Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there are 38,978 people, 16,456 households, and 10,252 families residing in the city. The population density is 418.4/km sq. (1,083.6/mi sq.). There are 18,797 housing units at an average density of 201.8/km sq. (522.6/mi sq.). The racial makeup of the city is 62.69% White, 34.00% Black or African American, 0.30% Native American, 0.53% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 1.22% from other races, and 1.17% from two or more races. 2.67% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 16,456 households out of which 24.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.5% are married couples living together, 18.1% have a female householder with no husband present, and 37.7% are non-families. 33.9% of all households are made up of individuals and 16.9% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.28 and the average family size is 2.91.

In the city the population is spread out with 23.0% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 25.3% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 20.1% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 39 years. For every 100 females there are 85.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 80.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $24,823, and the median income for a family is $31,740. Males have a median income of $29,400 versus $19,840 for females. The per capita income for the city is $15,610. 22.9% of the population and 18.1% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 33.9% are under the age of 18 and 14.6% are 65 or older.

Gadsden was once Alabama's 2nd most important industrial city, 2nd only to Mobile. The City's of Gadsden and Mobile were important shipping centers. Gadsden for riverboats, and Mobile for international trade. Up until the 1980s, Gadsden was almost totally dependent on heavy industy, including Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, and Republic Steel. After virtually crumbling in the 1970s and 1980s, Gadsden decided its best course of action was to stop being dependent on industry, and shedding its "company town" image.

In the 1990s, Gadsden began to prosper, having changed its focus in industrial recruitment. Instead of going after the heavy industries, the city began to try and lure the more high tech companies, and automotive s uppliers.

Today, Gadsden is a booming city with a metro population of 104,000 people, and is one of Alabama's fastest growing cities.

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