Houston County, Alabama

Last updated

Houston County
County
Houston County Courthouse.jpg
Houston County courthouse in Dothan
Map of Alabama highlighting Houston County.svg
Location within the U.S. state of Alabama
Alabama in United States.svg
Alabama's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 31°09′08″N85°17′36″W / 31.152222222222°N 85.293333333333°W / 31.152222222222; -85.293333333333
CountryFlag of the United States.svg United States
StateFlag of Alabama.svg  Alabama
FoundedFebruary 9, 1903
Named for George S. Houston
Seat Dothan
Largest cityDothan
Area
 • Total582 sq mi (1,510 km2)
 • Land580 sq mi (1,500 km2)
 • Water1.8 sq mi (5 km2)  0.3%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total107,202
 • Estimate 
(2023)
108,462 Increase2.svg
 • Density180/sq mi (71/km2)
Time zone UTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district 2nd
Website houstoncountyal.gov
  • County Number 38 on Alabama Licence Plates

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]

Contents

Houston County is part of the Dothan, Alabama metropolitan area.

History

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.

Original Courthouse Court-house.jpg
Original Courthouse

Geography

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.

Major highways

Adjacent counties

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1910 32,414—
1920 37,33415.2%
1930 45,93523.0%
1940 45,665−0.6%
1950 46,5221.9%
1960 50,7189.0%
1970 56,57411.5%
1980 74,63231.9%
1990 81,3319.0%
2000 88,7879.2%
2010 101,54714.4%
2020 107,2025.6%
2023 (est.)108,462 [4] 1.2%
U.S. Decennial Census [5]
1790–1960 [6] 1900–1990 [7]
1990–2000 [8] 2010–2020 [1]

2020 census

Houston County, Alabama – Racial and Ethnic Composition
(NH = Non-Hispanic)
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / EthnicityPop 2000 [9] Pop 2010 [10] Pop 2020 [11] % 2000% 2010% 2020
White alone (NH)64,31269,73168,25172.43%68.67%63.67%
Black or African American alone (NH)21,70326,03828,23224.44%25.64%26.34%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)3183933210.36%0.39%0.30%
Asian alone (NH)5488061,2600.62%0.79%1.18%
Pacific Islander alone (NH)1343590.01%0.04%0.06%
Some Other Race alone (NH)55963540.06%0.09%0.33%
Mixed Race/Multi-Racial (NH)7161,4454,2440.81%1.42%3.96%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)1,1222,9954,4811.26%2.95%4.18%
Total88,787101,547107,202100.00%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.

2010 census

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.

2000 census

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.

Government

As of 2023, 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) 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.

United States presidential election results for Houston County, Alabama [14]
Year Republican Democratic Third party
No. %No. %No. %
2020 32,61870.64%12,91727.98%6381.38%
2016 30,72872.07%10,66425.01%1,2472.92%
2012 29,27069.72%12,36729.46%3470.83%
2008 29,25470.09%12,22529.29%2560.61%
2004 26,87474.24%9,14425.26%1830.51%
2000 22,15069.10%9,41229.36%4951.54%
1996 17,47662.27%8,79131.33%1,7966.40%
1992 17,36058.33%8,85729.76%3,54311.91%
1988 19,98973.87%7,00125.87%710.26%
1984 20,85475.82%6,48823.59%1630.59%
1980 14,88464.05%7,84833.77%5062.18%
1976 10,67254.07%8,78744.52%2791.41%
1972 12,62283.46%2,35815.59%1440.95%
1968 9745.89%1,4889.00%14,07485.11%
1964 10,35387.93%00.00%1,42112.07%
1960 4,05550.58%3,89748.61%650.81%
1956 2,63238.47%3,63053.06%5798.46%
1952 2,51739.55%3,77959.38%681.07%
1948 42613.46%00.00%2,73986.54%
1944 2827.73%3,34991.80%170.47%
1940 48310.88%3,94188.78%150.34%
1936 2306.08%3,53893.52%150.40%
1932 1573.89%3,86395.83%110.27%
1928 1,96346.12%2,29053.81%30.07%
1924 24211.72%1,73183.87%914.41%
1920 57121.50%2,04577.00%401.51%
1916 46621.22%1,67076.05%602.73%
1912 824.96%1,16070.18%41124.86%
1908 42329.03%96566.23%694.74%
1904 38422.30%1,24872.47%905.23%

Communities

City

Towns

Unincorporated communities

See also

Related Research Articles

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Geneva County, Alabama</span> County in Alabama, United States

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Henry County, Alabama</span> County in Alabama, United States

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grimes, Alabama</span> Town in Alabama, United States

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taylor, Alabama</span> Town in Alabama, United States

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ashford, Alabama</span> Town in Alabama, United States

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Avon, Alabama</span> Town in Alabama, United States

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cottonwood, Alabama</span> Town in Alabama, United States

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cowarts, Alabama</span> Town in Alabama, United States

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gordon, Alabama</span> Town in Alabama, United States

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kinsey, Alabama</span> Town in the United States

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rehobeth, Alabama</span> Town of the State of Alabama in the United States

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Webb, Alabama</span> Town in Alabama, United States

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.

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References

  1. 1 2 "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  2. ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ↑ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  4. ↑ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  5. ↑ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  6. ↑ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  7. ↑ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 24, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  8. ↑ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Retrieved August 22, 2015.
  9. ↑ "P004 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Houston County, Alabama". United States Census Bureau .
  10. ↑ "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Houston County, Alabama". United States Census Bureau .
  11. ↑ "P2 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE - 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Chilton County, Alabama". United States Census Bureau .
  12. ↑ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved July 25, 2015.
  13. ↑ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  14. ↑ "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections" . Retrieved November 16, 2016.

31°09′08″N85°17′36″W / 31.15222°N 85.29333°W / 31.15222; -85.29333

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