Jobs & Economy in Fairhope
Fairhope's economy is genuinely diversified and fast-growing -- an estimated 10,400 employed residents in 2024, up 6.52% year-over-year, led by Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Construction, rather than one dominant single employer.
Exploring the idea of moving?
We can connect you with a local real estate professional who knows the area -- no pressure, just a starting point.
Learn moreA real, fast employment-growth rate
Fairhope's employed-resident count grew from 9,730 in 2023 to 10,400 in 2024, a 6.52% year-over-year increase -- a genuinely fast rate of growth, consistent with the city's broader population growth and Baldwin County's national-tier growth pattern.
Healthcare, retail, and construction anchor local employment
Health Care & Social Assistance was Fairhope's largest employing sector (2,192 workers), followed by Retail Trade (1,189) and Construction (976) -- a real, diversified base reflecting both Thomas Hospital's local presence and Fairhope's ongoing residential growth, rather than dependence on one employer or industry.
Utilities is the highest-paying sector, though a small one
The highest-paying industry sector for Fairhope workers was Utilities, averaging $162,813 -- though this reflects a comparatively small number of specialized workers rather than a broad employment base.
Many residents commute toward Mobile or elsewhere in Baldwin County
As with much of the Eastern Shore, a meaningful share of Fairhope's workforce commutes toward Mobile (via the I-10 Bayway) or other Baldwin County employment centers rather than working exclusively within Fairhope city limits -- see traffic-transportation.
Key takeaways
- Fairhope's employed-resident count grew 6.52% year-over-year (9,730 to 10,400) between 2023 and 2024 -- a genuinely fast rate.
- Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Construction are the three largest local employing sectors.
- Utilities was the highest-paying sector ($162,813 average), though a comparatively small employment base.
- A meaningful share of Fairhope's workforce commutes toward Mobile or other Baldwin County employment centers.
Want to know what your budget actually buys here?
Tell us a bit about what you're looking for and we'll connect you with someone local who can walk you through real numbers.
Get local guidanceRead the full Fairhope overview for the complete picture -- housing, taxes, climate, and who this place genuinely fits.
Planning a move?
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll connect you with a local expert who can help you make it happen.
Talk to a local expert