List of Counties in Alabama
Alabama has 67 counties. The most populous counties in Alabama are Jefferson County (home to Birmingham), Mobile County (Mobile), Madison County (Huntsville), Montgomery County (Montgomery), Tuscaloosa County (Tuscaloosa), Baldwin County (Daphne and Gulf Shores), Shelby County (Alabaster and Hoover), Lee County (Auburn), Morgan County (Decatur), and Etowah County (Gadsden). Jefferson County is the largest by population, housing Alabama’s largest city, Birmingham, and serving as a cultural and economic center.
List of All Counties in Alabama
- Autauga County, Alabama
- Baldwin County, Alabama
- Barbour County, Alabama
- Bibb County, Alabama
- Blount County, Alabama
- Bullock County, Alabama
- Butler County, Alabama
- Calhoun County, Alabama
- Chambers County, Alabama
- Cherokee County, Alabama
- Chilton County, Alabama
- Choctaw County, Alabama
- Clarke County, Alabama
- Clay County, Alabama
- Cleburne County, Alabama
- Coffee County, Alabama
- Colbert County, Alabama
- Conecuh County, Alabama
- Coosa County, Alabama
- Covington County, Alabama
- Crenshaw County, Alabama
- Cullman County, Alabama
- Dale County, Alabama
- Dallas County, Alabama
- DeKalb County, Alabama
- Elmore County, Alabama
- Escambia County, Alabama
- Etowah County, Alabama
- Fayette County, Alabama
- Franklin County, Alabama
- Geneva County, Alabama
- Greene County, Alabama
- Hale County, Alabama
- Henry County, Alabama
- Houston County, Alabama
- Jackson County, Alabama
- Jefferson County, Alabama
- Lamar County, Alabama
- Lauderdale County, Alabama
- Lawrence County, Alabama
- Lee County, Alabama
- Limestone County, Alabama
- Lowndes County, Alabama
- Macon County, Alabama
- Madison County, Alabama
- Marengo County, Alabama
- Marion County, Alabama
- Marshall County, Alabama
- Mobile County, Alabama
- Monroe County, Alabama
- Montgomery County, Alabama
- Morgan County, Alabama
- Perry County, Alabama
- Pickens County, Alabama
- Pike County, Alabama
- Randolph County, Alabama
- Russell County, Alabama
- Saint Clair County, Alabama
- Shelby County, Alabama
- Sumter County, Alabama
- Talladega County, Alabama
- Tallapoosa County, Alabama
- Tuscaloosa County, Alabama
- Walker County, Alabama
- Washington County, Alabama
- Wilcox County, Alabama
- Winston County, Alabama
1. Baldwin County
Overview
Baldwin County, located in the southwestern part of Alabama, is the largest county in the state by land area. It is bordered by Mobile County to the west, Escambia County to the north, and the Florida counties of Escambia and Santa Rosa to the east. The Gulf of Mexico lies to the south, offering some of Alabama’s most scenic beaches. The Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, a rich biodiversity hotspot, lies in the northwestern part of the county. Founded in 1809, Baldwin County has a diverse economy centered on agriculture, tourism, and maritime industries, bolstered by its access to both inland and coastal waters. It is a popular destination for visitors, particularly those heading to the beach towns of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 239,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Bay Minette
- Major Airports: Jack Edwards National Airport (Gulf Shores), Fairhope Municipal Airport
- Major Highways: I-10, I-65, US-31, US-98, AL-59
2. Jefferson County
Overview
Jefferson County is located in north-central Alabama and is the most populous county in the state. It is bordered by Shelby County to the south, Walker County to the northwest, and St. Clair County to the northeast. The county is home to Birmingham, a city historically known for its role in the steel industry and as a transportation hub during the industrial age. Today, Jefferson County is a vital center for healthcare, finance, and higher education. The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport serve as key institutions, attracting people and investment to the area. Established in 1819, Jefferson County has grown into a densely populated, economically diverse region.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 669,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Birmingham
- Major Airports: Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport
- Major Highways: I-20, I-59, I-65, US-31, US-280, US-78
3. Mobile County
Overview
Mobile County lies along the Gulf of Mexico in southwestern Alabama and is the state’s third-largest county by area. It shares borders with Baldwin County to the east and George County, Mississippi, to the west. The county seat is Mobile, Alabama’s oldest city, founded in 1702 by French settlers. As Alabama’s only saltwater port, Mobile is a major economic hub, with industries ranging from shipping and shipbuilding to oil refining and aerospace. The area is also culturally significant, with Mobile being home to America’s oldest Mardi Gras celebration. The county’s geography includes coastal marshes, rivers, and the scenic Dauphin Island.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 414,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Mobile
- Major Airports: Mobile Regional Airport, Mobile Downtown Airport
- Major Highways: I-10, I-65, US-45, US-90, AL-188
4. Madison County
Overview
Located in the northern part of Alabama, Madison County shares its northern border with Tennessee. Limestone County lies to the west, while Jackson County is to the east. Huntsville, the county seat, has become one of Alabama’s most dynamic cities, thanks to its strong presence in the aerospace, defense, and technology industries. The county’s history is deeply connected to the space race, with NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and the Redstone Arsenal playing pivotal roles. Madison County’s economy is heavily tied to these sectors, making it one of the state’s fastest-growing areas. Geographically, the county includes part of the Tennessee River and is characterized by rolling hills and fertile farmland.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 420,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Huntsville
- Major Airports: Huntsville International Airport
- Major Highways: I-565, US-72, US-231, US-431, AL-53
5. Shelby County
Overview
Shelby County is located in central Alabama, just south of Birmingham. It is bordered by Jefferson County to the north, Chilton County to the south, and Talladega County to the east. This county is part of the rapidly growing Birmingham metropolitan area and has seen significant suburban expansion in recent decades. Shelby County’s economy benefits from its proximity to Birmingham and is supported by manufacturing, healthcare, and retail industries. The area is also known for its scenic landscapes, including Oak Mountain State Park, the largest state park in Alabama. Historically, the county was created in 1818, and it has steadily grown as people and businesses migrated out of Birmingham’s urban core.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 230,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Columbiana
- Major Airports: Shelby County Airport
- Major Highways: I-65, US-31, US-280, AL-25
6. Tuscaloosa County
Overview
Tuscaloosa County, located in west-central Alabama, is best known for being home to the University of Alabama. It is bordered by Pickens County to the west and Bibb County to the southeast. Tuscaloosa, the county seat, has a rich history that includes serving as Alabama’s state capital from 1826 to 1846. Today, the county is a key educational and economic center, with a diverse economy that includes higher education, healthcare, and manufacturing. The University of Alabama and its famous Crimson Tide football team are central to the county’s identity. The county’s landscape includes the Black Warrior River, which runs through Tuscaloosa and provides important transportation and recreational resources.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 230,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Tuscaloosa
- Major Airports: Tuscaloosa National Airport
- Major Highways: I-20, I-59, US-43, US-82, AL-69
7. Limestone County
Overview
Limestone County is located in northern Alabama, along the Tennessee state line. It is bordered by Madison County to the east and Lauderdale County to the west. Athens, the county seat, is a historic town known for its antebellum architecture and annual festivals. The county is part of the rapidly expanding Huntsville-Decatur metropolitan area, benefiting from the growth of nearby Huntsville. Limestone County’s economy is supported by agriculture, manufacturing, and its proximity to the Tennessee River, which serves as a key transportation route. The area is also known for its historical significance during the Civil War, where it saw numerous skirmishes.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 110,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Athens
- Major Airports: Pryor Field Regional Airport
- Major Highways: I-65, US-72, US-31, AL-99
8. Lauderdale County
Overview
Lauderdale County is located in the northwestern corner of Alabama, with the Tennessee River flowing through its southern part. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north and Colbert County to the south. Florence, the county seat, is part of the Shoals area, renowned for its rich musical history and contributions to blues, rock, and country music. The county has a diverse landscape, with rolling hills, river valleys, and agricultural lands. Historically, the county played an important role in the Civil War and was the site of numerous skirmishes. Today, its economy relies on manufacturing, healthcare, and education, with the University of North Alabama based in Florence.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 93,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Florence
- Major Airports: Northwest Alabama Regional Airport
- Major Highways: US-43, US-72, AL-20
9. Houston County
Overview
Houston County is situated in southeastern Alabama and borders both Georgia and Florida. The county seat, Dothan, is a regional hub for agriculture, healthcare, and retail. Nicknamed the “Peanut Capital of the World,” the county is a major peanut producer, and Dothan hosts the annual National Peanut Festival. In addition to agriculture, the county’s economy is driven by logistics and distribution due to its proximity to the tri-state area. Houston County is a relatively young county, established in 1903, and continues to play an important role in Alabama’s agricultural output.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 108,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Dothan
- Major Airports: Dothan Regional Airport
- Major Highways: US-84, US-231, US-431, AL-53
10. Montgomery County
Overview
Montgomery County is located in central Alabama and is home to the state capital, Montgomery. It is bordered by Elmore County to the north and Lowndes County to the west. The city of Montgomery played a crucial role in American history, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement. As the state’s political center, the county’s economy is heavily reliant on government services, the military, and education. Maxwell Air Force Base and the Alabama River both contribute significantly to local commerce. Montgomery also boasts several historic landmarks and museums, drawing tourists interested in its pivotal role in shaping the nation’s civil rights history.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 228,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Montgomery
- Major Airports: Montgomery Regional Airport
- Major Highways: I-65, I-85, US-80, US-231