Economy Profile

Russell County

TSAC-CFD-01113

Snapshot

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GDP (2022, Thousands)
$ 1940406
AVG Real Growth (2017-2022)
1.58 %
Unemployment Rate (May, 2024)
3.6 %
Labor Force Size
23962
Number of Businesses
1178
Average Annual Wage
$ 46603

Economy Structure

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

GDP

Russell County, Alabama, has an annual GDP of approximately 1.94 billion dollars, with a GDP per capita of about 32,973 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 over the last year was modest at 0.6%, and its compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the past 13 years stands at 1.58%. Notably, Russell County has a high goods-producing GDP contribution of 34.9%, compared to the state’s 22.2%, indicating a stronger emphasis on manufacturing and production. In contrast, the service sector contributes 51.9% to the county's GDP, which is lower than Alabama's overall service contribution of 62.3%. This suggests that while Russell County has a robust goods-producing sector, it still faces challenges in economic growth relative to both state and national benchmarks.

GDP (2022, Thousands)
$ 1940406
GDP Per Capita
$ 32973
GDP Growth Rate (2022)
0.6 %
Average Growth Rate (2017-2022)
1.58 %
Goods Producing Contribution (%)
34.9%
Service Providing Contribution (%)
51.9%
Goverment Contribution
13.3%
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
23962
Labor Force Growth
1.77%
Unemployment
869
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
Source: Census.gov | S2301

Employment Profile

Russell County, AL, exhibits a notably lower employment rate for individuals aged 20-64 at 60.4%, significantly trailing behind the state average of 68.7% and the national average of 73.8%. The employment rate for those with a Bachelor's degree is also below both state (82.6%) and national (84.3%) figures, standing at 73.3%. Additionally, the county's employment rate for high school graduates (64.5%) is slightly above the state average (63.3%) but still lags behind the national average (67.9%). The employment rate for Black individuals in Russell County (51.9%) is comparable to the state average (52.5%), but lower than the national average (57.2%). Overall, these figures suggest that Russell County faces significant challenges in employment compared to both state and national benchmarks, indicating potential areas for economic development and workforce improvement.

Employment Rate (20-64 y.o.)
60.4%
Employment Rate (with Bachelor's Degree)
73.3%
Employment Rate (75+ y.o.)
3.1%
Employment Rate (Black)
51.9%
Employment Rate (Female)
59%
Employment Rate by Segment
Source: Census.gov | S2301
Employent Rate Comparison
Source: Census.gov | S2301

Employment by Sectors

Number of Companies
1178
Number of Employment
14071
Annual Average Wages
$ 46603
Wage CAGR (2010-2022)
Goods-producing (avg pay)
$ 67119
Service-providing (avg pay)
$ 37266
Historical Annual Average Wage
Source: BLS
Number of Establishments
Source: BLS
Company Indicators
Source: BLS

Income

Russell County, AL, exhibits significant economic challenges compared to both state and national averages. With a mean household income of $47,420 and a median household income of $62,441, Russell County falls below Alabama's state averages of $59,609 and $82,992, respectively. The county's income per capita of $25,855 is notably lower than the state average of $33,344, indicating a lower standard of living. Additionally, 23% of households earn less than $20,000, which is considerably higher than Alabama's 16.6%. In contrast, counties like Madison and Shelby show much stronger economic indicators, highlighting Russell County's need for economic development initiatives to improve income levels and reduce poverty rates.

Household Income (Mean)
$ 47420
Household Income (Median)
$ 62441
Per Capita Income
$ 25855
Per Capita Income Growth (2010-2022)
48.5 %
Gini Index
0.4664*
Poverty Rate
22.0 %
Per Capita Income
Source: Census.gov | B19301
Income Distribution by Household
Source: Census.gov