Decatur
RANK #481 / 996 NAT · #15 / 27 AL · POP 123,102
1YR FORECAST: +0.6%
5YR OUTLOOK: +24%
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.
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 →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Morgan County scores 51/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#481). Median household income is $61,588 and job growth is running at +1.7%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
By national standards, Morgan County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $174,800, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.35 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $791/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Employers in Morgan County are hiring — job growth of +1.7% — but the population is close to flat (+0.4% YoY). Home values moved +0.5% 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 2.6% 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.