Jacksonville Climate
Jacksonville, Alabama, has a diverse and steadily growing economy driven by education, retail, manufacturing, and residential development. Below is an overview of its economic landscape:
Key Economic Drivers
Education:
- Jacksonville State University (JSU) is the city’s largest employer and a major economic contributor. It supports local businesses through student and faculty spending and attracts visitors for campus events[1][7].
Retail Sector:
- Retail is a significant part of Jacksonville’s economy, contributing heavily to sales tax revenue. Recent additions include establishments such as Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, Rustic on Main, and Whataburger[1].
- The city actively works to attract new retail businesses to enhance its commercial offerings.
Manufacturing:
- Jacksonville hosts several manufacturing companies, including Bear & Son Cutlery, KOAM, Parker Hannifin, Gnutti Carlo USA, and Carmine Industries.
- Manufacturing firms contribute millions in annual sales revenue, with some generating over $4 million per year.
Employment and Income
- Jacksonville employs approximately 6,600 people across various industries. The largest sectors include retail trade (1,183 employees), education services (primarily JSU), and manufacturing.
- The median household income has grown to $46,451 as of 2022[7], while the average per capita income is $32,105.
Residential and Infrastructure Development
- Residential housing construction has seen modest growth despite high interest rates. Projects like converting the old cotton mill into senior apartments are underway to meet housing demands.
- Infrastructure improvements include drilling new wells to ensure a sustainable water supply for future population and industrial growth.
Challenges and Opportunities
- The city faces challenges such as parking limitations for downtown mixed-use developments. However, there is interest in revitalizing older buildings for residential and commercial purposes.
- Future job growth is projected at 29.3% over the next decade, slightly below the national average but indicative of steady economic expansion.
Jacksonville continues to balance its identity as a “bedroom community” with efforts to grow its industrial base while maintaining its heritage and small-town charm.