Selma, AL

Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)

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2024 Population
36,858
US Senator
Tommy Tuberville
Republican Party
US Senator
Katie Britt
Republican Party
2024 Median Age
41.2
2.23% 1-year increase
2024 Poverty Rate
31%
7.03% 1-year increase
2024 Median Household Income
$35,627
3.21% 1-year decline
2024 Median Property Value
$94,600
2.87% 1-year decline
2024 Employed Population
13,599
1.94% 1-year decline

About

None of the households in Selma, AL reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider the potential multi-lingual nature of households, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household.

98.8% of the residents in Selma, AL are U.S. citizens.

The largest universities in Selma, AL are George C Wallace State Community College-Selma (434 degrees awarded in 2023) and Selma University (15 degrees).

In 2024, the median property value in Selma, AL was $94,600, and the homeownership rate was 63.8%.

Most people in Selma, AL drove alone to work, and the average commute time was 26.4 minutes. The average car ownership in Selma, AL was 2 cars per household.

Selma, AL borders Birmingham-Hoover, AL and Montgomery, AL.

United StatesAlabama

Population & Diversity

Selma, AL is home to a population of 36.9k people, from which 98.8% are citizens. As of 2024, 1.88% of Selma, AL residents were born outside of the country (693 people).

In 2024, there were 2.63 times more Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) residents (25.8k people) in Selma, AL than any other race or ethnicity. There were 9.8k White (Non-Hispanic) and 630 Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Population & Diversity

Citizenship

98.8%
2024 Citizenship
99%
2023 Citizenship

As of 2024, 98.8% of Selma, AL residents were US citizens, which is higher than the national average of 93.2%. In 2023, the percentage of US citizens in Selma, AL was 99%, meaning that the rate of citizenship has been decreasing.

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

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Diversity

Race and Ethnicity

The 3 largest ethnic groups in Selma, AL
  1. Black or African American (Non-Hispanic)
    25.8k ± 476
  2. White (Non-Hispanic)
    9.8k ± 16
  3. Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic)
    630 ± 476
0.977%
Hispanic Population
360 people

In 2024, there were 2.63 times more Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) residents (25.8k people) in Selma, AL than any other race or ethnicity. There were 9.8k White (Non-Hispanic) and 630 Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

0.977% of the people in Selma, AL are hispanic (360 people).

The following chart shows the 8 races represented in Selma, AL as a share of the total population.

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Global Diversity

The PUMS dataset is not available at the MSA level, so we are showing data for Alabama.
Most Common Origin
  1. Mexico
    52,201 ± 5,580 people
  2. Guatemala
    19,759 ± 3,444 people
  3. Korea
    10,633 ± 2,529 people

In 2023, the most common birthplace for the foreign-born residents of Alabama was Mexico, the natal country of 52,201 Alabama residents, followed by Guatemala with 19,759 and Korea with 10,633.

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Foreign-Born Population

1.88%
2024 Foreign-Born Population
693 people
1.54%
2023 Foreign-Born Population
578 people

As of 2024, 1.88% of Selma, AL residents (693 people) were born outside of the United States, which is approximately the same as the national average of 14%. In 2023, the percentage of foreign-born citizens in Selma, AL was 1.54%, meaning that the rate has been increasing.

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

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Military

Veterans

Most Common Service Period
  1. Vietnam
    624 ± 193
  2. Gulf War (1990s)
    355 ± 114
  3. Gulf War (2001-)
    254 ± 125

Selma, AL has a large population of military personnel who served in Vietnam, 1.76 times greater than any other conflict.

The chart shows the distribution of veterans by conflict in Selma, AL.

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Economy

The economy of Selma, AL employs 13.6k people. In 2024, the largest industries in Selma, AL were Manufacturing (2,340 people), Health Care & Social Assistance (1,655 people), and Retail Trade (1,508 people), and the highest paying industries were Mining, Quarrying, & Oil & Gas Extraction ($145,581), Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services ($97,500), and Utilities ($51,125).

Employment

Occupations

13.6k
2024 Value
± 1,028
−1.94%
1 Year decline
± 10.6%

From 2023 to 2024, employment in Selma, AL declined at a rate of −1.94%, from 13.9k employees to 13.6k employees.

The most common job groups, by number of people living in Selma, AL, are Production Occupations (1,903 people), Office & Administrative Support Occupations (1,813 people), and Sales & Related Occupations (1,297 people). This chart illustrates the share breakdown of the primary jobs held by residents of Selma, AL.

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Unemployment Insurance Claims

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

This chart shows weekly unemployment insurance claims in Alabama (not-seasonally adjusted) compared with the four states with the most similar impact.

The most recent data point uses Advance State Claims data, which can be revised in subsequent weeks.

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Industries

Employment by Industries

13.6k
2024 Value
± 1,028
−1.94%
1 Year decline
± 10.6%

From 2023 to 2024, employment in Selma, AL declined at a rate of −1.94%, from 13.9k employees to 13.6k employees.

The most common employment sectors for those who live in Selma, AL, are Manufacturing (2,340 people), Health Care & Social Assistance (1,655 people), and Retail Trade (1,508 people). This chart shows the share breakdown of the primary industries for residents of Selma, AL, though some of these residents may live in Selma, AL and work somewhere else. Census data is tagged to a residential address, not a work address.

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Median Earnings by Industry

$36,138
Median earning men ± $5,743
$27,511
Median earning women ± $2,249

The industries with the best median earnings for men in 2024 are Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting, & Mining ($52,663), Transportation & Warehousing, & Utilities ($52,583), and Construction ($50,426).

The industries with the best median earnings for women in 2024 are Transportation & Warehousing, & Utilities ($50,385), Construction ($47,063), and Public Administration ($43,583).

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Employment by Industry Sector

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Alabama.
Y-Axis
2.1%
Year-over-year growth
Employment change between February 2022 and February 2023

As of February 2023, there are 2.13M people employed in Alabama. This represents a 2.1% increase in employment when compared to February 2022.

Right after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, during April 2020, a general dip can be seen across industry sectors, resulting in an overall decline in employment by 11.2%.

The following chart shows monthly employment numbers for each industry sector in Alabama.

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Establishments by Size

The industries with the most establishments
  1. 66
    Retail Trade
  2. 64
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  3. 39
    Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

The visualization shows the distribution of establishments by industry and by size according to the number of employees.

The visualization shows the number of establishments and its share across establishment sizes.

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Payroll by Industry Sector

The industries with the highest total annual payroll
  1. $178k
    Manufacturing
  2. $58.3k
    Health Care and Social Assistance
  3. $38.8k
    Retail Trade

The chart shows the total annual payroll and the average annual payroll by industry.

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Civics

In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in Alabama went to Donald J. Trump with 64.6% of the vote. The runner-up was Kamala Harris (34.1%), followed by Robert Kennedy (0.533%).

Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt are the senators currently representing the state of Alabama. In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

Alabama is currently represented by 7 members in the U.S. house, and members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms.

Presidential Elections

Voting results are not available for Selma, AL. Showing the available data for Alabama.
2024 Election Results
  1. Donald J. Trump (64.6%)
    Republican Party
  2. Kamala Harris (34.1%)
    Democratic Party
  3. Robert Kennedy (0.533%)
    Independent Party

In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in Alabama went to Donald J. Trump with 64.6% of the vote. The runner-up was Kamala Harris (34.1%), followed by Robert Kennedy (0.533%).

The following chart shows the popular vote results in Alabama for each registered party from 1976 to 2024.

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Senator Elections

US Senators from Alabama

Senatorial voting results are only available at the state level. Showing data for Alabama.
Tommy Tuberville
Senator from Alabama2
Assumed office on January 3, 2021
Katie Britt
Senator from Alabama3
Assumed office on January 3, 2023

Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt are the senators currently representing Alabama.

In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

The following chart shows elected senators in Alabama over time, excluding special elections, colored by their political party.

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Education

In 2023, universities in Selma, AL awarded 449 degrees. The student population of Selma, AL in 2023 is skewed towards women, with 861 male students and 1,134 female students.

Most students graduating from Universities in Selma, AL are Black or African American (351 and 78.2%), White (73 and 16.3%), Two or More Races (10 and 2.23%), and Asian (8 and 1.78%).

The largest universities in Selma, AL by number of degrees awarded are George C Wallace State Community College-Selma (434 and 96.7%) and Selma University (15 and 3.34%).

The most popular majors in Selma, AL are General Studies (131 and 29.2%), Welding Technology (75 and 16.7%), and Liberal Arts & Sciences (73 and 16.3%).

The median tuition cost in Selma, AL for private four year colleges is $4,800.

Admissions & Enrollments

Applicants, Admissions & Enrolled

University
Measure

In 2016 in Selma, AL, the percentage of applicants admitted was 23.6%, while the percentage of admitted who enrolled was 67.5%. The number of students enrolled in 2023 was 1,995 (43.2% men and 56.8% women).

The line chart  shows the evolution of the percentage of applicants admitted, admitted who enrolled or the number of students enrolled according to the option selected in the upper button.

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Enrollments by Gender and Races

Universities

In 2023 there were 1,995 students enrolled in Selma, AL, 43.2% men and 56.8% women.

By race, the largest number of students enrolled was concentrated in Black or African American with 1,482 records, of which 58.7% were women and 41.3% men.

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Completions

Concentrations

Most Common
  1. Registered Nursing
    37 degrees awarded
  2. General Studies
    131 degrees awarded
  3. Liberal Arts & Sciences
    73 degrees awarded

In 2023, the most common concentation for Associates Degree recipients in Selma, AL was Registered Nursing with 37 degrees awarded.

This visualization illustrates the percentage of students graduating with a Associates Degree from schools in Selma, AL according to their major.

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Universities

Gender
Race
Largest Universities by degrees awarded
  1. George C Wallace State Community College-Selma
    434 degrees awarded
  2. Selma University
    15 degrees awarded

In 2023, the institution with the largest number of graduating students was George C Wallace State Community College-Selma with 434 degrees awarded.

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Student Diversity

University

In 2023, 157 men were awarded degrees from institutions in Selma, AL, which is 0.538 times less than the 292 female students who received degrees in the same year.

In 2023, the most common race/ethnicity group awarded degrees at institutions was Black or African American students. These 351 degrees mean that there were 4.81 times more degrees awarded to Black or African American students then the next closest race/ethnicity group, White, with 73 degrees awarded.

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Awarded Degrees over Time

The graph shows the evolution of awarded degrees by degrees. Under the paragraphs, the average number of awarded degrees by university in each degree is shown.

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Tuition

Average Net Price by Sector

Universities

Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above ($4,800) is the sector with the highest median state tuition in 2023.

Public, 2-year ($870) is the sector with the highest median state fee in 2023.

Public, 2-year ($2,500) is the sector with the highest average net price of books and supplies.

The graph shows the average net price by sector and year.

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Housing & Living

The median property value in Selma, AL was $94,600 in 2024, which is 0.284 times smaller than the national average of $332,700. Between 2023 and 2024 the median property value increased from $97,400 to $94,600, a 2.87% decrease. The homeownership rate in Selma, AL is 63.8%, which is lower than the national average of 65.2%.

People in Selma, AL have an average commute time of 26.4 minutes, and they drove alone to work. Car ownership in Selma, AL is approximately the same as the national average, with an average of 2 cars per household.

Housing

Property

$94,600
Median Property Value 2024
±$5,382
$10,178
Median Property Taxes
±$705

The following chart display owner-occupied housing units distributed between a series of property tax buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. In Selma, AL the largest share of households pay taxes in the < $800 range.

The chart underneath the paragraph shows the property taxes in Selma, AL compared to it's parent and neighbor geographies.

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Rent vs Own

63.8%
Homeownership
2024
65.1%
Homeowners with Mortgage
2024

In 2024, 63.8% of the housing units in Selma, AL were occupied by their owner. This percentage grew from the previous year's rate of 61%.

This chart shows the percentage of owner in Selma, AL compared it's parent and neighboring geographies.

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Equity

Household Income

Please note that the buckets used in this visualization were not evenly distributed by ACS when publishing the data.
$35,627
Median Household Income
± $3,641
15.9k
Number of Households
± 1,013

In 2024, the median household income of the 15.9k households in Selma, AL declined from $35,627 from the previous year's value of $36,810.

The following chart displays the households in Selma, 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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Wage Distribution

The closest comparable wage GINI for Selma, AL is from Alabama.
0.456
2023 Wage GINI in Alabama
0.458
2022 Wage GINI in Alabama

In 2023, the income inequality in Alabama was 0.456 according to the GINI calculation of the wage distribution. Income inequality had a 0.523% decline from 2022 to 2023, which means that wage distribution grew somewhat more even. The GINI for Alabama was lower than than the national average of 0.476. 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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Transportation

Commuter Transportation

Most Common Commute in 2024
  1. Drove Alone (81.9%)
  2. Carpooled (9.58%)
  3. Worked At Home (6.04%)

In 2024, 81.9% of workers in Selma, AL drove alone to work, followed by those who carpooled to work (9.58%) and those who worked at home (6.04%).

The following chart shows the number of households using each mode of transportation over time, using a logarithmic scale on the y-axis to help better show variations in the smaller means of commuting.

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Commute Time

26.4 minutes
Average Travel Time

Using averages, employees in Selma, AL have a shorter commute time (26.4 minutes) than the normal US worker (26.4 minutes). Additionally, 2.48% of the workforce in Selma, AL have "super commutes" in excess of 90 minutes.

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

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Car Ownership

2 cars
Average Number

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

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Poverty

Poverty & Diversity

31% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Selma, AL (11.3k out of 36.5k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is higher than the national average of 12.5%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Females 55 - 64, followed by Females 6 - 11 and then Females 18 - 24.

The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in Selma, AL is Black, followed by White and Two Or More.

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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Health

91.8% of the population of Selma, AL has health coverage, with 28.1% on employee plans, 32.1% on Medicaid, 12.4% on Medicare, 17.9% on non-group plans, and 1.45% on military or VA plans.

Primary care physicians in Alabama see 1,571 patients per year on average, which represents a 0% change from the previous year (1,571 patients). Compare this to dentists who see 2016 patients per year, and mental health providers who see 684 patients per year.

By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 46.4% were men and 53.6% were women.

Coverage

Patient to Clinician Ratios

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Alabama.
1,571 to 1
Patient to Primary Care Physician Ratio in Alabama

Primary care physicians in Alabama see an average of 1,571 patients per year. This represents a 0% change from the previous year (1,571 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 its neighboring geographies.

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Health Care Diversity

In 2024, insured persons according to age ranges were distributed in 24.8% under 18 years, 18.3% between 18 and 34 years, 36.9% between 35 and 64 years, and 20% over 64 years.

By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 46.4% were men and 53.6% were women.

The following chart shows the number of people with health coverage by gender.

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Uninsured People

8.15%
Uninsured
28.1%
Employer Coverage
32.1%
Medicaid
12.4%
Medicare
17.9%
Non-Group
1.45%
Military or VA

Between 2023 and 2024, the percent of uninsured citizens in Selma, AL declined by 11.8% from 9.25% to 8.15%.

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

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