RANK #750 / 996 · POP 672,265 · AL
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.2%
Jefferson County, Alabama, stands out for its blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, with Birmingham at its heart. The city is known for its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, marked by sites like the 16th Street Baptist Church and Kelly Ingram Park. Beyond its historical significance, the county offers extensive outdoor recreation, including the Red Rock Trail System, which features over 160 miles of trails and greenways for hiking and biking across six major corridors. Commutes to downtown Birmingham average around 22 minutes, though most residents rely on private vehicles. Notable towns like Homewood, Vestavia Hills, and Mountain Brook are recognized for their schools and residential appeal.
Life in Jefferson County balances a relaxed pace with active community engagement. The area attracts families, young professionals, and retirees seeking affordability and a strong sense of community. The economy is driven by diverse sectors, including healthcare, with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) serving as a major anchor for medical research and hospitals. Significant investment has also flowed into manufacturing, logistics, and technology, with new projects and expansions contributing to job growth across these industries.
Below national median
Well below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 2.8x — 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Marvel Data Center Campus
Logistic Land Investments LLC
|
$14,500M | Permitted |
|
J.M. Smucker Co. Manufacturing Facility
J.M. Smucker Co.
|
$1,100M | Under Construction |
|
Coca-Cola Bottling Company United Headquarters & Distribution Facility
Coca-Cola Bottling Company United
|
$330M | Under Construction |
|
Amazon Fulfillment Center
Amazon
|
$325M | Operating |
|
Wells Fargo Data Center Refresh
Wells Fargo
|
$205M | Completed |
|
Alabama Farm Center
Alabama Exhibition Center Corp.
|
$150M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Jefferson County has a Boom Town Index score of 25/100, ranking #750 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.2% and a median household income of $63,595, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Jefferson County is $208,900 with median rent at $1,086/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3044, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.0% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.2%. Home values changed +0.1% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.61% of Jefferson County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.