Even though Alabama is more than 200 years old, it looks more like a pre-teen than an old grandmother. That’s because, like adolescents entering adulthood, Alabama has seen a growth spurt that shows no signs of abating anytime soon.
Alabama is the 20th fastest-growing state in the country, with about 25,000 new citizens moving to the Yellowhammer State this year. Alabama’s population increased by 0.5% last year, reaching 5,074,296 people.
Five Alabama counties, spread across the state, account for 11.3% of total growth. According to the United States Census Bureau, the five fastest-growing counties in Alabama are:
1. Limestone County (3.3% Growth)
Limestone County in Northern Alabama is the state’s fastest-growing county, expanding by 3.3% between 2021 and 22.
Limestone County, which is part of the Huntsville Metropolitan Area, is home to Athens. It gets its name from Limestone Creek, a tributary of the Tennessee River with a bed of firm limestone.
Limestone County provides numerous advantages and services to people of all ages and phases of life. Great schools and safe communities are valued by young families. Seniors like retiring to the county’s small, peaceful settlements.
The natural beauty of the area, which includes the Elk River and is located in the undulating foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, entices people to relocate. Its closeness to popular attractions is unrivalled: it’s a 1.5-hour journey to Nashville or Birmingham; Huntsville is only 24 miles away; and Gulf Shores, AL, is less than six-hour travel south.
2. Baldwin County (3.0% Growth)
Last year, there were 7,000 more people living in Baldwin County, AL. That’s the same as if 19 people moved into the area every day.
Baldwin County is the county in Alabama with the second-fastest growth rate. Baldwin County has been growing every year for more than a decade. It has shores on the Gulf of Mexico and Mobile Bay. Baldwin County has grown by 34.6% since the 2010 Census. The county seat is in Bay Minette.
It makes sense. Water lovers are drawn to the county by the sugar-white sand beaches of Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Perdido Beach. Baldwin County is a nice place to live because it has fresh seafood, a long past that goes back to Native American times, and a good arts, entertainment, and recreation scene.
The lower cost of living might be the best thing about it. More retirees are picking Baldwin County, AL, instead of the beach homes in Florida that they had planned to move to. Real estate agents say that comparable houses in Florida cost three times as much as a home in Baldwin County.
3. Lee County (Tie; 1.8% Growth)
Lee County and Madison County, which both grew by 1.8%, are tied for the third fastest-growing county in Alabama.
Lee County is near the middle of the eastern side of the state and borders Georgia. Auburn University, which is known all over the country, is in Lee County, which is only 100 miles from Atlanta. The county seat is in Opelika.
What makes Lee County so appealing to new residents?
Locals and professionals agree that it is true Southern hospitality. One of the Best Small Towns in the South is Opelika. Lee County is a top choice for moving because it has a great education system, a low cost of living, historic towns with unique shops, delicious gourmet food, and unique craft cocktails.
4. Madison County (Tie; 1.8% Growth)
Huntsville, AL, the county home of Madison County, has been named one of the best places to live in the whole country. Without question, this has contributed to Madison County growth so much that it is tied for the third fastest-growing county in Alabama.
During World War II, the Redstone Arsenal was set up in Huntsville by the U.S. Army. Since then, the U.S. Departments of Defense and Justice, as well as NASA, have had ties to the Arsenal. Since a lot of people in the area work in aerospace, military technology, engineering, and security, it shouldn’t be a surprise that these groups help the area grow.
Downtown Huntsville has grown into a centre for arts and culture. Craft bars, restaurants, and places to shop are all over the city. Many of the people who live here are young families, but there are also a lot of military vets. College students also live in Madison County because Alabama A&M University and the University of Alabama at Huntsville are there.
5. Chilton County (1.4% Growth)
Chilton County, Alabama’s fifth fastest-growing county, is located almost in the centre of the state. The county seat for Chilton is the town of Clanton.
Chilton County is best known for its peaches. Chilton County grows the most peaches in the state, so every year it holds a festival to celebrate the fruit, the business, and its farmers. The Peach Jam Jubilee is a family-friendly event with food, shopping, arts and crafts, live music, and, of course, peaches!
Chilton County, like most of Alabama’s fastest-growing counties, has the charm of a Southern small town and is close to big-city services. Because it is in the middle, you can drive to Montgomery or Birmingham in less than an hour. It takes less than four hours to drive to the beach, and it only takes three hours to get to Atlanta.
Summary of Alabama’s Five Fastest-Growing Counties
| Rank | County | County Seat | Percentage of Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Limestone | Athens | 3.3% |
| 2 | Baldwin | Bay Minette | 3.0% |
| 3 | Lee (Tied) | Opelika | 1.8% |
| 3 | Madison (Tied) | Huntsville | 1.8% |
| 5 | Chilton | Clanton | 1.4% |
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