Birmingham

The City in Brief

Founded: 1871 (chartered 1864)

Head Official: Mayor Bernard Kincaid (since 2000)

City Population

1980: 284,413

1990: 265,347

2000: 242,820

2003 estimate: 236,620

Percent change, 1990–2000: –8.7%

U.S. rank in 1980: 50th

U.S. rank in 1990: 60th (State rank: 1st)

U.S. rank in 2000: 82nd (State rank: 1st)

Metropolitan Area Population

1980: 815,000

1990: 839,945

2000: 921,106

Percent change, 1990–2000: 9.6%

U.S. rank in 1980: 42nd

U.S. rank in 1990: Not reported

U.S. rank in 2000: 54th

Area: 151.95 square miles (2000)

Elevation: Average 620 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 62.5° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 52.16 inches of rain; 2.1 inches of snow

Major Economic Sectors: services, wholesale and retail trade, government

Unemployment rate: 4.3% (November 2004)

Per Capita Income: $15,663 (2000)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 21,265

Major Colleges and Universities: University of Alabama at Birmingham; Samford University; Birmingham-Southern College; Miles College

Daily Newspaper: Birmingham Post-Herald; Birmingham News