Economy Profile

DeKalb County

TSAC-CFD-01049

Snapshot

-

GDP (2022, Thousands)
$ 2607141
AVG Real Growth (2017-2022)
2.2 %
Unemployment Rate (May, 2024)
3 %
Labor Force Size
31835
Number of Businesses
1433
Average Annual Wage
$ 49064

Economy Structure

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

GDP

DeKalb County, Alabama, has an annual GDP of approximately 2.6 billion dollars, with a GDP per capita of about 36,372 dollars. The county's GDP growth rate for the last year stands at 2.9%, matching the state's growth rate of 1.7% and slightly below the national average of 1.9%. Over the past 13 years, DeKalb County has experienced a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.2%, which is consistent with the state’s CAGR of 1.72%. Notably, the county's government contribution to GDP is 11.7%, which is lower than the state average of 15.5%. Compared to other counties in Alabama, DeKalb's GDP per capita is on the lower end, indicating potential room for economic development and diversification, especially in goods-producing sectors, which are not detailed in the data provided.

GDP (2022, Thousands)
$ 2607141
GDP Per Capita
$ 36372
GDP Growth Rate (2022)
2.9 %
Average Growth Rate (2017-2022)
2.2 %
Goods Producing Contribution (%)
- %
Service Providing Contribution (%)
- %
Goverment Contribution
11.7%
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
31835
Labor Force Growth
1.27%
Unemployment
951
Unemployment Rate
3%
Unemployment Rate
Source: Census.gov | S2301

Employment Profile

DeKalb County, AL exhibits an employment rate of 68.7% for individuals aged 20-64, aligning with the state average of 68.7% but falling short of the national average of 73.8%. The county's employment rate for those with a Bachelor's degree is 82%, slightly below Alabama's 82.6% and comparable to the rates in nearby counties like Madison (82.6%) and Jefferson (84.4%). Notably, DeKalb County has a higher employment rate for high school graduates (67.6%) than the state average (63.3%), indicating a relatively strong labor market for those with basic education. However, the employment rate for seniors (3.8%) is notably low, suggesting potential challenges for older workers. Overall, while DeKalb County shows some strengths, it remains on par with state averages, indicating room for improvement to match national benchmarks.

Employment Rate (20-64 y.o.)
68.7%
Employment Rate (with Bachelor's Degree)
82%
Employment Rate (75+ y.o.)
3.8%
Employment Rate (Black)
50.6%
Employment Rate (Female)
59.9%
Employment Rate by Segment
Source: Census.gov | S2301
Employent Rate Comparison
Source: Census.gov | S2301

Employment by Sectors

Number of Companies
1433
Number of Employment
22776
Annual Average Wages
$ 49064
Wage CAGR (2010-2022)
Goods-producing (avg pay)
$ 63702
Service-providing (avg pay)
$ 41161
Historical Annual Average Wage
Source: BLS
Number of Establishments
Source: BLS
Company Indicators
Source: BLS

Income

DeKalb County, AL, exhibits significant economic challenges compared to both state and national averages. With a mean household income of $47,920 and a median household income of $64,545, DeKalb falls below Alabama's state averages of $59,609 and $82,992, respectively. The county's income per capita of $24,915 is notably lower than the state average of $33,344, indicating a lower standard of living. Additionally, 20.2% of households earn less than $20,000, which is higher than Alabama's 16.6%. In contrast, counties like Madison and Shelby show much stronger economic indicators, highlighting DeKalb's relative economic isolation within the state. The income inequality, reflected in a Gini index of 0.4555, suggests a more equitable income distribution compared to other counties, but the overall economic landscape remains a concern.

Household Income (Mean)
$ 47920
Household Income (Median)
$ 64545
Per Capita Income
$ 24915
Per Capita Income Growth (2010-2022)
37.3 %
Gini Index
0.4555*
Poverty Rate
20.2 %
Per Capita Income
Source: Census.gov | B19301
Income Distribution by Household
Source: Census.gov