The physical development of the City of Haleyville has been influenced by several factors: the location of the railroad, the proximity to major roads, the availability of a labor force, and the ownership of property. The original development occurred along the railroad. The railroad provided jobs and doctors, dentists, horse traders, blacksmiths, and druggists came and even the 5 & 10 in 1929.  The present day Dixie Theater opened in 1948.  Supermarkets, Cafés and the Drive-In were part of the 50's. Cotton production and a cotton gin were the source of income for local families. A radio station, newspaper and television followed.  Main Street (downtown Haleyville) filled up and was the center of activity especially on the weekend when everyone "went to town."The major impact on the commercial and industrial development is the limited city limits.

It was the manufacture and sales of mobile homes that really put Haleyville on the map.  Beginning in the late 1960s Don Tidwell operated Tidwell Industries. Tidwell industries was a major force in the manufactured housing. Tidwell also expanded into furniture manufacturing at the Pine Designs plant, aircraft refurbishing at Posey Field and van conversion. Haleyville was home to a large textile plant, Haleyville Textile employing over 400 individuals, later changed to Bama Textile and other support industries for the manufactured housing industry. The quantity of available labor and the private ownership of property greatly influenced the location of plants. The proximity to the manufactured housing plants resulted in the location of several suppliers in the Haleyville area.

In 1968, AT&T reserved the digits 9-1-1 nationwide for emergency use. Haleyville introduced the first 9-1-1 system, which was located at the police station at City Hall.  Alabama Speaker of the House, Rankin Fite, made the first call and it was answered by Congressman Tom Bevill on a bright red telephone on February 16, 1968, thus Haleyville is the home of the first 9-1-1 call.