Morgan County, Alabama

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

Named: The county was originally named Cotaco for a creek that flows through it. On June 14, 1821, the name was changed to Morgan in honor of Gen. Daniel Morgan (Virginia), a hero of the American Revolution.

State & County QuickFacts: Census Bureau Quick Facts

History

Morgan County, Alabama

Formed by the Alabama Territorial legislature on 1818 Feb. 8, from land acquired from the Cherokee Indians by the Treaty of Turkeytown. The county was originally named Cotaco for a creek that flows through it. On June 14, 1821, the name was changed to Morgan in honor of Gen. Daniel Morgan (Virginia), a hero of the American Revolution. Morgan County lies in the northern section of the state, on the Tennessee River. It is bordered by Limestone, Madison, Marshall, Cullman, Winston, and Lawrence counties. Morgan County encompasses 575 square miles. The county seat was at Somerville from 1818 until 1891. Then it was transferred to Decatur, named after Stephen E. Decatur, hero of the 1804 Battle of Tripoli. Courthouse fires occurred in 1926 and 1938. Other towns and communities include Hartselle, Falkville, Priceville, Valhermoso Springs and Eva.

According to the census of 2000, there were 111,064 people, 43,602 households, and 31,437 families living in the county. The population density was 74/km² (191/mi²). There were 47,388 housing units at an average density of 31/km² (81/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 85.07% White, 11.24% Black or African American, 0.67% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 1.25% from other races, and 1.25% from two or more races. 3.28% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 43,602 households out of which 33.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.40% were married couples living together, 11.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.90% were non-families. 24.80% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the county the population was spread out with 25.30% under the age of 18, 8.40% from 18 to 24, 30.10% from 25 to 44, 23.80% from 45 to 64, and 12.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 96.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $37,803, and the median income for a family was $45,827. Males had a median income of $35,759 versus $21,885 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,223. About 9.70% of families and 12.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.90% of those under age 18 and 12.80% of that age 65 or over.

Neighboring Counties:

• Northeast: Madison County
• East: Marshall County
• South: Cullman County
• West: Lawrence County
• Northwest: Limestone County

Cities:

• Danville
• Decatur (County Seat)
• Eva
• Falkville
• Hartselle
• Laceys Spring
• Somerville
• Trinity
• Valhermoso Springs

County Resources:

Enter County Resources and Information Here
 

Morgan County, Alabama