Colbert County, Alabama

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

Named:  It was named after George and Levi Colbert, noted Chickasaw chiefs, who resided in the county. Colbert County is located in the northwestern part of the state.

State & County QuickFacts: Census Bureau Quick Facts

History

Colbert County, Alabama

Formed by the Alabama legislature on 1867 Feb. 6, from part of Franklin County. It was abolished by the Constitutional Convention on 1867 Nov. 29, and re-established by the legislature on 1869 Dec. 9. It was named after George and Levi Colbert, noted Chickasaw chiefs, who resided in the county. Colbert County is located in the northwestern part of the state. It currently encompasses 589 square miles. It is bordered on the north by the Tennessee River and Lauderdale County, on the east by Lawrence County, on the south by Franklin County, and on the west by the State of Mississippi. An election in 1870 established the county seat at Tuscumbia. Other towns and communities include Cherokee, Sheffield, Leighton, and Muscle Shoals.

According to the census of 2000, there were 54,984 people, 22,461 households, and 16,037 families living in the county. The population density was 36/km² (92/mi²). There were 24,980 housing units at an average density of 16/km² (42/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 81.52% White, 16.62% Black or African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.24% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.34% from other races, and 0.89% from two or more races. 1.12% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 22,461 households out of which 30.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.00% were married couples living together, 12.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.60% were non-families. 26.10% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.92.

In the county the population was spread out with 23.80% under the age of 18, 8.10% from 18 to 24, 27.80% from 25 to 44, 24.90% from 45 to 64, and 15.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 91.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.10 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $31,954, and the median income for a family was $39,294. Males had a median income of $32,112 versus $20,107 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,533. About 11.10% of families and 14.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.40% of those under age 18 and 11.90% of that age 65 or over.

Neighboring Counties:

• Northeast: Lauderdale County
• Southeast: Lawrence County
• South: Franklin County
• West: Tishomingo County, Miss.

Cities:

• Cherokee
• Leighton
• Muscle Shoals
• Sheffield
• Tuscumbia (County Seat)

County Resources:

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Colbert County, Alabama