U.S. News & World Report reports that Huntsville has surpassed Birmingham as the most populous city in the state. The city is now consistently among the fastest-growing metro areas in Alabama, appearing within the top 20 of U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Places to Live” list. The report notes that Huntsville’s median annual salary is above the national average. New job growth remains robust throughout 2024, and Huntsville’s population continues to grow even as the real estate market for single-family homes moderates—demand for single-family lots continues to trend high, said the Huntsville Development Review.