About Huntsville – Fun and Fast Facts

Fast Facts

  • Huntsville is the most populous city in Alabama with an estimated population of 249,102 as of July 1, 2025.
  • The Huntsville metro area has an estimated population of 550,000 is the largest city in Alabama, covering 230 square miles
  • While not part of the city limits, Redstone Arsenal resides entirely within the City of Huntsville
  • Huntsville was settled in 1805 by John Hunt and incorporated as the City of Huntsville in 1811
  • Huntsville is known as the “Rocket City” for its innovation and leadership in America’s space and defense programs. That legacy continues today
  • NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center is located at Redstone Arsenal and is overseeing development of the Space Launch System rocket that will return astronauts to the moon
  • Huntsville is a major hub for rocket engine development and manufacturing, including companies like Blue Origin, Aerojet Rocketdyne, United Launch Alliance, Northrop Grumman, Boeing and Lockheed Martin
  • Cummings Research Park, adjacent to Redstone Arsenal, is the second-largest research park in the country with more than 300 companies and 26,000 employees. It includes the University of Alabama in Huntsville, one of the nation’s premier research universities
  • Under Mayor Tommy Battle, Huntsville has strategically diversified its economy and attracted companies such as Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, Polaris, GE Aviation and Glaukos
  • In North Huntsville Industrial Park, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, which opened in 2003, produces more than 3,000 engines each day. Meta opened a data center in the park in 2021
  • 48 percent of residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher

Fun Facts

  • The Orion Amphitheater – A City-owned concert venue that has been recognized as one of the top facilities in the nation
  • Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium – A refurbished City-owned stadium that is home to the MLS Next Pro’s Huntsville City Football Club as well as high school football and soccer
  • Huntsville Symphony Orchestra – Founded in 1955, the Orchestra performs in the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall at the Von Braun Center
  • Huntsville Museum of Art – A centerpiece of Big Spring Park, the Museum has 14 galleries and promotes and fosters understanding of the visual arts
  • Huntsville Ballet – North Alabama’s source and ambassador of extraordinary ballet experiences
  • Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment – A former textile mill, it is now home to 300 artists and makers and 153 working studios
  • John Hunt Park – A 450-acre City park that is home to an array of recreational activities, including Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium and a world-class cross country course

Recreation

 

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