Demographics
The Area
Phenix City, Russell County is located in east Alabama along the West Bank of the Chattahoochee River, which forms the boundary between the states of Alabama and Georgia. It is located as a portion of the Columbus, Georgia - Phenix City, Alabama Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA).
| The Location | Area Population | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance in miles from: | |||
| Atlanta, GA | 107mi | 1.0 Mile Radius | 8,183 |
| Montgomery, AL | 86mi | 2.0 Mile Radius | 31,436 |
| Birmingham, AL | 155mi | 3.0 Mile Radius | 59,371 |
| Chicago, IL | 794mi | 4.0 Mile Radius | 84,815 |
| Mobile, AL | 275mi | 5.0 Mile Radius | 121,956 |
| Panama City, FL | 180mi | 6.0 Mile Radius | 165,864 |
| Jacksonville, FL | 292mi | 25.0 Mile Radius | 293,003 |
| New York, NY | 996mi | 35.0 Mile Radius | 406,280 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | 895mi | 50.0 Mile Radius | 569,990 |
| Houston, TX | 229mi | ||
| Los Angeles, CA | 2,215mi | Source: Equifax Decision Systems, 1992 | |
| Detroit, MI | 822mi | ||
The People
| City | Change | County | Change | MSA | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 25,281 | 45,394 | 238,584 | |||
| 1980 | 26,383 | 4.4 | 47,356 | 4.4 | 239,196 | .2 |
| 1989 | 26,301 | -0.03 | 50,700 | 7.0 | 256,100 | 7.1 |
| 1990 | 25,312 | -3.7 | 45,630 | -10.0 | 233,051 | -9.0 |
| 2008 | 28,265 | 5.7 | 50,587 | 1.7 | 279,115 | 19.7 |
| 2013 Est. | 31,006 | 3.7 | 51,409 | 1.6 | 286,500 | 2.6 |
Source: U.S. Dept. Of Commerce, Bureau of Census Sales & Marketing Management Magazine
| Location | Total | Sex Male/Female | Race White/Nonwhite | Working Age 18-64 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Russell County | 53,900 | 48% / 52% | 59.9% / 40.1% | 60% |
| Chattahoochee County, GA | 21,300 | 69% / 31% | 61.2% / 38.8% | 72% |
| Muscogee County, GA | 184,100 | 48% / 52% | 62.4% / 37.6% | 64% |
| MSA | 259,300 | 54.7% / 45.3% | 60.1% / 39.9% | 65% |
The Labor Force
2007 Annual Average
| Location | Civilian Labor Force | Employment | Unemployment | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Russell County, AL | 21,289 | 20,131 | 1,158 | 5.4 |
| Columbus MSA | 125,612 | 118,654 | 6,961 | 5.5 |
Source: Alabama Dept. of Industrial Relations; Georgia Dept. of Labor
Business Summary
| Russell County | Muscogee County | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Businesses | 1,386 | 6,075 |
| Total Employees | 11,318 | 78,224 |
| Total Residential Population | 50,039 | 187,523 |
| RUSSELL COUNTY | MUSCOGEE COUNTY | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Businesses | Employees | Businesses | Employees | |||||
| Number | Percent | Number | Percent | Number | Percent | Number | Percent | |
| Agriculture & Mining | 21 | 1.5 | 116 | 1 | 102 | 1.7 | 399 | 0.05 |
| Construction | 124 | 8.9 | 672 | 5.9 | 433 | 7.1 | 3,272 | 4.2 |
| Manufacturing | 45 | 3.2 | 1,872 | 16.5 | 192 | 3.2 | 9,924 | 12.7 |
| Transportation | 41 | 3 | 433 | 3.8 | 127 | 2.1 | 1,173 | 1.5 |
| Communication | 5 | 0.04 | 54 | 0.05 | 76 | 1.3 | 1,147 | 1.5 |
| Electric, Gas, Water Sanitary Services | 6 | 0.04 | 36 | 0.03 | 3 | 0 | 125 | 0.02 |
| Wholesale Trade | 51 | 3.7 | 257 | 2.3 | 328 | 5.4 | 4,265 | 5.5 |
| Retail Trade Summary | 378 | 27.3 | 3,367 | 29.7 | 1,630 | 26.8 | 19,147 | 24.5 |
| Finance, Insurance, Real Estate Summary | 82 | 5.9 | 388 | 3.4 | 488 | 8 | 4,187 | 5.4 |
| Services Summary | 561 | 40.5 | 3,329 | 29.4 | 2,342 | 38.6 | 28,373 | 36.3 |
| Government | 68 | 4.9 | 764 | 6.8 | 165 | 2.7 | 3,435 | 4.4 |
| Other | 4 | 0.03 | 30 | 0.03 | 189 | 3.1 | 2,777 | 3.6 |
| Totals | 1,386 | 100 | 11,318 | 100 | 6,075 | 100 | 78,224 | 100 |
Wage and Labor Cost
Income
Effective Buying Income (EBI) 2006, Russell County
| Total Households | 20,576 |
|---|---|
| $0 - $10,000 | 17.81% |
| $10,000 - $14,999 | 8.05% |
| $15,000 - $19,999 | 7.96% |
| $20,000 - $24,999 | 8.24% |
| $25,000 - $29,999 | 7.87% |
| $30,000 - $34,999 | 6.22% |
| $35,000 - $39,999 | 5.42% |
| $40,000 - $44,999 | 5.45% |
| $45,000 - $49,999 | 5.29% |
| $50,000 - $59,999 | 8.23% |
| $60,000 - $74,999 | 8.54% |
| $75,000 - $99,999 | 6.77% |
| $100,000 - $124,999 | 2.26% |
| $125,000 - $149,999 | 0.88% |
| $150,000 - $199,999 | 0.47% |
| Median Household Income | $30,047 |
| Average Household Income | $38,716 |
| Per Capita Household Income | $15,838 |
| EBI is personal Income less personal tax and non-tax payments, commonly known as disposable personal income. | |
Right to Work
In 1953, the Alabama Legislature enacted this law, making Alabama a right-to-work state. Russell County’s labor force consists of 9% unionized employees.
Transportation Advantage
AIR SERVICE
COLUMBUS AIRPORT
| Administrative Offices | (706) 324-2449 |
| Airport Public Safety | (706) 323-4041 |
| Airport Maintenance | (706) 323-3825 |
| Distance: | 5 Miles |
| Surface: | Paved |
| Runway Length: | 7,000 ft. |
| Air Freight Service: | Yes |
| Air Express Service: | Yes |
| Daily Schedule Flights: | 16 |
Airlines:
Delta Connection/ASA…………………… (800) 282-3424
General Aviation Airport:
Total Flight Airport Services……5 miles…..(706) 324-2453
Nearest International Airport:
Atlanta International Airport / Hartsfield……102 miles
GROUND TRANSPORTATION SERVICE
| Rental Car Companies: | |
| Hertz | (706) 324-2725 |
| National | (706) 322-4586 |
| Budget | (706) 327-5501 |
| Avis | (706) 322-2539 |
| Shuttle/Van Service: | |
| Columbus Metro LTD | (706) 682-2579 |
BUS SERVICE
| Interstate Bus Carrier: | ||
| Greyhound | 818 Veterans Parkway, Columbus, GA | 706-322-7391 |
| 800-231-2222 | ||
| Intercity Bus Carrier: | ||
| PEX | Provided to Phenix City by: | |
| Lee-Russell Council of Governments | 334-749-5264 | |
| 2207 Hamilton Road, Opelika, AL | 800-239-4444 | |
| METRA | Columbus, GA | 706-653-4413 |
HIGHWAYS
| Interstate: | I-185 – 5 Miles |
| I-85 – 23 Miles | |
| Federal: | US 80 (Limited 4-lane access) |
| US 280 (Four Lane) | |
| US 431 (Four Lane) | |
| State: | AL 165 |
| Highway Distances from Phenix City to: | |
| Asheville, NC | 319 |
| Atlanta, GA | 109 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 498 |
| Birmingham, AL | 152 |
| Charlotte, NC | 325 |
| Chicago, IL | 794 |
| Cincinnati, OH | 564 |
| Columbia, SC | 302 |
| Dallas, TX | 775 |
| Detroit, MI | 822 |
| Houston, TX | 779 |
| Indianapolis, IN | 624 |
| Jackson, MS | 361 |
| Jacksonville, FL | 286 |
| Kansas City, MO | 883 |
| Little Rock, AR | 547 |
| Louisville, KY | 511 |
| Memphis, TN | 408 |
| Miami Beach, FL | 659 |
| Mobile, AL | 275 |
| Montgomery, AL | 82 |
| Nashville, TN | 344 |
| New Orleans, LA | 434 |
| New York, NY | 996 |
| Oklahoma, OK | 895 |
| Pensacola, FL | 248 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 897 |
| St. Louis, MO | 695 |
| San Antonio, TX | 976 |
| Shreveport, LA | 587 |
| Tallahassee, FL | 173 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | 187 |
| Toronto, Ontario | 810 |
| Ottawa, Ontario | 1,098 |
MOTOR FREIGHT CARRIERS
There are 18 motor freight carriers serving Phenix City-Russell County. The majority of the terminal facilities are located in the Metropolitan Area.
RAIL
| Norfolk Southern Corp | |
| 1234 6th Avenue, Columbus, GA | 706-571-8030 |
| Piggyback Service | Yes |
| Switching | Yes |
| Reciprocal Switching | Yes |
| Transit Time Via Rail From MSA: | |
| To: | Carload: |
| Atlanta, GA | 2 Days |
| Birmingham, AL | 1 Day |
| Chicago, IL | 4 Days |
| Denver, CO | 5 Days |
| Jacksonville, FL | 1 Day |
| Kansas City, MO | 4 Days |
| Los Angeles, CA | 6 Days |
Alabama State Docks:
The Alabama State Docks system includes 11 strategically located inland ports along one of the finest networks of navigable rivers in the nation. These docks offer shippers efficient, low-cost water transportation for heavy industrial products, bulk cargo and agricultural products. All of the inland ports offer excellent dock facilities; many have exceptional industrial sites, and seven operate grain elevators.
With its 1985 opening, the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway System brings added importance to Alabama’s inland docks, as well as providing economical and efficient barge service from the nations heartland to the waterway’s deep-water terminus, the Port of Mobile. Connecting some 16,000 miles of navigable inland waterway routes to the Gulf of Mexico and positively impacting some 23 states, the Tenn-Tom serves as a vital commerce lane between mid-American and world markets.
Truck Miles To:
| Mobile, AL | 249 miles |
| Birmingham, AL | 159 miles |
| Atlanta, GA | 113 miles |
| Memphis, TN | 410 miles |
The Tax Advantage
| Homestead Exemption | Workman's Compensation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Maximum weekly Compensation payable limited to 2/3 of employee’s average weekly salary-cost to employer is below average. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Retail Sales | Corporate Franchise Tax | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic: $10.00/$1,000 Capital Stock, Min. $50.00 Foreign: $3.00/$1,000 of the actual amount of capital employed within the state, Min. $25.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| State Taxes | Corporate Permit Fee | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign Corp. Capital annual permit fee in Alabama
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sale and Use Tax | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General Tax Rate: 4% Automobile, Manufacturing and Farm Equipment Tax Rate: 1 and 1/2% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Inventory Tax | Corporate Income Tax | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Alabama exempts all business inventories from property taxation. This includes all materials used in manufacturing, goods in process, stored manufacturing goods, and goods in transit. | Domestic: 5% Max. of the net income annually. Deductions allowedfor federal income tax paid or accrued. Foreign: 5% of income annually from business within the state. Deductions are allowed for federal income tax paid or accrued. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unemployment Compensation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
For first $8,000 in wages annually: A). If above statutory level, rates are 1/2 of 1% - 5.4 % B). If below statutory level, rates adjusted, limited to a 25%. Increases in the tax up to a .7% maximum increase new employer begins with a tax rate of 2.7% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Utilities
Electric: 31,000 electric meter connections in the city (8/2000)
Power Distributors:
| Alabama Power | 1601 Broad Street, Phenix City, AL | (334) 298-4692 |
| Tallapoosa River Electric | Ft. Mitchell, AL | (334) 855-3196 |
| LaFayette, AL | (334) 864-9331 | |
| 1-800-332-8732 |
Water
Utility Distributors:
Phenix City Utilities
1119 Broad Street, Phenix City
(334) 448-2880
Russell Co. Utilities
4133 Sandfort Road, Phenix City
(334) 297-3393
Source: Chattahoochee River
Storage Capacity: Up to 20,000,000 gallons/day
Average Daily Consumption: 5,730,00 gallons/day
Peak Consumption: 8,860,00 gallons/day
Capacity of Plant: 15,000,000 gallons/day
Utilities rates can be computed for each individual industry on the basis of its own needs and usage.
Natural Gas: 9,664 gas meter connections in the city (8/2000).
Supplier Company:
AlaGasCo (Alabama Gas)
1112 Broad Street, Phenix City
(334) 297-6249
Industrial Service: Firm & Interruptible contracts are available.
BTU Content (per cubic foot): 1000 Average
Energy Sources
Fuel Oils: Available Locally
LP Gas: Available Locally
Coal: Available Locally
Sewer
Sanitary Sewer: 80%
Storm Sewer: 100%
Type Treatment Plant: Trickling Filter
Capacity: 7,750,000 gallons/day
Hydraulic Capacity: 15,500,00 gallons/day
Solid Waste Disposal: Sanitary Landfill
Communications
Telephone Company:
BellSouth, Montgomery AL, Residential 1-557-6500, Business 1-557-6000
Regional Television Stations: 4 Plus 1 Educational
Regional Radio Stations: 7 Plus 2 Public
Local Radio Stations: 3
Regional/Local Newspapers:
The Citizen News, 1002 Ingersoll Dr. Ste. 12 (334) 298-0679
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer (706) 324-5526, 1-888-323-1222
Telegraph Service:
Western Union (To find nearest location) 1-800-325-6000
614 16th St., Phenix City (334) 298-6311
1600 Hwy 280, Phenix City (334) 298-8090
Cable Television:
Cable TV E. AL, 2400 Sportsman Drive (334) 298-7000
US Post Office:
1310 9th Avenue (334) 298-7871
Public Transportation
PEX
Opelika, AL, (334) 749-5264, 1-800-239-4444
Transit Service provided by: Lee-Russell Council of Governments.
Taxis are available
Miscellaneous Phone Numbers
Alabama Auto Tags
1206 7th Avenue
(334) 298-1520
New residents are required to purchase tags for automobiles within 30 days of establishing residence. Tags for new vehicles are required within 10 days of purchase.
Driver’s License Bureau
(334) 298-1953
Newcomers to the state must acquire an Alabama driver’s license within 30 days of moving into the state. Hours of operation: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Fire Department
1803 Crawford Road
(334) 291-4705
Ft. Benning
Base Information: (706) 545-2011
Dial-A-Ride: (706) 653-4417
Voter Registration
Room 10 Russell Co. Courthouse
(334) 298-1443
Library
1501 17th Street
(334) 297-1139
Education System
Phenix City and Russell County
| Number | Teachers | Enrollment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary | 12 | 290 | K-5: 3,289 |
| Junior High | 3 | 147 | 6-8: 1,130 |
| High School | 2 | 155 | 9-12: 2,185 |
| Private & Parochial | 5 | 95 | 934 |
Vocational Training Facilities: Phenix City Vocational Technical Center
Colleges & Universities:
Chattahoochee Valley Community College and Troy University. In addition, there are 5 colleges; Columbus State University, Auburn University (featuring an excellent Engineering and Technical School), Georgia Southwestern, Tuskegee Institute, and LaGrange College all within a 50 mile radius of Phenix City.
| THE CLIMATE | |
| Average Annual Temperature: | 63.0 Degrees F. |
| Average January Temperature: | 42.0 Degrees F. |
| Average July Temperature: | 80.0 Degrees F. |
| Average Annual Rainfall: | 49 Inches |
| Length of Growing Season: | 243 Days |
| Prevailing Winds: | Northeast 6 miles per hour |
| Elevation: | 250' Altitude above mean sea level |
| Natural Resources | |
| Mineral: | Brick Clay |
| Forest: | Pine, and Oak Hickory |
| Water: | Chattahoochee River |
| Agricultural Products: | Cattle, Soybeans, Cotton, Pecans, Peanuts, Fruits and Vegetables |
| The Government | |
| Type: | Council, City Manager |
| Area: | 639 sq. miles - County |
| Prime Revenue | Source: Sales Tax |
| City General | Budget: $13.7 Million |
| County General | Budget: $6.2 Million |
| Bonded Indebtedness | City: $17,230,000 |
| County: $919,590 | |
| City Zoning | Regulations: Yes |
| Planning Commission | Yes |
| Police Force | 79 |
| Patrol Cars | 53 |
| Fire Department | 56 |
| Fire Department Vehicles | 10 |
| Fire Insurance Class | 3 |
| Community Facilities & Services | |
| Medical | Doctors: 200+ |
| Dentists: 7 | |
| Nursing Home: 4 | |
| Retirement Center: 2 | |
| Motels | 12 total of 760 Rooms |
| Largest Meeting Facility | 850 Person Capability |
| Churches / Synagogues | Protestant: 144 |
| Catholic: 4 | |
| Jewish: 0 | |
| Libraries | 1 with 71,713 total volumes |
| Civic Clubs | 30 |
| Note: There are 7 Hospitals and 13 Nursing Homes located within the Phenix City MSA. | |
| Housing | |
| Single Family: | Availability: GOOD |
| Typical Lot Size: 100'x200' | |
| Costs of Lots: $7,000 - $50,000 | |
| Building Costs: $120 per sq. ft. | |
| Apartments: | Availability: GOOD |
| Typical Rent: $320 for 2 BR. Unfurnished | |
Major Manufacturers
| Firm Est. | Product | Emp. |
|---|---|---|
| Mead Coated Board | Coated Board | 960 |
| Boral Brick | Face Brick | 160 |
| IIG MinWool | Insulations | 117 |
| Kudzu | Caps | 170 |
| Vectorply | Reinforcement Material | 99 |
| Continental Carbon | Carbon Block | 68 |
The Industrial Sector
Phenix Industrial Park - Explore the industrial development opportunities in the first class Phenix Industrial Park. The Park provides full utilities and has excellent transportation access. We invite you to visit the Phenix Industrial Park and see the outstanding potential and benefits for your industry.
Location – The Phenix Industrial Park is located on the east side of US 431 south, 1-mile south of Hwy 165. It is within a designated Alabama enterprise zone. An environmental study of the Phenix Industrial Park is available on request. Other industrial sites are available in Phenix City and Russell County. For more details on the park and development guidelines/covenants contact the Phenix City-Russell County Chamber at 800-892-2248 or pcrccham@ldl.net.
Physical Characteristics
| Size: | 240 Acres, Subdivision of Acreage available with flexible lot layouts. |
| Price: | $10,000/Acre |
| Owner: | City of Phenix City |
| Utilities: | Water, Sewer, Electricity |
Incentives
TAX EXEMPT FINANCING is available for manufacturing facilities, land and equipment; and special exemptions or deductions/credits for pollution control equipment are also available (these deductions or exemptions apply to the following state taxes; Corporate Income Tax, Advalorem Tax, Franchise Tax, and Sales and Use Tax). Sales and Use Taxes on Building Materials, Machinery, and Equipment for an industrial project may be exempt when financed with Industrial Development Bonds.
Russell County is a designated ENTERPRISE ZONE AREA. This designation provides incentives for industry such as state income tax abatements per employee, as well as exemptions from certain local taxes and fees.
Transportation
| Air: | Columbus Metropolitan Airport is located 12-Miles Northeast of the site in Columbus, GA, (706) 324-2449, 7,000' paved runway with daily flights. |
| Hartsfield International Airport, located 102 Miles North of site. | |
| Truck: | Over 43 freight carriers serve the Phenix City, Russell County Metropolitan Area. |
| Barge: | Chattahoochee River - Gulf Intercostal Waterway. Channel Depth of 9 feet. Port facilities located at the Phenix City State Docks, 7-Miles Northeast of the site. |
Miscellaneous
| Police Protection: | Provided by the City of Phenix City | Non-Emergency | (334) 448-2800 |
| Police Chief: | Ray Smith | 1111 Broad Street | (334)448-2824 |
| Fire Protection: | Provided by the City of Phenix City | Non-Emergency | (334) 291-4705 |
| Fire Chief | Wallace Hunter | 1803 Crawford Road | (334) 291-4705 |
| Sheriff | Tommy Boswell | 305 Prentiss Drive | (334)298-6535 |
Property Taxes
Persons over the age of 65 may have all or a significant portion of their property tax on homestead waived per request. Contact the Revenue Commissioner’s office (Naomi Elliott) at(334) 298-6661.
The rates for property taxes in Alabama are as follows:
1. The state tax is 6.5 mills.
2. County and City mileage vary among the various jurisdictions. The maximum combined rate is 59 mills.
3. The County Governing Body, the legislature and the voters of the taxing jurisdiction must approve any increase in the county and municipal tax rate. Therefore, there is no taxation increase without the specific approval of the residents subject to the tax.
4. All non-exempt property is categorized under one of four distinct classifications and assessed and subject to the assessment ratios indicated below:
Class I.
All property of utilities used in such utilities: 30% of assessed value
Class II.
All property not otherwise classified 20% of assessed value.
Class III.
All agricultural, forest and single-family owner occupied residential property including mobile homes and historical sites: 10% of assessed value.
Class IV.
All private passenger automobiles and motor trucks or the type commonly known as Apick-ups or Apickup trucks owned and operated by an individual for personal or private use and not for hire, rent, or compensation: 15%
Note: To calculate an actual tax, take the assessed value, reduce it to the defined or appropriate percentage as shown above, and then multiply by the mileage rate. The value of homes as property for taxation may have a further homestead exemption and other tax reductions for person over the age of 65.
Personal Property Tax - For private cars and pickup trucks for personal use calculate 15% of the present value. The state tax rate multiplier is .0065, and there may be similarly small-added millage rates by the county and city residence.
Sales Tax - State sales tax rate is 4%, but additional taxes are imposed. There is a 3% tax in the City and 1% in the county.
Estate Tax - The tax is equal to the amount of the maximum state death tax credit allowable on the federal estate taxes paid.
Inheritance Tax - Alabama has no inheritance tax.
Real Estate Transfer Tax - There is no real estate transfer tax in Alabama.