🇺🇸 United States ZIP Code

STANDARD

35242

Birmingham

ZIP Code 35242 is a standard zip code serving Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama (AL), in Shelby County, United States. It has an estimated population of 49,545 with a median household income of $83,616. The area falls within the America/Chicago timezone.

Median Household Income vs. National Average

Location

Country: 🇺🇸 United States
State / Province: Alabama (AL)
County: Shelby
City: Birmingham
Timezone: America/Chicago

Coordinates

Latitude: 33.381300
Longitude: -86.704600

Geographic Details

Land Area: 52.96 mi²
Water Area: 2.73 mi²
Population Density: 935.0 people per mi² (75th percentile)
Bounding Box: 33.514857°N, 33.328245°S, -86.575157°E, -86.758812°W

With 49,545 residents spread across 52.96 square miles, this area has a population density of 935.0 people per square mile.

Demographics

49,545

Population

95th percentile

$83,616

Median Income

90th percentile

$325,200

Median Home Value

85th percentile

52.96 mi²

Land Area

The median household income in 35242 is $83,616, and the median home value is $325,200. This places the area in the top 25% nationally for household income.

Housing

21,879

Total Units

19,942

Occupied Units

91.1%

Occupancy Rate

Nearby ZIP Codes

Other zip codes in Birmingham, AL.

35201

Birmingham

35202

Birmingham

35203

Birmingham

35204

Birmingham

35205

Birmingham

35206

Birmingham

35207

Birmingham

35208

Birmingham

35209

Birmingham

35210

Birmingham

Similar ZIP Codes in Alabama

ZIP codes with similar median household income in Alabama.

35757

Madison

$88,578

35147

Sterrett

$74,150

36548

Leroy

$71,184

35080

Helena

$79,570

35759

Meridianville

$81,044

35749

Harvest

$83,463

35213

Birmingham

$94,504

36064

Pike Road

$90,636

Frequently Asked Questions

What information is available for each ZIP code?

Each ZIP code page shows city, state, county, geographic coordinates, timezone, population, median household income, median home value, housing units, land area, population density, commute time, educational attainment, area codes, and ZIP code type (Standard, PO Box, or Unique).

What are the different types of ZIP codes?

There are three types of ZIP codes: Standard (residential and commercial delivery areas), PO Box (assigned to post office box sections), and Unique (assigned to a single high-volume address like a government agency or large company). Standard ZIP codes are the most common.

How often is ZIP code data updated?

ZIP code assignments are updated quarterly by the USPS. Demographic data comes from the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS), which releases new 5-year estimates annually. ZipFYI updates its data to reflect the latest available information.

What is population density and why does it matter?

Population density measures the number of people per square mile in a ZIP code area. It helps identify urban vs. rural areas, affects real estate values, impacts service availability, and is used in market analysis. Dense urban ZIP codes may have 50,000+ people per square mile.

How are ZIP code boundaries determined?

ZIP code boundaries are determined by the USPS based on mail delivery routes, not political or geographic boundaries. They follow carrier routes and may cross city, county, or even state lines. Boundaries can change when the USPS reorganizes delivery operations.

What does median household income tell me about a ZIP code?

Median household income is the middle value when all household incomes in a ZIP code are sorted. Half of households earn more and half earn less. It is a better indicator of typical earnings than average income, which can be skewed by very high or very low outliers.