Decatur, Alabama Metropolitan Area
Decatur, Alabama Metropolitan Area |
Statistical Area |
Decatur Metropolitan Statistical Area is shaded in yellow. Decatur MSA is part of the Huntsville-Decatur CSA (shown in yellow and red). |
State |
Alabama |
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Area |
3,411 km2 (1,317 sq mi) |
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Population |
150,125 (2008) |
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The Decatur Metropolitan Area is a moderately urban region of North-Central Alabama. The 2008 estimate population is 150,125, one-third of which resides within the boundaries of its core city, Decatur, Alabama. It is also considered to be part of the North, Northwest, and North-Central regions of Alabama.
The metropolitan area is the combined area of the City of Decatur and the surrounding areas in suburban, rural, and more developed parts of Morgan and Lawrence Counties. This portion of North Alabama makes up nearly one-third of the larger Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. However, the Decatur Metropolitan Area is considered separate by the government.
Cities and Towns
Principal Cities
Other Cities, Towns, and Communities
Transportation
Major Highways
Interstate 65 (Lacon to Decatur (Limestone County)) - enters the area at the southern Morgan County line between Morgan and Cullman Counties, near Lacon. Bends around a mountain where it passes over US 31. It continues north towards Hartselle where it enters the city limits for about 3 miles. Leaving Hartselle, I-65 travels towards Decatur where small portions of the city limits leak over into rural Priceville. I-65 soon is lifted onto a 3.5 mile long bridge (over the Tennessee River), linking Morgan County and Limestone County. After entering Limestone County, an interchange with I-565, Alt US 72, and Alabama 20 give routes to Huntsville (to the east), and Decatur (to the west).
State Route 24
State Route 33
State Route 36
State Route 67 (Hulaco to US 72 Alt./SR 20 (Decatur)) - enters the area at Hulaco and continues to Somerville. Passes by the old Morgan County Courthouse. Travels through Priceville (past the Racking Horse World Celebration Arena), and enters Decatur at an interchange with I-65. As SR 67 crosses 6th Avenue (US 31) it becomes known as the Beltline, a bypass that was constructed to alleviate traffic problems on the swollen 6th Avenue. The highway continues on a north-northwesterly curve and terminates at US 72 Alt./SR 20 inside Decatur.
See also
- List of Metropolitan areas of Alabama
References
Communities of the Huntsville-Decatur Area |
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Coordinates: 34°34′52″N 86°59′0″W / 34.58111°N 86.98333°W / 34.58111; -86.98333