Houston County | |
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County | |
![]() Houston County courthouse in Dothan | |
![]() Location within the U.S. state of Alabama | |
![]() Alabama's location within the U.S. | |
Coordinates: 31°09′08″N85°17′36″W / 31.152222222222°N 85.293333333333°W | |
Country | ![]() |
State | ![]() |
Founded | February 9, 1903 |
Named for | George S. Houston |
Seat | Dothan |
Largest city | Dothan |
Area | |
• Total | 582 sq mi (1,510 km2) |
• Land | 580 sq mi (1,500 km2) |
• Water | 1.8 sq mi (5 km2) 0.3% |
Population (2020) | |
• Total | 107,202 |
• Estimate (2023) | 108,462 ![]() |
• Density | 180/sq mi (71/km2) |
Time zone | UTC−6 (Central) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
Congressional district | 2nd |
Website | houstoncountyal |
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Houston County is a county located in the southeastern corner of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census the population was 107,202. [1] Its county seat is Dothan, which is located on the border and partially in adjacent Henry County. [2]
Houston County is part of the Dothan, Alabama metropolitan area.
Houston County was established on February 9, 1903, from parts of Dale, Geneva, and Henry counties. It was named after George Smith Houston, the 24th Governor of Alabama. This area of the state was historically developed for the pine timber and turpentine industries, as well as cotton plantations. The latter, especially, depended on enslaved African Americans for labor.
Because of this history, African Americans predominated in the population until after the early 20th century, when many migrated to northern and midwestern cities for better economic opportunities and to escape Jim Crow discrimination. They were essentially disenfranchised after the turn of the 20th century because of constitutional amendments and other laws that made voter registration nearly impossible. Many poor whites were disenfranchised at the same time.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 582 square miles (1,510 km2), of which 580 square miles (1,500 km2) is land and 1.8 square miles (4.7 km2) (0.3%) is water. [3] The county is located in the Wiregrass region of southeast Alabama.
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1910 | 32,414 | — | |
1920 | 37,334 | 15.2% | |
1930 | 45,935 | 23.0% | |
1940 | 45,665 | −0.6% | |
1950 | 46,522 | 1.9% | |
1960 | 50,718 | 9.0% | |
1970 | 56,574 | 11.5% | |
1980 | 74,632 | 31.9% | |
1990 | 81,331 | 9.0% | |
2000 | 88,787 | 9.2% | |
2010 | 101,547 | 14.4% | |
2020 | 107,202 | 5.6% | |
2023 (est.) | 108,462 | [4] | 1.2% |
U.S. Decennial Census [5] 1790–1960 [6] 1900–1990 [7] 1990–2000 [8] 2010–2020 [1] |
Race / Ethnicity | Pop 2000 [9] | Pop 2010 [10] | Pop 2020 [11] | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
White alone (NH) | 64,312 | 69,731 | 68,251 | 72.43% | 68.67% | 63.67% |
Black or African American alone (NH) | 21,703 | 26,038 | 28,232 | 24.44% | 25.64% | 26.34% |
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 318 | 393 | 321 | 0.36% | 0.39% | 0.30% |
Asian alone (NH) | 548 | 806 | 1,260 | 0.62% | 0.79% | 1.18% |
Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 13 | 43 | 59 | 0.01% | 0.04% | 0.06% |
Some Other Race alone (NH) | 55 | 96 | 354 | 0.06% | 0.09% | 0.33% |
Mixed Race/Multi-Racial (NH) | 716 | 1,445 | 4,244 | 0.81% | 1.42% | 3.96% |
Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1,122 | 2,995 | 4,481 | 1.26% | 2.95% | 4.18% |
Total | 88,787 | 101,547 | 107,202 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 107,202 people, 39,761 households, and 25,893 families residing in the county.
As of the census [12] of 2010, there were 101,547 people, 40,969 households, and 28,041 families living in the county. The population density was 175 people per square mile (68 people/km2). There were 45,319 housing units at an average density of 77.9 units per square mile (30.1 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 70.0% White, 25.8% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 1.2% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. 2.9% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 40,969 households, out of which 29.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.9% were married couples living together, 16.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.6% were non-families. 27.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.7% 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 2.96.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.5% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 25.7% from 25 to 44, 27.0% from 45 to 64, and 14.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.5 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $41,022, and the median income for a family was $51,741. Males had a median income of $41,021 versus $28,240 for females. The per capita income for the county was $22,725. About 12.7% of families and 16.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.8% of those under age 18 and 11.5% of those age 65 or over.
As of the census [13] of 2000, there were 88,787 people, 35,834 households, and 25,119 families living in the county. The population density was 153 people per square mile (59 people/km2). There were 39,571 housing units at an average density of 68 units per square mile (26 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 73.08% White, 24.60% Black or African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.62% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.39% from other races, and 0.92% from two or more races. 1.26% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 35,834 households, out of which 33.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.50% were married couples living together, 14.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.90% were non-families. 26.40% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.95.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 25.90% under the age of 18, 8.20% from 18 to 24, 28.70% from 25 to 44, 23.50% from 45 to 64, and 13.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.20 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $34,431, and the median income for a family was $42,437. Males had a median income of $32,092 versus $21,409 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,759. About 11.80% of families and 15.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.10% of those under age 18 and 16.30% of those age 65 or over.
As of 2023 [update] , the County Chairman is Brandon Shoupe, while Peter Covert is the Chief Administrative Officer. The County Commission is District 1, Curtis Harvey; District 2, Tracy Adams; District 3, Rickey Herring; and District 4, James Ivey. Donald Valenza serves as Sheriff, Probate Judge is Patrick Davenport, Revenue Commissioner is Starla Moss, and Coroner is Robert Byrd. The county engineer is Barkley Kirkland.
The District Attorney serves as prosecutor for cases in both Houston and Henry counties.
Houston County is located in Alabama's 2nd congressional district; its current Representative (as of 2021 [update] ) is Barry Moore (R).
Houston County is reliably Republican at the presidential level. The last Democrat to win the county in a presidential election was Adlai Stevenson, who won it by a majority in 1956.
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
2020 | 32,618 | 70.64% | 12,917 | 27.98% | 638 | 1.38% |
2016 | 30,728 | 72.07% | 10,664 | 25.01% | 1,247 | 2.92% |
2012 | 29,270 | 69.72% | 12,367 | 29.46% | 347 | 0.83% |
2008 | 29,254 | 70.09% | 12,225 | 29.29% | 256 | 0.61% |
2004 | 26,874 | 74.24% | 9,144 | 25.26% | 183 | 0.51% |
2000 | 22,150 | 69.10% | 9,412 | 29.36% | 495 | 1.54% |
1996 | 17,476 | 62.27% | 8,791 | 31.33% | 1,796 | 6.40% |
1992 | 17,360 | 58.33% | 8,857 | 29.76% | 3,543 | 11.91% |
1988 | 19,989 | 73.87% | 7,001 | 25.87% | 71 | 0.26% |
1984 | 20,854 | 75.82% | 6,488 | 23.59% | 163 | 0.59% |
1980 | 14,884 | 64.05% | 7,848 | 33.77% | 506 | 2.18% |
1976 | 10,672 | 54.07% | 8,787 | 44.52% | 279 | 1.41% |
1972 | 12,622 | 83.46% | 2,358 | 15.59% | 144 | 0.95% |
1968 | 974 | 5.89% | 1,488 | 9.00% | 14,074 | 85.11% |
1964 | 10,353 | 87.93% | 0 | 0.00% | 1,421 | 12.07% |
1960 | 4,055 | 50.58% | 3,897 | 48.61% | 65 | 0.81% |
1956 | 2,632 | 38.47% | 3,630 | 53.06% | 579 | 8.46% |
1952 | 2,517 | 39.55% | 3,779 | 59.38% | 68 | 1.07% |
1948 | 426 | 13.46% | 0 | 0.00% | 2,739 | 86.54% |
1944 | 282 | 7.73% | 3,349 | 91.80% | 17 | 0.47% |
1940 | 483 | 10.88% | 3,941 | 88.78% | 15 | 0.34% |
1936 | 230 | 6.08% | 3,538 | 93.52% | 15 | 0.40% |
1932 | 157 | 3.89% | 3,863 | 95.83% | 11 | 0.27% |
1928 | 1,963 | 46.12% | 2,290 | 53.81% | 3 | 0.07% |
1924 | 242 | 11.72% | 1,731 | 83.87% | 91 | 4.41% |
1920 | 571 | 21.50% | 2,045 | 77.00% | 40 | 1.51% |
1916 | 466 | 21.22% | 1,670 | 76.05% | 60 | 2.73% |
1912 | 82 | 4.96% | 1,160 | 70.18% | 411 | 24.86% |
1908 | 423 | 29.03% | 965 | 66.23% | 69 | 4.74% |
1904 | 384 | 22.30% | 1,248 | 72.47% | 90 | 5.23% |
Winston County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 23,540. Its county seat is Double Springs. Known as Hancock County before 1858, the county is named in honor of John A. Winston, the fifteenth Governor of Alabama.
Crenshaw County is a county located in the south central portion of the U.S. state of Alabama. It is located immediately south of the Montgomery metropolitan area. As of the 2020 census, the population was 13,194. Its county seat is Luverne. Its name is in honor of an Alabama judge, Anderson Crenshaw.
Dale County is a county located in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census the population was 49,326. Its county seat and largest city is Ozark. Its name is in honor of General Samuel Dale.
Geneva County is a county located in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 26,659. Its county seat is Geneva. The county was named after its county seat, which in turn was named after Geneva, New York which was named after Geneva, Switzerland, by Walter H. Yonge, an early town resident and Swiss native. Geneva County is a dry county. However, beer and wine are sold in the city limits of Geneva, Samson, Slocomb, and most recently in Hartford, after residents voted to become wet in a 2022 election.
Henry County is a county in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, its population was 17,146. Its county seat is Abbeville. The county was named for Patrick Henry (1736–1799), famous orator and Governor of Virginia.
Randolph County is a county on the central eastern border of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 21,967. Its county seat is Wedowee. Its name is in honor of John Randolph, a member of the United States Senate from Virginia. Randolph County was a prohibition or dry county until 2012, when the citizens of Randolph County voted to repeal prohibition.
Grimes is a town in Dale County, Alabama, United States. At the 2010 census the population was 558, up from 459 in 2000. It is part of the Enterprise–Ozark Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Hartford is a city in Geneva County, Alabama, United States. It incorporated in 1896. It is part of the Dothan, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area. At the 2020 census, the population was 2,651, an increase over the figure of 2,624 tabulated in 2010.
Taylor is a town in Geneva and Houston counties in the U.S. state of Alabama. Taylor was first settled in the 1870s, named after an early family that helped secure the first post office. It was not incorporated until almost a century later in June 1967. It is part of the Dothan, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area. At the 2010 census the population was 2,375, up from 1,898 in 2000.
Ashford is a town in Houston County, Alabama, United States. It is part of the Dothan, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town was incorporated in June 1891. For most of its history, it was a center for naval stores production, pulpwood harvesting, and cotton agriculture. The population was 2,148 at the 2010 census, up from 1,853 at the 2000 census.
Avon is a town in Houston County, Alabama, United States. It incorporated in January 1957. It is part of the Dothan, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2010 census, the population of the town was 543, its highest to date, up from 466 in 2000.
Cottonwood is a town in Houston County, Alabama, United States. One source said the town incorporated in 1901, although the 1910 U.S. Census stated 1903. It is part of the Dothan, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area. At the 2010 census the population was 1,289, up from 1,170 in 2000.
Cowarts is a town in Houston County, Alabama, United States. The town incorporated in August 1961. It is part of the Dothan, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area. At the 2010 census the population was 1,871, up from 1,546 in 2000.
Gordon is a town in Houston County, Alabama, United States. It was incorporated in February 1872. It is part of the Dothan, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area. At the 2010 census the population was 332, down from 408 in 2000.
Kinsey is a town in Houston County, Alabama, United States. It was initially located and incorporated in Henry County in February 1893. In 1903, it was redrawn into newly created Houston County and was later reincorporated in August 1957. It is part of the Dothan, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area. At the 2010 census the population was 2,198, up from 1,796 in 2000.
Rehobeth is a town in Houston County, Alabama, United States. Rehobeth, originally named Sanders, began as a crossroads community in the 1890s; however, it was not until 1996, that the town was incorporated. Rehobeth is part of the Dothan Metropolitan Statistical Area. At the time of the 2010 census, the population was 1,297, up from 993 at the 2000 census.
Webb is a town in Houston County, Alabama, United States. It is named for plantation owner B. F. Webb, who settled in the area around 1890. The town was incorporated in 1903. It is part of the Dothan, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2010 census, the population was 1,430, up from 1,298 in 2000.
Esto is a town in Holmes County, Florida, United States. The Town of Esto is located on the Florida Panhandle in North Florida. The population was 341 at the 2020 census.
Campbellton is a town in Jackson County, Florida, United States. The Town of Campbellton is part of the Florida Panhandle in North Florida, and has a predominately African American majority. The population was 191 at the 2020 census.
Cottondale is a city in Jackson County, Florida, United States. It is part of the Florida Panhandle and North Florida. The population was 848 at the 2020 census, down from 933 at the 2010 census.