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 The Top 10 Alabama Counties with the Highest Median Household Incomes in 2025

We've ranked these based on median household income from the 2023 ACS data, which serves as a strong indicator for 2025 trends. Each section includes demographics, key industries, real-world examples, and advice to make this actionable.

1. Shelby County: Alabama's Wealth Powerhouse

Shelby County tops the list with a median house

hold income of $93,543, where 47.1% of households earn over $100,000 and only 9.9% earn under $25,000. Located just south of Birmingham, this county blends suburban appeal with economic vitality.

Key Demographics: With a projected population of 238,934 in 2025, Shelby is growing at 1.26% annually. The median age is 39, and it's diverse: about 74% White, 13% Black, with a high education rate—Shelby ranks #1 in Alabama for education attainment.

Economic Drivers and Industries: Health care & social assistance employs over 15,000 residents, followed by retail (12,428) and manufacturing. Proximity to Birmingham’s tech and finance sectors is spurring growth—examples include companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield. The county's GDP for all industries reached billions in 2023, with steady gains.

Why It's Thriving: Excellent schools, low crime, and amenities like Oak Mountain State Park attract families. For example, Hoover—a key city here—boasts corporate headquarters and upscale shopping.

Actionable Advice: If relocating, target jobs in healthcare via sites like; Indeed, average salaries exceed $80,000. Housing costs are moderate (median home $276,500), so invest in suburbs like Chelsea for value. Link internally to "Affordable Housing in Alabama Suburbs" or externally to shelbyal.com for relocation guides.

#2. Limestone County: Rapid Growth in North Alabama

Limestone County ranks close behind, with a median income of $83,534, 41.3% of households earning over $100k, and 13.1% earning under $25k. It's Alabama's fastest-growing county, surging 14.9% since 2020.

Key Demographics: Population hits 122,226 in 2025, growing 3.2% yearly. Racial makeup: 75.31% White, 12.75% Black, with a youthful vibe—Athens, the county seat, grew 5.3% in 2024 alone.

Economic Drivers and Industries: Manufacturing leads (8,920 employed), health care (5,308), and retail. Aerospace and automotive thrive near Huntsville, with Toyota's engine plant as a prime example.

Why It's Thriving: Business-friendly policies and location in the Tennessee Valley draw migrants. The county added 15,381 residents in four years, boosting local economies.

Actionable Advice: Job seekers, focus on manufacturing roles—salaries average $60,000+. Consider buying in Athens for growth potential. Internal link: "North Alabama Job Market Trends"; external: lceda.com for business resources.

#3. Madison County: Tech and Innovation Hub

Madison County boasts $83,528 median income, 41.7% over $100k, 14.1% under $25k. Home to Huntsville, it's a STEM powerhouse.

Key Demographics: 430,590 residents in 2025, growing 2.13%. Diverse: 66.8% White, 26.5% Black overall in state, but county skews educated.

Economic Drivers and Industries: Professional services (30,669 employed), manufacturing (26,428), health care. NASA and Redstone Arsenal power the aerospace sector, with Boeing and Lockheed Martin among the key employers.

Why It's Thriving: Second-largest economy in Alabama, with 1.3 million in the region. Huntsville's "Rocket City" nickname attracts talent.

Actionable Advice: Pursue engineering jobs—median $100,000+. Rent in Madison for affordability. Internal: "Aerospace Careers in Alabama"; external: asmartplace.com.

#4. St. Clair County: Balanced Suburban Living

Median income: $78,993, 36.6% over $100k, 14.2% under $25k. East of Birmingham, it's growing steadily.

Key Demographics: 98,894 in 2025, 1.72% growth. 74.9% White, 21.1% Black.

Economic Drivers and Industries: Manufacturing (5,692), health care, retail. Education and services dominate workforce.

Why It's Thriving: Affordable housing and lakes like Logan Martin draw commuters.

Actionable Advice: Invest in real estate—homes average $200,000. Jobs in manufacturing pay well. Internal: "Lake Living in Alabama"; external: encyclopediaofalabama.org.

#5. Elmore County: Lakeside Prosperity

$75,553 median, 35.1% over $100k, 13.9% under $25k. North of Montgomery.

Key Demographics: 92,123 in 2025, 0.92% growth. 74.7% White, 21.1% Black.

Economic Drivers and Industries: Health care (5,609), retail (4,659), construction. Tourism from Lake Jordan boosts economy.

Why It's Thriving: Military ties to Maxwell AFB and outdoor recreation.

Actionable Advice: Start a tourism business or seek retail jobs. Internal: "Montgomery Area Relocation"; external: census.gov.

#6. Baldwin County: Coastal Economic Boom

Median: $75,019, 36.0% over $100k, 14.4% under $25k. Gulf Coast gem.

Key Demographics: 267,459 in 2025, 2.68% growth—fastest in state since 2010. 82.82% White, 7.98% Black.

Economic Drivers and Industries: Retail (16,014), health care (13,129), tourism. Beaches and aviation (Airbus) drive wages up 2018-2023.

Why It's Thriving: 88% growth from migration; 6th fastest metro in U.S.

Actionable Advice: Enter hospitality—seasonal earnings high. Buy property in Foley. Internal: "Alabama Beach Towns"; external: baldwineda.com.

#7. Autauga County: Steady and Family-Friendly

$69,841 median, 31.6% over $100k, 14.6% under $25k. Near Montgomery.

Key Demographics: 61,574 in 2025, 1.01% growth. Median age 39.2.

Economic Drivers and Industries: Health care leads, followed by manufacturing, retail. Prattville's growth (27.6% county-wide) aids.

Why It's Thriving: Commuter appeal and low costs.

Actionable Advice: Explore health jobs; median $70,000+. Internal: "Family Living in Central Alabama"; external: prattvilleal.gov.

#8. Morgan County: Manufacturing Stronghold

Median: $64,858, 31.2% over $100k, 17.7% under $25k. In the Tennessee Valley.

Key Demographics: 126,937 in 2025, 0.72% growth. Median age 40.3.

Economic Drivers and Industries: Manufacturing (10,865), retail (6,853), construction. Over 245 companies, including lumber and shipping.

Why It's Thriving: Industrial base and Decatur's ports.

Actionable Advice: Train for manufacturing via local programs. Internal: "Industrial Jobs in Alabama"; external: mceda.org.

#9. Coffee County: Military and Agriculture Blend

$64,672 median, 30.7% over $100k, 20.7% under $25k. Southeast Alabama.

Key Demographics: 57,249 in 2025, 1.42% growth. Median age 38.8.

Economic Drivers and Industries: Health care, aircraft maintenance, poultry, automotive. Fort Novosel (formerly Rucker) supports aviation.

Why It's Thriving: Military presence and agribusiness.

Actionable Advice: Leverage base jobs; salaries $65,000+. Internal: "Military Towns in Alabama"; external: wiregrassedc.com.

#10. Jefferson County: Urban Economic Center

Rounding out at $64,589 median, 31.7% over $100k, 19.6% under $25k. Birmingham's hub.

Key Demographics: About 665,409 in 2022, stable. Diverse: 49.25% White, 42.46% Black.

Economic Drivers and Industries: Health care (top employer), finance, manufacturing. GDP nears $50 billion.

Why It's Thriving: UAB and banking giants like Regions.

Actionable Advice: Network in finance; entry-level $50,000+. Internal: "Birmingham Job Guide"; external: jeffconline.jccal.org.

Factors Contributing to High Earnings in These Alabama Counties

Several trends unite these counties:

• Proximity to Urban Hubs: Many are suburbs of Birmingham, Huntsville, or Montgomery, offering commute-friendly high-paying jobs.
• Key Sectors: Manufacturing, healthcare, and aerospace dominate, with Alabama's overall employment in these at 39.6%.
• Population Growth: North and coastal areas like Limestone and Baldwin see influxes, boosting economies—Alabama's total population is 5.14 million in 2025.
• Diversity and Education: Higher education correlates with income; top counties have strong schools.

For comparisons:

Trends show north Alabama leading growth, per 2025 projections.

Conclusion: Seize Opportunities in Alabama's Top-Earning Counties

From Shelby's suburban wealth to Baldwin's beachside boom, these 10 counties showcase Alabama's economic diversity and potential for 2025 and beyond. With median incomes far above the state average, they offer stability, growth, and quality of life. Whether drawn to tech in Madison or tourism in Baldwin, these areas prove the Heart of Dixie has plenty of heart—and wallet-friendly prospects.

Ready to make a move? Research further with our internal guides like "Alabama Relocation Essentials" or external sources such as the Alabama Department of Commerce. Share your thoughts in the comments: Which County appeals most to you? Subscribe for more insights into Alabama’s lifestyle, job market, and emerging trends. Let's build your prosperous future today!