RANK #540 / 996 · POP 223,916 · AL
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.5%
Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama's largest state park, is a significant landmark in Shelby County, offering nearly 12,000 acres of diverse terrain for outdoor activities. Located in central Alabama, just south of Birmingham, Shelby County provides a blend of suburban and rural environments. Commuting to Birmingham is common, with major roadways like I-65 and U.S. 31 connecting the county to the larger metropolitan area. The community maintains a balance between accessibility to city amenities and a more relaxed pace of life. Beyond Oak Mountain, residents and visitors can explore other natural attractions like Cahaba River Park, known for its hiking, biking, and water activities.
Shelby County is often recognized for its quality of life, attracting families and individuals. The public school system is highly rated, contributing to the county's appeal for families. The economy is diverse, with ongoing development in commercial and residential sectors. Infrastructure improvements, including road widening projects on I-65 and U.S. 31, are underway to accommodate growth and enhance connectivity. These developments reflect a focus on supporting a growing population and expanding economic opportunities within the county.
Below national median (4.7x)
Well below national median
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.7x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Plant Gaston Modernization & CO2 Storage (Project OASIS)
Alabama Power Co. / Southern States Energy Board
|
$500M | Proposed |
|
District 31 Mixed-Use Development
City of Alabaster
|
$242M | Under Construction |
|
DigiPower-X Data Center
DigiPower-X (formerly Digihost Technology)
|
$200M | Planned |
|
I-65 Widening & US 31/US 280 Interchange Upgrades
Alabama Department of Transportation
|
$100M | Under Construction |
|
The Canopy at Oak Mountain Mixed-Use Development
Unknown
|
$50M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Shelby County has a Boom Town Index score of 46/100, ranking #540 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -0.5% and a median household income of $90,618, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Shelby County is $276,500 with median rent at $1,272/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3277, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.4% year-over-year. Job growth: -0.5%. Home values changed +1.4% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.93% of Shelby County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.