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COUNTY PROFILE

Welcome to Shelby County, Alabama!

Shelby County, the geographic center of Alabama and the main suburban county of the Birmingham Region, benefits from its accessible location in the Southeast- the United States’ prime region for economic growth. With a diverse economic base, Alabama’s most educated and productive workforce, and a patchwork of diverse communities surrounded by lush natural beauty, we are one of the South’s most dynamic counties.


World-Class Mountain Biking, Hiking, and Much More

Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and the ecologically rich watersheds of the Cahaba and Coosa Rivers, Shelby County, Alabama is a patchwork of diverse communities and neighborhoods surrounded by natural beauty. Shelby County is home to Oak Mountain State Park – Alabama’s largest state park, which offers more than 75 miles of world-class mountain biking and hiking trails to explore.

While we’ve long been known for our fast-growing neighborhoods and high-quality public schools- recent years have brought a richness of arts, cuisine, and outdoor activities that complement the accessibility to Birmingham we’ve always had. Across 808 square miles, you’ll find a mix of culture, business, recreation, housing options, and events that make us one of the South’s most dynamic counties.


A Community For Every Season of Life

  • Suburban, family living in Alabaster, Chelsea, Pelham with public schools, shopping districts, and recreation

  • Walkable downtown communities with suburban offerings in Calera, Columbiana, Helena, and Montevallo, and unincorporated Dunnavant Valley

  • Metro Birmingham executive and golf course living: in Hoover, Birmingham, Pelham or unincorporated areas of Shelby County

  • Lake life in Harpersville, Wilsonville, and near Columbiana and along the Coosa River and Lay Lake

  • Rural, small town and farm living in Indian Springs Village, Shelby, Sterrett, Vandiver, Vincent, Wilton

  • Diverse and Affordable Apartment + Condo Communities

Shelby County by the Numbers

14%

Population Increase
Since 2010

223,024

Shelby
County Population

$76,116

Median Household
Income

#1

County for Education
Attainment in Alabama

#1

County for Children &
Families in Alabama

#1

Healthiest County
in Alabama

210

Sunny Days a Year

<30

Minutes to an
International Airport

65%

Shelby County Labor
Force Participation Rate

80

Parks in Shelby County

17,695

Acres of Greenspace and Parks in Shelby County

160

Miles of Trails and Greenways in Shelby County

Sources: US Census, JobsEQ, 58 INC, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, VOICES for Alabama Children