Economy Profile

Cherokee County

TSAC-CFD-01019

Snapshot

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GDP (2022, Thousands)
$ 735077
AVG Real Growth (2017-2022)
1.86 %
Unemployment Rate (May, 2024)
2.8 %
Labor Force Size
12103
Number of Businesses
487
Average Annual Wage
$ 43228

Economy Structure

Population & Household section gives reader an outlook. of general population profile, structure, and outlook.

GDP

Cherokee County, Alabama, has an annual GDP of approximately 735 million dollars, with a GDP per capita of about 29,322 dollars, which is significantly lower than the state average of 55,999 dollars and the national average of 77,754 dollars. The county's GDP growth rate for the last year stands at 2%, slightly above Alabama's growth rate of 1.7% but below the national rate of 1.9%. Notably, Cherokee County has a strong goods-producing sector, contributing 28.1% to its GDP, which is higher than the state average of 22.2%. However, its overall economic output remains modest compared to larger counties like Jefferson and Madison, indicating potential for growth and development in the region. The county's economic structure, with a significant service-providing contribution of 56.9%, aligns with broader trends seen across Alabama and the nation.

GDP (2022, Thousands)
$ 735077
GDP Per Capita
$ 29322
GDP Growth Rate (2022)
2 %
Average Growth Rate (2017-2022)
1.86 %
Goods Producing Contribution (%)
28.1%
Service Providing Contribution (%)
56.9%
Goverment Contribution
14.9%
GDP Historical Growth Rate
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis | CAGDP2, CAGDP11
GDP by Sectors
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis | CAGDP2, CAGDP11
GDP Growth by Sectors
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis | CAGDP11

Monthly Employment

Total Labor Force
12103
Labor Force Growth
2.85%
Unemployment
343
Unemployment Rate
2.8%
Unemployment Rate
Source: Census.gov | S2301

Employment Profile

Cherokee County, AL, exhibits an employment rate of 66.7% for individuals aged 20-64, which is below both the state average of 68.7% and the national average of 73.8%. The county's employment rate for those with a Bachelor's degree stands at 77.9%, significantly lower than Alabama's 82.6% and the national figure of 84.3%. Additionally, the employment rate for high school graduates in Cherokee County is 62%, trailing behind the state average of 63.3%. Notably, the county has a low employment rate of 1.8% for those aged 75 and older, indicating a potential lack of opportunities for older workers. Compared to nearby counties, Cherokee County's employment metrics suggest challenges in workforce engagement and educational attainment, highlighting areas for potential economic development initiatives.

Employment Rate (20-64 y.o.)
66.7%
Employment Rate (with Bachelor's Degree)
77.9%
Employment Rate (75+ y.o.)
1.8%
Employment Rate (Black)
45.9%
Employment Rate (Female)
61.1%
Employment Rate by Segment
Source: Census.gov | S2301
Employent Rate Comparison
Source: Census.gov | S2301

Employment by Sectors

Number of Companies
487
Number of Employment
5303
Annual Average Wages
$ 43228
Wage CAGR (2010-2022)
Goods-producing (avg pay)
$ 52967
Service-providing (avg pay)
$ 38918
Historical Annual Average Wage
Source: BLS
Number of Establishments
Source: BLS
Company Indicators
Source: BLS

Income

Cherokee County, AL, exhibits a mean household income of $46,621 and a median household income of $65,664, both significantly lower than the state averages of $59,609 and $82,992, respectively. The county's income per capita stands at $28,422, which is also below the state average of $33,344. Notably, only 5.9% of households earn over $200,000, compared to Alabama's 8.7%, indicating a lower concentration of high-income earners. Additionally, 17.9% of households earn less than $20,000, higher than the state average of 16.6%. This data suggests that Cherokee County faces economic challenges relative to both state and national benchmarks, highlighting a need for economic development initiatives to improve income levels and reduce poverty.

Household Income (Mean)
$ 46621
Household Income (Median)
$ 65664
Per Capita Income
$ 28422
Per Capita Income Growth (2010-2022)
33.3 %
Gini Index
0.4484*
Poverty Rate
14.3 %
Per Capita Income
Source: Census.gov | B19301
Income Distribution by Household
Source: Census.gov