Alabama

Alabama

Auburn

Population: 49,074
Labor force: 23,784
Startups per 1,000 people: 2.01
Small business per 1,000 people: 27

What to know about starting up in Auburn:
"The economic climate here is very different compared to other cities across the country. You have a major university [Auburn University]; it's our largest employer. Second largest employer is East Alabama Medical Center. You've got the perfect mix here. You've got healthy, strong employers [and a high] quality of life. We're maintaining healthy growth, not growing too fast, not at a standstill. It's perfect for the small business owner. The city itself tends to want to do business with mom-and-pops or local people."
-Tracie West, owner, shipping company Pak Mail