City profile
Bessemer, AL
Jefferson County · Population 25,400
Bessemer is a town in Jefferson County, AL with about 25,400 residents and a typical home value near $136,000. It is 14 miles from Birmingham, AL, which shapes its climate, healthcare access and amenities.
Climate
Climate type
Humid subtropical
Winter avg
44°F
Summer avg
81°F
Sunny days / yr
212
Home prices & cost of living
Median home price
$135,900
Typical monthly housing
$783
Cost of living (100 = U.S.)
80
Taxes
- Property tax
- 0.40%
- State income tax (top)
- 5%
- Social Security
- Not taxed
- Pensions
- Not taxed
- Sales tax (state + avg. local)
- 9.29%
FEMA natural hazard risk
Relatively High · county score 98/100
Top hazards: Tornado, Lightning, Cold wave
Nearest major airport
18 mi to Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)
Political lean (2024 county vote)
Leans Democratic · 55% Democratic / 44% Republican
Community
Population
25,400
Black population
66.6%
County
Jefferson County
Detailed crime figures are available for our 201 hand-researched cities.
2025–2026 trends
2026 market trends
- ▸AL is gaining retirees — a sign of strong retiree services and community
- ▸Home insurance premiums are rising quickly here
- ▸Part of the New Great Migration — a growing Black community in the South
- ▸Climate/cost risks to check: hurricanes (coast), tornadoes
Highlights
- About 25,400 residents
- Typical home value about $136,000
- 14 miles from Birmingham, AL
Trade-offs
- Scores for this place are estimated from Census data and the nearest major city
Figures are estimates from public sources (see How we match). Verify before making decisions.