Clarke County, Alabama

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

Named: It was named for Gen. John Clarke of Georgia.

State & County QuickFacts: Census Bureau Quick Facts

History

Clarke County, Alabama

The Mississippi territorial legislature formed Clarke County on 1812 Dec. 10. It was named for Gen. John Clarke of Georgia. A county seat was not established until 1820, when it was located at Clarksville. In 1831 the seat of government was moved to Grove Hill (previously known as Magoffin Store, Smithville and Macon).

Clarke County is located in the southwestern portion of the state at the juncture of the Alabama and Tombigbee rivers. It encompasses 1,230 square miles. The county is a center of the state's timber industry. Notable towns include Thomasville, Grove Hill and Jackson.

According to the census of 2000, there were 27,867 people, 10,578 households, and 7,700 families living in the county. The population density was 9/km² (22/mi²). There were 12,631 housing units at an average density of 4/km² (10/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 55.94% White, 43.02% Black or African American, 0.22% Native American, 0.16% Asian, 0.16% from other races, and 0.49% from two or more races. 0.65% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 10,578 households out of which 35.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.90% were married couples living together, 15.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.20% were non-families. 25.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.13.

In the county the population was spread out with 28.00% under the age of 18, 8.50% from 18 to 24, 27.50% from 25 to 44, 22.50% from 45 to 64, and 13.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 89.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.60 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $27,388, and the median income for a family was $34,546. Males had a median income of $34,111 versus $19,075 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,581. About 18.10% of families and 22.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.60% of those under age 18 and 23.80% of that age 65 or over.
 

Neighboring Counties:

• North: Marengo County
• Northeast: Wilcox County
• Southeast: Monroe County
• South: Baldwin County
• Southwest: Washington County
• Northwest: Choctaw County

County Resources:

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