This article was edited to include population totals stated by the Town of Silverhill within town limits. Originally this article stated the population estimate was 2,299 based on information given to GCM by Baldwin County  Economic Development Alliance, now known as Baldwin Alliance.

Once a quiet town tucked off the main highways of Central Baldwin County, Silverhill has become one of the fastest-growing communities in the region.

The town’s population is around 900 according to town officails, growing from around 750 in the 2020
U.S. Census

In his 2025 Year in Review, Mayor Jared Lyles, who has been mayor of the town for six years, highlighted major infrastructure improvements, community events and stable leadership as the town continues to expand.

“If you have driven down Highway 55 West of Town and looked to the South, you have likely seen the biggest development for the Town this year,” Lyles wrote, referring to the construction of a new 500,000-gallon water tank. Funded entirely through grants, the project doubled the tank’s original planned capacity and included the construction of a production well. A new utility building was also completed on the site.

“Thanks to the hard work of the Town utility employees, it is an amazing addition to the Town,” Lyles said.

Road improvements continued as well, Lyles noted. Silverhill received a $450,000 grant from Congressman Jerry Carl to pave streets not included in prior projects. The June work contributed to a nearly complete resurfacing effort, with the town having paved approximately 85-90% of its roads over the past four years.

Education developments included the opening of a new Silverhill Elementary School south of town. The Baldwin County Board of Education cleared the old elementary site to make way for an Early Learning Academy, a regional Pre-K school slated to begin construction this year.

Community events remained a focus for the town.

“Our traditional events — such as Concerts in the Park, Small Town Christmas, Daddy-Daughter Dance and Trunk-or-Treat — continue to grow as they have become mainstays of the Silverhill and Central Baldwin Communities,” Lyles said in the review. Newer events like Sundae Funday, Farm/Petting Zoo Day and Back-to-School Burgers and Bingo are becoming local traditions. Other popular activities included Food Truck Mondays, car shows, Easter egg hunts, veteran celebrations, senior lunches, Arbor Day, Heritage Day, market days and the first-ever Snow Day Photo Contest, capturing 7-9 inches of snow in January.

Looking ahead, Silverhill plans major improvements to O.J. Park thanks to a $1.5-million GOMESA grant. The project will include new bathrooms, a stage, additional parking and a raised boardwalk through the park’s wooded areas.

“Be on the lookout for announcements concerning this project, as we will have community meetings to keep the community informed and to get input from residents as plans are developed,” Lyles said.

Leadership remained stable in 2025, with no changes to the town council and long-serving department heads staying in place. In September, the town celebrated 30 years of service from its municipal judge, prosecutor and clerk since the town has had a court.

“We thank them for their service to our court system and the people of Silverhill,” Lyles said.

Financially, the town maintained a balanced budget while completing these projects. Lyles praised town employees for their dedication.

“None of this could happen without them — they truly love this Town. Please thank them when you see them,” he said.

Lyles closed with a reflection on Silverhill’s community values.

“…As we watch the world change, we are trying to hold on to a small-town way of life that is vanishing. Your support for us, and that goal, is what keeps us inspired to keep working for you," Lyles said. "Here's to making 2026, and each year, better than the last!”