RANK #409 / 996 · POP 116,162 · AL
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.1%
Calhoun County, Alabama, distinguishes itself with a blend of historical significance and natural beauty, particularly around Anniston, a city founded after the Civil War with a focus on industrial development. The county is located in eastern Alabama, approximately 50 miles east of Birmingham and 80 miles west of Atlanta, Georgia, with easy access via Interstate 20. This positioning allows for commuting options to larger cities while maintaining a community feel. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with the Chief Ladiga Trail offering over 32 miles of paved pathway for cycling and walking, and proximity to Cheaha State Park and the Talladega National Forest providing extensive opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and other activities. Life in Calhoun County offers a balance of community and access to nature. The public school system is well-regarded, with several highly-rated elementary and high schools. Public transportation, including fixed-route services in Anniston and Oxford, and demand-response options in rural areas, provides additional mobility. The economy is experiencing growth, with recent investments in manufacturing and other sectors. Local businesses are expanding, and there is a focus on developing industrial parks to attract new companies and create jobs.
Below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.3x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Sunfish Solar 2 Project
Consumers Energy and Hecate Energy
|
$360M | Under Construction |
|
Kronospan Expansion
Kronospan
|
$350M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Calhoun County has a Boom Town Index score of 59/100, ranking #409 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.3% and a median household income of $54,339, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Calhoun County is $140,500 with median rent at $806/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3868, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.3%. Home values changed +4.4% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.67% of Calhoun County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.