Birmingham
RANK #801 / 996 NAT · #24 / 27 AL · POP 672,265
1YR FORECAST: +0.4%
5YR OUTLOOK: +16%
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.
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 →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| 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.
The data is not encouraging — Jefferson County scores just 19/100 on the Boom Town Index, ranking #801 of 996 counties. Job growth at +1.2% and median household income of $63,595 reflect an economy that has been contracting or stagnating relative to the rest of the country.
Housing in Jefferson County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $208,900 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.30, with rents averaging $1,086/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Employers in Jefferson County are hiring — job growth of +1.2% — but the population is close to flat (-0.0% YoY). Home values moved +0.1% 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 2.61% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Jefferson County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.