Shelby County, Alabama is one of the fastest growing and most affluent regions in the state. While Alabama considers itself to be the “Heart of Dixie”, Shelby County’s location at the geographic center of the state makes it the “Heart of Alabama”. Combining lush and verdant landscapes with a transportation infrastructure connecting it to major cities, Shelby County becomes one of the finest places to work and live.
Shelby County, AL nestles in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and contains some of the best recreational sites in the region. The lovely Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama’s largest recreational area, provides 10,000 acres of pristine waterways for fishing and forested hillsides to hike. Within Shelby County are 24 city parks and 7 golf courses.
The Cahaba River, Alabama’s longest free-flowing river, winds through Shelby County, perfect for canoe trips. The Cahaba is home to 131 species of fish and a favorite waterway among anglers. The Cahaba River Wildlife Management Area provides over 41,000 acres of wilderness, with both large and small game. Lay Lake has 289 miles of shoreline and is the site of the Bass Masters Classic Tournament.
Shelby County, Alabama encompasses almost 800 square miles of scenic beauty and small towns. The bustling city of Birmingham lies along the northern border, with a portion of the city within Shelby’s boundaries. Shelby County is one of the seven counties that comprise the prosperous Birmingham-Hoover Metro Area.
Census 2000 recorded Shelby’s population at just over 143,000. The 2005 estimates show a sharp increase, to almost 170,000. In the 1990’s, Shelby County led the state in population growth. In 2002, the per capita income was almost $35,000, an 18% increase from ’97 figures, and 113% of the national average, which was $31,000. Census 2000 data shows the median household income was $55,440, much more than the national average of $41,994.
The Shelby County Economic Development Authority works with new businesses coming to the region. The Shelby West Corporate Park is a new 400-acre facility with frontage on Interstate Highway 65 and bordering the Shelby County Airport. The park’s location, only 30 miles from downtown Birmingham, makes it prime business real estate. Two railroads service Shelby County: CSX and Norfolk Southern. Three US Highways and six State Highways complete the excellent transportation infrastructure so vital to commerce.
Twenty-one communities comprise Shelby County, Alabama . Columbiana is the county seat and home to the Shelby County Museum and the Smith-Harrison Museum of George Washington. The town of Montevallo contains Alabama’s only public liberal arts university, the University of Montevallo, which serves as Shelby County’s cultural hub. Found here is the American Village, a re-created living colonial village, with interactive programs lending civic education. The town of Calera is host to the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, complete with a short train ride on refurbished cars.
