Cherokee County, Alabama

Cherokee County History, Geography, Demographics, Cities and Towns, and Education

Named: It was named for the Cherokee Indians, who ceded the land that now comprises the county to the Federal government by the treaty of New Echota, 1835 Dec. 29.

State & County QuickFacts: Census Bureau Quick Facts

History

Cherokee County, Alabama

Formed by the Alabama legislature on 1836 Jan. 9. It was named for the Cherokee Indians, who ceded the land that now comprises the county to the Federal government by the treaty of New Echota, 1835 Dec. 29. Cherokee County is located in the northeastern portion of the state, in the Appalachian Mountains. Cherokee County encompasses 553 square miles. It is bordered on the north by DeKalb County, on the west by Etowah County, on the south by Calhoun and Cleburne, and the east by Chattooga and Floyd Counties, GA.

For the first ten years, the residents of Cherokee County quarreled over the location of a county seat. In 1837, the AL legislature authorized the seat of county government to be established at Cedar Bluff. In 1844 an election was held and the county seat was moved to the town of Centre. Other towns and communities include Jamestown, Gaylesville, Forney, and Rock Run.

According to the census of 2000, there were 23,988 people, 9,719 households, and 7,201 families living in the county. The population density was 17/km² (43/mi²). There were 14,025 housing units at an average density of 10/km² (25/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 92.83% White, 5.54% Black or African American, 0.31% Native American, 0.14% Asian, 0.35% from other races, and 0.83% from two or more races. 0.85% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 9,719 households out of which 28.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.40% were married couples living together, 9.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.90% were non-families. 23.90% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the county the population was spread out with 22.20% under the age of 18, 7.60% from 18 to 24, 27.60% from 25 to 44, 26.70% from 45 to 64, and 15.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 96.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $30,874, and the median income for a family was $36,920. Males had a median income of $29,978 versus $20,958 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,543. About 11.80% of families and 15.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.40% of those under age 18 and 14.90% of that age 65 or over.

Neighboring Counties:

• Northeast: Chattooga County, Ga.
• East: Floyd County, Ga.
• Southeast: Polk County, Ga.
• South: Cleburne County
• Southwest: Calhoun County; Etowah County
• Northwest: DeKalb County

Cities:

• Cedar Bluff
• Centre (County Seat)
• Gaylesville
• Leesburg
• Sand Rock
• Spring Garden

County Resources:

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