What is the Birmingham metropolitan area, and what is its primary anchor city?

The Birmingham metropolitan area, also known as Greater Birmingham, is a metropolitan area located in north central Alabama, United States. Its primary anchor city is Birmingham, Alabama.

How does the U.S. federal government define the Birmingham, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)?

As of 2023, the federal government defines the Birmingham, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area as comprising seven counties: Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, St. Clair, Shelby, and Walker. These counties are all centered around the city of Birmingham.

What was the population of the Birmingham MSA according to the 2020 census, and what was its national ranking?

According to the 2020 United States census, the population of the Birmingham, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area was 1,180,631. This figure ranked it as the 50th largest metropolitan statistical area in the United States at that time.

How is the Birmingham Combined Statistical Area (CSA) formed, and what is its population?

The Birmingham Combined Statistical Area (CSA) is formed by combining the seven counties of the Birmingham MSA with the Cullman micropolitan area (Cullman County) and the Talladega–Sylacauga Micropolitan Statistical Area (Talladega County and Coosa County). As of the 2020 census, this combined statistical area had a population of 1,415,988.

What is the significance of the Birmingham CSA in terms of population within Alabama and Central Alabama?

The Birmingham CSA is the largest population region in Alabama, accounting for roughly one-quarter of the state's total population. It is also the largest population region in Central Alabama.

Which counties are considered part of the North Alabama region, also known as the Tennessee Valley, within the Birmingham metro area?

The northern counties of the Birmingham metro area, specifically Blount and Cullman counties, are also part of the North Alabama region, locally known as the Tennessee Valley. These counties are overlapped by the larger Birmingham metropolitan area despite their proximity to Huntsville.

Which nearby counties, though not officially part of Greater Birmingham, significantly contribute to the region's economy and media market?

Tuscaloosa County, Etowah County, and Calhoun County are nearby counties that, while not officially part of Greater Birmingham, significantly contribute to the region's economy and are covered by the Birmingham media market.

How is Birmingham classified geographically and culturally within the United States?

Birmingham is classified as part of the Southeast by the U.S. Census. Geographically, it falls within the Upland South due to its location at the southern terminus of the Appalachian foothills, and the entire MSA and CSA are within the congressional Appalachian Regional Commission's definition of Appalachia. Culturally, many residents also consider themselves part of the Deep South.

What are the seven counties that constitute the Birmingham Metropolitan Statistical Area?

The seven counties that make up the Birmingham Metropolitan Statistical Area are Bibb County, Blount County, Chilton County, Jefferson County, St. Clair County, Shelby County, and Walker County.

According to the provided table, which county in the Birmingham MSA had the largest population in the 2020 Census?

According to the table, Jefferson County had the largest population in the Birmingham MSA during the 2020 Census, with 674,721 residents.

Which county in the Birmingham MSA experienced the largest percentage population increase between the 2020 Census and the 2022 estimate?

Shelby County experienced the largest percentage population increase among the listed counties, with a growth of 3.18% between the 2020 Census and the 2022 estimate.

What was the total population change for the entire Birmingham MSA between the 2020 Census and the 2022 estimate?

The total population for the Birmingham MSA saw a slight increase of 0.05%, growing from 1,180,631 in the 2020 Census to 1,181,196 in the 2022 estimate.

What is the anchor city for the Birmingham metropolitan area?

The anchor city for the Birmingham metropolitan area is Birmingham, Alabama.

Which three cities, besides Birmingham, are listed as principal cities within the Birmingham–Cullman–Talladega CSA?

The three cities listed as principal cities within the Birmingham–Cullman–Talladega CSA are Cullman, Sylacauga, and Talladega.

List at least five suburbs within the Birmingham metropolitan area that had a population of at least 10,000 inhabitants as of the 2020 census.

As of the 2020 census, several suburbs had populations exceeding 10,000 inhabitants. These include Alabaster, Bessemer, Calera, Center Point, Chelsea, Clay, Fairfield, Forestdale, Gardendale, Helena, Homewood, Hoover, Hueytown, Irondale, Jasper, Leeds, McCalla, Moody, Mountain Brook, Pelham, Pell City, Trussville, and Vestavia Hills.

What was the racial makeup of the Birmingham–Hoover, AL Metropolitan Area according to the 2019 ACS 1-Year Estimates?

According to the 2019 ACS 1-Year Estimates, the racial makeup of the Birmingham–Hoover, AL Metropolitan Area was approximately 65.8% White, 31.6% African American, 1.9% Asian, 0.9% Native American, 0.1% Pacific Islander, and 1.6% from other races or two or more races. Additionally, 1.6% of the population identified as Hispanic of any race.

How is the economy of Greater Birmingham described in terms of diversification?

The economy of Greater Birmingham is described as the most diversified of any metropolitan area in Alabama. Its economic activities range widely from service industries like banking and finance to health-related technological research and heavy industry.

What is the role of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in the region's economy?

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a major economic driver in the region, serving as Alabama's largest employer and the largest employer within the Birmingham area, with approximately 20,000 employees. It significantly contributes to the local economy through employment and its various functions.

Which major companies have their world headquarters in the Birmingham metropolitan area?

The Birmingham metropolitan area is the world headquarters for Regions Financial Corporation and Books-A-Million, the second-largest book retailer in the United States.

List at least five major employers located in the Birmingham area.

Some of the major employers in the Birmingham area include Alabama Power, Amazon, AT&T, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Books-A-Million, Drummond Company, EBSCO Industries, Encompass Health, Hibbett Sports, Inc., McWane, Inc., Motion Industries, PNC Financial Services, Regions Financial Corporation, Shipt, Spire Inc, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Vulcan Materials Company.

What is Birmingham's reputation regarding retail within Alabama and the Piedmont Atlantic Megaregion?

Birmingham is recognized as the primary shopping destination in the state of Alabama and a significant shopping hub within the Piedmont Atlantic Megaregion. This status is supported by major retail centers like the Riverchase Galleria.

What are some of the major malls and shopping centers located in or near the Birmingham metropolitan area?

Major retail destinations include the Riverchase Galleria, a large enclosed mall in Hoover; The Summit, an upscale lifestyle center near Cahaba Heights; Pinnacle at Tutwiler Farm, a lifestyle center in Trussville; and The Shops At Grand River, an outlet mall in Leeds.

What major interstate highways intersect or pass through the Birmingham metropolitan area?

The Birmingham metropolitan area is a convergence point for four major interstate highways: Interstate 65, Interstate 20, Interstate 59, and Interstate 22. Additionally, Interstate 459 serves as a southern bypass around the city.

What is the significance of Interstate 459 in the Birmingham area?

Interstate 459, completed in 1984, functions as a southern bypass around Birmingham. It traverses parts of Bessemer, Vestavia Hills, and Trussville, and serves as a main route through the city of Hoover, helping to alleviate traffic congestion through the core urban area.

What is the planned route and completion date for Interstate 422?

Interstate 422, also known as the Birmingham Northern Bypass, is planned to connect the current I-20/59/459 interchange near Bessemer to Interstate 59 and US Route 11 near Argo. Its completion is anticipated by the year 2048.

Which U.S. Highways are significant in the Greater Birmingham area?

Four U.S. highways are significant in Greater Birmingham: US-31, US-11, US-78, and US-280. These highways play crucial roles in connecting the city and its suburbs.

What is the local name for the Elton B. Stephens Expressway, and what notable geological feature does it pass through?

The Elton B. Stephens Expressway, formed by the merging of US-31 and US-280 in Homewood, is known locally as the Red Mountain Expressway. It passes through a geologic cut in Red Mountain, connecting downtown Birmingham to its southern suburbs.

What major transportation infrastructure is located in Birmingham for intercity travel?

Birmingham features a three-block intermodal station that consolidates Amtrak, Greyhound bus services, and the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority, along with automotive transportation, into a single hub. This facility was funded in part by $87 million allocated for regional transportation.

Which airport serves the Greater Birmingham area, and what airlines provide service?

Greater Birmingham is served by Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM). Airlines providing service include American Airlines, American Eagle, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, connecting to over 40 cities.

When was Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport established, and who is it named after?

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport was established in 1931 and has been governed by the Birmingham Airport Authority since 1986. It was renamed in 2008 in honor of the late Birmingham civil rights activist, Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth.

List at least five major colleges and universities located within or serving the Birmingham metropolitan area.

Major colleges and universities serving the Birmingham metropolitan area include Bevill State Community College, Jefferson State Community College, Lawson State Community College, Miles College, Samford University, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), and the University of Montevallo.

What are some of the prominent natural features found in the Birmingham metropolitan area?

Prominent natural features in the Birmingham metropolitan area include Red Mountain, Oak Mountain State Park, Double Oak Mountain, Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve, the Black Warrior River, the Cahaba River, the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, the Talladega National Forest (Oakmulgee Division), and the Coosa River.

Which major rivers flow through or are associated with the Birmingham metropolitan area?

The major rivers associated with the Birmingham metropolitan area include the Cahaba River, the Black Warrior River, the Coosa River, the Locust Fork of the Black Warrior River, the Mulberry Fork of the Black Warrior River, and the Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River.

What is the Birmingham media market's coverage area?

The Birmingham media market covers Jefferson County and several surrounding counties, including Tuscaloosa, Etowah, and Calhoun counties, extending its influence beyond the officially defined metropolitan and combined statistical areas.

What is the population density of the Birmingham MSA?

The population density of the Birmingham MSA is 217 people per square mile.

What was the estimated Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the Birmingham MSA in 2022?

The estimated Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the Birmingham MSA in 2022 was $79.098 billion.

What time zone does the Birmingham metropolitan area observe?

The Birmingham metropolitan area observes the Central Time Zone, which is UTC-5 during standard time and UTC-4 during daylight saving time (CDT).

What are the primary area codes serving the Birmingham metropolitan area?

The primary area codes serving the Birmingham metropolitan area are 205 and 659.

What is the official website listed for the city of Birmingham?

The official website listed for the city of Birmingham is www.birminghamal.org.

What historical population figures are provided for the city of Birmingham, showing its growth trend?

Historical population figures for Birmingham show significant growth from 140,420 in 1900 to 833,075 in 1970. While growth slowed in the 1970s (2.6%), it resumed with an 11.7% increase by 1980. The population continued to grow, reaching 1,052,238 in 2000, 1,061,024 in 2010, and 1,115,289 in 2020, indicating a steady increase in recent decades.

What is the Birmingham–Hoover, AL Metropolitan Area's approximate population according to the 2019 ACS 1-Year Estimates?

According to the 2019 ACS 1-Year Estimates, the Birmingham–Hoover, AL Metropolitan Area had a population of approximately 1,090,435 people.

What is the economic significance of Birmingham within Alabama?

Birmingham holds the distinction of having the most diversified economy among all metropolitan areas in Alabama. Its economy spans various sectors, including banking, finance, health technology, and heavy industry.

What is the significance of the Riverchase Galleria in the Birmingham area?

The Riverchase Galleria is a major retail destination in the Birmingham metropolitan area. It is a large, 1,570,000 square foot enclosed mall located in the southern suburb of Hoover.

What is the Birmingham Northern Bypass, and what is its planned route?

The Birmingham Northern Bypass, designated as Interstate 422, is a planned highway intended to alleviate traffic congestion. It is projected to run from the current I-20/59/459 interchange near Bessemer eastward to connect with Interstate 59 and US Route 11 near Argo.

What is the Red Mountain Expressway, and what is its local significance?

The Red Mountain Expressway, also known locally by that name, is formed by the merging of US-31 and US-280 in Homewood. It is a vital artery that cuts through Red Mountain, connecting downtown Birmingham with its southern suburbs and easing commuter travel.

How did Birmingham's intermodal station contribute to regional transportation?

Birmingham's new $30 million, three-block intermodal station consolidates Amtrak, Greyhound, and the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority into one location. This project, supported by $87 million in federal funding for regional transportation, aims to create a more integrated and efficient transit system for the area.

What is the historical context for the renaming of Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport?

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, established in 1931, was renamed in 2008 to honor the late Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth. Rev. Shuttlesworth was a prominent civil rights activist in Birmingham, and the renaming recognizes his significant contributions to the Civil Rights Movement.

What are the primary geographical features that define the Birmingham area's location?

The Birmingham area is situated at the southern terminus of the Appalachian foothills. This location places it within the Upland South region and contributes to its unique geography, characterized by mountains like Red Mountain and Oak Mountain.

What is the Birmingham Business Alliance, and what is its role?

The Birmingham Business Alliance is a cooperative organization that involves many of the counties within Greater Birmingham. Its purpose is to promote economic development and business growth within the region.

Birmingham Metropolitan Area Alabama Wiki: The Birmingham Nexus: An Analytical Exploration of Alabama's Metropolitan Core

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Overview

Defining Greater Birmingham

The Birmingham metropolitan area, often referred to as Greater Birmingham, is a significant metropolitan region in north central Alabama, United States. It is centered around the city of Birmingham, Alabama.

Statistical Significance

The federal government defines the Birmingham, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) comprising seven counties. This area, along with adjacent micropolitan areas, forms the larger Birmingham–Cullman–Talladega, AL Combined Statistical Area (CSA).

Regional Influence

As Alabama's largest population region, Greater Birmingham constitutes approximately one-quarter of the state's total population. It serves as a primary economic and cultural hub for Central Alabama and is recognized as part of the broader Piedmont Atlantic Megaregion.

Metropolitan Structure

Core Counties and Cities

The Birmingham MSA is anchored by Jefferson County and includes Bibb, Blount, Chilton, St. Clair, Shelby, and Walker counties. Key principal cities and suburbs contribute to the region's urban fabric, with Birmingham itself being the anchor city.

The following table details the counties comprising the Birmingham Metropolitan Statistical Area, including population estimates and density figures.

County	2022 Estimate	2020 Census	Change	Area	Density
Jefferson County	665,409	674,721	−1.38%	1,111 sq mi (2,880 km²)	599/sq mi (231/km²)
Shelby County	230,115	223,024	+3.18%	785 sq mi (2,030 km²)	293/sq mi (113/km²)
St. Clair County	93,932	91,103	+3.11%	632 sq mi (1,640 km²)	149/sq mi (57/km²)
Walker County	64,339	65,342	−1.54%	805 sq mi (2,080 km²)	80/sq mi (31/km²)
Blount County	59,512	59,134	+0.64%	645 sq mi (1,670 km²)	92/sq mi (36/km²)
Chilton County	45,884	45,014	+1.93%	693 sq mi (1,790 km²)	66/sq mi (26/km²)
Bibb County	22,005	22,293	−1.29%	623 sq mi (1,610 km²)	35/sq mi (14/km²)
Total MSA	1,181,196	1,180,631	+0.05%	4,489 sq mi (11,630 km²)	223/sq mi (86/km²)

Metropolitan and Combined Areas

The Birmingham MSA, with a 2020 population of over 1.18 million, is the 50th largest in the U.S. It integrates with Cullman and Talladega micropolitan areas to form the Combined Statistical Area (CSA), boasting a population of approximately 1.4 million, making it Alabama's largest population sub-region.

The region includes the anchor city of Birmingham and principal cities like Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Alabaster, and Trussville. Other significant municipalities contribute to the metropolitan landscape.

Anchor City: Birmingham
Principal Cities: Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Alabaster, Homewood, Trussville, Bessemer, Talladega, Sylacauga, Cullman
Suburbs (2020 Census): Alabaster, Bessemer, Calera, Center Point, Chelsea, Clay, Fairfield, Forestdale, Gardendale, Helena, Homewood, Hoover, Hueytown, Irondale, Jasper, Leeds, McCalla, Moody, Mountain Brook, Pelham, Pell City, Trussville, Vestavia Hills

Geographic Features

Topography and Regions

Situated at the southern terminus of the Appalachian foothills, the Birmingham area exhibits varied topography. It lies within the Upland South region and is influenced by the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians and the Piedmont Plateau.

Waterways

Major rivers shape the region's geography and history. The Black Warrior River system, including its forks (Locust, Mulberry, Sipsey), and the Cahaba River are significant waterways. The Coosa River also influences the broader area.

Natural Areas

The region is characterized by notable natural features and protected areas. Red Mountain, Oak Mountain State Park, Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve, and parts of the Talladega National Forest offer recreational and ecological value.

Demographic Profile

Population Trends

The Birmingham metropolitan area has experienced steady population growth. The 2020 census recorded over 1.1 million residents in the MSA, with estimates indicating continued growth. The Combined Statistical Area further extends this reach.

This table illustrates the population changes in Birmingham from 1900 to the present.

Historical population
Census	Pop.	%±
1900	140,420	—
1910	226,476	61.3%
1920	310,054	36.9%
1930	431,493	39.2%
1940	459,930	6.6%
1950	556,926	21.1%
1960	812,094	45.8%
1970	833,075	2.6%
1980	930,281	11.7%
1990	956,844	2.9%
2000	1,052,238	10.0%
2010	1,061,024	0.8%
2020	1,115,289	5.1%
2021 (est.)	1,114,262	−0.1%
U.S. Decennial Census

Racial and Ethnic Composition

The demographic profile of the Birmingham metropolitan area is diverse. Recent estimates indicate a significant presence of White and African American populations, alongside growing Asian and Hispanic communities, reflecting the region's evolving social landscape.

Economic Landscape

Diversified Industries

Greater Birmingham boasts Alabama's most diversified economy. Key sectors include finance, banking, healthcare technology, research, and heavy industry. Major employers span various industries, contributing significantly to the regional economic output.

Corporate Presence

The region is home to the world headquarters of major corporations such as Regions Financial and Books-A-Million. Other significant employers include Alabama Power, Amazon, AT&T, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, and Encompass Health.

Retail Hub

Birmingham is a prominent retail destination within Alabama and the wider Piedmont Atlantic Megaregion. It features major shopping centers like the Riverchase Galleria, The Summit, and Pinnacle at Tutwiler Farm, attracting shoppers from across the state.

Transportation Network

Interstate Connectivity

The metropolitan area is strategically located at the convergence of major interstate highways: I-65, I-20, I-59, and I-22. Interstate 459 provides a crucial southern bypass, enhancing regional traffic flow.

Public Transit and Rail

A significant investment has been made in regional transportation infrastructure. Birmingham features a modern intermodal station connecting Amtrak, Greyhound services, and the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) bus network.

Air Travel

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) serves as the primary air travel hub, offering direct flights to numerous cities across the United States via major carriers like American Airlines, Southwest, and Delta.

Educational Institutions

Higher Education Centers

The region hosts several prominent institutions of higher learning, contributing to its role as an educational center. These institutions foster research, innovation, and workforce development.

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
Samford University
Miles College
Bevill State Community College
Jefferson State Community College
Lawson State Community College
University of Montevallo

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Birmingham metropolitan area, Alabama Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. It is based on a snapshot of information from Wikipedia and related sources.

This is not professional advice. The information provided herein is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding urban planning, economic development, or regional analysis. Always consult official documentation and qualified experts for specific needs.

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The Birmingham Nexus

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

🏙️ Defining Greater Birmingham

📊 Statistical Significance

🌍 Regional Influence

Metropolitan Structure 🏗️

📍 Core Counties and Cities

🏘️ Metropolitan and Combined Areas

Geographic Features 🏞️

⛰️ Topography and Regions

💧 Waterways

🌳 Natural Areas

Demographic Profile 👥

📈 Population Trends

🧑🏾‍🤝‍🧑🏻 Racial and Ethnic Composition

Economic Landscape 💰

💼 Diversified Industries

🏢 Corporate Presence

🛍️ Retail Hub

Transportation Network 🚗

🛣️ Interstate Connectivity

🚆 Public Transit and Rail

✈️ Air Travel

Educational Institutions 🎓

🏛️ Higher Education Centers

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Defining Greater Birmingham

Statistical Significance

Regional Influence

Metropolitan Structure

Core Counties and Cities

Metropolitan and Combined Areas

Geographic Features

Topography and Regions

Waterways

Natural Areas

Demographic Profile

Population Trends

Racial and Ethnic Composition

Economic Landscape

Diversified Industries

Corporate Presence

Retail Hub

Transportation Network

Interstate Connectivity

Public Transit and Rail

Air Travel

Educational Institutions

Higher Education Centers

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice