Decatur metropolitan area, Alabama


The Decatur, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area is a moderately urban region of North-Central Alabama. The 2020 Census put the population of the metropolitan area at 152,740, of which one-third resides within the boundaries of its core city, Decatur, Alabama, It is also considered to be part of the North, Northwest, and North-Central regions of Alabama.
The metropolitan area is the combined area of the City of Decatur and the surrounding areas in suburban, rural, and more developed parts of Morgan and Lawrence Counties. The Decatur Metropolitan Area is a part of the Huntsville-Decatur CSA, With Huntsville and Madison being other Principal cities in the CSA.

Cities and towns

Principal cities

Other cities and towns

Unincorporated communities

Transportation

Major highways

20px U.S. Highway 72 Alternate - enters the metro area in the Limestone County portion of Decatur at the interchange with I-65 and I-565.. Crosses the Tennessee River on the Captain William J. Hudson "Steamboat Bill" Memorial Bridges, combined with U.S. [Route 31 in Alabama|US 31] and State Route 20, into urban northern Decatur. Alt 72 bends west and continues into the industrial portion of Decatur. The Port of Decatur, and such notable industries as The United Launch Alliance, Solutia, Vulcan Materials, and 3M have operations along this route. The United Launch Alliance is especially important, since all satellite launch vehicles used by NASA, are produced at this single location. Alt 72 eventually leaves the metro area as it exits Lawrence County, and enters Colbert County of The Shoals.