Dale County: Where You Want to Work and Live
Ozark-Dale County has the location, innovation, and business advantages you seek while being intimate enough to deliver ease of access to the attention and resources you need.
Not only is Ozark ranked the number one Micropolitan in Alabama, but out of 543 nationally designated Micropolitan Statistical Areas (MICRO)*, Ozark ranks 46. Access to global markets through a convenient network of highways, ports, rail, and airports is part of the reason why. In fact, Alabama is only a day’s drive from half of the U.S. population.
Dale County’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)-Qualified Community designation means our claims for workforce, infrastructure, and leadership have been researched and verified. Dale County is the first in Alabama to receive the FDI designation and one of only five in the entire nation.
Dale County has another major advantage that cannot be replicated: Fort Novosel. The “Home of Army Aviation” draws in skilled workers and innovators, while the region’s small-town charm and quality of life encourage them to stay.
Ozark-Dale County Benefits:
- Progressive Government Leadership
- The Lowest Property Taxes in the Nation
- No Inventory Taxes
- No Impact Fees
- Highly Skilled and Motivated Workforce
- Right-to-Work State
- Property Tax Abatements on Equipment and Real Estate for up to 15 years
- Sales and Use Tax Abatements for Equipment and Construction Materials Purchases
- Master-Planned Industrial Parks
- Customized Incentive Packages for New Businesses
- Enhanced Incentives: Dale County is designated a “Targeted County”
- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)-Qualified Community: certified excellence in infrastructure, workforce preparedness, community leadership, cultural competence, and intercultural communication
- Foreign Trade Zone Program
- HUBZone Program
- Enterprise and Opportunity Zones
*A Micropolitan Statistical Area must have an urbanized area of at least 10,000 population but less than 50,000 population. It must be at least one county.
Top 10 Advantages
Ozark-Dale County has everything you want for your industry, company, and life. Ozark-Dale County Economic Development Corporation (ODEDC) is confident this list will encourage you to learn more about us!
- Excellent Business Climate The state of Alabama, including Dale County, has an array of available resources to customize and meet the needs of new and expanding industrial development. Enhanced incentives are available here because we are designated a “Targeted County.” Additionally, we have Opportunity and Enterprise Zones, a FTZ, and HUBZone. Dale County’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)-Qualified Community certification means our claims for workforce, infrastructure, and leadership excellence have been vetted and verified. Dale County is the first in Alabama to receive the FDI designation and one of only 12 in the entire nation.
- Skilled and Available Workforce Our well-educated and highly skilled workforce is prepared to support Dale County businesses, supplied, in part, by the three local community colleges. The Alabama Aviation College is one of approximately 160 FAA Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools in the nation.
- Location Advantages Logistical assets include five four-lane highways, a direct Class I rail connection to facilities at the Port of Panama City, three regional airports, and one international airport within an hour-and-a-half drive.
- Exceptional SchoolsDale County has three outstanding school systems. The Dale County school system has repeatedly been the sole county school system in Alabama to earn an “A” on the State Department of Education report. Each school system offers state-of-the-art facilities and quality academic programs, including exceptional Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, prepared students for success. In fact, Southeast Alabama leads the state in career and dual enrollment programs.
- State-of-the-Art Medical Facilities Comprehensive quality primary, surgical, and emergency care are in your own backyard.
- Available Real Estate Premium sites, including two managed industrial parks, are available for retail, commercial, and industrial development. A multi-use business incubator serves Dale and surrounding counties by providing flexible and affordable office and manufacturing space.
- Stable EconomyOzark was named the #1 micropolitan in Alabama. From maintenance and manufacturing to agriculture, Dale County’s diversified economy is resilient.
- Lower Cost of Living Dale County boasts a cost of living more than 23 percent lower than United States averages.
- Fantastic Outdoor Recreational Opportunities With a mild and pleasant year-round climate, residents can take advantage of Dale County Lake, golf, and the many parks. A short hour and a half drive south rewards you with the beautiful white sand beaches of the Gulf Coast.
- Amazing Natural ResourcesBoasting the deepest water well in Alabama, Dale County has access to an abundant supply of fresh groundwater. Our rich soil and conducive climate make us a top agricultural area. Luxury Magazine identified our region as among the Top 10 Cleanest Cities for Ozone Air Pollution.
