Calera is a city in Shelby and Chilton counties in the U.S. state of Alabama.

As of the 2010 census Calera had a population of 11,620, more than tripling its total in 2000,[4] making it the fastest-growing city in Alabama.

Calera is located in southern Shelby County and the city limits extend southward into Chilton County along U.S. Route 31, the main highway through the city.

Interstate 65 passes through the eastern side of the city, with access from exits 228, 231, and 234.

[4] The city of Calera was incorporated in 1887, and named after the Spanish word for "quarry" for all of the limestone deposits located in the area.

[citation needed] As of the census[6] of 2000, there were 3,158 people, 1,248 households, and 888 families living in the city.

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 16,494 people, 5,100 households, and 3,469 families residing in the city.

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.

Calera is the location of the National Weather Service forecast office that serves the Birmingham metropolitan area.