RANK #618 / 996 · POP 123,102 · AL
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.3%
Morgan County, Alabama, distinguishes itself with the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, a 35,000-acre preserve along the Tennessee River that draws thousands of sandhill cranes and endangered whooping cranes each winter, celebrated during the annual Festival of the Cranes. Located in north-central Alabama, the county seat, Decatur, sits about 30 minutes southwest of Huntsville and 90 minutes north of Birmingham, with direct access to Interstate 65. This central location allows for convenient commutes to larger cities. The community offers a blend of urban amenities in Decatur and Hartselle with the charm of smaller towns like Priceville and Somerville. The Tennessee River and Wheeler Lake provide extensive opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water activities, complemented by numerous parks and golf courses.
Life in Morgan County appeals to families and young professionals, with public schools generally performing above average. The economy is diversified, with manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and government sectors providing employment. Major employers include GE Appliances, Nucor Steel, and United Launch Alliance. Recent economic developments include new residential subdivisions in Decatur and a new Morgan County Event Center and agricultural center under construction. The area's transportation network, including the Tennessee River and proximity to I-65, supports its industrial base and access to markets.
Well below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.2x — 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 →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Morgan County has a Boom Town Index score of 38/100, ranking #618 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.7% and a median household income of $61,588, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Morgan County is $174,800 with median rent at $791/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3523, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.4% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.7%. Home values changed +0.5% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.6% of Morgan County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.