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Area52,419 Sq. Mi.
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CapitalMontgomery
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Population4,903,185
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Income$48,123
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Home Value$158,809
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Crime25,046
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Unemployment4.7%
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Education24.5%
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Medicine48
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Poverty16.1%
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Environment23
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Infrastructure2.1%
Appearing in an almost rectangular shape on the map, Alabama provides topographical diversity that includes several inland waterways. It is commonly referred to as the “Heart of Dixie” due to its central position in the Deep South states. The official state abbreviation is AL. The Alabama flag is white with a crimson cross. Local zip codes mainly begin with 35 or 36.
It is a top destination place for tourists due to its historical and scientific museums. This makes AL home to several points of interest, such as the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Rosa Parks Museum, and Gaines wood. The Alabama state parks, beaches, and gulf shores offer recreational activities in this area.
Alabama became a state on December 14, 1819. Before this, its original inhabitants were the indigenous people before the Spanish took over during the 16th century. Early 18th century1763 and later lost the land in the American Revolutionary War period.
In the years leading to World War II, the area heavily depended on agriculture, which led to economic hardships. Growth of industries and new urban centers erupted, eventually causing economic change leading to diversification of interests within the population.
The state became intensely involved in the American Civil Rights Movement in the early 1960s, fueled by Rosa Park’s resistance to black-white segregation. Eventually, the protests led to legislation that ended segregation and black voter suppression, and other inequalities, creating opportunities for a united people.
How We Figured Out Which Were the Best States to Live In
To determine the best livable states in the U.S., sourcing data from reputable resources is fundamental. Influential organizations such as the U.S. Department of Labor and the FBI contributed to acquiring this vital information. Besides, data from federal and national government bodies such as the United Health Foundation and the Environmental Protection Agency is used to ensure credibility. With the availability of all this information, further analysis occurs to produce critical data.
Alabama Rankings
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PopulationData: 4,903,185
Compared to neighboring areas, Alabama's population ranks fourth after Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. Based on the census undertaken, the dominant race is white consisting of 68.09%, with black people following 26.64%. Its high population count offers positive insight into new and increased economic development and low mortality rate.
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Income in $Data: $48,123
The median income is slightly below the average collective value in the United States. Top individual tax rates at 5%, with corporate income tax at 6.5%. Sales tax is 4%, and property tax — 0.4%. Significant industries include agriculture, tourism, metals and chemicals, aerospace and aviation, and bioscience.
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Home ValueData: $158,809
Typically, Alabaman homes cost $158,809 in the 2021 census. This price adjusts periodically with the season. Despite the median value being relatively low compared to the surrounding states, it's an 8.9% rise from the year before and seems to be increasing.
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UnemploymentData: 4.7%
Based on the 2019 census, the Alabama unemployment rate is relatively low, placing the region below the average in the country and among its surrounding provinces. Although the hiring process may somewhat be sluggish, new employment opportunities in education, sales, transport, technology, and development continue to emerge.
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PovertyData: 16.1%
AL is among the top 10 states comprising the highest poverty rates. This marks it as an impoverished territory. Based on gender, the female poverty rate is 18.41%, while men are 14.94%. Race contributes to whites' poverty rates at 11.75%, black at 27.01%, Hispanic at 29.89%, and other races at 34.33%.
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EducationData: 24.5%
Despite ranking among the lower education rates in the United States, most people acquire higher education in top universities in the area. Besides Mississippi, it ranks lower than other bordering states. However, AL consists of well-known educational facilities such as Alabama State University.
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MedicineHealth Outcomes: 48
Results deduced from a 2019 census show that AL takes the 46th rank in medicine. This is due to its advance in the manufacturing sector, which boosts its healthcare hub position. Also, some medical facilities take up the green initiative in environmental stewardship. While the physical environment contributes a better outcome towards medicine, social and economic factors rank below average.
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CrimeViolent Crime: 25,046
The crime rate in the region is high. This is especially true in Anniston and Fairfield cities. Alabamans are at a lower risk of violent crime as compared to their bordering states. The number of rape cases is low, while robbery, burglary, and aggravated assault numbers are very high. Property crime and larceny-theft numbers are widespread.
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EnvironmentAir: 23
AL is quite observant in the preservation and safety of the natural environment. Air and water violations are relatively low in comparison to its neighboring territories. Despite this, the land has heavy investments in its manufacturing sector, a significant air pollution source. Also, due to its geology and climate, water resources here are incredibly susceptible to pollution.
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InfrastructurePoor Roads: 2.1%
Infrastructure in the area is impressive, with a small portion of poor roads and bridges. Plans on improving the infrastructure are underway to enhance business and transportation networks. On the other hand, the state highway spending per driver is relatively high at $405, but the commuting to work time, 24.6 minutes, is quite fast.
Alabama Facts
- The state motto is “Audemus Jura nostra defender,” which means “We Dare Defend Our Rights,” or “We Dare Maintain Our Rights.”
- The anthem is “Alabama,” written by Julia Tutwiler as a poem and adopted in 1931 as the official state song.
- Its nicknames are “The Heart of Dixie” and “Cotton State.”
- The state bird is the Yellowhammer.
- The state flower is Camellia, and the tree is the southern Longleaf Pine.
- The Blackberry is the official fruit in the region.
- Initially, several native tribes inhabited the area before becoming a Spanish territory in the 16th century. Now, five tribes share it.
- Its spaceflight museum, U.S. Space and Rocket Center, is the largest in the world.
- It consists of vast forests that cover about 70% of the territory, making it timber-rich.
- AL has relaxed gun laws considered “open carry,” allowing most adults to own and openly carry a gun without a permit.
- Some famous Alabamans are Harper Lee, Nat “King” Cole, and George Washington Carver.
- The Black Pearl, a ship featured in “Pirates of the Caribbean” Disney film franchise, was constructed in AL.
Alabama in Photos
FAQ Section
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Where is AL?
It is a part of the 50 states of the U.S.A. situated in the nation’s southeastern region. Four states share their borders with it, with Tennessee in the North, Georgia in the east, Mississippi in the west, and Florida with a small part of the land bordering the Gulf of Mexico in the south.
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What Time Zone is Alabama?
It is in the Central Standard Time (UTC-06:00). It observes daylight saving time which changes the time zone to (DST UTC-05:00).
Unofficially, some cities such as Phoenix City in Russell County, Lanett in Chambers County, and some of Lee County towns use the Eastern Time (UTC-05:00, DST UTC-04:00).
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How Many Counties in the Heart of Dixie?
There are 67 counties, with the capital being in Montgomery County. Baldwin County is the largest by area, while the smallest is Etowah County.
Washington County is the oldest, dated June 4, 1800, while Houston County, the youngest, came about on February 9, 1903.
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What Is the Minimum Wage in AL?
The minimum wage to date is $7.25 per hour. Hence, most employers and employees adhere to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act as the land follows the federal minimum wage that remains the same since 2009.
This makes it one out of five regions that have not established state minimum wage law.
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How Many National Championships Does Alabama Have?
The province claims 18 national championships with titles in 1925, 1926, 1930, 1934, 1941, 1961, 1964, 1965, 1973, 1978, 1979, 1992, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017 and 2020.
However, NCAA records 15 championships won by AL Renowned coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, who led the AL Crimson Tide Football between 1958 and 1982 and brought home six national titles. With Nick Saban taking over after Bryant, the state secured another six titles.
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What Is Alabama Known For?
Home to significant monuments and museums based on history and science, natural attractions sites, and the south’s stereotypical hospitality, it is a welcoming area to visitors. It offers visitors a warm feeling and a sense of grand adventure.
The province is also known for:
- Its workers constructed the first rocket to take humans to the moon.
- Being the only region with natural resources for iron and steel.
- Having American football as a massive part of its cultural diversity.
