This page lists some of the statistical information as well as information that includes local educational institutions, lodging, restaurants, and more; all located within the Bessemer area.

For the year 2000, Bessemer's civilian labor force grew to 14,669, the largest total since 1995. For the year, the city's unemployment rate was 5.6%, the third lowest annual average since the 1970's. Commercial and industrial construction activity approached $30 million, due in part to major developments at Perimeter Industrial Park and the Alabama Industrial Center. The absorption rate of industrial space continued to increase during 2000, with three business parks reaching capacity (no available lots remaining). The city's newest business park, Morgan Industrial Park established in 1996, now has just six lots remaining. Plans are underway to develop a new 200+ acre business park during 2001 to meet demand.

Bessemer is located 15 miles southwest of Birmingham and 35 miles northeast of Tuscaloosa. The city is bordered by three interstate highways (I-20/59/459).

Bessemer has its own public school system which includes five elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. The Jefferson County school system maintains Hueytown, McCalla, Pleasant Grove, and Lipscomb. Bessemer has two private schools and two parochial schools. Bessemer State, Alabama's largest technical college, offers training in technical, healthcare, computer operations, and other business-related fields.