Economic Update

The Jacksonville State University (JSU) Economic Update is a publication that provides an ongoing analysis of east-central Alabama regional economic indicators across a fifteen-county area. The counties analyzed include Blount, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, DeKalb, Etowah, Jackson, Marshall, Randolph, St. Clair, Talladega, and Tallapoosa.  County data are collected and analyzed and regional averages formulated as a summary for each county.  Comparisons to selected state and national trends identify relevant economic characteristics within the region.   

Jacksonville State University has a long history of community outreach through the Center for Economic Development and Business Research. For almost thirty years various economic indicators have been regularly published, providing stakeholders from economic and community leaders to government and business decision-makers with a source for economic planning and development within each respective institution.

The purpose of the Economic Update is to present available data to current and potential economic developers that will be useful in planning, development, and execution of business and related endeavors. A key part of the analysis is that county-level data are used and aggregated to include the fifteen-county region. This emphasis on the local economy offers valuable insight to developers when measuring the economic potential of east Alabama.

Significant revisions have been made to enhance the publication format while continuing to provide relevant and timely economic and demographic data. A changing world presents numerous opportunities but also challenges for decision-makers.  Given these current conditions, this publication is continuing its dynamic approach for serving the needs of our subscribers.  

Thank you for your interest in the JSU Economic Update. Feel free to contact us anytime with questions or suggestions of how we may better serve you.

Sincerely,

Benjamin Boozer, Editor