Calhoun County is poised between rich small-town character and expanding opportunity. The county is anchored by institutions like Jacksonville State University and a network of communities from Anniston to Oxford that blend historic cores with growing commercial corridors.
Recent investments in healthcare, infrastructure and downtown revitalization projects have strengthened quality of life while attracting new businesses and entrepreneurs, creating jobs across manufacturing, services and tourism.
With accessible highways, regional rail-trails and a supportive local government environment, the county offers new ground for continued economic development, workforce growth and community-driven placemaking that together promise an optimistic future.
The county is served by five public school systems and several private and parochial schools, offering comprehensive primary and secondary education. In addition to Jacksonville State University, residents can take advantage of post-secondary and continuing education options at Gadsden State Community College Ayers Campus.
Growth continues throughout the county’s communities and in areas like Southside, which straddles the Calhoun/Etowah county line. “We are a bedroom community,” says Southside Mayor Joey Statum. “We do not have industrial parks. We do not have industries. But we do have retail.” Additional retail is on the way.
Southside will soon see a new grocery store and other retail on adjacent streets, including a pharmacy, Waffle House and a barbecue restaurant.
“We do a lot of activities on our river,” Statum adds. “Our ‘Dinner and a Movie’ at Southside Landing is very popular.”
In addition, fishing tournaments and other water activities are part of the town’s draw. Statum says, “Our vision is to turn Southside Landing into an entertainment district.”
Jacksonville
As for growth, Jacksonville, Alabama’s 2020 census reports the population at 14,385 — a 14.6% increase since 2010. The city’s major asset is its center of higher learning. “Jacksonville State University is central to our town’s identity,” says Mayor Mark Jones. “It is hard to say ‘Jacksonville’ without saying Jacksonville State University.”
The mayor adds, “In addition to an excellent education, the university provides entertainment and sporting opportunities for our citizens. In addition, JSU’s marching band will perform in the Tournament of Roses Parade, in Pasadena, California, on Jan. 1, 2027.”
Other attractions of the city include Jacksonville’s Public Square. “The square functions like a vibrant civic space,” Jones notes. “The square’s features include restaurants, shops, events, a stage, music and Christmas tree lighting.”
Jacksonville also hosts the Cheaha Challenge, a bike race drawing contestants from around the world.
Oxford
“The city of Oxford makes every effort to provide a ‘business-friendly’ environment to … local entrepreneurs as well as major companies,” says the city’s mayor, Alton Craft.
“The numbers speak for themselves,” he continues. “In 2025, the city of Oxford issued 66 new business licenses, 221 commercial building permits and saw more than $122.5 million in commercial private investment.
“We have continued to see the results of a revived and vibrant downtown area through the efforts of Historic Main Street Oxford. The beautification and landscaping continue as we are now preparing for the addition of 1,550 linear feet of sidewalks and 30 new decorative light poles in the style of the current commercial district light poles.”
Craft adds, “Our parks and recreation department welcomed almost one million visitors over the last year as they provided a full calendar of activities, including the addition of a bicycle jump track.” The Choccolocco Park sports complex is now part of the Alabama State Birding Trail and in 2026 will play host to seven major softball and baseball championship series for both high school and college.
Oxford recently completed an infrastructure study called “Oxford on the Move.” The vision and goal of the study were to evaluate opportunities for bicycle and pedestrian connections on all local roadways in the city of Oxford with potential connections throughout the city.
In 2025, Oxford received the Tourism Champion Award from the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce. The city was recognized for regional and international programming and its impact on tourism.
The CREATE Center (Choccolocco Research, Education, Arts and Technical Experience) opened to Oxford High School students. It provides career and technical workforce training and positions Oxford as a regional workforce development hub.
Talladega County
From deep in the earth (Majestic Caverns) to high above it (Cheaha Mountain), Talladega County is as diverse as its topography.
The county is investing resources into a plan to nurture the growth of human capital. The program is EARTH, which stands for East Alabama Rural Innovation and Training Hub. Training is offered in agriculture, transportation, alternative energy, healthcare, hospitality — culinary arts, manufacturing, education, incubation and technology.
The Sylacauga Alliance for Family Enhancement (SAFE) is the leading partner in the project. SAFE is a nonprofit organization in Sylacauga, dedicated to empowering families, supporting youth development and strengthening community cohesion.
Munford
“We are the gateway to Cheaha Mountain,” says Munford Mayor Jo Ann Fambrough, about Alabama’s highest point, nine miles from town. “We have a lot to offer, but I think our biggest thing is our school district. We have an excellent school.”
Munford High School is one of eight in the Talladega County School District. It is known for its award-winning band and diverse academic offerings. With 416 students, it has an excellent student/teacher ratio.
The mayor also noted a $328,000 grant that is intended to fund demolition of a portion of the old Munford High School. The city plans to level the cleared area, plant grass for now, and preserve the oldest part of the building, built in 1919 and on the Alabama Record of Landmarks and Heritage.
Lincoln
Lincoln is home to the Talladega Superspeedway. Typically, on race day, Lincoln, a town of less than 10,000, will host more than 100,000 visitors.
Far from the crowd, Lincoln residents enjoy the Coosa River and Logan Martin Lake, which teems with game fish. Similarly, Lincoln’s Landing has a large fisher following.
This article appears in the July 2026 issue of Business Alabama.
