RANK #332 / 996 · POP 58,849 · AL
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.4%
Russell County, Alabama, is notable for Phenix City, its largest city and county seat, which uniquely observes Eastern Time despite the rest of Alabama being in the Central Time Zone, due to its strong economic ties with Columbus, Georgia, just across the Chattahoochee River. This southeastern Alabama county, part of the Columbus, GA-AL Metropolitan Statistical Area, offers a blend of rural charm and access to urban amenities. Commuting to Columbus, Georgia, is common, with over 54% of Russell County residents working in another state. The Chattahoochee River provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, including a riverwalk in Phenix City.
Life in Russell County offers a quieter pace, with many residents owning their homes. The public schools in Russell County are above average. Recent economic developments in Phenix City include a downtown revitalization plan, aiming for more businesses, residential development, and expanded riverfront access. The county's economy is also influenced by its proximity to Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), Georgia, and the presence of suppliers for nearby automotive manufacturing companies. Public transit, including the Phenix City Express, offers free fixed-route and on-demand services within Phenix City and connections to Columbus, Georgia.
Above national median (4.7x)
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 4.7x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Russell County has a Boom Town Index score of 67/100, ranking #332 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -0.1% and a median household income of $47,420, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Russell County is $141,900 with median rent at $908/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3342, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.3% year-over-year. Job growth: -0.1%. Home values changed +2.6% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.2% of Russell County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.