Alabaster-Helena
RANK #702 / 996 NAT · #21 / 27 AL · POP 223,916
1YR FORECAST: +0.4%
5YR OUTLOOK: +19%
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|
|
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.
At 29/100, Shelby County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 996 counties we track. Median income of $90,618 combined with job growth of -0.5% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
Housing in Shelby County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $276,500 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.33, with rents averaging $1,272/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Shelby County's population is growing — up +1.4% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of -0.5%). Home values shifted +1.4% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 4.93% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Shelby County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.