Hailey Tran
Alabama is home to over 5 million people, and the state offers its residents a range of healthcare services through its many hospitals and healthcare facilities. As of 2024, Alabama had 128 hospitals and healthcare facilities, with the majority being part of a broader integrated delivery network (IDN). The state's healthcare system is an important resource, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when hospital beds were in high demand. The distribution of hospitals and beds across Alabama is uneven, with some rural areas lacking access to healthcare services.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of hospitals | 126 |
| Number of hospitals owned by the state or local government | 35 |
| Number of hospitals in the Encompass Health Corporation | 165 |
| Number of hospitals in the UAB Medicine (UAB Health System) | 10 |
| Number of hospital beds | Nearly 15,000 |
| Number of ICU beds | Nearly 1,700 |
| Number of critical access hospitals | 6 |
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What You'll Learn
Alabama has 126 hospitals, serving 5.1 million residents
Alabama is home to 126 hospitals, according to the American Hospital Directory's 2025 data. These hospitals cater to the state's 5.1 million residents. Alabama's hospitals include community hospitals, federal hospitals, long-term care hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, and institutions for specialised care.
The distribution of hospitals varies across Alabama. Its largest cities tend to have the most hospital beds. For instance, Jefferson County, the most populous in the state, has over 3,200 beds. Mobile, the second-largest city, has around 1,600 beds. In contrast, several parts of the state, especially rural areas, have no hospitals or a relatively small number of beds compared to their populations.
Alabama has six critical access hospitals in rural counties. These hospitals have 21.4 general beds per 10,000 residents, compared to 34.6 beds per 10,000 residents in urban hospitals. There are nearly 15,000 hospital beds in Alabama overall, but they are not evenly distributed.
The state's hospitals are owned by various entities. In 2021, 35 hospitals were owned by the state or local government. Encompass Health Corporation owns and operates 165 hospitals across 36 states and Puerto Rico, including some in Alabama. UAB Medicine (UAB Health System) has ten affiliated hospitals in Alabama, while Huntsville Hospital Health System has its flagship hospital there and is known for its long-term acute care facility.
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35 hospitals are owned by the state or local government
Alabama has 126 hospitals in total, according to the American Hospital Directory. Of these, 35 are owned by the state or local government.
Alabama's hospitals are unevenly distributed across the state, with several parts of Alabama, especially rural areas, lacking access to hospitals and others having a relatively small number of beds compared to their populations. Seven Alabama counties don't have any hospital beds, and more than half of the state's 67 counties have fewer than 100 total hospital beds.
The state's largest cities tend to have the most hospital beds. Jefferson County, the most populous in the state, has over 3,200 beds. Mobile is second with around 1,600, and Madison County, home of Huntsville, has just over 1,100. These three counties are the only ones with more than 1,000 beds. On a per capita basis, Houston County has the most beds, at 57.8 beds per 10,000 people, while Colbert County has 55.3 beds per 10,000 residents. Etowah County is the only other county with more than 50 beds per 10,000 people, with 52.9.
Alabama has six critical access hospitals. Rural counties have 21.4 general hospital beds per 10,000 residents compared to 34.6 in urban counties.
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There are 14,790 hospital beds, 75% of which are occupied on any given day
Alabama has 14,790 hospital beds, 75% of which are occupied on any given day. This figure of nearly 15,000 beds is not evenly distributed across the state, with several parts of Alabama, especially rural areas, having no hospitals at all. More than half of the state's 67 counties have fewer than 100 hospital beds. Twelve counties have fewer than 10 beds per 10,000 people, including some in the Birmingham metropolitan area. Jefferson County, the most populous in the state, has over 3,200 beds, while Mobile has around 1,600, and Madison County, home of Huntsville, has just over 1,100. These three counties are the only ones with more than 1,000 beds.
In rural counties, there are 21.4 general hospital beds per 10,000 residents, compared to 34.6 in urban counties. There are also significant disparities in the number of ICU beds available across Alabama. There are just under 1,700 ICU beds in the state, and many counties do not have any. Twenty-two counties have no ICU beds, and 44 have fewer than two ICU beds per 10,000 people.
The American Hospital Directory lists 126 hospitals in Alabama. However, another source states that Alabama has 128 hospitals and healthcare facilities, many of which are part of a broader integrated delivery network (IDN). Encompass Health Corporation, the Alabama health system affiliated with the most hospitals, has 165 hospitals spanning 36 states and Puerto Rico. UAB Medicine (UAB Health System) has the third-highest number of hospitals, with 10 affiliated hospitals.
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Jefferson County has the most beds at over 3,200
Alabama has 126 hospitals, serving a population of 5.1 million people. The state's hospitals are unevenly distributed, with several rural areas having no hospitals at all. Alabama's largest cities tend to have the most hospital beds. Jefferson County, the most populous in the state, has the most beds at over 3,200. Mobile is second with around 1,600, and Madison County, home of Huntsville, is third with just over 1,100. These three counties are the only ones with more than 1,000 beds.
In total, Alabama has nearly 15,000 hospital beds. However, this number is not evenly distributed across the state. Seven Alabama counties do not have any hospital beds, and more than half of the state's 67 counties have fewer than 100 total hospital beds. Twelve counties have fewer than 10 beds per 10,000 people, including some in the Birmingham metropolitan area.
On a per capita basis, Houston County in the deep southeast corner of Alabama has the most beds, at 57.8 beds per 10,000 people. At the other end of the state, Colbert County has 55.3 beds per 10,000 residents. Etowah County, home of Gadsden, is the only other county with more than 50 beds per 10,000 people, with 52.9.
The state also has six critical access hospitals. In rural counties, there are 3.2 dentists per 10,000 residents, compared to 5.5 per 10,000 in urban counties. Hospitals in rural Alabama counties have 21.4 general hospital beds per 10,000 residents, compared to 34.6 per 10,000 in urban counties.
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Encompass Health Corporation has the most hospitals with 165
Alabama has nearly 15,000 hospital beds, but they are not evenly distributed across the state. Several parts of the state, especially rural areas, have no hospitals at all, and some have a relatively small number of beds compared to their populations. Alabama has six critical access hospitals. In rural counties, there are 21.4 general hospital beds per 10,000 residents, while there are 34.6 beds per 10,000 residents in urban counties. Jefferson County, the most populous in the state, has the most beds, with over 3,200. Mobile is second with around 1,600, and Madison County, home of Huntsville, has just over 1,100. These three are the only counties with more than 1,000 beds.
Encompass Health Corporation, formerly known as HealthSouth Corporation, is a prominent healthcare provider in Alabama, with a strong presence across the state. The company owns and operates inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, providing comprehensive services to support patients' unique needs. Encompass Health Corporation has grown significantly over the years and currently operates an impressive number of hospitals.
Encompass Health, originally incorporated as Amcare, Inc. in 1984 in Birmingham, Alabama, began as a provider of outpatient rehabilitation services. The company's inception was driven by the growing demand for physical therapy services and the recognition that offering these services in an outpatient setting could be more cost-effective for hospitals looking to cut costs. Over the years, Encompass Health has expanded its services and presence in Alabama and beyond.
The company has a strong focus on inpatient rehabilitation, dedicating 24/7 nursing care to each patient and customizing treatment plans. They offer intensive therapy combined with a hospital level of care to help individuals manage their symptoms and regain their independence. Encompass Health's expert clinicians utilize the latest technologies, real-world simulations, and advanced therapies to provide specialized rehabilitative treatment for various medical conditions, including strokes, hip fractures, and neurological issues.
Today, Encompass Health Corporation boasts an extensive network of hospitals, with a total of 165 hospitals under its umbrella. This makes them a significant player in Alabama's healthcare landscape, providing essential services to countless individuals across the state. With their commitment to patient care and continuous innovation, Encompass Health Corporation has established itself as a trusted name in the industry.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2025, there are 126 hospitals in Alabama according to the American Hospital Directory.
Alabama has 5.1 million residents who rely on 128 hospitals and healthcare facilities. Several parts of the state, especially rural areas, don't have any hospitals. Therefore, Alabama needs more hospitals to cater to its population.
Alabama has nearly 15,000 hospital beds, but they are not evenly distributed across the state. On a per capita basis, Houston County has the most beds, at 57.8 beds per 10,000 people.
In 2021, 35 hospitals in Alabama were owned by the state or local government.
Encompass Health Corporation is affiliated with the most hospitals in Alabama, with 165 hospitals.
