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Vestavia Hills, Alabama

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Vestavia Hills, Alabama
City
Entrance to Vestavia Hills from Highway 31
Entrance to Vestavia Hills from Highway 31
Flag of Vestavia Hills, Alabama
Flag
Official logo of Vestavia Hills, Alabama
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Map
Interactive map of Vestavia Hills, Alabama
Vestavia Hills is located in Alabama
Vestavia Hills
Vestavia Hills
Location within Alabama
Coordinates: 33°27′45″N 86°44′22″W / 33.4625°N 86.7395°W / 33.4625; -86.7395
CountryUnited States
StateAlabama
CountiesJefferson, Shelby
Established1950
IncorporatedNovember 8, 1950[1]
Named forVestavia
Government
[2]
 • TypeCouncil–Manager
 • MayorAshley Curry
 • Mayor Pro TemporeRusty Weaver
 • City ManagerJeff Downes
Cinnamon McCulley
 • City CouncilKimberly Cook
Michael Vercher
Ali Pilcher
Area
[3]
 • City
20.352 sq mi (52.711 km2)
 • Land20.111 sq mi (52.087 km2)
 • Water0.241 sq mi (0.625 km2)  1.18%
Elevation
[4]
705 ft (215 m)
Population
 (2020)[5]
 • City
39,102
 • Estimate 
(2025)[6]
38,306
 • RankUS: 1092nd
AL: 14th
 • Density1,944.3/sq mi (750.71/km2)
 • Urban
[7]
774,956 (US: 58th)
 • Metro
1,197,766 (US: 48th)
Time zoneUTC–6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC–5 (CDT)
ZIP Codes
35216, 35226, 35242, 35266
Area codes205 and 659
FIPS code01-78552
GNIS feature ID2405646[4]
Websitevhal.org

Vestavia Hills, colloquially known simply as Vestavia,[8] is a city in Jefferson and Shelby Counties, Alabama, United States. The population was 39,102 as of the 2020 census,[5] and was estimated at 38,306 in 2025,[6] making it is the third-largest city in Jefferson County, after Birmingham and Hoover, and making it is the fourteenth-largest city in Alabama. It is a suburb of Birmingham and it is made up of Vestavia, Liberty Park, and Cahaba Heights.

History

[edit]
Sibyl Temple

Vestavia Hills is named for the 20-acre (8.1 ha) estate of former Birmingham mayor George B. Ward. It was situated on the crest of Shades Mountain in what is now the northern edge of the city. Ward's mansion at the Vestavia estate became a landmark in the area as soon as it was completed in 1925. The 2+1⁄2-story house was patterned after the circular Temple of Vesta in Rome, with dark pink sandstone walls encircled by 20 massive white Doric columns surmounted by a carved entablature. The extensive gardens, populated by statuary and peacocks, surrounded a smaller domed gazebo patterned after the Temple of Sibyl in Tivoli.

After Ward's death, the house, something of a tourist stop near the highway between Birmingham and Montgomery, was used as a tearoom and reception hall before being purchased by Vestavia Hills Baptist Church. The church met in the temple like structure for several years before demolishing a portion of the building in 1971 to make way for a larger building; a central portion of the original building remains.[9] The local garden club moved the gazebo to a prominent outcropping closer to the highway, there to serve as a landmark gateway into the community.

The development of Vestavia Hills as a residential suburb began in 1946, when developer Charles Byrd planned a subdivision for approximately 1,000 people on the southern flank of Shades Mountain. The suburb was incorporated as a separate city on November 8, 1950, and has since grown, by rapid development and annexation, into a thriving small city of over 39,000 by 2020.

Geography

[edit]

The city is located along U.S. Route 31, which runs north to south through the city, leading north 7 mi (11 km) to downtown Birmingham and southwest 4 mi (6 km) to Hoover.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 20.352 square miles (52.71 km2), of which 20.111 square miles (52.09 km2) is land and 0.241 square miles (0.62 km2) (1.18%) is water.[3]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
19604,029—
197012,250204.0%
198015,72228.3%
199019,74925.6%
200024,47623.9%
201034,03339.0%
202039,10214.9%
2025 (est.)38,306[6]−2.0%
U.S. Decennial Census[10]
2020 Census[5]

According to realtor website Zillow, the average price of a home as of July 31, 2026, in Vestavia Hills was $573,031.[11]

As of the 2024 American Community Survey, there were 13,840 estimated households in Vestavia Hills with an average of 2.56 persons per household. The city has a median household income of $134,369. Approximately 10.0% of the city's population lives at or below the poverty line. Vestavia Hills has an estimated 59.0% employment rate, with 65.3% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher and 93.9% holding a high school diploma.[12] There were 15,014 housing units at an average density of 746.56 per square mile (288.25/km2).

The top five reported languages (people were allowed to report up to two languages, thus the figures will generally add to more than 100%) were English (92.1%), Spanish (2.1%), Indo-European (2.3%), Asian and Pacific Islander (2.5%), and Other (1.0%).

The median age in the city was 41.7 years.

Racial and ethnic composition

[edit]
Vestavia Hills city, Alabama – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) Pop 1980[13] Pop 1990[14] Pop 2000[15] Pop 2010[16] Pop 2020[17] % 1980 % 1990 % 2000 % 2010 % 2020
White alone (NH) 15,405 19,060 22,892 30,245 32,578 97.98% 96.51% 93.53% 88.87% 83.32%
Black or African American alone (NH) 14 223 453 1,274 1,816 0.09% 1.13% 1.85% 3.74% 4.64%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 20 14 26 60 42 0.13% 0.07% 0.11% 0.18% 0.11%
Asian alone (NH) 168 294 604 1,300 2,197 1.07% 1.49% 2.47% 3.82% 5.62%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH) x [18] x [19] 12 6 3 x x 0.05% 0.02% 0.01%
Other race alone (NH) 16 0 14 25 127 0.10% 0.00% 0.06% 0.07% 0.32%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) x [20] x [21] 141 288 1,079 x x 0.58% 0.85% 2.76%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 99 149 334 835 1,260 0.63% 0.75% 1.36% 2.45% 3.22%
Total 15,722 19,749 24,476 34,033 39,102 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

2020 census

[edit]

As of the 2020 census, there were 39,102 people, 15,187 households, and 10,545 families residing in the city.[22] The population density was 1,959.21 inhabitants per square mile (756.46/km2). There were 15,883 housing units at an average density of 795.82 per square mile (307.27/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 83.89% White, 4.71% African American, 0.15% Native American, 5.63% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.14% from some other races and 4.48% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 3.22% of the population.[23]

2010 census

[edit]

As of the 2010 census, there were 34,033 people, 13,987 households, and 9,268 families residing in the city.[24] The population density was 1,753.46 inhabitants per square mile (677.01/km2). There were 14,952 housing units at an average density of 770.36 per square mile (297.44/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 90.38% White, 3.76% African American, 0.20% Native American, 3.83% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.81% from some other races and 1.01% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 2.45% of the population.

There were 14,952 housing units and 13,987 households, with a home ownership rate of 76.8%. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 3.03. The median value of owner-occupied housing units was $318,200. The median household income was $87,154 with 4.0% of the population below the poverty line. The per capita income for the city was $50,017.

In the city the population was spread out with 25.3% under the age of 18, and 15.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. 52.4% of the population was female.

2000 census

[edit]

As of the 2000 census, there were 24,476 people, 9,841 households, and 6,878 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,672.66 inhabitants per square mile (645.82/km2). There were 10,523 housing units at an average density of 719.13 per square mile (277.66/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 94.46% White, 1.85% African American, 0.11% Native American, 2.47% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 0.35% from some other races and 0.67% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 1.36% of the population.

There were 9,841 households out of which 34.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.1% were married couples living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.1% were non-families. 26.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the city the population was spread out with 25.8% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 16.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 88.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $70,623, and the median income for a family was $89,746. Males had a median income of $72,837 versus $37,083 for females. The per capita income for the city was $40,392. 3.1% of the population and 2.2% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 1.6% were under the age of 18 and 4.5% were 65 or older.

Education

[edit]
Library in the Forest

The high quality of the school system in Vestavia Hills has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal and other sources. It comprises five elementary schools, two middle schools, one alternative school and one high school, with a total enrollment of some 6,000 students. Vestavia Hills High School is known for the success of its math and debate teams, which have each won several national competitions. The schools' band and baseball programs have also received much recognition. The 2008/2009 boys' basketball team won the Alabama state championship in division 6A. Vestavia Hills’ wrestling team won the 7A AHSAA State Championship in 2016 and 2017, and holds the record for state championship titles in Alabama state history with 15 Wrestling State Championships. Vestavia opened its 8th school in August 2008, Liberty Park Middle School.

In Fall 2006, the Vestavia Hills Board of Education moved to petition the federal government to end the required desegregation busing of predominantly black students from the Shannon/Oxmoor Valley area due to overcrowding. The Unitary Status court settlement was federally approved in July 2007. Any students currently enrolled at any Vestavia Hills' school will be allowed to continue in the system until graduation.

Parks and recreation

[edit]

Vestavia Hills offers its citizens many open spaces for families to enjoy the day, participate in sporting events, and take part in community events. Many of the public spaces are regulated by the Vestavia Hills Parks and Recreation Department.[25]

The city offers many club sports. The city of Vestavia supports youth baseball, softball, girls and boys basketball, wrestling, soccer, lacrosse, football, flag-football, cheerleading, tennis, pickleball, swimming, eSports, volleyball, Miracle League baseball, and a selection of adult and senior sports.[26]

Wald Park is one of the biggest parks in the main part of Vestavia. The park sits on top of a hill right next to Vestavia Hills Elementary West and overlooks Vestavia Hills Elementary Central. The park includes many community areas such as the Vestavia Hills Swimming Pool, the Civic Center, and the Senior's Lodge. Wald Park has five baseball fields, a walking track, picnic areas, community playgrounds, a dog park, tennis courts, and pickleball courts. The park is open every day from 5:00 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. Pets are allowed, but must be kept on a leash.[27]

Byrd Park is a smaller local park, located next to Vestavia Hills Elementary East. It is a small area encircled by a walking path and offers a picnic area and a playground for the children.[28]

McCallum Park is an open area park offering only pavilions, restrooms, and a walking track. There is a large open field often used for picnics and family or community events. The park opens at 6:00 a.m. every day and closes at sunset. Pets are welcome, but must remain on a leash.[29]

Liberty Park Sports Complex is located in the heart of Liberty Park behind the elementary and middle schools. It is home to nine softball fields, four youth fields and five adult fields. The complex also offers one football field and four natural grass soccer fields. The fields are the home to the local youth soccer club, Vestavia Hills Soccer Club. The fields open at daybreak and close at 9:30, except when events are going on. Pets are welcome.[30]

Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex, or colloquially known as the SHAC, is an extension of the Liberty Park Sports Complex and is located on the road that runs behind it. Sicard Hollow is a growing complex that currently consists of a turf football and lacrosse field that double as soccer fields and an additional two turf soccer fields. Restrooms, concessions, score towers, and bleachers are available. There are plans to expand the complex to include an amphitheater, water area, dog park, and walking trails.[31]

Cahaba Heights Athletic Fields are located directly behind Vestavia Hills Elementary, Cahaba Heights and is home to three youth baseball fields and one multipurpose field.[32]

Transportation

[edit]

Transit service in Vestavia Hills is provided by Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority, which operates Max Transit bus service.[33]

Notable people

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  • Whiting, Marvin Yeomans (2000). Vestavia Hills, A Place Apart. Vestavia Hills, Alabama: Vestavia Hills Historical Society.
  1. ↑ "Municipalities of Alabama Incorporation Dates" (PDF). Alabama League of Municipalities. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 25, 2024. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  2. ↑ "City Leadership". City of Vestavia Hills, Alabama. Retrieved August 24, 2026.
  3. 1 2 "2025 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 24, 2026.
  4. 1 2 U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Vestavia Hills, Alabama
  5. 1 2 3 "Explore Census Data". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 24, 2026.
  6. 1 2 3 "City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2025". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 24, 2026.
  7. ↑ "2020 Census Qualifying Urban Areas and Final Criteria Clarifications". www.federalregister.gov. Federal Register. December 29, 2022. Retrieved August 24, 2026.
  8. ↑ Sher, David (October 6, 2019). "Councilors from Mtn. Brook, Hoover, Vestavia, B'ham, Bessemer and Homewood take action". The Birmingham News. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
  9. ↑ Grubiak, Margaret M. (2021). "From Roman Temple to Baptist Church: Sin and Transformation in Southern Baptist Culture". Buildings & Landscapes: Journal of the Vernacular Architecture Forum. 28 (2): 45–70. doi:10.5749/buildland.28.2.0045. ISSN 1934-6832. S2CID 244324464.
  10. ↑ "Decennial Census of Population and Housing". www.census.gov. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  11. ↑ "Vestavia Hills, AL Housing Market". Zillow. Retrieved August 24, 2026.
  12. ↑ "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Vestavia Hills city, Alabama". www.census.gov. Retrieved August 24, 2026.
  13. ↑ "1980 Census of Population - General Social and Economic Characteristics - Alabama - Table 15 - Race by Sex: 1980 and Table 16 - Persons by Spanish Origin, Race, and Sex: 1980" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. p. 12-21. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 23, 2021 – via Wayback Machine.
  14. ↑ "1990 Census of Population - General Population Characteristics - Alabama: Table 5 and 6 - Race and Hispanic Origin" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. p. 13-45. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 6, 2024 – via Wayback Machine.
  15. ↑ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Vestavia Hills city, Alabama". United States Census Bureau.
  16. ↑ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Vestavia Hills city, Alabama". United States Census Bureau.
  17. ↑ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Vestavia Hills city, Alabama". United States Census Bureau.
  18. ↑ included in the Asian category in the 1980 Census
  19. ↑ included in the Asian category in the 1990 Census
  20. ↑ not an option in the 1980 Census
  21. ↑ not an option in the 1990 Census
  22. ↑ "US Census Bureau, Table P16: Household Type". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 24, 2026.
  23. ↑ "How many people live in Vestavia Hills city, Alabama". USA Today. Retrieved August 24, 2026.
  24. ↑ "Alabama: 2010 Census of Population and Housing" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. December 2012. p. 194 of 329. Retrieved August 24, 2026.
  25. ↑ "About Us". Vestavia Hills Parks & Recreation. Retrieved December 26, 2025.
  26. ↑ "Athletics Archive". Vestavia Hills Parks & Recreation. Retrieved December 26, 2025.
  27. ↑ "Wald Park". Vestavia Hills Parks & Recreation. Retrieved December 26, 2025.
  28. ↑ "Byrd Park". Vestavia Hills Parks & Recreation. Retrieved December 26, 2025.
  29. ↑ "McCallum Park". Vestavia Hills Parks & Recreation. Retrieved December 26, 2025.
  30. ↑ "Liberty Park Sports Complex". Vestavia Hills Parks & Recreation. Retrieved December 26, 2025.
  31. ↑ "Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex (SHAC)". Vestavia Hills Parks & Recreation. Retrieved December 26, 2025.
  32. ↑ "Home - Vestavia Hills Parks and Recreation". Vestavia Hills Parks and Recreation. Retrieved August 24, 2026.
  33. ↑ "Max Transit". Retrieved November 10, 2024.
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