Mobile Market Profile
why Mobile?
Thriving Economic Landscape
2024 saw $422.3 million in investments and 1,391 new jobs, showing strong economic confidence in the region
Diverse Industry Growth
Established hub for industries like aerospace, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and logistics, creating jobs with a competitive labor wage of $59,000
Positive Economic Outlook
In 2025, 73% of people rated Mobile’s business climate as “Very Good” or “Good”
FASTEST GROWING CONTAINER PORT IN THE U.S.
5 CLASS 1 RAILROADS
GDP Growth
5.14% growth in 2024 shows strong economic performance and momentum for 2025
1.5M PEOPLE REACHED IN A 60-MINUTE DRIVE
COMPONENT OF 2 REGIONAL ECONOMIES
GULF COAST’S MARITIME INDUSTRIAL ECONOMY AND SOUTHEAST’S MANUFACTURING AND DISTRIBUTION ECONOMY
This positive sentiment highlights a strong economic environment and phased efforts to foster a thriving landscape.
Mobile, AL
13.3%
Below the National Average
Source: C2ER Cost of Living Indesx
Living in Mobile
Mobile, AL, is an affordable place to live, with a cost of living 11% below the national average. It also offers the 2nd lowest property tax rate in the U.S. The average home price is $241,017, making homeownership more accessible. With an average commute time of just 25 minutes, the city provides convenience and ease. Overall, Mobile offers a high quality of life with affordable living, making it a great place to call home.
11% BELOW AVERAGE COST OF LIVING
25 MINUTE AVERAGE COMMUTE TIME
2nd LOWEST PROPERTY TAX IN NATION
$
241,017 AVERAGE HOME PRICE IN MOBILE
Mobile’s Global Footprint
A HUB for companies changing the face of their industries
As a right-to-work state in the fastest growing region in the U.S. with a skilled workforce and a pipeline of talented students, it’s clear why world-class companies continue to locate and re-invest in Mobile.
Source: Mobile Economic Development Chamber 2024
There are more than 60 companies representing 60 countries across 13 industries.
Doing Business in Mobile
Mobile, AL, offers a favorable environment for businesses, with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%. The city’s growing workforce is driven by a significant proportion of workers aged 25-34, reflecting an expanding labor pool. This young, dynamic workforce supports Mobile’s diverse and thriving economy. For businesses, the ability to develop, train, and retain a skilled workforce is essential, ensuring a steady supply of talent and contributing to the success of companies in this vibrant economic landscape.
Unemployment Rate
Source: Mobile Economic Development Chamber 2024
Workforce by Age
Source: JobsEO
Positioned for Success in Mobile
Driving Momentum for the Future
Mobile is focused on enhancing cost competitiveness and expanding global market reach for its core industries. Economic development initiatives, workforce training programs, and infrastructure investments are key factors in ensuring Mobile remains an attractive destination for business expansion and international trade. As the city strengthens its position in global markets, businesses continue to find new opportunities for growth, job creation, and long-term success.
Unlocking Growth in Mobile, Alabama
Mobile, Alabama, continues to experience dynamic economic growth, with 80% of new jobs and capital investments coming from the expansion of existing businesses. This trend highlights the city’s strong business climate, skilled workforce, and probusiness policies that encourage companies to grow and reinvest in the region.
Source: Mobile Economic Development Chamber 2024
Core Industries Powering Mobile’s Economy
Mobile serves as a hub for several key industries that drive economic activity and create high-quality jobs:
Aerospace – With industry giants like Airbus operating in the region, Mobile has become a major player in aerospace manufacturing and engineering, supporting a vast network of suppliers and service providers.
Distribution & Logistics – Strategically located along the Gulf Coast with access to major highways, rail, and one of the nation’s busiest ports, Mobile is a crucial logistics and distribution hub for domestic and international trade.
Chemical Manufacturing – Home to a diverse array of chemical manufacturers, Mobile benefits from its proximity to raw materials, a skilled labor force, and strong infrastructure to support large-scale production.
Metals Manufacturing – The presence of steel and aluminum production facilities strengthens Mobile’s position in advanced manufacturing, supporting industries such as automotive, construction, and shipbuilding.
Aerospace
Mobile, Alabama, has established itself as a global leader in aerospace investment, contributing to the $10.3 billion annual impact on the state’s economy. As the world’s fourth-largest manufacturing location for commercial aviation, aerospace has become the fastest-growing industry sector in the region, experiencing an impressive 56% growth over the past five years. At the heart of this expansion is Airbus’s only U.S. manufacturing center, a $1 billion facility in Mobile, where the company produces its highly sought-after A320 Family and A220 passenger jets. This thriving aerospace sector continues to drive economic development, job creation, and global competitiveness for Mobile and the state of Alabama.
Notable
Employers
Distribution & Logistics
7,230
2.91
$
73,000
A220 & A320
Mobile, Alabama, is rapidly emerging as a key logistics gateway in the Southern U.S., offering businesses unparalleled connectivity and access to global markets. With 50% of the U.S. population reachable within 48 hours, Mobile’s extensive transportation network—including six interstate highways, five major railroads, and strategic waterways—enables efficient movement of goods. Its prime location on the Gulf of Mexico enhances maritime trade, positioning the Port of Mobile—the 9th largest in the U.S.—as a crucial hub for international commerce. Unlike other major ports, Mobile benefits from less congestion, ensuring faster, smoother logistics operations. Additionally, as industries like automotive manufacturing continue to expand, the demand for advanced logistics solutions grows, further solidifying Mobile’s role as a thriving logistics and distribution center.
Chemical Manufacturing
Alabama is a powerhouse in chemical manufacturing, exporting over $2 billion in chemicals annually and serving as home to major companies, including Evonik’s largest chemical manufacturing plant in North America. At the heart of this industry is the Alabama Gulf Coast Chemical Corridor (MAST), a 60-mile stretch through Mobile that houses 25 manufacturers and employs approximately 4,000 people. Chemical manufacturing stands as Mobile’s top export and the state’s second-largest export, driven by key operations such as chlor-alkali production, resins, specialty chemicals, and refinery operations. With a strong industrial base and strategic infrastructure, Mobile continues to be a leader in the global chemical manufacturing sector.
Metals Manufacturing
Alabama’s rich mineral resources have made it a prime destination for primary metal manufacturing, attracting over 1,100 companies to the state. In the past three years alone, the industry has seen $3.6 billion in new capital investment, reinforcing its strength and long-term viability. The state boasts a highly skilled and specialized labor pool, supported by educational and technological initiatives designed to enhance workforce competitiveness. With over $5 billion in recent industry announcements, Alabama is experiencing a resurgence in traditional metals manufacturing, further solidifying its position as a leader in the sector.
45,200 EMPLOYED IN METAL MFG IN 2024
3 OF THE NATION’S TOP PIPEMAKERS $1.4B+ IN METAL MANUFACTURED GOODS EXPORTED IN 2023
1,100 PRIMARY METAL COMPANIES
Transforming Mobile’s Economic Landscape
Highlights of 2024 Projects
– Novelis’ $2.5B aluminum manufacturing facility will serve the automotive and beverage can industries, 2025 completion.
– $1.2B expansion to ArcelorMittal’s electrical steel production, 2027 completion.
– South Alabama Logistics Park is Southeast’s largest at 1,300 acres, with a 6M square feet Phase 1 of warehouse and distribution space.
– RailPort Logistics, a 500+ acre site with Platinum CSX Select Site designation, is being developed for port container growth.
– Austal’s $750M investment in submarine fabrication and ship manufacturing creates 2,000 jobs.
– Airbus’ $18.8M final assembly line expansion creates 1,000 additional jobs.
These projects highlight significant investments and job creation in the region.
Port Growth
– Nation’s Fastest Growing Container Terminal
– Better vessel services enhance global reach and cut transit times.
– $2B+ Investment in Port Infrastructure
– $1B Completed, Second $1B Underway
– Boosting Profitability and Reducing Costs
– Waterside Investment: Deepening the channel to 50’ increases profitability for ocean carriers, reducing costs and expanding service offerings.
– Landside Investment: Expanding container yards, adding cranes, and improving efficiency to boost production and profitability for supply chain users.
Source: Mobile Economic Development Chamber 2024
OCEAN CARRIERS
Main Docks/General Cargo
Oslo C aribbean C arrier Saga Welco Wallenius Wilhelmsen
Operators
R AIL CARRIERS
LEGEND
PILOT ASSOCIATIONS
Maersk MSC
Ocean Network E xpress OOCL
Sealand Yang Ming ZIM
American Commercial B arge Line Cooper Marine & Timberlands Kirby O shore Marine Marquette Transpor tation Parker Towing Company Water way Towing
Rail Connections
– Reach to All National Rail Markets
– All commodities and markets can be serviced via a mix of Class 1, Short-line, and Portowned terminal railroads.
– Class 1 Service Providers
– BNSF, CSX, CN, CPKC, and Norfolk Southern
– Short-line Service Provider
– Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway
– Benefits from business development and service opportunities of parent railroad, Genesee & Wyoming Inc.
– Inland Port Improves Reach to Southeast
– On-dock intermodal railyard will connect to Montogomery Inland Port (under construction) and Decatur Inland Port (planned).
Source: Mobile Economic Development Chamber 2023- 2024; Alabama Port Authority Port of Mobile
Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley
– A 1,650-acre mixed-use industrial complex.
– Combines rail, road and water along with a new general aviation airport.
– Features a 9,600’ runway to accommodate any sized aircraft.
– Adjacent to Port of Mobile.
– Designated as a Foreign Trade Zone and a Renewal Community Zone, allowing enhanced business operations and attractive tax incentives.
Source: Mobile Economic Development Chamber 2023- 2024; Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley
Mobile International Airport (BFM)
Welcome to the Gulf Coast’s newest gateway, a relocated and new construction airport.
Located at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley, offering unmatched convenience with direct I-10 Gulf Coast access and proximity to Port of Mobile.
Key Features:
– Modern Terminal: Opening mid-2025 with five gates, expandable to twelve.
– Multimodal Connectivity: Easy access to interstates, railroads, and waterways.
– Economic Impact: Boosts competitiveness, lowers airfares, and increases direct flights.
Source: Mobile Economic Development Chamber 2023- 2024; BuildBFM
Alabama Power
Recognitions and Achievements:
– Business Facilities Magazine (2025): Named a Top Utility for economic development, energy reliability, and business support.
– Site Selection Magazine (2023): Recognized as a Top Utility in Economic Development.
Key Strengths:
– Electric Capacity: Over 6,000 MW with a robust grid of 230 KV and 115 KV transmission lines.
– SEEDS Act: $40 million allocated for site development, improvement, and acquisition.
– Partnerships: With MercedesBenz U.S. International to create the Alabama Mobility and Power (AMP) Center, featuring the Power Research Center, Battery Research Center, and workforce development mission.
Driving economic growth, creating opportunities, and supporting innovative solutions for Mobile.
Source: Mobile Economic Development Chamber 2023- 2024; Alabama Power
Metro Area Expansion to East - Baldwin County
7,154
Baldwin County Projected Population Growth
Source: JobsEQ
Baldwin County leads the State of Alabama in 5 year compensation growth, with 48.8% growth,
Source: JobsEQ
Source: Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance; Belong in Baldwin
1.43M
Baldwin County ranks among Alabamas Top 5 counties for Business Growth, GDP Growth, New Building Permits and Business Investments.
Source: SmartAsset
Business-Friendly Regulations and Skilled Workforce
Employer Engagement
Shape the future workforce through guidance, job shadowing, internships, and mentoring in award-winning programs.
Top Ranking
State ranked #1 in workforce development among SouthCentral states by Site Selection.
Educational Institutions
2 universities, a four-year college, 2 technical colleges, and a state-sponsored vocational training program for high school students.
Workforce Pipeline
Over 37,000 students, including:
– 10,000+ in community and vocational colleges
– 10,000+ in high school career tech programs
– 17,000+ in four-year colleges and universities
Baldwin Preparatory Academy
New 200,000 sq. ft. school with programs in automotive technology, cybersecurity, engineering, and more.
Bishop State Community College
New 80,000 sq. ft. Advanced Manufacturing Center.
AIDT
One of the nation’s top state-led workforce training programs, free for potential and hired employees.
MCPSS Signature Academies
Career tech pathways model supporting workforce needs.s
Future Projects
New $3B+ Interstate 10 Bridge
A modern replacement for the 1970s-era tunnel, driving faster, safer travel with improved capacity and reduced congestion for decades to come.
New Inland Rail Port in Montgomery, AL
A 272-acre facility by the Port of Mobile, creating a vital inland hub to streamline movement of containerized cargo to and from the Southeast, boosting efficiency and connectivity.
Patrick Beard, MBA Industrial Sales and Leasing Expert
Associate Vice President, Gulf Coast patrick.beard@colliers.com | +1 504 327 0500 New Orleans, Louisiana
Patrick is an experienced real estate professional with a proven track record in industrial sales and leasing. He specializes in site selection, land development and leasing, and all aspects of multi-modal industrial real estate transactions, offering strategic advice and brokerage services to corporate, government, and institutional clients. As a former client of brokerage and consulting services himself, Patrick brings a client-focused approach to his real estate brokerage and consulting assignments. Patrick is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Tulane University, where he teaches core real estate finance courses in the Masters of Sustainable Real Estate Development Program.
Jacob Crist, MBA, CRE, CCIM
Industrial Sales and Leasing Expert
Associate Vice President, Gulf Coast jacob.crist@colliers.com | +1 504 906 4091 Mobile, Alabama
Jacob is a highly experienced real estate professional with a focus on industrial land leasing and development. He specializes in maritime industrial properties and publicprivate logistics projects. Based in the Mobile Region and reporting to the Gulf Coast office, Jacob combines his background in valuation finance, development expertise, and knowledge of port authority operations. His extensive experience in both public and private sectors allows him to apply his skills in corporate operations, infrastructure finance, development services, and port authority management to benefit property owners and users.