Anniston
RANK #163 / 996 NAT · #6 / 27 AL · POP 116,162
1YR FORECAST: +2.1%
5YR OUTLOOK: +33%
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.
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 →
| 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 ranks #163 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 84/100, placing it in the top tier nationally. Median household income is $54,339 and the underlying growth metrics (housing, migration, income) hold up against peer counties.
By national standards, Calhoun County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $140,500, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.39 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $806/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Population and employment in Calhoun County are both close to flat — population -0.2% YoY and jobs +0.3%. Home values shifted +4.4% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.67% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Calhoun County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.