Bessemer is located in Jefferson county Alabama with a geographic area of 40.3 square miles. The total population in Bessemer is 26,063 with 45.9% male and 54.1% female. Children under age 5 represent 6.2% of the population, under age 18 equal 20.0% of the population and over age 65 is 20.3% of the population. The median household income is $30,284, per capita income is $20,816. There are a total of 11,084 housing units with 52.9% owner occupied. Education includes 42.0% of residents that are high school graduates and 14.0% with a bachelor's degree or higher. The average temperature in Bessemer in the summer is 79 degrees, and in the winter 43 degrees.