Covington County, Alabama

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

Named: It was named for Brig. Gen. Leonard Wailes Covington, a soldier in the War of 1812 (Maryland). In 1868 August, the name was changed to Jones County, though the original name was restored in 1868 October.

State & County QuickFacts: Census Bureau Quick Facts

History

Covington County, Alabama

Formed on 1821 Dec. 17. Its boundaries were rearranged in 1824, 1841 and 1868. It was named for Brig. Gen. Leonard Wailes Covington, a soldier in the War of 1812 (Maryland). In 1868 Aug., the name was changed to Jones County, though the original name was restored in 1868 Oct. The county is located in the south-central part of the state, bordering Florida on the South. It presently comprises 1,038 square miles.

The county seat was first established at Montezuma, later named Covington. The current county seat is at Andalusia. Other towns include Opp, Red Level, and Florala. The southwestern portion of the county contains the Conecuh National Forest.

According to the census of 2000, there were 37,631 people, 15,640 households, and 10,791 families living in the county. The population density was 14/km² (36/mi²). There were 18,578 housing units at an average density of 7/km² (18/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 86.19% White, 12.35% Black or African American, 0.48% Native American, 0.17% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.17% from other races, and 0.62% from two or more races. 0.78% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 15,640 households out of which 29.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.10% were married couples living together, 11.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.00% were non-families. 28.60% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the county the population was spread out with 23.50% under the age of 18, 8.10% from 18 to 24, 26.10% from 25 to 44, 24.30% from 45 to 64, and 17.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 91.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $26,336, and the median income for a family was $33,201. Males had a median income of $27,453 versus $19,640 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,365. About 14.10% of families and 18.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.90% of those under age 18 and 19.20% of that age 65 or over.
 

Neighboring Counties:

• Northeast: Crenshaw County; Coffee County
• Southeast: Geneva County; Walton County, Fla.
• South: Okaloosa County, Fla.
• West: Escambia County
• Northwest: Conecuh County; Butler County

Cities:

• Andalusia (County Seat)
• Beulah
• Bradley
• Dixie
• Florala
• Gantt
• Hacoda
• Libertyville
• Lockhart
• Opp
• Pleasant Home
• Red Level
• River Falls
• Rome
• Straughn
• Wing

County Resources:

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Covington County, Alabama