Birmingham, AL Facts, Population, Income, Demographics, Economy

Population (total): Population in 2017: 210,710 (99% urban, 1% rural). >Population change since 2000: -13.2%

Population (male): 100,527

Population (female): 110,183

Median Age: 35.8 years

Median Rent: Median gross rent in 2017: $790.

Poverty (breakdown): (16.3% for White Non-Hispanic residents, 27.4% for Black residents, 36.0% for Hispanic or Latino residents, 32.7% for American Indian residents, 40.9% for other race residents, 45.5% for two or more races residents)

Ancestries: Ancestries: American (8.4%), African (3.9%), English (1.7%), German (1.5%), Irish (1.4%).

Median Incomes:
      Estimated median household income in 2017: $33,553 (it was $26,735 in 2000)
      Estimated per capita income in 2017: $22,914 (it was $15,663 in 2000)
      Estimated median house or condo value in 2017: $87,800 (it was $62,200 in 2000) Birmingham:$87,800AL:$141,300

Birmingham was founded on June 1, 1871, by the Elyton Land Company, whose investors included cotton planters, bankers and railroad entrepreneurs. It sold lots near the planned crossing of the Alabama & Chattanooga and South & North Alabama railroads, including land that was part of the Benjamin P. Worthington plantation. The first business at that crossroads was a trading post and country store operated by Marre and Allen. The site of the railroad crossing was notable for its proximity to nearby deposits of iron ore, coal, and limestone – the three main raw materials used in making steel.

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Recognitions and Certifications

Accredited Drug Testing has been recognized as one of the "Top 10 drug testing companies" for excellent customer service and we have received TPA Accreditation from the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association. We are active in all drug testing industry associations and our staff are trained and certified as drug and alcohol testing specialists.

Important Links

National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association (https://ndasa.com/)

National Drug Free Workplace Alliance (https://www.ndwa.org/)

Substance Abuse Program Administrators Association (https://www.sapaa.com/)

Substance Abuse Mental Health Safety Administration (https://www.samhsa.gov/)

US Drug Enforcement Administration (https://www.dea.gov/)

Office of Drug alcohol Policy Control (https://www.transportation.gov/odapc)

980x250 DOT Drug Testing

DOT Drug Testing Locations Birmingham, AL

Our Local DOT Drug testing facilities in Birmingham, AL and the surrounding areas provide DOT Drug Testing, DOT Alcohol Testing, DOT Physicals, Consortium enrollment and other DOT services for Employers, Single operators and all DOT modes that are required to comply with 49 CFR Part 40 in Birmingham, AL including FMCSA, FTA, FAA, USCG, FRA and PHMSA . Testing centers are within minutes of your home or office and same-day service is available in most cases.

Scheduling a DOT test is Fast and Easy, call our scheduling department or schedule your test online 24/7

* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center.

2124 4TH AVE S 0.7 miles

2124 4TH AVE S
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233
Categories: BIRMINGHAM AL

3221 3RD AVE S 1.0 miles

3221 3RD AVE S
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35222
Categories: BIRMINGHAM AL

1500 4TH AVE S 1.1 miles

1500 4TH AVE S
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233
Categories: BIRMINGHAM AL

2700 10TH AVE S BLDG 2 STE 103 1.3 miles

2700 10TH AVE S BLDG 2 STE 103
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35205
Categories: BIRMINGHAM AL

616 9TH ST S 1.7 miles

616 9TH ST S
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233
Categories: BIRMINGHAM AL

1201 11TH AVE S STE 100 1.8 miles

1201 11TH AVE S STE 100
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35205
Categories: BIRMINGHAM AL

3001 27TH ST N 2.3 miles

3001 27TH ST N
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35207
Categories: BIRMINGHAM AL

701 PRINCETON AVE SW 2.9 miles

701 PRINCETON AVE SW
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35211
Categories: BIRMINGHAM AL

1919 28TH AVE S STE 123 2.9 miles

1919 28TH AVE S STE 123
HOMEWOOD, AL 35209
Categories: HOMEWOOD AL

833 PRINCETON AVE SW 2.9 miles

833 PRINCETON AVE SW
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35211
Categories: BIRMINGHAM AL

7 OFFICE PARK CIR 3.5 miles

7 OFFICE PARK CIR
MOUNTAIN BROOK, AL 35223
Categories: MOUNTAIN BROOK AL

2757 GREEN SPRINGS HWY 3.7 miles

2757 GREEN SPRINGS HWY
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35209
Categories: BIRMINGHAM AL

800 MONTCLAIR RD 4.0 miles

800 MONTCLAIR RD
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35213
Categories: BIRMINGHAM AL

2018 BROOKWOOD Medical Center Dr STE G2 4.2 miles

2018 BROOKWOOD Medical Center Dr STE G2
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35209
Categories: BIRMINGHAM AL

513 Brookwood Blvd, Suite 506, Brookwood Medical Plaza 4.2 miles

513 Brookwood Blvd, Suite 506, Brookwood Medical Plaza
Birmingham, AL 35209
Categories: Birmingham AL

200 MONTGOMERY HWY STE 100 4.7 miles

200 MONTGOMERY HWY STE 100
VESTAVIA, AL 35216
Categories: VESTAVIA AL

1 W LAKESHORE DR STE 301 4.9 miles

1 W LAKESHORE DR STE 301
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35209
Categories: BIRMINGHAM AL

2038 SPRINGDALE LN 5.1 miles

2038 SPRINGDALE LN
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35217
Categories: BIRMINGHAM AL

920 S 18th St Ste B 5.2 miles

920 S 18th St Ste B
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35205
Categories: BIRMINGHAM AL

110 Oxmoor Ct 6.0 miles

110 Oxmoor Ct
Birmingham, AL 35209
Categories: Birmingham AL

1360 MONTGOMERY HWY STE 114 6.5 miles

1360 MONTGOMERY HWY STE 114
VESTAVIA, AL 35216
Categories: VESTAVIA AL

1664 FORESTDALE BLVD 6.6 miles

1664 FORESTDALE BLVD
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35214
Categories: BIRMINGHAM AL

5410 HIGHWAY 280 STE 100 6.8 miles

5410 HIGHWAY 280 STE 100
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35242
Categories: BIRMINGHAM AL

9232 PARKWAY E 7.4 miles

9232 PARKWAY E
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35206
Categories: BIRMINGHAM AL

6554 AARON ARONOV DR 7.7 miles

6554 AARON ARONOV DR
FAIRFIELD, AL 35064
Categories: FAIRFIELD AL

721 GADSDEN HWY 8.6 miles

721 GADSDEN HWY
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35235
Categories: BIRMINGHAM AL

3321 LORNA RD STE 6 8.7 miles

3321 LORNA RD STE 6
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35216
Categories: BIRMINGHAM AL

5569 GROVE BLVD STE 121 8.8 miles

5569 GROVE BLVD STE 121
HOOVER, AL 35226
Categories: HOOVER AL

1680 MONTGOMERY HWY 8.8 miles

1680 MONTGOMERY HWY
HOOVER, AL 35216
Categories: HOOVER AL

1678 MONTGOMERY HWY STE 104 8.9 miles

1678 MONTGOMERY HWY STE 104
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35216
Categories: BIRMINGHAM AL

919 Odum Rd 9.0 miles

919 Odum Rd
GARDENDALE, AL 35071
Categories: GARDENDALE AL

48 MEDICAL PARK DR STE 250 9.5 miles

48 MEDICAL PARK DR STE 250
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35235
Categories: BIRMINGHAM AL

2146 CENTENNIAL DR 9.6 miles

2146 CENTENNIAL DR
HOOVER, AL 35216
Categories: HOOVER AL

101 MISSIONARY RDG STE 100 10.0 miles

101 MISSIONARY RDG STE 100
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35242
Categories: BIRMINGHAM AL

2244 NORTH RD 10.9 miles

2244 NORTH RD
GARDENDALE, AL 35071
Categories: GARDENDALE AL

2500 SOUTHLAKE PARK 11.2 miles

2500 SOUTHLAKE PARK
HOOVER, AL 35244
Categories: HOOVER AL

5892 TRUSSVILLE CROSSING PKWY 11.4 miles

5892 TRUSSVILLE CROSSING PKWY
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35235
Categories: BIRMINGHAM AL

232 PARKWAY DR SW 12.3 miles

232 PARKWAY DR SW
LEEDS, AL 35094
Categories: LEEDS AL

153 NARROWS PKWY STE 202 13.1 miles

153 NARROWS PKWY STE 202
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35242
Categories: BIRMINGHAM AL

5890 VALLEY RD STE 200 13.2 miles

5890 VALLEY RD STE 200
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35235
Categories: BIRMINGHAM AL

151 NARROWS PKWY STE 110 13.4 miles

151 NARROWS PKWY STE 110
BIRMINGHAM, AL 35242
Categories: BIRMINGHAM AL

4360 MAIN ST 13.6 miles

4360 MAIN ST
PINSON, AL 35126
Categories: PINSON AL

709 MEMORIAL DR 14.8 miles

709 MEMORIAL DR
BESSEMER, AL 35022
Categories: BESSEMER AL

995 9TH AVE SW 14.8 miles

995 9TH AVE SW
BESSEMER, AL 35022
Categories: BESSEMER AL

919 MEDICAL CENTER DR 14.9 miles

919 MEDICAL CENTER DR
BESSEMER, AL 35022
Categories: BESSEMER AL

2970 PELHAM PKWY 15.4 miles

2970 PELHAM PKWY
PELHAM, AL 35124
Categories: PELHAM AL

3143 PELHAM PKWY STE 100 16.1 miles

3143 PELHAM PKWY STE 100
PELHAM, AL 35124
Categories: PELHAM AL

Via Nicolo de Conti 3 16.4 miles

Via Nicolo de Conti 3
Monselice, KS 35043
Categories: Monselice KS

4917 PROMENADE PKWY STE 107 17.0 miles

4917 PROMENADE PKWY STE 107
BESSEMER, AL 35022
Categories: BESSEMER AL

4810 BELL HILL RD 17.2 miles

4810 BELL HILL RD
BESSEMER, AL 35022
Categories: BESSEMER AL

4760 EASTERN VALLEY RD STE 102 17.5 miles

4760 EASTERN VALLEY RD STE 102
MC CALLA, AL 35111
Categories: MC CALLA AL

2701 MOODY PKWY 18.0 miles

2701 MOODY PKWY
MOODY, AL 35004
Categories: MOODY AL

120 COLONIAL PROMENADE PKWY 20.1 miles

120 COLONIAL PROMENADE PKWY
ALABASTER, AL 35007
Categories: ALABASTER AL

3151 CREWS LANE 21.2 miles

3151 CREWS LANE
LINCOLN, AL 35096
Categories: LINCOLN AL

(Don't see a DOT drug testing location near you, call us at (800) 221-4291)

Accredited Drug Testing can schedule your DOT drug test at any of our Birmingham, AL Drug testing locations, Call us Today!

"When you need a test, choose the best"

(800) 221-4291

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How to schedule a DOT drug test in Birmingham, AL

To schedule any type of DOT drug test or alcohol test in Birmingham, AL call our local scheduling department at (800) 221-4291. You may also schedule your DOT drug test online utilizing our express scheduling registration system by selecting your test and completing the Donor Information/Registration Section. You must register for the test prior to proceeding to the testing center.

The zip code you enter will be used to determine the closest DOT drug or DOT alcohol testing center that performs the type of test you have selected. A donor pass/registration form with the local testing center address, hours of operation and instructions will be sent to the e-mail address you provided. Take this form with you or have it available on your smartphone to provide to the testing center. No appointment is necessary in most cases. However, you must complete the donor information section and pay for the test at the time of registration.

Our laboratories are SAMHSA-certified and all test results are verified by our in-house licensed physicians who serve as Medical Review Officers (MRO).

In addition to providing DOT drug testing and DOT breath alcohol testing in Birmingham, AL , Accredited Drug Testing also has additional testing centers throughout the metropolitan area and surrounding cities.

On the road or on vacation, no worries, Accredited Drug Testing has over 20,000 testing centers in all cities Nationwide and we can schedule your test, ANYWHERE, ANYTIME!

(800) 221-4291

Schedule Your Test

DOT Changes to Part 40

On May 2, 2023, the Department of Transportation published its final rule in the Federal Register to include oral fluid testing in the DOT drug testing program.  This final rule became effective June 1, 2023.

Please note that DOT oral fluid testing cannot be implemented as of yet until the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) certifies at least two laboratories. One as a primary lab and a second lab to serve as split specimen testing.

Changes to DOT-regulated employees?

DOT-regulated safety-sensitive employees can now be subject to an oral fluid collection or urine drug testing collection for ANY DOT-regulated test and this choice is up to the employer.  DOT has also authorized that Substance Abuse Professionals (SAP) evaluations may continue to be conducted remotely.

How do these changes affect DOT employers?

Employers must select what methodology they would like to use for their drug testing program (randoms' oral fluid, pre-employment urine, etc). Ensure you have a business relationship/agreement with any collections site for the services you wish to use for your drug testing program.  As an employer, you must also have your Designated Employer representative available 24-7 in the event any problem collections or situations arise or to discuss any standing orders that may arise for problem collections.

What are the DOT drug testing requirements?.

In 1991, the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act created the following DOT Agencies which established drug and alcohol testing regulations to ensure that aircraft, trains, trucks, and buses were operated in a safe and responsible manner. As an employer or individual operating in a "Safety Sensitive" position, it is important to understand how these regulations impact you.

49 CFR Part 40 (commonly known as Part 40) explains:

  • How drug and alcohol testing is conducted
  • Who is authorized to participate in the drug and alcohol testing program
  • What employees must do before they may return to duty after a drug and/or alcohol violation

Each DOT Agency and the USCG have specific regulations that cover:

  • The agency's prohibitions on drug and alcohol use
  • Who is subject to comply with these regulations
  • What type of testing is required
  • When testing is required
  • Consequences of non-compliance

FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) amended its rule that would establish requirements for commercial driver's license employers and individuals with regard to the drug and alcohol clearing house which will take effect on January 6, 2020.

The FMCSA Clearinghouse is a secure online database that will allow employers, the FMCSA, State Driver Licensing Agencies, State Law Enforcement and individual CDL operators to access real-time important information about a CDL Driver's drug and alcohol program violations and the ultimate goal of this database is to enhance safety on our Nation's public roadways.

For specific requirements, click the appropriate agency listed below in which you or your company is regulated by. Ask about our DOT Complete Compliance Package!

The Opioid Overdose Crisis

Every day, more than 130 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids. The misuse of and addiction to opioids,including prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, is a serious national crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the total "economic burden" of prescription opioid misuse alone in the United States is $78.5 billion a year, including the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement.

  • Roughly 21 to 29 percent of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them.
  • Between 8 and 12 percent develop an opioid use disorder.
  • An estimated 4 to 6 percent who misuse prescription opioids transition to heroin.
  • About 80 percent of people who use heroin first misused prescription opioids.
  • Opioid overdoses increased 30 percent from July 2016 through September 2017 in 52 areas in 45 states.
  • The Midwestern region saw opioid overdoses increase 70 percent from July 2016 through September 2017.
  • Opioid overdoses in large cities increased by 54 percent in 16 states.

In the late 1990s, pharmaceutical companies reassured the medical community that patients would not become addicted to prescription opioid pain relievers, and healthcare providers began to prescribe them at greater rates. This subsequently led to widespread diversion and misuse of these medications before it became clear that these medications could indeed be highly addictive.3,4 Opioid overdose rates began to increase. In 2017, more than 47,000 Americans died as a result of an opioid overdose, including prescription opioids, heroin, and illicitly manufactured fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid.1That same year, an estimated 1.7 million people in the United States suffered from substance use disorders related to prescription opioid pain relievers, and 652,000 suffered from a heroin use disorder (not mutually exclusive)

DOT Compliance Checklist in Birmingham, AL

DOT 49 CFR Part 40 Requirements for Safety Sensitive Employees.
(FMCSA-FAA-USCG-FRA-PHMSA-FTA)

  • Pre-Employment Tests
  • Correct Federal Custody & Control Form (CCF)
  • Substance Abuse Professional Process
  • Regulations on File
  • Random Pool Testing
  • *Supervisor Training
  • *Written Policy
  • Post-Accident Testing Situations
  • Previous Employers Checks
  • Employee Education
  • Record Keeping
  • Removal of covered Employee
  • Designated Employer Representative

* In addition, any company which employs 2 or more covered employees must have a written drug and alcohol policy and all supervisors must complete the DOT Supervisor Reasonable Suspicion Training. (Click here to learn more about our online training programs)

If a DOT covered employee or company does not have a copy of the original pre-employment drug test with a negative result, then a new DOT pre-employment drug test must be conducted, and the result maintained on file.

The department of transportation (DOT) requires that all DOT regulated "safety sensitive" employees have on file a negative DOT pre-employment drug test result and be a member of a DOT approved random selection consortium. In addition, if a DOT regulated company has more than one "safety sensitive" employee, the employer must also have a written DOT drug and alcohol policy and an on-site supervisor must have completed supervisor training for reasonable suspicion of illegal drug use or impairment.

To be compliant with DOT regulations, a company's DOT drug and alcohol testing program must have the following components. Failing to comply can result in significant fines and penalties.

(800) 221-4291

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What is a DOT Drug Test in Birmingham, AL ?

On January 1, 2018 the Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a new rule which altered the DOT 5 panel urine test. Employers and individuals should be aware that the current DOT drug test is still a urine drug test, collected by qualified collectors, analyzed at a SAMHSA certified laboratory and reviewed by a licensed Medical Review Officer. Below you will find a list of the drugs that are screened for in the DOT 5 panel urine drug test:

  • Marijuana (THC)
  • Cocaine
  • Amphetamines
  • Opioids**
  • Phencyclidine (PCP)
  • ** Special note: Opioids' was previously called Opiates' and all DOT drug tests will continue to include confirmation testing for Codeine, Morphine, and 6-AM (heroin) when necessary.

    In the January rule change, the Department of Transportation (DOT) also added initial screening and confirmation testing for the semi-synthetic opioids Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Oxycodone, and Oxymorphone to this Opioids group

    When is a DOT drug test required in Birmingham, AL ?

    All safety sensitive employees regardless of DOT agency are required for the following drug testing and/or alcohol testing based on each situation:

    • Pre-employment
    • Random
    • Reasonable suspicion
    • Return to Duty
    • Post-Accident
    • Follow Up

What is DOT pre employment testing in Birmingham, AL ?

As a new hire or a current employee transferring from a non-safety sensitive function into a safety sensitive function (even with the same employer), you are required to submit to a DOT pre employment drug test.

Some employers may, but are not required to, conduct pre employment alcohol testing. Only after your employer receives a negative pre employment DOT drug test result (and negative alcohol test result - if administered) may you begin performing in a safety-sensitive capacity.

What is random DOT Drug Testing in Birmingham, AL ?

All safety sensitive employees are subject to unannounced random drug & alcohol testing. Alcohol testing is administered just prior to, during or just after performing safety-sensitive functions. Depending on the industry specific regulations, you may only be subject to random drug testing.

Listed below are the current (2019) DOT random testing rates for each DOT agency.

The following chart outlines the annual minimum drug and alcohol random testing rates established within DOT Agencies and the USCG for 2019.
DOT Agency 2019 Random Drug Testing Rate 2019 Random Alcohol Testing Rate
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
[FMCSA]
25% 10%
Federal Aviation Administration
[FAA]
25% 10%
Federal Railroad Administration
[FRA]
25% - Covered Service
50% - Maintenance of Way *
10% - Covered Service
25% - Maintenance of Way *
Federal Transit Administration
[FTA]
50% 10%
United States Coast Guard
[USCG]
(with the Dept. of Homeland Security)
50% N/A
The following chart outlines the annual minimum drug and alcohol random testing rates established within DOT Agencies and the USCG for 2019.
DOT Agency
2019 Random Drug Testing Rate
2019 Random Alcohol Testing Rate
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA]
25%
10%
Federal Aviation Administration [FAA]
25%
10%
Federal Railroad Administration [FRA]
25% - Covered Service / 50% - Maintenance of Way *
10% - Covered Service / 25% - Maintenance of Way *
Federal Transit Administration [FTA]
50%
10%
United States Coast Guard [USCG]
(with the Dept. of Homeland Security)
50%
N/A

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What is reasonable suspicion DOT drug testing in Birmingham, AL ?

Safety sensitive individuals and employees are required to submit to any test (whether it is a drug test, alcohol test or both) that a supervisor requests based on reasonable suspicion. Reasonable suspicion means that one or more trained supervisors reasonably believes or suspects that you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Supervisors cannot require testing based on a hunch or guess alone; their suspicion must be based on observations concerning your appearance, behavior, speech and smell that are usually associated with drug or alcohol use

What is return to duty DOT Drug Testing in Birmingham, AL ?

If you have violated the prohibited drug & alcohol testing rules, you are required to take a return to duty drug and/or alcohol test before being allowed to return to a safety-sensitive function for any DOT regulated employer. You may also be subject to unannounced follow-up testing for at least 6 times in the first 12 months following your return to active safety-sensitive service.

Return-to-duty tests must be conducted under direct observation.

What is DOT post accident drug testing Birmingham, AL ?

If you are involved in an event (accident, crash, etc.) meeting certain criteria of the DOT agency, a post-accident drug test will be required. In most cases you will then have to take a drug and alcohol test if you are involved in a qualifying crash. Each DOT agency may have specific rules with regards to what is a post-accident test, for example, the FRA requires a blood specimen for drug testing and an alcohol test.

If you are involved in a qualifying accident, you are required to remain available for this testing and are not permitted to refuse testing.

Remember: Safety-sensitive employees are obligated by law to submit to and cooperate in drug & alcohol testing mandated by DOT regulations.

What is DOT follow up drug testing Birmingham, AL ?

DOT follow up testing occurs when an individual has violated the drug and alcohol testing rules. The amount of follow-up testing you receive is determined by a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and may continue for up to 5 years. This means the SAP will determine how many times you will be tested (at least 6 times in the first year), for how long, and for what substance (i.e. drugs, alcohol, or both). Your employer is responsible for ensuring that follow-up testing is conducted and completed. Follow up testing is in addition to all other DOT required testing and all follow-up tests will be observed. For more information on the SAP process or to locate a Substance Abuse Professional in Birmingham, AL simply call us at (800)221-4291

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When you need a test, choose the best!

DOT Drug Testing Services Birmingham, AL

(800)221-4291

For more information regarding the effects of drug abuse - Click Here

For more information on a drug free work place - Click Here

Local Area Info: Birmingham, Alabama

Birmingham (/?b??rm??hæm/ BUR-ming-ham) is a city located in the north central region of the U.S. state of Alabama. With an estimated 2017 population of 210,710, it is the most populous city in Alabama. Birmingham is the seat of Jefferson County, Alabama's most populous and fifth largest county. As of 2017, the Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan Statistical Area had a population of 1,149,807, making it the most populous in Alabama and 49th-most populous in the United States. Birmingham serves as an important regional hub and is associated with the Deep South, Piedmont, and Appalachian regions of the nation.

Birmingham was founded in 1871, during the post-Civil War Reconstruction era, through the merger of three pre-existing farm towns, most notably Elyton. The new city was named for Birmingham, England, the UK's second largest city and, at the time, a major industrial city. The Alabama city annexed smaller neighbors and developed as an industrial center, based on mining, the new iron and steel industry, and rail transport. Most of the original settlers who founded Birmingham were of English ancestry. The city was developed as a place where cheap, non-unionized immigrant labor (primarily Irish and Italian), along with African-American labor from rural Alabama, could be employed in the city's steel mills and blast furnaces, giving it a competitive advantage over unionized industrial cities in the Midwest and Northeast.:14

From its founding through the end of the 1960s, Birmingham was a primary industrial center of the southern United States. Its growth from 1881 through 1920 earned it nicknames such as "The Magic City" and "The Pittsburgh of the South". Its major industries were iron and steel production. Major components of the railroad industry, rails and railroad cars, were manufactured in Birmingham. Since the 1860s, the two primary hubs of railroading in the "Deep South" have been Birmingham and Atlanta. The economy diversified in the latter half of the 20th century. Banking, telecommunications, transportation, electrical power transmission, medical care, college education, and insurance have become major economic activities. Birmingham ranks as one of the largest banking centers in the U.S. Also, it is among the most important business centers in the Southeast.

Show Regional Data

Population (total): Population in 2017: 210,710 (99% urban, 1% rural). >Population change since 2000: -13.2%

Population (male): 100,527

Population (female): 110,183

Median Age: 35.8 years

Median Rent: Median gross rent in 2017: $790.

Poverty (breakdown): (16.3% for White Non-Hispanic residents, 27.4% for Black residents, 36.0% for Hispanic or Latino residents, 32.7% for American Indian residents, 40.9% for other race residents, 45.5% for two or more races residents)

Ancestries: Ancestries: American (8.4%), African (3.9%), English (1.7%), German (1.5%), Irish (1.4%).

Median Incomes:
      Estimated median household income in 2017: $33,553 (it was $26,735 in 2000)
      Estimated per capita income in 2017: $22,914 (it was $15,663 in 2000)
      Estimated median house or condo value in 2017: $87,800 (it was $62,200 in 2000) Birmingham:$87,800AL:$141,300

Birmingham was founded on June 1, 1871, by the Elyton Land Company, whose investors included cotton planters, bankers and railroad entrepreneurs. It sold lots near the planned crossing of the Alabama & Chattanooga and South & North Alabama railroads, including land that was part of the Benjamin P. Worthington plantation. The first business at that crossroads was a trading post and country store operated by Marre and Allen. The site of the railroad crossing was notable for its proximity to nearby deposits of iron ore, coal, and limestone – the three main raw materials used in making steel.

(800) 221-4291