Is Alabama the state that provides the highest per capita income in the United States?

1. Complete Introduction to Alabama Based on Rankings,Why It’s Famous

Alabama, often called the “Yellowhammer State” or “Heart of Dixie,” sits in the southeastern region of the country. It joined the United States as the 22nd state on December 14, 1819. Spanning 52,420 square miles, it ranks 30th in land area among the 50 states—smaller than Texas (268,596 square miles, 2nd) but larger than Rhode Island (1,214 square miles, 50th). In 2024, its 5.15 million residents place it 24th in population, behind California (39 million, 1st) yet ahead of Wyoming (0.58 million, 50th). Montgomery is the capital, and Huntsville the largest city.

This state shares borders with Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi, and Florida, with a narrow coastal strip along the Gulf of Mexico in the southwest, aiding trade and tourism. Known for its southern charm and hospitality, Alabama cherishes traditions like American football, especially the University’s Crimson Tide team. The 2024 U.S. News & World Report ranks it 44th overall, based on health, education, and economy—lagging Massachusetts (1st) but surpassing Mississippi (50th).

Alabama’s past is linked to significant historical events, including the Civil War and Civil Rights Movement. In 1955, Rosa Parks in Montgomery ignited a movement for racial equality. Its landscapes stretch from mountainous Tennessee Valley to the coastal Mobile Bay. Religion thrives here as part of the “Bible Belt.” For more, see Britannica’s Profile. It holds a mid-tier spot among states.

2. Area and Geography Based on Rankings 

Alabama covers 52,420 square miles, placing it 30th among the 50 states in land area. The United States totals 3.8 million square miles, with this state contributing 1.4%. It’s smaller than Alaska (665,384 square miles, 1st) and Texas (2nd) but bigger than Delaware (1,949 square miles, 49th). Among neighbors, it’s less expansive than Georgia (59,425 square miles, 24th) and more than Tennessee (42,144 square miles, 36th). It measures 330 miles north to south and 150 miles east to west.

The geography here is varied. Northern regions feature the Tennessee Valley, part of the Appalachian Mountains, with rolling hills. Cheaha Mountain, at 2,407 feet, marks the highest point—modest compared to Colorado’s average (14,440 feet, 8th). In the south, Alabama touches the Gulf of Mexico via Mobile Bay, joining 23 coastal states, though its shoreline is smaller than Florida’s (65,758 square miles, 22nd). Central fertile plains, known as the “Black Belt,” support farming.

Rivers like the Tennessee and Alabama bolster water resources. Pine and oak forests cover 71% of the land, ranking it mid-tier among wooded regions, behind Oregon (9th). It’s less flat than Kansas (15th) and less rugged than Wyoming (2nd). Learn more at Wikipedia’s Geography. Alabama stands mid-level geographically.

3. Economy and Per Capita Income Based on Rankings 

Alabama’s economy sits at a moderate level. In 2023, its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached $245.4 billion, forming 0.9% of the United States’ $27 trillion total, ranking 26th among 50 states. It trails California ($3.12 trillion, 1st) and Texas ($2.36 trillion, 2nd) but outpaces West Virginia ($97 billion, 40th). The automotive sector, with plants like Mercedes-Benz and Honda, ranks 5th nationally. Huntsville’s NASA work supports a mid-tier aerospace role, while farming (cotton, peanuts) and tourism add value.

Per capita income in Alabama was $43,984 in 2023, ranking 48th in the USA. The national average is $56,663, highlighting a gap. It’s just above Mississippi ($39,368, 50th) but well below the District of Columbia ($84,538, 1st). Huntsville exceeds $50,000 per capita, while rural areas drop below $30,000. The 2024 unemployment rate of 2.8% beats the national 3.7%, ranking 15th. Wages average $47,000—less than California’s $68,000 (5th), more than Arkansas’s $45,000 (47th).

Growth has been steady, with car and tech investments showing potential. It lags industrial Michigan (14th) but holds mid-tier among southern states, behind Georgia (9th). See USAFacts GDP for details. Alabama is an emerging player.

4. Alabama’s Old and Modern History 

Alabama’s history is deeply woven into the nation’s past. Originally home to Cherokee and Creek tribes, it saw Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto in 1540 and French settlers founding Mobile in 1702. It became the 22nd state in 1819. In the 19th century, cotton and slavery drove its economy. In 1861, Alabama joined the Confederate States, with Montgomery as the first capital—a key Civil War moment. After the Union’s 1865 victory, it rejoined the United States.

In the 20th century, this state shaped the Civil Rights Movement. In 1955, Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her bus seat in Montgomery sparked a boycott. The 1963 Birmingham church bombing and 1965 Selma to Montgomery March led to the Voting Rights Act, a national milestone. Alabama became a center for equality. Modernly, Huntsville’s NASA efforts dubbed it “Rocket City.” Today, progress in education and health continues, though it trails top states.

Its historical rank is mid-tier, akin to Mississippi (20th) and Georgia (24th). More at History.com. It’s a mix of struggle and growth.

5. Education Based on Rankings 

Alabama ranks 45th in education among 50 states, per the 2024 U.S. News & World Report. It’s behind Massachusetts (1st) and New Jersey (2nd) but ahead of Mississippi (47th). The state spends $9,500 per student, below the national average of $12,612, ranking 42nd—far less than Vermont’s $21,219 (1st). Pre-school enrollment is 48%, under the USA’s 50%, placing it 35th. The First Class Pre-K program boosts early education, though it lags Georgia (8th).

High school graduation stands at 89%, slightly below the national 90%, ranking 38th. Fourth-grade proficiency in math (28%) and reading (30%) falls short of national averages (35% and 34%), ranking Alabama 44th and 42nd. The teacher-to-student ratio is 1:17, above the USA’s 1:16, ranking 30th. Teachers earn $52,000 on average, less than the national $64,000, ranking 40th. Rural areas lack resources, while Huntsville offers better facilities.

Higher education includes the University of Alabama (67th) and Auburn University (97th) among public institutions. The college graduation rate is 26%, below the national 33%, ranking 41st. Technical schools like Wallace State provide vocational training. The 2023 education budget was $8.3 billion, mid-tier nationally. Racial and economic disparities persist, but pre-K initiatives show promise. Visit Education Week. Alabama is improving steadily.

 6. Current Population and Religion Based on Rankings 

In 2024, Alabama has 5.15 million residents, ranking 24th among 50 states. The United States totals 345 million, with this state contributing 1.5%. It’s behind California (39 million, 1st) and Texas (30 million, 2nd) but ahead of Wyoming (0.58 million, 50th) and Vermont (0.64 million, 49th). Density is 99 people per square mile, slightly above the national 93, ranking 23rd. Residents include 63.8% White, 25.9% Black, and 4.8% Hispanic.

Alabama, part of the “Bible Belt,” is highly religious. In 2024, 86% are Christian, exceeding the national 65%, ranking 5th. Protestants (70%), especially Southern Baptists, dominate, followed by Catholics (10%). Non-Christian faiths are minimal—Judaism (0.2%), Islam (0.3%), Hinduism (0.2%). Only 13% are unaffiliated, below the USA’s 29%, ranking 45th. Churches abound here. See Pew Research.

7. Current Lifestyle and Law Enforcement Based on Rankings 

Alabama’s lifestyle reflects southern roots. Rural areas focus on farming and fishing, while Huntsville and Birmingham provide modern living. Household income averages $56,000, below the national $74,000, ranking 42nd—behind California ($84,000, 5th) but ahead of Mississippi ($45,000, 50th). Football and fried chicken are popular; obesity at 36% exceeds the USA’s 32%, ranking 10th.

Law enforcement is mid-to-lower tier. In 2024, the crime rate is 5.2 per 1,000, above the national 4.0, ranking 15th. Violent crime at 4.5 per 1,000 ranks 12th. Birmingham has higher crime; Huntsville is safer. Alabama’s death penalty use ranks 2nd, after Texas (1st). Gun ownership is 5th. Police staffing ranks 35th. Reforms began in 2023. Check FBI Crime Data.

8. Tourist Attractions 

Alabama’s tourism is moderately appealing. In 2024, it earns $15 billion, 1.25% of the United States’ $1.2 trillion total, ranking 25th—behind Florida ($120 billion, 2nd) and California ($145 billion, 1st) but ahead of Wyoming ($4 billion, 50th). Gulf Shores and Orange Beach rank 15th in coastal tourism. Huntsville’s Space & Rocket Center attracts 1.5 million visitors, ranking 10th in science tourism.

Little River Canyon ranks 20th among natural sites. Montgomery’s Civil Rights Memorial and Birmingham’s church rank 12th in history tourism. Noccalula Falls adds charm. About 25 million visit yearly, below the national average, ranking 28th. More at Alabama Tourism.

9. Climate Based on Rankings

Alabama has a humid subtropical climate, ranking mid-tier nationally. Summers average 90°F, winters 50°F. The annual temperature of 64°F is above the USA’s 62°F, ranking 20th—cooler than Florida (71°F, 1st), warmer than Minnesota (45°F, 50th). Rainfall at 56 inches tops the national 38 inches, ranking 10th. Humidity is 70%, ranking 15th.

The Gulf of Mexico brings moisture and mild winters. Tornadoes rank Alabama 8th in weather risks. Temperatures rose 1°F in 20 years. Summer highs reach 92°F (25th), winter lows 35°F (30th). Details at NOAA.