In information recently released by the Alabama Data Center, the U.S. Census 2009 estimates paint a bleak picture for those working to recruit industry and retail businesses to the Black Belt region.

In the report, breaking down the estimated 2009 median household income, the Black Belt region posted earnings well below the state average and ranks them among the lowest in all of Alabama.

Those figures are also beginning to impact just how well the area can recruit new businesses, specifically those retail stores everyone seems to be clamoring for.

“It is now the No. 1 indicator retailers look at,” Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce executive director Sheryl Smedley said. “It was once traffic count figures in a particular location, but that is no longer the case.”

The median household income for those living in Dallas County is $27,088, which is higher than many counties in the Black Belt, but far less than the $40,547 statewide average.

“This is why it is so important that we not only look to recruit new businesses, but work to have those who work here, move here and make their homes here,” Smedley said, adding that a large number of those who work in Selma and Dallas County live in other areas.

While the Dallas County average is better than some neighboring counties, a closer look at the statistics show the income average falls off drastically when moving into portions of Selma.

One of the lowest figures recorded was in the east Selma neighborhoods along Water Avenue, Selma Avenue and portions of J.L. Chestnut Boulevard over to the U.S. Hwy. 80 bypass.

In that area, which the Census Bureau labels Census Tract 9965, the median household income is just $11,561. What makes that figure stand out more is it shows a 30 percent drop from the same income estimates reported in 2000.

With only one exception, the area surrounding Medical Center Parkway, which showed an increase of 12 percent from the 2000 estimates, each area of Selma showed a drop in household earnings from 2000.

Although their figures are slightly below that of the rest of Dallas County, the standout among area Census tracts would be that of the area in west Selmont. Compared to the 2000 median household incomes estimates, this area saw a 56 percent increase, bringing their level to $25,729.

Wayne Vardaman, executive director of the Selma and Dallas County Economic Development Authority, said the household income levels don’t directly impact his ability to recruit new industries, but could be used by other areas in competing with the county for industries.

“Those we are recruiting look at crime rates, education and labor availability,” Vardaman said. “With that said, these are not strong numbers and some that could hurt us.”

As for other counties in the Black Belt, Wilcox County ranked the lowest in the area and in the state, with a median household income of $22,611. Perry County recorded an income of $24,351, while Lowndes County’s estimate came in at $28,100.