Alabama is more than the sum of its government, schools, and economy. PARCA explores factors that make Alabama an ideal place to build a quality life.

PARCA provides:
Comparative studies of infrastructure and the built environment.
Explorations of health, poverty, community wellbeing.
Community Vitality Index.
Program evaluations of local nonprofits and social services providers.


Drop in International Migration Slows Net Population Growth in Most of Alabama Counties

Decreasing immigration from abroad slowed population growth across Alabama’s counties in 2024 and 2025, though suburban counties and growth magnets Read the full release.  


Huntsville and Baldwin Continue Population Gains, Birmingham Remains in Top 50 of U.S. Metros

The Huntsville area and Baldwin County continue to add more new residents, while growth in Shelby County and St. Clair Read the full release.  


Deaths Exceed Births but Surge in Domestic Migration Powers Alabama Population Growth

Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate a growing number of people moving to Alabama prior to the Covid Read the full release.  


A Congressional Seat in Danger

The big count with major consequences for Alabama continues, and it looks like it will come down to a very Read the full release.  


2019 Alabama County and MSA Population Trends

The latest estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show a more broadly distributed pattern of population growth in 2019 with Read the full release.  


The 2020 Census: What’s at Stake for the State of Alabama

Alabama is at risk of losing federal funding, a congressional seat, and an Electoral College vote. These outcomes are based Read the full release.  


Alabama County and MSA Population Trends

The latest estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show continued strong growth in the Huntsville metropolitan statistical area (MSA), slightly Read the full release.