States / Alabama
Alabama
609,370
Population of State Living in Coastal Areas
$10.5 Billion
Coastal Employment
Annual Wages
27
Climate and Weather Disasters
(Affecting Alabama 2010 to 2018)*
Coastal Demographics
Of the total population of approximately 4.8 million in Alabama, over 609,000 people live in coastal portions of the state.
Coastal Economy
Coastal Alabama employs 242,000 people annually, earning a total of almost $10.5 billion. This equates to approximately $25.8 billion in gross domestic product.
Natural Hazards
Four billion-dollar weather disasters affected Alabama in 2018—and a total of 27 affected the state between 2010 and 2018. In 2018, three separate storm systems caused dozens of tornadoes; one in March of that year caused over 20 tornadoes and extensive damage across Alabama.*
Sources:
American Community Survey Five-Year Estimates (NOAA Data)
*Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters (NOAA Website)
(All economic and demographic facts represent the latest data available [2015] and are regularly updated as new data become available)
Making a Difference
in Alabama
Debris Removal Leaves Weeks Bay Cleaner and Safer
The Takeaway: Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve worked with partners to haul away hazardous abandoned boats and other marine debris while raising boat owners’ awareness.
Learn MoreGulf Coast Towns Lower Flood Insurance Rates, with NOAA’s Help
The Takeaway: Dozens of communities in three states get the information they need to boost hazard resilience and drive down flood insurance costs.
Learn MoreIllustrated Drain Markers Focus on Sustainable Wastewater Practices
The Takeaway: Alabama community sports winning wildlife designs and one thousand storm drain markers.
Learn MoreNOAA Blue Carbon Enterprises Lessen Climate Change Damage
The Takeaway: Coastal wetlands research, restoration, tools, data, workshops, and partners—NOAA brings every blue carbon asset to the fight against climate-change-related hazards and harm.
Learn MoreNOAA Expands Coastal Opportunities for People with Disabilities
The Takeaway: Creating sign language for “estuary” and other coastal terms, and trails that accommodate wheelchairs and the needs of the visually impaired—these are just two of the contributions from research reserves and coastal zone management programs.
Learn MoreNOAA Gulf Coast Resilience Grants Go Far
The Takeaway: Five communities gained the assessments they need to guide resilience action, thanks to NOAA funds and community partners.
Learn MorePlastic Litter Gets Second Life as Toiletry Packaging
The Takeaway: 2,000 pounds of rigid plastic litter becomes new Proctor and Gamble shampoo bottles, toothpaste tubes, and other products.
Learn MoreProtecting Water Quality through Marsh Restoration
The Takeaway: Study determines marsh restoration cost and effectiveness; a 50 percent planting density seems to be the magic number.
Learn MoreVeterans Benefit from Nature’s Power to Heal and Teach
The Takeaway: Programs help military veterans adjust to civilian life through on-the job training and outdoor activities.
Learn More