Economy Profile

Wilcox County

TSAC-CFD-01131

Snapshot

-

GDP (2022, Thousands)
$ 380794
AVG Real Growth (2017-2022)
-5.82 %
Unemployment Rate (May, 2024)
8.8 %
Labor Force Size
2609
Number of Businesses
299
Average Annual Wage
$ 54233

Economy Structure

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

GDP

Wilcox County, Alabama, presents a stark contrast to both state and national economic indicators. With an annual GDP of approximately 381 million dollars and a GDP per capita of 36,471 dollars, it significantly lags behind Alabama's average GDP per capita of 55,999 dollars and the national average of 77,754 dollars. The county's GDP growth rate has plummeted by 10.4% over the last year, reflecting a troubling trend with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -5.82% over the past 13 years. In comparison, Alabama's GDP growth rate was 1.7% last year, and the national rate was 1.9%. Notably, Wilcox County's economy is heavily reliant on goods production, contributing 46.4% to its GDP, which is significantly higher than the state’s 22.2% and the national average of 17.4%. This reliance on goods production, coupled with declining growth, suggests underlying economic challenges that may require targeted interventions to stimulate recovery and growth.

GDP (2022, Thousands)
$ 380794
GDP Per Capita
$ 36471
GDP Growth Rate (2022)
-10.4 %
Average Growth Rate (2017-2022)
-5.82 %
Goods Producing Contribution (%)
46.4%
Service Providing Contribution (%)
38.3%
Goverment Contribution
15.3%
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
2609
Labor Force Growth
3%
Unemployment
230
Unemployment Rate
8.8%
Unemployment Rate
Source: Census.gov | S2301

Employment Profile

Wilcox County, AL, exhibits a notably low employment rate of 52.6% for individuals aged 20-64, significantly trailing behind the state average of 68.7% and the national average of 73.8%. This disparity highlights the county's economic challenges, particularly in comparison to nearby counties like Jefferson (71.8%) and Madison (74.4%). While the employment rate for those with a Bachelor's degree is relatively high at 81.8%, the overall workforce participation is hindered by a low rate of 44.1% for high school graduates, indicating potential barriers in education and job readiness. Additionally, the employment rate for Black residents at 37.7% is concerning, reflecting broader systemic issues. Overall, Wilcox County's economic landscape suggests a need for targeted interventions to improve employment opportunities and educational outcomes.

Employment Rate (20-64 y.o.)
52.6%
Employment Rate (with Bachelor's Degree)
81.8%
Employment Rate (75+ y.o.)
1.3%
Employment Rate (Black)
37.7%
Employment Rate (Female)
49.9%
Employment Rate by Segment
Source: Census.gov | S2301
Employent Rate Comparison
Source: Census.gov | S2301

Employment by Sectors

Number of Companies
299
Number of Employment
2602
Annual Average Wages
$ 54233
Wage CAGR (2010-2022)
Goods-producing (avg pay)
$ 75983
Service-providing (avg pay)
$ 38743
Historical Annual Average Wage
Source: BLS
Number of Establishments
Source: BLS
Company Indicators
Source: BLS

Income

Wilcox County, AL exhibits significant economic challenges compared to both state and national averages. With a mean household income of $38,208 and a median household income of $50,522, it falls well below Alabama's state averages of $59,609 and $82,992, respectively. The county's income per capita of $20,442 is also notably lower than the state’s $33,344. Furthermore, a staggering 28.1% of households earn less than $20,000, which is the highest percentage among the counties compared, indicating a high level of economic distress. In contrast, the national mean household income stands at $75,149, highlighting the disparity. This data suggests that Wilcox County faces significant socioeconomic hurdles, necessitating targeted interventions to improve income levels and overall economic health.

Household Income (Mean)
$ 38208
Household Income (Median)
$ 50522
Per Capita Income
$ 20442
Per Capita Income Growth (2010-2022)
62.6 %
Gini Index
0.4578*
Poverty Rate
26.8 %
Per Capita Income
Source: Census.gov | B19301
Income Distribution by Household
Source: Census.gov