity.

This chart shows the race- and ethnicity-based wage disparities in the 5 most common occupations in Bessemer, AL by number of full-time employees.

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Wage Distribution

The closest comparable wage GINI for Bessemer, AL is from Alabama.

0.46

2017 Wage GINI

0.458

2016 Wage GINI

In 2017, the income inequality in Alabama was 0.46 according to the GINI calculation of the wage distribution. Income inequality had a 0.343% growth from 2016 to 2017, which means that wage distribution grew somewhat less even.

The 2017 the GINI for Alabama was lower than than the national average of 0.479. In other words, wages are distributed more evenly in Alabama in comparison to the national average.

This chart shows the number of workers in Alabama across various wage buckets compared to the national average.

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Income by Location

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Highest Median Household Income (Total)

  1. Census Tract 104.02

  2. Census Tract 141.05

  3. Census Tract 143.01

In 2017, the place with the highest Median Household Income (Total) in Bessemer, AL was Census Tract 104.02 with a value of $47,500, followed by Census Tract 141.05 and Census Tract 143.01, with respective values of $45,179 and $45,028.

The following map shows all of the places in Bessemer, AL colored by their Median Household Income (Total).

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Poverty by Age and Gender

Females 25 - 34

Largest Demographic Living in Poverty

29.7% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Bessemer, AL (7.77k out of 26.2k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is higher than the national average of 13.4%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Females 25 - 34, followed by Females 35 - 44 and then Males < 5.

The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who classifies as impoverished. If a family's total income is less than the family's threshold than that family and every individual in it is considered to be living in poverty.

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Poverty by Race and Ethnicity

Largest Race or Ethnicity Living in Poverty

  1. Black

    5,504 ± 539

  2. White

    1,532 ± 309

  3. Other

    513 ± 196

The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in Bessemer, AL is Black, followed by White and Other.

The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who classifies as impoverished. If a family's total income is less than the family's threshold than that family and every individual in it is considered to be living in poverty.

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Occupations

Employment by Occupations

9.88k

2017 Value

± 724

4.31%

1 Year growth

± 9.98%

From 2016 to 2017, employment in Bessemer, AL grew at a rate of 4.31%, from 9.48k employees to 9.88k employees.

The most common job groups, by number of people living in Bessemer, AL, are Office & Administrative Support Occupations (1,448 people), Sales & Related Occupations (1,137 people), and Production Occupations (883 people). This chart illustrates the share breakdown of the primary jobs held by residents of Bessemer, AL.

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Most Common

The most common jobs held by residents of Bessemer, AL, by number of employees, are Office & Administrative Support Occupations (1,448 people), Sales & Related Occupations (1,137 people), and Production Occupations (883 people).

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Most Specialized

Compared to other places, Bessemer, AL has an unusually high number of residents working as Material Moving Occupations (2.24 times higher than expected), Fire Fighting & Prevention, & Other Protective Service Workers Including Supervisors (1.66 times), and Construction & Extraction Occupations (1.59 times).

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Highest Paid

The highest paid jobs held by residents of Bessemer, AL, by median earnings, are Business & Financial Operations Occupations ($73,512), Computer & Mathematical Occupations ($68,157), and Computer, Engineering, & Science Occupations ($67,532).

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Industries

Employment by Industries

9.88k

2017 Value

± 724

4.31%

1 Year growth

± 9.98%

From 2016 to 2017, employment in Bessemer, AL grew at a rate of 4.31%, from 9.48k employees to 9.88k employees.

The most common employment sectors for those who live in Bessemer, AL, are Health Care & Social Assistance (1,599 people), Retail Trade (1,363 people), and Manufacturing (1,335 people). This chart shows the share breakdown of the primary industries for residents of Bessemer, AL, though some of these residents may live in Bessemer, AL and work somewhere else. Census data is tagged to a residential address, not a work address.

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Most Common

The most common industries in Bessemer, AL, by number of employees, are Health Care & Social Assistance (1,599 people), Retail Trade (1,363 people), and Manufacturing (1,335 people).

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Most Specialized

Compared to other places, Bessemer, AL has an unusually high number of Utilities (2.7 times higher than expected), Mining, Quarrying, & Oil & Gas Extraction (2.23 times), and Accommodation & Food Services (1.54 times) industries.

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Highest Paying

The highest paying industries in Bessemer, AL, by median earnings, are Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services ($69,362), Utilities ($55,149), and Transportation & Warehousing, & Utilities ($53,058).

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Domestic Trade

Domestic Production & Consumption

Domestic production and consumption consists of products and services shipped from Alabama to other states, or from other states to Alabama.

Top Domestic Production in Dollars

  1. Motorized vehicles

    $40.7B

  2. Mixed freight

    $28B

  3. Coal-n.e.c.

    $21.5B

In 2015, the top outbound Alabama product (by dollars) was Motorized vehicles with $40.7B, followed by Mixed freight with $28B and Coal-n.e.c. and $21.5B.

The following chart shows the share of these products in relation to all outbound Alabama products.

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Domestic Trade Growth

Showing data for Alabama state.

$243B

2015 Value

$367B

Projected 2045 Value

50.7% growth

In 2015, total outbound Alabama trade was $243B. This is expected to increase 50.7% to $367B by 2045.

The following chart shows how the domestic outbound Alabama trade is projected to change in comparison to its neighboring states.

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Interstate Trade

Interstate trade consists of products and services shipped from Alabama to other states, or from other states to Alabama.

Most Common Trade Partners

  1. Georgia

    $25.3B

  2. Florida

    $16.7B

  3. Tennessee

    $14.5B

In 2015, the top outbound Alabama domestic partner for goods and services (by dollars) was Georgia with $25.3B, followed by Florida with $16.7B and Tennessee and $14.5B.

The following map shows the amount of trade that Alabama shares with each state (excluding itself).

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Health

83.2% of the population of Bessemer, AL has health coverage, with 31.1% on employee plans, 26.5% on Medicaid, 13.1% on Medicare, 11.1% on non-group plans, and 1.58% on military or VA plans.

Per capita personal health care spending in the place of Bessemer, AL was $7,281 in 2014. This is a 4.07% increase from the previous year ($6,996).

Primary care physicians in Bessemer, AL see 1535 patients per year on average, which represents a 1.1% decrease from the previous year (1552 patients). Compare this to dentists who see 2139 patients per year, and mental health providers who see 1185 patients per year.

Comparing across all counties in the state, Greene County has the highest prevalence of diabetes (21.1%). Additionally, Macon County has the highest prevalence of adult obesity (47.8%)

Patient to Clinician Ratios

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Alabama.

1,535 to 1

Patient to Primary Care Physician Ratio

Primary care physicians in Alabama see an average of 1,535 patients per year. This represents a 1.1% decrease from the previous year (1,552 patients).

The following chart shows how the number of patients seen by primary care physicians has been changing over time in Alabama in comparison to neighboring states.

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Behavioral Health Conditions

Data only available at the state level.

State with the Highest Prevalence

  1. West Virginia

    8.26% of the population affected

  2. Arkansas

    8.13% of the population affected

  3. New Hampshire

    7.98% of the population affected

In 2016, West Virginia had the highest prevalence of adults with major depressive episode, with 8.26% of the population affected. The second highest is Arkansas (8.13%), followed by New Hampshire (7.98%).

The following map shows the percent of individuals with major depressive episode by state over multiple years.

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Access and Quality

Data only available at state level.

Most prevalent states

  1. Mississippi

    19.2% of adults

  2. Texas

    17.9% of adults

  3. Louisiana

    17.6% of adults

In 2016, Mississippi had the highest prevalence of adults who haven't seen a doctor in the past 12 months due to cost, at 19.2%. It is followed by Texas (17.9%) and Louisiana (17.6%).

The following map shows the prevalence of adults who haven't seen a doctor in the past 12 months due to cost by state over multiple years.

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Health Care Spending

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Alabama.

$7,281

Total Per Capita Spending on Personal Health Care 

$3,641

Per Enrollee Private Health Insurance Spending on Personal Health Care

$5,042

Per Enrollee Medicaid Spending on Personal Health Care

$10,267

Per Enrollee Medicare Spending on Personal Health Care

Between 2013 and 2014, all personal health care spending per capita in Alabama (including private, Medicare, and Medicaid) grew 4.07%, from $6,996 to $7,281.

The following chart shows how this spending changed over time in comparison to Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance spending, per enrollee.

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Health Care Coverage

16.8%

Uninsured

31.1%

Employer Coverage

26.5%

Medicaid

13.1%

Medicare

11.1%

Non-Group

1.58%

Military or VA

Between 2016 and 2017, the percent of uninsured citizens in Bessemer, AL grew by 0.154% from 16.7% to 16.8%.

The following chart shows how the percent of uninsured individuals in Bessemer, AL changed over time compared with the percent of individuals enrolled in various types of health insurance.

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Health Risks

Data available at the county level.

Most at risk counties

  1. Greene County

    21.1% prevalence

  2. Perry County

    20.9% prevalence

  3. Sumter County

    20.4% prevalence

Greene County has the highest prevalence of diabetes in Alabama, at 21.1%.

The following map shows the prevalence of diabetes in Alabama by county over multiple years.

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Diversity

Bessemer, AL is home to a population of 26.7k people, from which 96.8% are citizens. As of 2017, 3.61% of Bessemer, AL residents were born outside of the country.

The ethnic composition of the population of Bessemer, AL is composed of 18.7k Black or African American Alone residents (69.9%), 6.15k White Alone residents (23%), 1.26k Hispanic or Latino residents (4.73%), 339 Two or More Races residents (1.27%), 232 Some Other Race Alone residents (0.869%), 40 American Indian & Alaska Native Alone residents (0.15%), 17 Asian Alone residents (0.0637%), and 6 Native Hawaiian & Other Pacific Islander Alone residents (0.0225%).

The most common foreign languages spoken in Bessemer, AL are Spanish or Spanish Creole (985 speakers), French (Incl. Patois, Cajun) (108 speakers), and African Languages (24 speakers).

Age

Age by Nativity

41

Median Native-Born Age

± 2.4

38

Median Foreign-Born Age

± 5.6

In 2017, the median age of all people in Bessemer, AL was 40.5. Native-born citizens, with a median age of 41, were generally older than than foreign-born citizens, with a median age of 38. But people in Bessemer, AL are getting getting older. In 2016, the average age of all Bessemer, AL residents was 40.

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Heritage

Foreign-Born Population

3.61%

2017 Foreign-Born Population

3.18%

2016 Foreign-Born Population

As of 2017, 3.61% of Bessemer, AL residents were born outside of the United States, which is lower than the national average of 13.7%. In 2016, the percentage of foreign-born citizens in Bessemer, AL was 3.18%, meaning that the rate has been increasing.

The following chart shows the percentage of foreign-born residents in Bessemer, AL compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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Global Diversity

Most Common Origin

  1. Mexico

    51,837 ± 5,560 people

  2. Guatemala

    11,080 ± 2,581 people

  3. India

    9,229 ± 2,356 people

In 2017, the most common birthplace for the foreign-born residents of Bessemer, AL was Mexico, the natal country of 51,837 Bessemer, AL residents, followed by Guatemala with 11,080 and India with 9,229.

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Citizenship

96.8%

2017 Citizenship

97.3%

2016 Citizenship

As of 2017, 96.8% of Bessemer, AL residents were US citizens, which is higher than the national average of 93.1%. In 2016, the percentage of US citizens in Bessemer, AL was 97.3%, meaning that the rate of citizenship has been decreasing.

The following chart shows US citizenship percentages in Bessemer, AL compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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Race and Ethnicity

Most Common

  1. Black or African American Alone

    18.7k ± 759

  2. White Alone

    6.15k ± 735

  3. Hispanic or Latino

    1.26k ± 462

In 2017, there were 3.03 times more Black or African American Alone residents (18.7k people) in Bessemer, AL than any other race or ethnicity. There were 6.15k White Alone and 1.26k Hispanic or Latino residents, the second and third most common racial or ethnic groups.

The following bar chart shows the 8 races and ethnicities represented in Bessemer, AL as a share of the total population.

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Non-English Speakers

Most Common Languages

  1. Spanish or Spanish Creole

    985 speakers (3.9%)

  2. French (Incl. Patois, Cajun)

    108 speakers (0.427%)

  3. African Languages

    24 speakers (0.095%)

4.6% of Bessemer, AL citizens are speakers of a non-English language, which is lower than the national average of 21.5%. In 2015, the most common non-English language spoken in Bessemer, AL was Spanish or Spanish Creole. 3.9% of the overall population of Bessemer, AL are native Spanish or Spanish Creole speakers. 0.427% speak French (Incl. Patois, Cajun) and 0.095% speak Spanish or Spanish Creole, the next two most common languages.

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Military

Veterans

Most Common Service Period

  1. Vietnam

    546 ± 157

  2. Gulf War (1990s)

    346 ± 165

  3. Korea

    238 ± 94

Bessemer, AL has a large population of military personnel who served in Vietnam, 1.58 times greater than any other conflict.

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Housing & Living

The median property value in Bessemer, AL was $84,000 in 2017, which is 0.386 times smaller than the national average of $217,600. Between 2016 and 2017 the median property value increased from $85,300 to $84,000, a 1.52% decrease. The homeownership rate in Bessemer, AL is 55.1%, which is lower than the national average of 63.9%. People in Bessemer, AL have an average commute time of 21.8 minutes, and they commute by Drove Alone. Car ownership in Bessemer, AL is approximately the same as the national average, with an average of 2 cars per household.

Income

Household Income

Please note that the buckets used in this visualization were not evenly distributed by ACS when publishing the data.

$31,308

Median Household Income

± $1,873

10.5k

Number of Households

± 695

In 2017, the median household income of the 10.5k households in Bessemer, AL grew to $31,308 from the previous year's value of $30,682.

The following chart displays the households in Bessemer, AL distributed between a series of income buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households have an income in the < $10k range.

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Housing

Property Value

$84,000

2017 Median

± $4,508

$85,300

2016 Median

± $3,391

In 2017, the median property value in Bessemer, AL declined from to $84,000 from the previous year's value of $85,300.

The following charts display, first, the property values in Bessemer, AL compared to it's parent and neighbor geographies and, second, owner-occupied housing units distributed between a series of property value buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. In Bessemer, AL the largest share of households have a property value in the $60k - $70k range.

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Property Taxes

< $800

Average Range

This chart shows the households in Bessemer, AL distributed between a series of property tax buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. In Bessemer, AL the largest share of households pay taxes in the < $800 range.

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Rent vs Own

55.1%

2017 Homeownership

56.4%

2016 Homeownership

In 2017, 55.1% of the housing units in Bessemer, AL were occupied by their owner. This percentage declined from the previous year's rate of 56.4%.

This percentage of owner-occupation is lower than the national average of 63.9%. This chart shows the ownership percentage in Bessemer, AL compared it's parent and neighboring geographies.

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Transportation

Car Ownership

2 cars

Average Number

The following chart displays the households in Bessemer, AL distributed between a series of car ownership buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households in Bessemer, AL have 2 cars, followed by 1 car.

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Commute Time

21.8 minutes

Average Travel Time

Using averages, employees in Bessemer, AL have a shorter commute time (21.8 minutes) than the normal US worker (25.1 minutes). Additionally, 0.873% of the workforce in Bessemer, AL have "super commutes" in excess of 90 minutes.

The chart below shows how the median household income in Bessemer, AL compares to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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Commuter Transportation

Most Common Method of Travel

  1. Drove Alone

    77.2%

  2. Carpooled

    16%

  3. Worked At Home

    2.62%

In 2017, the most common method of travel for workers in Bessemer, AL was Drove Alone, followed by those who Carpooled and those who Worked At Home.

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