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Dale County, Alabama, has an annual GDP of approximately 3.37 billion dollars, with a GDP per capita of 68,153 dollars. Despite a slight decline in GDP growth of 0.2% over the last year, the county's long-term growth rate (CAGR) stands at a modest 0.36% over the past 13 years. Notably, the government sector plays a significant role in the local economy, contributing 45.6% to the GDP, which is considerably higher than the state average of 15.5%. In comparison to other counties in Alabama, Dale County's GDP per capita is above the state average of 55,999 dollars but lower than more economically robust counties like Jefferson and Madison. The goods-producing sector contributes 24%, indicating a balanced economic structure, yet the overall growth trajectory suggests challenges ahead, particularly when compared to the more dynamic growth rates seen in counties like Mobile and Madison.
Dale County, AL exhibits significantly lower employment rates compared to both state and national averages. The employment rate for individuals aged 20-64 stands at 57.8%, well below Alabama's 68.7% and the national average of 73.8%. Furthermore, only 60.5% of those with a Bachelor's degree are employed, compared to Alabama's 82.6% and the national figure of 84.3%. The county's employment rates for high school graduates (60.7%) and older adults (4%) also lag behind state and national figures. This suggests potential challenges in job availability and economic opportunities in Dale County, particularly for educated individuals. In comparison to nearby counties, such as Houston County (67.4%) and Madison County (74.4%), Dale County's employment landscape appears less favorable, indicating a need for targeted economic development initiatives.
Dale County, AL exhibits a Mean Household Income of $52,813 and a Median Household Income of $67,432, which are notably lower than both the state averages ($59,609 and $82,992) and the national figures ($75,149 and $105,833). The Income Per Capita stands at $28,312, reflecting economic challenges compared to the state ($33,344) and national ($41,261) levels. Additionally, 19.2% of households earn less than $20K, indicating a higher prevalence of low-income households relative to the state average of 16.6%. The Gini index of 0.4432 suggests a relatively lower income inequality compared to other counties in Alabama, such as Jefferson County (0.5049). Overall, Dale County's economic indicators highlight a need for targeted economic development initiatives to improve income levels and reduce poverty.