Baldwin County was recently rated by Forbes Magazine and Cognetics as one of the top 50 “small metro areas to start and grow a business”. Business growth has increased over 170% in six years, and many companies with multiple branch operations have found their facilities here to be the most profitable, productive, and efficient of any of their facilities. Baldwin County remains one of the top three fastest growing Alabama counties.

The cost of living is 60% of the national average according to Monster.com. EASI, Inc reports the Quality of Life index in Baldwin County is 178% of the national average of 100 and the EASI Cultural Index is 152 of the national average.

Foley, AL, at the intersection of Highways 59 & 98 and 10 miles north of the Gulf beaches, is the economic center of South Baldwin County. Within 500 mile radius (a day’s drive) of Foley, there are 49 million people. Per capita, the City of Foley leads the State of Alabama in Retail Sales and also accounts for more than 40% of Sales Tax Revenue in Baldwin County.
Businesses and Home Based businesses within the corporate city limits must have a business license. More information and the applications forms are available at the City of Foley Revenue Dept.

Summerdale, AL, located just 6 miles north of Foley is a growing community and welcomes new businesses. Business licenses are required both in the incorporated area and the police jurisdiction of the town. More information and forms are available at the Town of Summerdale Revenue Dept.

Magnolia Springs, AL, located 5 miles west of Foley on Hwy 98 requires business licenses. Contact the Town Clerk, Karen Biel at 251-965-9888 for more information.

Perdido Beach, AL, is the newest incorporated town (2009) with a permanent resident population of just under 600 people. Business Licenses are required. Contact the Town Clerk, Lynn Thompson at 251-962-2200. More information is also available on their website http://www.townofperdidobeach.org/ 

Land Area

Of the 67 counties in Alabama, Baldwin County is the largest. At 1,596.35 square miles, Baldwin County is larger than the State of Rhode Island.