Alabama is divided into 67 counties, each with its own government and administrative responsibilities. The largest county by population is Jefferson County, home to Birmingham, while Baldwin County, located on the Gulf Coast, is the largest by area, covering 1,590 square miles. Counties in Alabama play a crucial role in managing local services such as education, law enforcement, and infrastructure. Montgomery County houses the state capital, Montgomery. Each county contributes to the state's diverse economy, from agriculture in rural areas to industry in urban centers.
Alabama is divided into 67 counties, each functioning as a local government entity responsible for providing essential services such as law enforcement, education, and infrastructure maintenance. These counties vary significantly in size, population, and economic activity, reflecting Alabama’s diverse geography, from the Appalachian Mountains in the north to the fertile plains in the south. Counties in Alabama also play a vital role in governance, elections, and regional development, with each county governed by an elected commission.
Largest Counties by Population
Alabama’s counties show a wide range of population densities, with more urbanized counties being home to larger populations. The most populous counties include:
Jefferson County: Jefferson County is the most populous county in Alabama, with over 660,000 residents. The county seat is Birmingham, the state’s largest city and economic hub. Jefferson County has a diverse economy based on healthcare, finance, and steel production.
Mobile County: Located along the Gulf Coast, Mobile County is home to approximately 414,000 people. The county seat is Mobile, a major port city and industrial center. Mobile County’s economy is driven by shipping, shipbuilding, and aerospace industries.
Madison County: Madison County, with a population of about 388,000, includes the city of Huntsville, which has seen rapid growth due to its aerospace and defense sectors. The county is a major technology hub, home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and various defense contractors.
Montgomery County: Montgomery County, home to the state capital, has a population of around 227,000 people. The county’s economy is centered on government services, education, and manufacturing.
Largest Counties by Area
Alabama’s counties also vary greatly in size, with some covering large rural areas. The largest counties by area include:
Baldwin County: Baldwin County is the largest county in Alabama by area, covering 1,590 square miles. Located on the Gulf Coast, Baldwin County is known for its booming tourism industry, with popular destinations like Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. It also has significant agricultural and fishing industries.
Mobile County: Mobile County, the second-largest by area, spans 1,229 square miles. Its location on the Gulf of Mexico makes it a key transportation hub for maritime trade and shipping.
Tuscaloosa County: Tuscaloosa County covers 1,351 square miles in western Alabama and has a population of about 227,000. The University of Alabama, located in the city of Tuscaloosa, is the county’s largest employer, contributing to the county’s growth and economy.
Black Belt Region and Its Counties
The Black Belt is a region in central Alabama named for its rich, dark soil, which historically supported extensive cotton plantations. The counties in the Black Belt are known for their agricultural heritage but also face economic challenges, including higher poverty rates and lower levels of industrial development. Some key Black Belt counties include:
Dallas County: Dallas County, with a population of approximately 37,000, is home to the city of Selma, a historic center of the Civil Rights Movement. Agriculture, primarily cotton and soybeans, remains a significant part of the local economy.
Perry County: Perry County, with a population of just over 9,000, is one of the least populous counties in the state. The county’s economy is primarily based on farming and forestry.
Economic Contributions by County
Each county in Alabama contributes to the state’s diverse economy, with some focusing on agriculture and natural resources, while others are industrial and technological hubs. Major economic sectors by county include:
Aerospace and Defense (Madison County): Huntsville, located in Madison County, is home to several aerospace and defense contractors, as well as NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The county’s economy is largely driven by high-tech industries and research institutions.
Automotive Manufacturing (Talladega and Tuscaloosa Counties): The automotive industry plays a major role in Alabama’s economy, with major manufacturing plants such as Mercedes-Benz in Tuscaloosa County and Honda in Talladega County. These counties are key contributors to Alabama’s status as a top automobile exporter.
Agriculture (Baldwin and Pike Counties): Agriculture remains a major industry in several rural counties, including Baldwin County, which is known for its peanut and cotton production, and Pike County, home to extensive poultry farms.
Historical Significance of Counties
Many counties in Alabama have rich historical significance, particularly in relation to the Civil Rights Movement and the Civil War.
Montgomery County: Montgomery County is a key location in U.S. history, serving as the first capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War and later as a center for the Civil Rights Movement. It was here that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event in the struggle for racial equality.
Dallas County: Selma, located in Dallas County, was the starting point of the Selma to Montgomery marches, which played a crucial role in the passing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The Edmund Pettus Bridge, a National Historic Landmark, is a symbol of the struggle for civil rights.
Counties with Unique Features
Some counties in Alabama are notable for their unique geographical or cultural features.
Monroe County: Monroe County is known for being the birthplace of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Harper Lee. The county seat, Monroeville, is often referred to as the "Literary Capital of Alabama" due to its connection to Lee and other famous authors.
Jackson County: Located in northeastern Alabama, Jackson County is home to some of the state’s most scenic natural areas, including the Russell Cave National Monument and the Walls of Jericho. The county’s rugged landscape is popular for outdoor recreation.
County Governance and Administration
Each Alabama county is governed by an elected county commission, which oversees local services such as law enforcement, road maintenance, and public health. County commissions also manage local budgets, collect property taxes, and administer elections. Larger counties, such as Jefferson and Mobile, have more complex administrative structures due to their greater population density and economic activity.
In more rural counties, local governments face challenges related to funding and providing services to dispersed populations. Many rural counties rely on state and federal aid to support public services such as schools, hospitals, and transportation infrastructure.
Population Trends and Migration
While Alabama’s urban counties have experienced population growth, several rural counties face population decline. Young people in rural areas often migrate to urban centers like Birmingham and Huntsville for better educational and employment opportunities. In contrast, counties with growing industries, such as Madison County, continue to attract new residents, contributing to regional economic growth.
