By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

Chilton County’s median household income is among the highest of all counties in the state, according to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service.

According to the service, Chilton County had the 17^th highest median household income out of Alabama’s 67 counties by posting an average of $42,767 in 2015, which is the most recent data year available. Chilton County’s household income represents 95.4 percent of the state’s average household income of $44,833.

Neighboring Shelby County has the highest average income at $70,879, followed by Madison County at $59,117, Autauga County at $56,580, Limestone County at $55,060, St. Clair County at $53,548, Elmore County at $53,548, Baldwin County at $52,387, Blount County at $50,487, Jefferson County at $48,415 and Tuscaloosa County at $47,868.

After Tuscaloosa County is Morgan County at $47,234, Coffee County at $46,858, Lee County at $46,442, Dale County at $45,294, Houston County at $43,568 and Lauderdale County at $43,008.

Chilton County, like most counties in Alabama, has also seen its unemployment drop significantly since the nationwide economic recession hit nearly a decade ago.

In 2008, Chilton County had a 5.1 percent unemployment rate, but the number jumped to 10.6 percent in 2009 and 10.3 percent in 2010 before decreasing to 9.1 percent in 2011, 7.2 percent in 2012, 6.6 percent in 2013, 6.3 percent in 2014, 5.7 percent in 2015 and 5.6 percent last year.

The county has bested the state unemployment rate every year, as Alabama had an average unemployment rate of 5.7 percent in 2008, 11 percent in 2009, 10.5 percent in 2010, 9.6 percent in 2011, 8 percent in 2012, 7.2 percent in 2013, 6.8 percent in 2014, 6.1 percent in 2015 and 6 percent last year.

To view the entire list, visit Data.ers.usda.gov/reports.aspx?ID=17828#P9b9a03be185d460b8a175e8ab2cd769a_3_153iT1.