Why Alabama?

Rich with history and full of excitement and innovation. We in Alabama are celebrating both our past and our future. We have a geography that spans all different sorts—one of the most varied in the nation, in fact. From mountains and valleys to beaches and riverbanks, there’s a wealth of natural beauty on display when you need to get away.

Offering the perfect combination of leisure and convenience, living here can feel more like vacation than everyday life. Feeling adventurous? Go on a morning hike or spend the day at a golf course, all without venturing too far from home. Nationally-renowned health centers and doctors, sprawling universities, and an affordable housing market are just the icing on the red velvet cake. There’s a reason why Alabama hospitality is legendary and our quality of life cannot be beaten.

Beyond beauty, our state offers thousands of available sites, a proven track record of success, and a pro-business attitude that allows us to develop custom incentive packages tailored to a company’s individual needs. Consider us your toolbox to building a great business: we have the resources, atmosphere, workforce, and competitive advantages to cultivate growth and expansion in any field.

Population & Major Metropolitan Areas

Alabama has 13 Metropolitan Statistical Areas that serve as home to prospering businesses, prestigious colleges and universities, nationally-renowned health centers and doctors, and an affordable housing market. There’s a reason why Alabama hospitality is legendary and our quality of life cannot be beaten.

As the 23rd-most populous state in the U.S., we’re proud that 20 million people from across the world visit our state every year. But our lifeblood is our citizens—a culturally diverse group that knows how to get the job done when it’s time to work and enjoys life to the fullest when it’s time to relax.

Geography

Alabama boasts a geography that spans all different sorts—one of the most varied in the nation, in fact. From mountains and valleys to beaches and riverbanks, there’s a wealth of natural beauty on display when you need to get away.

Total Area – 52,424 square miles
Highest point – 2,407 feet above sea level (Mt. Cheaha)
35,469 square miles of forest (71%)
1,776 square miles of water
53 miles of coastline
1,350 miles of navigable waterways
Accessible minerals – limestone, salt, quartz, and iron ore

Accessibility

Alabama sits at the heart of the fastest growing region in the United States. Comprised by a network of thousands of roads, plentiful airports, inland waterways, and proximity to the 9th largest seaport in the U.S., Alabama is as easy to access as it is a choice for businesses.

6 Interstates – Totaling 1,126 miles
4 Class 1 Railroads totaling more than 2,500 miles of rail
90 Public Airports
19 U.S. Highways totaling 3,852.85 miles
9th largest deepwater seaport in U.S.—Port of Mobile
5 cargo airports

Alabama Research Capabilities Interactive Map

Companies and site selection consultants from around the world can quickly explore relevant research being conducted at Alabama universities and research organizations thanks to a new interactive map designed to catalog research capabilities in the state. Companies can use the tool to connect with researchers who could assist in product development, testing, and other functions. The map was developed by the Alabama Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, or Alabama EPSCoR.