RANK #455 / 1001 NAT · #16 / 27 AL · POP 124,471
1YR FORECAST: -0.3%
5YR OUTLOOK: +18%
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.
Morgan County is one of 75 U.S. counties in this market profile — weaker than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +0.7% matches the profile's typical +0.8%.
See all 75 Affordable Slow Markets counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Well below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 7.7x — home prices are high 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.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: Homicide rates from CDC/NCHS vital-statistics mortality data — a multi-year average that stabilizes counts in smaller counties — compiled in the County Health Rankings 2025 release. Rates per 100,000 population; U.S. average ≈ 6.5. Grade reflects homicide rate relative to the national average. Learn more →
See where Morgan County stands nationally: safest large counties in America · highest homicide-rate counties.
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
Bars show percentile rank among all 1001 counties.
Morgan County scores 54/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 1001 U.S. counties (#455). Median household income is $68,845 and job growth is running at +3.7%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Morgan County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $212,000 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.32, with rents averaging $864/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Morgan County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +0.6% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +3.7% clip. Home values shifted +0.7% in the past year.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.97% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Morgan County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.