Russell County | |
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County courthouse in Phenix City | |
![]() Location within the U.S. state of Alabama | |
![]() Alabama's location within the U.S. | |
Coordinates: 32°17′12″N85°11′38″W / 32.2867°N 85.1939°W | |
Country | ![]() |
State | ![]() |
Founded | December 18, 1832 |
Named for | Gilbert C. Russell |
Seat | Phenix City |
Largest city | Phenix City |
Area | |
• Total | 647 sq mi (1,680 km2) |
• Land | 641 sq mi (1,660 km2) |
• Water | 6.1 sq mi (16 km2) 0.9% |
Population (2020) | |
• Total | 59,183 |
• Estimate (2023) | 58,744 ![]() |
• Density | 91/sq mi (35/km2) |
Time zone | UTC−6 (Central) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
Congressional district | 2nd |
Website | www |
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Russell County is a county in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 59,183. [1] Its county seat is Phenix City. [2] Its name is in honor of Colonel Gilbert C. Russell, who fought in the wars against the Creek Indians.
Russell County is part of the Columbus, GA-AL Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Of all counties in the United States, Russell County has the most people working in a state other than their own, at over 54% of the population, most of whom work in Columbus, Georgia. [3]
Russell County was established by an act of the state general assembly on December 18, 1832, from lands ceded to the state by the Creek Native Americans. The county seat has changed several times: Girard (1833–1839), Crawford originally Crockettsville (1839–1868), Seale (1868–1935) and Phenix City (1935–present). It was named for War of 1812, Col. Gilbert Christian Russell Sr., 1782–1861, 3rd U.S. Infantry.
In the 1940s and 1950s, Russell County and especially its county seat, Phenix City gained a reputation of lawlessness, political corruption and being a den for vice such as organized crime, prostitution, and gambling. [4] The city police and county deputies also took part in the corruption. [5] In 1954, the local politician Albert Patterson won the Democratic nomination for Alabama Attorney General on a platform of ridding the city of corruption and crime. Patterson ran for a state office since he was unable to run in local elections, as they were rigged. On June 18, 1954, Patterson was shot and killed by an unknown assassin. [4] The murder set off a series of events that led to Governor Gordon Persons declaring martial law in the county and city because of its lawlessness on July 22 that year. That was the only time since the Reconstruction era that martial law was declared in a US city for reasons other than civil unrest or natural disaster. [6] The Alabama National Guard was called in to assume the role of the police and clean up the area of illegal activities. The state of martial law was rescinded on January 17, 1955, with Russell County and Phenix City both returning to civilian control. [7] [8] In 1974, the New York Times noted that the campaign was very successful and led to a relatively-low crime rate in Phenix City for the 20 years since then. [9]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 647 square miles (1,680 km2), of which 641 square miles (1,660 km2) is land and 6.1 square miles (16 km2) (0.9%) is water. [10] The county is located in the Gulf Coastal Plain region, with a few rolling hills due to its close proximity to the fall line of the eastern United States.
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1840 | 13,513 | — | |
1850 | 19,548 | 44.7% | |
1860 | 26,592 | 36.0% | |
1870 | 21,636 | −18.6% | |
1880 | 24,837 | 14.8% | |
1890 | 24,093 | −3.0% | |
1900 | 27,083 | 12.4% | |
1910 | 25,937 | −4.2% | |
1920 | 27,448 | 5.8% | |
1930 | 27,377 | −0.3% | |
1940 | 35,775 | 30.7% | |
1950 | 40,364 | 12.8% | |
1960 | 46,351 | 14.8% | |
1970 | 45,394 | −2.1% | |
1980 | 47,356 | 4.3% | |
1990 | 46,860 | −1.0% | |
2000 | 49,756 | 6.2% | |
2010 | 52,947 | 6.4% | |
2020 | 59,183 | 11.8% | |
2023 (est.) | 58,744 | [11] | −0.7% |
U.S. Decennial Census [12] 1790–1960 [13] 1900–1990 [14] 1990–2000 [15] 2010–2020 [1] |
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000 [16] | Pop 2010 [17] | Pop 2020 [18] | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
White alone (NH) | 27,925 | 27,591 | 26,679 | 56.12% | 52.11% | 45.08% |
Black or African American alone (NH) | 20,217 | 21,926 | 25,930 | 40.63% | 41.41% | 43.81% |
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 164 | 189 | 180 | 0.33% | 0.36% | 0.30% |
Asian alone (NH) | 173 | 223 | 408 | 0.35% | 0.42% | 0.69% |
Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 34 | 112 | 128 | 0.07% | 0.21% | 0.22% |
Other race alone (NH) | 43 | 55 | 234 | 0.09% | 0.10% | 0.40% |
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | 456 | 905 | 2,429 | 0.92% | 1.71% | 4.10% |
Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 744 | 1,946 | 3,195 | 1.50% | 3.68% | 5.40% |
Total | 49,756 | 52,947 | 59,183 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 59,183 people, 23,262 households, and 14,948 families residing in the county.
As of the census of 2010, there were 52,947 people living in the county. 53.7% were White, 41.8% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, 0.4% Native American, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 1.3% of some other race and 2.1% of two or more races. 3.7% were Hispanic or Latino (of any race).
As of the census of 2000, there were 49,756 people, 19,741 households, and 13,423 families living in the county. The population density was 78 inhabitants per square mile (30 inhabitants/km2). There were 22,831 housing units, at an average density of 14/km2 (36/sq mi). The racial makeup of the county was: 56.69% White, 40.84% Black or African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.59% from other races, and 1.07% from two or more races. Nearly 1.50% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 19,741 households, out of which 32.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them; 44.40% were married couples living together, 18.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.00% were non-families. 28.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49, and the average family size was 3.05.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 26.50% under the age of 18, 9.10% from 18 to 24, 28.80% from 25 to 44, 22.40% from 45 to 64, and 13.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.90 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $27,492, and the median income for a family was $34,004. Males had a median income of $28,696 versus $20,882 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,015. About 16.80% of families and 19.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.50% of those under age 18 and 19.30% of those age 65 or over.
Russell County trends Democratic in presidential elections; having last supported a Republican in 1972 when it voted for Richard Nixon. George W. Bush came within 38 votes of carrying the county in 2004.
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
2024 | 10,078 | 48.64% | 10,422 | 50.30% | 218 | 1.05% |
2020 | 9,864 | 46.25% | 11,228 | 52.64% | 237 | 1.11% |
2016 | 9,210 | 47.83% | 9,579 | 49.75% | 467 | 2.43% |
2012 | 8,278 | 43.78% | 10,500 | 55.53% | 132 | 0.70% |
2008 | 8,705 | 46.02% | 10,085 | 53.32% | 125 | 0.66% |
2004 | 8,337 | 49.60% | 8,375 | 49.82% | 97 | 0.58% |
2000 | 6,198 | 41.95% | 8,396 | 56.83% | 181 | 1.23% |
1996 | 5,025 | 36.69% | 7,834 | 57.20% | 836 | 6.10% |
1992 | 5,587 | 35.61% | 8,647 | 55.12% | 1,455 | 9.27% |
1988 | 6,333 | 48.40% | 6,589 | 50.35% | 164 | 1.25% |
1984 | 6,654 | 46.04% | 7,610 | 52.66% | 188 | 1.30% |
1980 | 4,485 | 33.22% | 8,123 | 60.17% | 892 | 6.61% |
1976 | 4,150 | 32.96% | 8,077 | 64.14% | 365 | 2.90% |
1972 | 6,034 | 66.73% | 2,644 | 29.24% | 365 | 4.04% |
1968 | 704 | 6.26% | 2,707 | 24.07% | 7,834 | 69.67% |
1964 | 4,877 | 76.04% | 0 | 0.00% | 1,537 | 23.96% |
1960 | 1,770 | 33.41% | 3,480 | 65.69% | 48 | 0.91% |
1956 | 1,265 | 28.24% | 3,060 | 68.32% | 154 | 3.44% |
1952 | 867 | 19.55% | 3,564 | 80.38% | 3 | 0.07% |
1948 | 94 | 5.29% | 0 | 0.00% | 1,682 | 94.71% |
1944 | 115 | 5.16% | 2,109 | 94.66% | 4 | 0.18% |
1940 | 48 | 1.93% | 2,435 | 97.95% | 3 | 0.12% |
1936 | 66 | 2.93% | 2,181 | 96.68% | 9 | 0.40% |
1932 | 46 | 2.26% | 1,984 | 97.40% | 7 | 0.34% |
1928 | 333 | 27.82% | 846 | 70.68% | 18 | 1.50% |
1924 | 14 | 2.70% | 474 | 91.33% | 31 | 5.97% |
1920 | 29 | 3.88% | 671 | 89.71% | 48 | 6.42% |
1916 | 3 | 0.40% | 752 | 99.08% | 4 | 0.53% |
1912 | 4 | 0.25% | 1,553 | 96.22% | 57 | 3.53% |
1908 | 32 | 5.64% | 516 | 91.01% | 19 | 3.35% |
1904 | 21 | 3.54% | 558 | 94.10% | 14 | 2.36% |
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.
Barbour County is a county in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 25,223. Its county seat is Clayton. Its largest city is Eufaula. Its name is in honor of James Barbour, who served as Governor of Virginia.
Bullock County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 10,357. Union Springs was chosen as the county seat in 1867, and presently is the county's only incorporated city. The county was named for Confederate Army Colonel Edward C. Bullock who was a state senator and outspoken secessionist who died during the American Civil War.
Chambers 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 34,772. Its county seat is LaFayette. Its largest city is Valley. Its name is in honor of Henry H. Chambers, who served as a United States Senator from Alabama.
Clarke County is a county located in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 23,087. The county seat is Grove Hill. The county's largest city is Jackson. The county was created by the legislature of the Mississippi Territory in 1812. It is named in honor of General John Clarke of Georgia, who was later elected governor of that state.
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.
Morgan County is a county in the north-central part of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, its population was 123,421. The county seat is Decatur. On June 14, 1821, it was renamed in honor of American Revolutionary War General Daniel Morgan of Virginia. It is a prohibition or dry county, although alcohol sales are allowed in the cities of Decatur, Hartselle, and Priceville. Morgan County is included in the Decatur, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Huntsville-Decatur-Albertville, AL Combined Statistical Area. It is a part of the North, Northwest, and North-Central regions of Alabama.
Coffee County is a county located in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 53,465. Its name is in honor of General John Coffee.
Cullman County is a county located in the north central portion of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 87,866. Its county seat and largest city is Cullman. Its name is in honor of Colonel John G. Cullmann.
DeKalb County is a county 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.
Franklin County is a county located in the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 32,113. Its county seat is Russellville. Its name is in honor of Benjamin Franklin, famous statesman, scientist, and printer. It is a dry county, although the city of Russellville is wet.
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. Its county seat is Dothan, which is located on the border and partially in adjacent Henry County.
Lee County is a county located in east central Alabama. As of the 2020 census the population was 174,241. The county seat is Opelika, and the largest city is Auburn. The county was established in 1866 and is named for General Robert E. Lee (1807–1870), who served as General in Chief of the Armies of the Confederate States in 1865. Lee County comprises the Auburn-Opelika, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is included in the Columbus-Auburn-Opelika, GA-AL Combined Statistical Area.
Macon County is a county located in the east central part of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 19,532. Its county seat is Tuskegee. Its name is in honor of Nathaniel Macon, a member of the United States Senate from North Carolina.
Tallapoosa 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 41,311. Its county seat is Dadeville. Its largest city is Alexander City.
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Phenix City is a city in Lee and Russell counties in the U.S. state of Alabama, and the county seat of Russell County. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 38,817.
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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.
On July 22, 1954, a limited state of martial law was declared in Russell County, Alabama, by Governor Gordon Persons. The county, particularly Phenix City, had become lawless, and Persons lost faith in the local law enforcement, which had been implicated in illegal gambling syndicates, political corruption, and the murder of Albert Patterson, the Democratic Party's nominee for Attorney General of Alabama. Under the martial law proclamation, the city police department and the county sheriff's office were stood down, and their duties were assumed by the Alabama National Guard.