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Houston County, Alabama, has an annual GDP of approximately 7.1 billion dollars and a GDP per capita of about 66,476 dollars. However, the county experienced a GDP growth rate decline of 1.6% in the last year, which is concerning compared to Alabama's overall growth rate of 1.7% and the national rate of 1.9%. Over the past 13 years, Houston County's compound annual growth rate (CAGR) stands at 1.1%, indicating modest growth relative to the state’s 1.72% and the nation’s 2.2%. The county's government contribution to GDP is 12.7%, which is lower than Alabama's 15.5%, suggesting a potential area for economic development. Compared to other counties in Alabama, Houston County's economic performance is mixed, with a higher GDP per capita than counties like Baldwin and Calhoun, but lower growth rates than more dynamic areas like Madison County.
Houston County, AL exhibits an employment rate of 67.4% for individuals aged 20-64, which is slightly below the Alabama state average of 68.7% and significantly lower than the national average of 73.8%. The county's employment rate for those with a Bachelor's degree stands at 81.8%, which is comparable to the state average of 82.6% but trails the national figure of 84.3%. Notably, Houston County's employment rate for high school graduates is 60%, lower than both the state (63.3%) and national averages (67.9%). The county's employment rates for Black individuals (51.6%) and females (62%) also reflect disparities when compared to state averages (52.5% and 64.3%, respectively). Overall, while Houston County shows some strengths in educational attainment, it faces challenges in overall employment rates relative to both state and national benchmarks.
Houston County, AL exhibits a mean household income of $55,064 and a median household income of $78,415, which are below the state averages of $59,609 and $82,992, respectively. The county's income per capita stands at $32,126, indicating a lower economic output per individual compared to the state average of $33,344. Notably, 17.6% of households earn less than $20,000, which is higher than Alabama's state average of 16.6%. In terms of income inequality, Houston County's Gini index of 0.4833 is slightly above the state average of 0.4797, suggesting a moderate level of income disparity. Compared to other counties in Alabama, Houston County's economic indicators reflect challenges, particularly in household income distribution, positioning it on the lower end of the economic spectrum within the state.