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  Guntersville/Marshall County: Community Profile

Overview
Guntersville is a captivating and unique community. Our location is ideal for getting away from the crowds, yet close enough to metropolitan amenities to satisfy your most demanding expectation for quality living. In 2002 Guntersville was selected as Alabama’s #1 Intimate Getaway in a poll conducted by the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel and in 2001 Guntersville was included in Relocate America’s list of the 100 Best Places to Live in America.

Guntersville, Alabama has the best of all possible worlds: beautiful natural settings, excellent schools, several church denominations, many cultural and civic organizations, an excellent medical complex, a prosperous business community, and numerous recreational facilities.

Guntersville is one of the most breathtaking areas in the South. Visitors are hooked once they catch a glimpse of the spectacular natural beauty and colorful landscape offered by 950-miles of winding shoreline and 69,000-acres of the sparkling, fun-filled waters of Lake Guntersville.

Headlines
“Best Fishing in America” - Lake Guntersville, Reader’s Digest May 2004
“100 Best Places to Live” – Relocate America 2002

Local Economy
Guntersville and Marshall County boast a strong and stable economy that is excellent for business. The tourism and hospitality industry, retail, industrial, and construction make up Guntersville’s balanced business community. While manufacturing serves as the largest employment sector, retail and services provide 50% of jobs in the area. The tourism and hospitality industry appeal to entrepreneurs, and Guntersville is an ideal locale for small businesses.

List of major employers

  • Marshall Medical Centers
  • Gold Kist
  • Sanmina/SCI
  • Ala Trade
  • Madison Materials
  • Guntersville Fabrication & Sprinkler
  • Filtex
  • Faithway Feed
  • Vendor Remanufacturing
  • Cargill
  • Metal Research

Links to economic summaries, handbooks and/or key economic features on Chamber/City websites, etc.

Local Government
The City of Guntersville is governed by a full-time Mayor and seven council members elected by district. The Mayor’s office is located in the Guntersville Municipal Building at 341 Gunter Avenue.

The Chamber of Commerce is the key marketing agency for the City Guntersville. The Chamber is made up of over 600 businesses and individuals. Contact the Chamber at 1-800-869-LAKE with any questions or requests regarding Guntersville.

Links to appropriate contacts

Demographics/Statistics


City of Guntersville
Marshall County
Population
7,641
84,781
Median Age
40.8
36.9
Race
White
88.2%
93.4%
Black
8.5%
1.5%
Asian
0.4%
0.2%
Other
2.9%
4.9%
Education
% High school degree
75.5%
69.4%
% College degree
21.6%
13.9%
% Foreign Born
0.7%
4.0%
Median Family Income
$39,464
$38,788
Median Home Value
$96,100
$80,900
Mean Travel Time to Work
21.0 min.
24.2 min.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (www.census.gov)



Available Jobs
Residents of Guntersville and Marshall County enjoy a solid business climate based on 189 local industries that employ more than 20,000 people. While manufacturing serves as the largest employment sector, retail and services provide 50% of jobs in the area. The tourism and hospitality industry appeal to entrepreneurs, as Guntersville is an ideal locale for small businesses.

Local Events
Wild Irish 10K run
Guntersville and Marshall County proudly host an abundance of events each year. Many of our events are centered around our 69,000-acre lake such as the ESPN/BASSMASTER Tour and numerous other fishing tournaments. Other events include: The Eagle Awareness Program in January sponsored by the Lake Guntersville State Park; the Wild Irish 10K run in March; Art on the Lake in April; Historical Walking Tours May-June; the All-American celebration with a free concert and a fabulous fireworks display over beautiful Lake Guntersville on the 4th of July; in September the Mountain Valley Arts Council hosts the MOVA Songwriters Festival; the Whole Backstage Community Theatre present a play each season throughout the year; and as the holidays roll around, Guntersville is always in the Holiday Spirit with the downtown Christmas Parade and the Boat Parade of Lights.

Links to appropriate contacts

Community Involvement
Guntersville is a remarkably civic-minded and giving community. There are various civic clubs and non-profit organizations for citizens to become involved in, as well as fundraising and volunteer organizations that are constantly seeking a helping hand. United Way of Marshall County, the largest of our assistance organizations, funds 32 programs and agencies and assists over 30,000 people each year within our area.

Links to major community organizations or organizations lists

Religion
Guntersville offers churches in virtually every Protestant denomination plus the county’s only Catholic church. Denominations include Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Church of Christ, Episcopal, Church of God, Mormon, Seventh Day Adventist, Assembly of God, Jehovah’s Witness, and several Independents. In addition to the many worship services available, residents can participate in a number of outreach and social ministry programs.

Links to appropriate contacts
Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County
225 Church Street, Huntsville, Alabama 35801
Phone: (256) 535-2000 | Toll Free: (866) 854-7551 | Fax: (256) 535-2015 | ltraylor@hsvchamber.org
All Rights Reserved

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