A new analysis from the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama states that a decline in international migration is slowing population growth across most of Alabama, though Huntsville continues to rank among the fastest-growing metro areas in the nation.
According to PARCA’s review of newly released U.S. Census Bureau estimates, the rate of population growth slowed nationwide between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025. In Alabama, that slowdown was driven largely by a significant drop in international migration, which had been a major contributor to the state’s growth the year before.
PARCA, a nonpartisan research organization, reports that Alabama’s population growth peaked in 2024, fueled equally by international migration and domestic migration. By 2025, however, international migration declined sharply, while domestic migration saw a more modest decrease.
At the same time, deaths continued to outpace births across much of the state. According to PARCA, deaths exceeded births statewide and in all but 17 of Alabama’s 67 counties, meaning population growth in most areas now depends heavily on attracting new residents.
Despite those broader trends, Huntsville stands out. PARCA says the Huntsville metro posted a 3% one-year growth rate, ranking No. 6 among metropolitan areas nationwide. Baldwin County also saw strong growth at 2%, ranking No. 11 nationwide.
In contrast, some of Alabama’s largest urban counties saw population declines as international migration dropped. PARCA reports that Jefferson County and Mobile County both lost residents in the latest estimates, with fewer international arrivals failing to offset ongoing domestic outmigration. Montgomery County remained essentially flat, with a slight increase of just two residents.
In previous years, international migration had helped stabilize population levels in urban centers by offsetting residents moving to suburbs or out of state. PARCA says the recent decline in that migration stream has exposed underlying population losses in those areas.
The organization notes that, without gains from either domestic or international migration, most counties in Alabama would now be experiencing population decline.
Read the full PARCA report here.
