Bessemer ZIP Codes — Jefferson County, AL

There are 4 unique ZIP codes in Bessemer, Alabama. Area code: 205.

ZIP codes

172.40

sq mi land

2.02

sq mi water

205

area code

Bessemer, AL ZIP code map

About Bessemer, AL

Bessemer, Alabama is a vibrant city located in Jefferson County. Known for its rich industrial background and community spirit, Bessemer has a diverse culture that reflects its historical roots. With several ZIP codes including 35020, 35022, and 35023, Bessemer serves as an important hub in the region.

Location & geography

Bessemer sits in the central part of Alabama, approximately 12 miles southwest of Birmingham. The city covers a total land area of 392.41 square miles, with an additional 4.53 square miles of water. Its terrain includes a mix of urban and suburban environments, providing residents with scenic views and access to various recreational activities.

Community & economy

The character of Bessemer is marked by strong community ties and a commitment to growth and development. The city has a diverse economy with industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and retail playing significant roles in daily life. Residents enjoy a range of activities, from local festivals to dining at various establishments that showcase regional cuisine.

Transportation

Bessemer is well-connected by several major highways, including Interstate 20 and Interstate 59, which facilitate easy travel to adjacent cities and regions. The nearest airport for commercial flights is the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, located about 20 miles to the northeast. Public transit services are available, providing links to key locations within the city and surrounding areas.

History

Bessemer was founded in the late 19th century, primarily as a center for the steel industry during Alabama's industrial boom. The city notably played a crucial role in the production of coal and iron, which contributed to its rapid growth and development. Significant historical events include the establishment of the Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad, which helped to further connect the region.

Did you know?

A surprising fact about Bessemer is that it was once home to the largest producer of steel in the South. Additionally, the city is known for its historic district, which showcases beautiful architecture from the early 20th century.

ZIP codes for Bessemer, AL (4)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
35020	Bessemer	Jefferson	View map
35021	Bessemer	Jefferson	View map
35022	Bessemer	Jefferson	View map
35023	Bessemer	Jefferson	View map

Demographics & statistics

74,285

Population

40.0

Median age

$57,163

Median household income

$28,278

Per capita income

$152,467

Median home value

$988

Median monthly rent

71.7%

Home ownership

18.8%

Poverty rate

7.2%

Unemployment

24,131

Housing units

21.1%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

2,402

Under 5

2,713

2,160

5–9

2,439

2,276

10–14

2,571

1,782

15–19

2,012

2,042

20–24

2,307

4,531

25–34

5,118

4,247

35–44

4,797

4,248

45–54

4,799

2,292

55–59

2,588

2,401

60–64

2,713

3,886

65–74

4,390

1,874

75–84

2,117

742

85+

838

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	16,958	22.8%
18 and over	57,327	77.2%
65 and over	13,847	18.7%
Median age	40.0 years

Race & ethnicity

Black or African American 51.5%

White 37.1%

Hispanic or Latino 4.2%

Other race 3.3%

Two or more races 3.2%

Asian 0.4%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.3%

Group	Count	%
Black or African American	39,958	51.5%
White	28,772	37.1%
Hispanic or Latino	3,286	4.2%
Other race	2,569	3.3%
Two or more races	2,444	3.2%
Asian	320	0.4%
American Indian / Alaska Native	222	0.3%

Household income

Under $10k 6.8%

$10k–$15k 4.9%

$15k–$25k 11.0%

$25k–$35k 8.6%

$35k–$50k 14.2%

$50k–$75k 17.4%

$75k–$100k 12.3%

$100k–$150k 14.4%

$150k–$200k 5.7%

$200k+ 4.5%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	6.8%
$10k–$15k	4.9%
$15k–$25k	11.0%
$25k–$35k	8.6%
$35k–$50k	14.2%
$50k–$75k	17.4%
$75k–$100k	12.3%
$100k–$150k	14.4%
$150k–$200k	5.7%
$200k+	4.5%
Median income	$57,163

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 10.4%

$50k–$100k 22.8%

$100k–$150k 17.0%

$150k–$200k 15.5%

$200k–$300k 20.3%

$300k–$500k 11.3%

$500k–$1M 2.0%

$1M+ 0.6%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$152,467
Median rent / month	$988
Owner occupied	71.7%
Renter occupied	28.3%
Vacant	13.2%
Single-family detached	79.9%
Large apartment buildings	2.3%
Mobile homes	7.1%
Median rooms	6.0
Avg household size (owned)	2.59

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.2%
2010–2019	6.0%
2000–2009	15.9%
1990–1999	9.7%
1980–1989	10.4%
1970–1979	13.7%
1960–1969	14.2%
1950–1959	12.4%
1940–1949	7.7%
1939 or earlier	9.7%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	1.4%
1 bedroom	4.2%
2 bedrooms	27.2%
3 bedrooms	47.5%
4 bedrooms	14.9%
5+ bedrooms	4.7%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	6.4%
1 vehicle	32.4%
2 vehicles	36.0%
3 or more	25.2%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	51.6%
Electricity	44.9%
Propane / LP gas	2.1%
Fuel oil	0.3%
Wood	0.2%
No fuel used	0.9%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	10,830	39.8%
Cohabiting couple	1,599	5.7%
Male householder, no spouse	4,767	16.8%
Female householder, no spouse	10,641	37.7%
Households with children under 18	7,844	28.5%
Households with seniors (65+)	9,800	35.1%
Average household size	2.61

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	39.6%	30.7%
Married	42.5%	37.5%
Separated	1.6%	2.9%
Widowed	3.9%	12.0%
Divorced	12.3%	16.9%

Education

Less than 9th grade 3.3%

Some HS, no diploma 8.4%

HS graduate 34.6%

Some college, no degree 23.5%

Associate's degree 9.2%

Bachelor's degree 13.5%

Graduate / professional 7.6%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	88.3%
Bachelor's or higher	21.1%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	1,048	6.7%
Kindergarten	792	5.1%
Elementary school	7,022	44.7%
High school	3,222	20.5%
College / grad school	3,535	22.9%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 23.1%

Retail trade 12.3%

Manufacturing 11.8%

Finance & real estate 11.1%

Transportation & utilities 8.3%

Professional & management 8.0%

Arts, food & hospitality 7.7%

Construction 5.3%

Public administration 4.9%

Other services 3.7%

Wholesale trade 1.9%

Information 1.1%

Agriculture & mining 0.6%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	32.0%
Service	17.5%
Sales & office	21.7%
Natural resources & construction	9.1%
Production & transportation	19.7%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	80.1%
Government	15.9%
Self-employed	3.8%
Unpaid family workers	0.2%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	78.4%
Carpool	10.5%
Public transit	0.4%
Walk	1.2%
Other means	0.9%
Avg commute (minutes)	26.6

Poverty

All people 18.8%

Under 18 years 28.1%

18 and over 16.0%

Married-couple families 6.9%

Female-led households 26.9%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	40.1%
Retirement income	27.9%
Supplemental Security	8.9%
Cash public assistance	2.1%
Food stamps / SNAP	16.1%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	42.2%
High cholesterol	32.7%
Heart disease	7.6%
Stroke	4.2%
Asthma	9.9%
Arthritis	31.0%
Kidney disease	3.6%
Pulmonary disease	8.5%
Cancer	6.6%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	13.5%
No physical activity	28.5%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	38.6%
Fair or poor health	21.2%
Poor mental health	15.7%
Poor physical health	12.0%
No health insurance	17.5%
Visited doctor (checkup)	78.2%
Visited dentist	59.6%
Cholesterol screening	91.4%
Teeth loss	18.2%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	4,019	7.1%

Disability	%
Any disability	21.0%
Under 18	6.6%
18–64 years	18.3%
65 and over	48.0%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	59.2%
Public insurance	42.3%
Uninsured under 19	10.3%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	69,170	93.1%
Spanish	1,759	2.5%
Other Indo-European	1,582	2.3%
Asian & Pacific Islander	90	0.1%
Other languages	82	0.1%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	71,951	96.9%
Born in same state	71,615	96.4%
Born in different state	60,041	80.7%
Foreign born	336	0.4%
Naturalized citizen	2,334	3.1%
Not a US citizen	367	15.9%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	9,427	12.7%
French	4,639	6.2%
Italian	3,291	4.4%
English	262	0.4%

Ancestry	Count	%
German	132	0.2%
Polish	47	0.1%
Irish	18	0%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	37.5%
Internet access	90.4%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Bessemer, AL have?

Bessemer, AL has 3 ZIP codes: 35020, 35022, and 35023. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.