Oneonta
RANK #679 / 996 NAT · #20 / 27 AL · POP 59,077
1YR FORECAST: +0.3%
5YR OUTLOOK: +19%
Blount County, Alabama, known as the "Covered Bridge Capital of Alabama," is home to three historic covered bridges: Easley, Swann, and Horton Mill. Located in north-central Alabama, the county seat, Oneonta, is approximately 45 minutes from Birmingham and a short drive to Huntsville. The community offers a blend of small-town charm and natural beauty, with rolling hills and scenic views. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, featuring opportunities for hiking, fishing, kayaking on the Locust Fork River, and rock climbing at Palisades Park, which *National Geographic Magazine* named a "Hidden Gem of the Appalachians." Rickwood Caverns State Park also provides underground cave exploration.
Life in Blount County often appeals to families and those seeking a relaxed lifestyle with access to outdoor activities. The public school system is above average, and the county is developing its workforce with a career technical school and a Wallace State campus. While many residents commute to nearby cities for work, local employment is growing, particularly in manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. Recent economic developments include a new multi-purpose community center in Cleveland and a regional sports complex in Oneonta, alongside a new shopping center featuring national retailers. Tourism is also a growing economic driver, leveraging the county's scenic landscapes and outdoor adventures.
Overvalued relative to economy
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 8.0x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
At 31/100, Blount County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 996 counties we track. Median income of $57,440 combined with job growth of +2.7% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
By national standards, Blount County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $159,800, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.36 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $734/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Employers in Blount County are hiring — job growth of +2.7% — but the population is close to flat (+0.3% YoY). Home values moved -0.8% over the past year. Labor demand is outpacing local population growth, which tends to tighten wages and housing.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.53% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Blount County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.