DeKalb County, Alabama
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DeKalb County is a county of the State of Alabama. Its name is in honor of Major General Baron Johan DeKalb. As of 2000 its population was 64,452. Its county seat is Fort Payne.
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History
DeKalb County was established on January 9, 1836.
The county's eastern edge, along the state line, was also the epicenter of a strong earthquake on 2003 April 29, measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale. Power was knocked out in the area, mirrors and pictures thrown to the floor, foundations cracked, and one chimney fell to the ground. It was felt over a significant portion of the southeastern states, including quite strongly in northeastern Alabama and neighboring northwestern Georgia, and nearby eastern Tennessee (especially near Chattanooga). It was also felt slightly in western upstate South Carolina, far west-southwestern North Carolina, south and southeastern Kentucky, and east-northeastern Mississippi.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,017 km² (779 mi²). 2,015 km² (778 mi²) of it is land and 2 km² (1 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.10% water.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 64,452 people, 25,113 households, and 18,432 families residing in the county. The population density is 32/km² (83/mi²). There are 28,051 housing units at an average density of 14/km² (36/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 92.55% White, 1.68% Black or African American, 0.80% Native American, 0.19% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 3.10% from other races, and 1.62% from two or more races. 5.55% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 25,113 households out of which 33.20% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.50% are married couples living together, 9.90% have a female householder with no husband present, and 26.60% are non-families. 23.80% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.80% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.53 and the average family size is 2.98.
In the county the population is spread out with 24.70% under the age of 18, 9.20% from 18 to 24, 29.10% from 25 to 44, 23.20% from 45 to 64, and 13.80% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 95.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 92.50 males.
The median income for a household in the county is $30,137, and the median income for a family is $35,801. Males have a median income of $28,878 versus $19,103 for females. The per capita income for the county is $15,818. 15.40% of the population and 11.70% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 18.60% of those under the age of 18 and 20.50% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Cities and towns
- Collinsville (part - part of Collinsville is in Cherokee County)
- Crossville
- Fort Payne
- Fyffe
- Geraldine
- Hammondville
- Henagar
- Ider
- Lakeview
- Mentone
- Pine Ridge
- Powell
- Rainsville
- Sand Rock (part - part of Sand Rock is in Cherokee County)
- Shiloh
- Sylvania
- Valley Head
