After the split from US 45, SR 17 assumes a general northerly orientation as it passes through rural areas and small towns in western Alabama. The route passes through the Black Belt, historically one of the poorer areas of the state. After leaving Mobile, the route does not pass through any towns whose population exceeds 5,000 until it approaches Hamilton in Marion County. At Hamilton, SR 17 once again becomes an unsigned route upon the second junction it has with US 43; US 45 and SR 17 are the southern terminus of US 43 in Mobile.