Scottsboro
RANK #908 / 996 NAT · #26 / 27 AL · POP 52,618
1YR FORECAST: +0.1%
5YR OUTLOOK: +11%
Jackson County, Alabama, stands out for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation, particularly its numerous caves, with more per square mile than any other U.S. county. Located in northeastern Alabama, the county seat is Scottsboro. It sits about an hour's drive from Huntsville, Alabama, and Chattanooga, Tennessee, with U.S. Highway 72 providing a four-lane route connecting these cities. The Tennessee River, including Lake Guntersville, flows through the county, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping. The area also features hiking trails, such as parts of the Walls of Jericho and the Pinhoti Trail. Life in Jackson County often involves a blend of small-town living with access to larger cities. Many residents own their homes, and the public schools are considered above average. The economy is supported by various sectors, including advanced manufacturing and research and development. There have been recent investments in infrastructure, such as broadband expansion and utility upgrades, alongside new industrial projects.
Below national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.1x 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Google Data Center
Google
|
$600M | Operating |
|
Jackson County Solar Farm (Hollywood)
TVA (power purchaser)
|
$150M | Planned |
|
Raider Wind Project
NextEra Energy
|
$150M | Proposed |
|
Three Waters Wind Project
NextEra Energy Resources
|
$50M | Proposed |
|
Advanced Displays Distribution Center
Advanced Displays
|
$50M | Completed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
The data is not encouraging — Jackson County scores just 8/100 on the Boom Town Index, ranking #908 of 996 counties. Job growth at -0.1% and median household income of $46,748 reflect an economy that has been contracting or stagnating relative to the rest of the country.
By national standards, Jackson County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $126,900, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.37 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $702/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Population and employment in Jackson County are both close to flat — population +0.1% YoY and jobs -0.1%. Home values shifted -1.9% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
Not particularly — 1.46% of Jackson County's population moved in from another state, which is below the national average. Most residents are long-term locals rather than recent transplants.