City Town Info

Bessemer, AL


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Bessemer, Alabama

Introduction to Bessemer, Alabama

Bessemer, Alabama, in Jefferson county, is 8 miles W of Hoover, Alabama (center to center) and 149 miles W of Atlanta, Georgia. Part of the surrounding Birmingham metro area, the city is not an isolated city. Bessemer is home to some 29,672 residents.

Bessemer History

The modern day city of Bessemer was founded by Henry F. Debardeleben in 1887. Originally, the area was known as Brooklyn. However, its founder renamed the city Bessemer after Sir Henry Bessemer, the British scientist who invented the low-cost steelmaking process. Bessemer Land and Improvement Company was established the same year. On September 9, 1887, the people of the city voted to incorporate Bessemer. R.M. McAdory was elected the city's first mayor.

Bessemer and nearby Attractions

  • VisionLand Theme Park
  • Hall of History Museum
  • Splash Beach Water Park
  • Alabama Adventure Park
  • Oak Mountain State Park
  • Iron & Steel Museum of Alabama

Things To Do In Bessemer

While staying in Bessemer, you can visit the Watercress Darter National Wildlife Refuge. To explore the city's history, you can visit the Bessemer Hall of History and Bessemer Public Library. Shopping can be enjoyed at the Bessemer Plaza Shopping Center and West Town Plaza Shopping Center. Golf lovers can spend their leisure time at the Bessemer Municipal Golf Course and Bent Brook Golf Course.

Bessemer Transportation

International flights are available from Birmingham International Airport.

Bessemer Higher Education

Bessemer State Technical College is located in the city. Samford University and University of Alabama at Birmingham are also nearby.

High Points

Bessemer strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Alabama):

CategoryTrophy
Affordability of Rents
(vs. Peers)		Top 1%trophyBessemer Affordability of Rents
Affordability of Property Taxes
(vs. Peers)		Top 1%trophyBessemer Affordability of Property Taxes
Public Transportation Use
(vs. State)		Top 3%trophyBessemer Public Transportation Use
Walking and Biking to Work
(vs. State)		Top 15%Bessemer Walking and Biking to Work

Comparative Profile of Bessemer, AL

Comparing Bessemer to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Alabama (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Female Share of the Population109
Senior Citizens97
Children Under 5 Years Old89
Age of the Population64
Racial Diversity48
Male Share of the Population12
Well-Paid Single Men12

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Average Household Size57
Portion of People Married11

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
People Above Poverty12
College Educated Adults14
People in Middle Class or Better12
Median Family Income12

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Short Commute Times66
Public Transportation Use510
Walking and Biking to Work29
Working at Home11

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Affordability of Rents105
Affordability of Property Taxes103
People Living Alone77
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals49
Housing Recently Built31
Seasonal and Vacation Housing11

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Low Violent Crime11
Low Property Crime11

Detailed pages on related topics: Bessemer colleges • Bessemer travel.

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Additional Details

Bessemer CollegesBessemer Colleges
Bessemer colleges and trade schools.
Bessemer Hotels & TravelBessemer Hotels & Travel
Bessemer hotels, landmarks, tourism, transportation.

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