RANK #182 / 996 · POP 103,348 · AL
PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.2%
Etowah County, Alabama, is perhaps best known for Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden, where a 90-foot waterfall cascades into a ravine. The county, located in northeast Alabama, offers diverse outdoor recreation with mountains, valleys, forests, rivers, and lakes. Gadsden, the county seat, sits about 55 miles northeast of Birmingham, offering a community feel with access to larger city amenities. The Coosa River, a prominent feature, provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water activities. Life in Etowah County blends natural beauty with community focus. The area attracts families and retirees, with a high homeownership rate. Public schools in Etowah County are rated above average. Economically, the county is diversifying beyond its industrial past. Recent developments include significant investments in a 1,200-acre "mega-site" along I-59, aimed at attracting large employers, particularly in the automotive supply chain. Gadsden State Community College also supports the workforce with advanced manufacturing programs.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.9x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Northeast Alabama Regional (NEAR) Megasite Infrastructure
Etowah County Commission, Alabama Power, Norfolk Southern Railroad
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Eastern Corridor (I-759 to Highway 278 East)
State of Alabama
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Etowah County has a Boom Town Index score of 82/100, ranking #182 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.1% and a median household income of $52,177, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Etowah County is $148,400 with median rent at $779/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3516, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.1% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.1%. Home values changed +3.2% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.12% of Etowah County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.