25 percent, respectively. It should be noted that Autauga and Elmore
counties are not participating JLUS communities, but the population
numbers are included here due to their proximity to Maxwell AFB and
Gunter Annex demonstrating regional growth.
Population Projections
The University of Alabama Center for Business and Economic Research
projected state and county population through 2030. According to their
projections listed in Table 2, Montgomery County is expected to continue to
increase in population, but at a rate less than the State of Alabama as a
whole. Both Autauga and Elmore Counties are also expected to continue
increasing at rates around 20 percent through 2030.
Table 2.
JLUS Study Area Population Projections from 2010 to 2030
Jurisdiction
Percent
Change 2010
to 2030
2010 2020 2030 4,779,736 5,096,521 5,373,294 12%
Autauga
County 54,571 60,715 68,883 21%
Elmore
County 79,303 88,942 98,374 19%
229,363 237,348 245,423 7%
Alabama
Montgomery
County
Autauga and Elmore Counties are not participating JLUS communities
Source: University of Alabama Center for Business & Economic Research
Economic Development
Agriculture is Alabama’s top industry, generating $70.4 billion annually and
580,295 jobs. Forestry is another leading industry that supports
122,020 direct and indirect jobs.
The primary economic activity throughout the JLUS Study Area is centered
on the agriculture industry dating back to the early colonial period. Efforts
to diversify Montgomery’s economy with new sectors have brought
substantial growth to the region in manufacturing, heavy commercial
development, and tourism. These economic sectors now represent the
largest industries in the city, in addition to hospitality and food services.
Much effort has been placed on promoting regional tourism through the
expansion of recreational facilities, and the development of new cultural and
recreational districts.
Montgomery County
Historically, agriculture played a significant role in Montgomery County’s
economy; however, the County’s economy experienced diversification in the
20th century that brought rise of governmental influence within the county,
with nearly 25 percent of the county’s workforce being employed by local,
state, and