Calhoun County | |
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Coordinates: 33°46′10″N85°49′15″W / 33.769444444444°N 85.820833333333°W | |
Country | United States |
State | Alabama |
Founded | December 18, 1832 as Benton County |
Named for | John C. Calhoun |
Seat | Anniston |
Largest city | Oxford |
Area | |
• Total | 612 sq mi (1,590 km2) |
• Land | 606 sq mi (1,570 km2) |
• Water | 6.4 sq mi (17 km2) 1.0% |
Population (2020) | |
• Total | 116,441 |
• Estimate (2023) | 116,429 |
• Density | 190/sq mi (73/km2) |
Time zone | UTC−6 (Central) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
Congressional district | 3rd |
Website | www |
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Calhoun County is a county in the east central part of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 116,441. [1] Its county seat is Anniston. [2] It is named in honor of John C. Calhoun, a US Senator from South Carolina who was a staunch supporter of slavery.
Calhoun County is included in the Anniston-Oxford Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Benton County was established on December 18, 1832, named for Thomas Hart Benton, a member of the United States Senate from Missouri. Its county seat was Jacksonville. Benton, an enslaver, was a political ally of John C. Calhoun, a U.S. senator from South Carolina, and also a slaveholder and planter. Through the 1820s-1840s, however, Benton's and Calhoun's political interests diverged. Calhoun was increasingly interested in using the threat of secession as a weapon to maintain and expand slavery throughout the United States. Benton, on the other hand, was slowly concluding that slavery was wrong and that the preservation of the union was paramount. On January 29, 1858, [3] Alabama supporters of slavery, objecting to Benton's change of heart, renamed Benton County as Calhoun County.
During the Reconstruction era and widespread violence by whites to suppress black and white Republican voting in the state during the campaign for the 1870 gubernatorial election, four blacks and one white were lynched. [4]
After years of controversy and a State Supreme Court ruling in June 1900, the county seat was moved to Anniston.
The county was hit by an F4 tornado during the 1994 Palm Sunday tornado outbreak on March 27, 1994. Twelve minutes after the National Weather Service of Birmingham issued a tornado warning for northern Calhoun, southeastern Etowah, and southern Cherokee counties, the tornado destroyed Piedmont's Goshen United Methodist Church.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 612 square miles (1,590 km2), of which 606 square miles (1,570 km2) is land and 6.4 square miles (17 km2) (1.0%) is water. [5]
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1840 | 14,260 | — | |
1850 | 17,163 | 20.4% | |
1860 | 21,539 | 25.5% | |
1870 | 13,980 | −35.1% | |
1880 | 19,591 | 40.1% | |
1890 | 33,835 | 72.7% | |
1900 | 34,874 | 3.1% | |
1910 | 39,115 | 12.2% | |
1920 | 47,822 | 22.3% | |
1930 | 55,611 | 16.3% | |
1940 | 63,319 | 13.9% | |
1950 | 79,539 | 25.6% | |
1960 | 95,878 | 20.5% | |
1970 | 103,092 | 7.5% | |
1980 | 119,761 | 16.2% | |
1990 | 116,034 | −3.1% | |
2000 | 112,249 | −3.3% | |
2010 | 118,572 | 5.6% | |
2020 | 116,441 | −1.8% | |
2023 (est.) | 116,429 | [6] | 0.0% |
U.S. Decennial Census [7] 1790–1960 [8] 1900–1990 [9] 1990–2000 [10] 2010–2020 [1] |
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000 [11] | Pop 2010 [12] | Pop 2020 [13] | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
White alone (NH) | 87,598 | 87,285 | 79,519 | 78.04% | 73.61% | 68.29% |
Black or African American alone (NH) | 20,725 | 24,177 | 23,365 | 18.46% | 20.39% | 21.78% |
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 427 | 480 | 386 | 0.38% | 0.40% | 0.33% |
Asian alone (NH) | 625 | 830 | 1,164 | 0.56% | 0.70% | 1.00% |
Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 74 | 94 | 112 | 0.07% | 0.08% | 0.10% |
Some Other Race alone (NH) | 85 | 109 | 317 | 0.08% | 0.09% | 0.27% |
Mixed Race or Multi-Racial (NH) | 862 | 1,704 | 4,568 | 0.86% | 1.44% | 3.92% |
Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1,753 | 3,893 | 5,010 | 1.56% | 3.28% | 4.30% |
Total | 112,249 | 118,572 | 116,441 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 116,441 people, 44,636 households, and 28,975 families residing in the county.
As of the census [14] of 2010, there were 118,572 people, 47,331 households, and 31,609 families residing in the county. The population density was 194 people per square mile (75 people/km2). There were 53,289 housing units at an average density of 87 units per square mile (34 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 74.9% White, 20.6% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.6% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. 3.3% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 47,331 households, out of which 26.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.8% were married couples living together, 15.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.2% were non-families. 27.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.97.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 22.9% under the age of 18, 10.9% from 18 to 24, 24.8% from 25 to 44, 27.1% from 45 to 64, and 14.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.2 years. For every 100 females there were 93.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.8 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $38,407, and the median income for a family was $49,532. Males had a median income of $41,599 versus $29,756 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,574. About 15.2% of families and 19.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.8% of those under age 18 and 10.9% of those age 65 or over.
Calhoun County contains five public school districts. There are approximately 17,000 students in public K-12 schools in Calhoun County. [15] Public school districts are not conterminous with the county boundary.
The county contains two public higher education institutions. Gadsden State Community College operates a campus located in Anniston, and Jacksonville State University, founded in 1883 and with an enrollment of over 9,000 students, is located in Jacksonville.
School districts include: [16]
The last Democrat to win a majority in the county was Jimmy Carter in 1976. In 2016 and 2020, Republican Donald Trump won more than two-thirds of the county's vote.
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
2020 | 35,101 | 68.85% | 15,216 | 29.85% | 666 | 1.31% |
2016 | 32,865 | 68.66% | 13,242 | 27.67% | 1,757 | 3.67% |
2012 | 30,278 | 65.30% | 15,511 | 33.45% | 575 | 1.24% |
2008 | 32,348 | 65.69% | 16,334 | 33.17% | 560 | 1.14% |
2004 | 29,814 | 65.89% | 15,083 | 33.33% | 352 | 0.78% |
2000 | 22,306 | 57.33% | 15,781 | 40.56% | 822 | 2.11% |
1996 | 18,088 | 49.00% | 15,725 | 42.60% | 3,098 | 8.39% |
1992 | 20,623 | 48.18% | 16,453 | 38.44% | 5,724 | 13.37% |
1988 | 19,806 | 58.31% | 12,451 | 36.66% | 1,711 | 5.04% |
1984 | 23,291 | 61.16% | 12,752 | 33.49% | 2,039 | 5.35% |
1980 | 17,475 | 49.17% | 17,017 | 47.88% | 1,049 | 2.95% |
1976 | 11,763 | 35.97% | 20,466 | 62.59% | 471 | 1.44% |
1972 | 20,364 | 76.93% | 5,832 | 22.03% | 275 | 1.04% |
1968 | 3,061 | 11.43% | 4,146 | 15.48% | 19,568 | 73.08% |
1964 | 10,635 | 63.13% | 0 | 0.00% | 6,210 | 36.87% |
1960 | 4,821 | 33.17% | 9,590 | 65.97% | 125 | 0.86% |
1956 | 4,473 | 32.18% | 9,069 | 65.24% | 358 | 2.58% |
1952 | 3,064 | 27.37% | 8,023 | 71.68% | 106 | 0.95% |
1948 | 856 | 20.47% | 0 | 0.00% | 3,325 | 79.53% |
1944 | 694 | 13.80% | 4,308 | 85.65% | 28 | 0.56% |
1940 | 645 | 12.72% | 4,408 | 86.93% | 18 | 0.35% |
1936 | 581 | 11.71% | 4,322 | 87.12% | 58 | 1.17% |
1932 | 684 | 13.39% | 4,392 | 86.00% | 31 | 0.61% |
1928 | 2,537 | 54.50% | 2,117 | 45.48% | 1 | 0.02% |
1924 | 766 | 27.17% | 1,907 | 67.65% | 146 | 5.18% |
1920 | 1,139 | 24.76% | 3,423 | 74.40% | 39 | 0.85% |
1916 | 442 | 16.21% | 2,231 | 81.81% | 54 | 1.98% |
1912 | 238 | 10.07% | 1,666 | 70.47% | 460 | 19.46% |
1908 | 570 | 26.87% | 1,438 | 67.80% | 113 | 5.33% |
1904 | 287 | 14.85% | 1,556 | 80.50% | 90 | 4.66% |
1900 | 567 | 21.13% | 1,835 | 68.37% | 282 | 10.51% |
1896 | 1,222 | 28.45% | 2,788 | 64.90% | 286 | 6.66% |
1892 | 218 | 4.29% | 3,249 | 63.91% | 1,617 | 31.81% |
1888 | 938 | 25.85% | 2,680 | 73.87% | 10 | 0.28% |
Calhoun is part of Alabama's 3rd congressional district, which is held by Republican Mike D. Rogers.
Calhoun County is home to Jacksonville State University, the Anniston Museum of Natural History, the Berman Museum of World History, and the Coldwater Covered Bridge. It also contains a portion of the Talladega National Forest.
Clay County is a county in the east central part of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census the population was 14,236. Its county seat is Ashland. Its name is in honor of Henry Clay, famous American statesman, member of the United States Senate from Kentucky and United States Secretary of State in the 19th century. It was the last dry county in Alabama with no wet cities within its boundaries, until a vote on March 1, 2016, approved the sale of alcohol in Lineville and Ashland.
Montgomery County is a county located in the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, its population was 228,954, making it the seventh-most populous county in Alabama. Its county seat is Montgomery, the state capital. Montgomery County is included in the Montgomery Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Bibb County is a county in the central portion of the U.S. state of Alabama. The county is included in the ARC's definition of Appalachia. As of the 24th decennial 2020 census, its population was 22,293. The county seat is Centreville. The county is named in honor of William W. Bibb (1781–1820), the Governor of Alabama Territory (1817–1819) and the first Governor of Alabama. He is also the namesake for Bibb County, Georgia, where he began his political career. It is a "prohibition" or dry county; however, a few towns have become "wet" by allowing the sale of alcoholic beverages: Woodstock, West Blocton, Centreville, and Brent. The Bibb County Courthouse is located in the county seat of Centreville.
Blount County is a county located in the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 59,134. Its county seat is Oneonta.
Cherokee County, Alabama is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 24,971. Its county seat is Centre. The county is named for the Cherokee tribe.
Etowah County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census the population was 103,436. Its county seat is Gadsden. Its name is from a Cherokee word meaning "edible tree". In total area, it is the smallest county in Alabama, albeit one of the most densely populated. Etowah County comprises the Gadsden Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Cleburne County is a county located in the east central portion of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 15,056. Its county seat is Heflin. Its name is in honor of Patrick R. Cleburne of Arkansas who rose to the rank of major general in the Confederate States Army. The eastern side of the county borders the state of Georgia.
DeKalb County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 71,608. Its county seat is Fort Payne, and it is named after Major General Baron Johann de Kalb. DeKalb County is part of the Huntsville-Decatur-Albertville, AL Combined Statistical Area.
Fayette County is a county located in the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 16,321. Its county seat is Fayette. Its name is in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette, who aided General George Washington in the American Revolutionary War.
Marshall County is a county of the state of Alabama, United States. As of the 2020 census the population was 97,612. Its county seat is Guntersville. A second courthouse is in Albertville. Its name is in honor of John Marshall, famous Chief Justice of the United States. Marshall County is a dry county, with the exception of the five cities of Albertville, Arab, Grant, Guntersville, and Boaz. Marshall County comprises the Albertville, AL Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Huntsville-Decatur-Albertville, AL Combined Statistical Area.
Shelby County is a county located in the central portion of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census the population was 223,024, making it the sixth-most populous county in Alabama. The county seat is Columbiana. Its largest city is Alabaster. The county is named in honor of Isaac Shelby, Governor of Kentucky from 1792 to 1796 and again from 1812 to 1816. Shelby County is included in the Birmingham–Hoover, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Talladega County is one of the sixty-seven counties located in the east central portion of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 82,149. Its county seat is Talladega.
Catoosa County is a county located in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2020 census, the population was 67,872. The county seat is Ringgold. The county was created on December 5, 1853. The meaning of the Cherokee language name "Catoosa" is obscure. "Catoosa" may come from the Cherokee words gatusi or gatu'gitse.
Anniston is a city and the county seat of Calhoun County in Alabama, United States, and is one of two urban centers/principal cities of and included in the Anniston-Oxford Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2010 census, the population of the city was 23,106. According to 2019 Census estimates, the city had a population of 21,287. Named "The Model City" by Atlanta newspaperman Henry W. Grady for its careful planning in the late 19th century, the city is situated on the slope of Blue Mountain.
Jacksonville is a city in Calhoun County, Alabama, United States. As of the 2020 census the population was 14,385, which is a 14.6% increase since 2010 and a 71.2% increase since 2000. It is included in the Anniston-Oxford Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city is home to Jacksonville State University, which is a center of commerce and one of the largest employers in the area.
Ohatchee is a town in Calhoun County, Alabama, United States. At the 2020 census, the population was 1,157. It is included in the Anniston–Oxford, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Saks is a census-designated place (CDP) and Unincorporated community in Calhoun County, Alabama, United States. At the 2020 census, the population was 9,956. The community of Saks is served by the City of Anniston police and fire coverage. It is included in the Anniston-Oxford Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Attalla is a city in Etowah County, Alabama, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 6,048.
Talladega is the county seat of Talladega County, Alabama, United States. It was incorporated in 1835. At the 2020 census, the population was 15,861. Talladega is approximately 50 miles (80 km) east of one of the state’s largest cities, Birmingham.
St. Clair County is a county located in the central portion of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 91,103. It has two county seats: Ashville and Pell City. It is one of two counties in Alabama, and one of 33 in the United States, with more than one county seat. Its name is in honor of General Arthur St. Clair, an officer in the French and Indian War. St. Clair County is included in the Birmingham, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area.
No. 306. - AN ACT - To change the name of Benton county to Calhoun.