Decatur, AL, United States

Capital City

Decatur is a river city with a long history, but its economy and infrastructure haven't quite kept pace. The population was 57,938 as of 2020, and the metro area has over 157,000 residents. Steady manufacturing, mining, and chemical industries provide jobs, but the bureaucracy is a persistent headache - the city was heavily damaged during the Civil War, and the two former towns of Decatur and New Decatur/Albany only merged in 1925, resulting in lingering cultural divides. Summers are hot and humid, with a risk of severe storms, and winters occasionally bring snow. Overall, Decatur is a practical choice for those drawn to its river location and modest cost of living, but it lacks the dynamism and amenities of faster-growing cities in the region.