Two Alabama areas are among the most improved for economic health, according to the latest Leading Market Index, put out by the National Association of Home Builders.

Multiple Alabama areas are cited for improved economic health in NHAB’s Leading Markets Index.

The Florence-Muscle Shoals area and Gadsden both showed up on NAHB’s top 10 list for small markets with improved economic health.

Florence-Muscle Shoals received an overall LMI of 1.67, placing it sixth on the list, while Gadsden was No. 9 at 1.47.

The national LMI was 0.98.

“An index value above one indicates the market has advanced beyond the previous sustainable level of economic activity,” NHAB said in its report. “An index value above the national index level indicates the market is doing better than the country as a whole, moving beyond the most recent period of normal economic growth.”

NHAB uses three measurements to determine LMI, including single-family building permits, home prices and employment in each area. The current levels are compared to each area’s previous normal, sustained levels, NHAB said. The association measured 350 metropolitan markets.

Auburn-Opelika received an overall 1.39 LMI, while Huntsville had an LMI of 1.32. Dothan’s LMI was 1.03, and Daphne-Fairhope-Foley was 1.01.

Tuscaloosa was 0.96, and the Birmingham-Hoover MSA was at 0.94 overall.

To read the full report, click here.