St. Clair County, Alabama | |
|---|---|
 St. Clair County Courthouse in Pell City | |
 Flag  Seal | |
 Location within the U.S. state ofAlabama | |
| Coordinates:33°42′57″N86°19′05″W / 33.71583°N 86.31806°W /33.71583; -86.31806 | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Alabama |
| Founded | November 20, 1818[1] |
| Named after | Arthur St. Clair |
| Seat | Ashville &Pell City |
| Largest city | Moody |
| Area | |
• Total | 654 sq mi (1,690 km2) |
| • Land | 632 sq mi (1,640 km2) |
| • Water | 22 sq mi (57 km2) 3.3% |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 91,103 |
• Estimate (2024) | 96,927 |
| • Density | 144/sq mi (55.7/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (Central) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| Congressional district | 3rd |
| Website | www |
| |
St. Clair County is acounty located in thecentral portion of theU.S. state ofAlabama.[1] As of the2020 census, the population was 91,103.[2] It has twocounty seats:Ashville andPell City.[3] It is one of two counties inAlabama, and one of 33 in the United States, with more than onecounty seat. Its name is in honor of GeneralArthur St. Clair, an officer in theFrench and Indian War.[1] St. Clair County is included in theBirmingham metropolitan area.
St. Clair County was established on November 20, 1818, by theAlabama Territory legislature by splitting the area fromShelby County.[1][4] The county seat was incorporated and named "Ashville" in honor of John Ash.[1] In 1836, a portion of St. Clair County was separated to establishCherokee County andDeKalb County. In 1866, after theCivil War, a northeast section of the county was used to createEtowah County.[1]
Due to the relatively high terrain of the far southern end of theAppalachian Mountains which divides the county in a northeast–southwest orientation, and the difficulty of communication and administration from either side of the county to the other, a second county seat was established inPell City to better provide administration and services to the southeast side of the county.[5]
In 2019, St. Clair County became the seventh county in Alabama to adopt its own flag.[6]
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 654 square miles (1,690 km2), of which 632 square miles (1,640 km2) is land and 22 square miles (57 km2) (3.3%) is water.[7]
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1820 | 4,166 | — | |
| 1830 | 5,975 | 43.4% | |
| 1840 | 5,638 | −5.6% | |
| 1850 | 6,829 | 21.1% | |
| 1860 | 11,013 | 61.3% | |
| 1870 | 9,360 | −15.0% | |
| 1880 | 14,462 | 54.5% | |
| 1890 | 17,353 | 20.0% | |
| 1900 | 19,425 | 11.9% | |
| 1910 | 20,715 | 6.6% | |
| 1920 | 23,383 | 12.9% | |
| 1930 | 24,510 | 4.8% | |
| 1940 | 27,336 | 11.5% | |
| 1950 | 26,687 | −2.4% | |
| 1960 | 25,388 | −4.9% | |
| 1970 | 27,956 | 10.1% | |
| 1980 | 41,205 | 47.4% | |
| 1990 | 50,009 | 21.4% | |
| 2000 | 64,742 | 29.5% | |
| 2010 | 83,593 | 29.1% | |
| 2020 | 91,103 | 9.0% | |
| 2024 (est.) | 96,927 | [8] | 6.4% |
| U.S. Decennial Census[9] 1790–1960[10] 1900–1990[11] 1990–2000[12] 2010–2020[2] | |||
As of the2020 census, the county had a population of 91,103. The median age was 40.7 years. 23.1% of residents were under the age of 18 and 17.4% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 98.2 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 95.4 males age 18 and over.[13][14]
The racial makeup of the county was 83.1% White, 9.5%Black or African American, 0.4%American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Asian, 0.0%Native Hawaiian andPacific Islander, 1.2% from some other race, and 5.1% fromtwo or more races.Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 2.8% of the population.[14]
32.9% of residents lived in urban areas, while 67.1% lived in rural areas.[15]
There were 34,376 households in the county, of which 33.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them and 24.7% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. About 23.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[13]
There were 37,775 housing units, of which 9.0% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 81.2% were owner-occupied and 18.8% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.2% and the rental vacancy rate was 7.6%.[13]
| Race / Ethnicity(NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000[16] | Pop 2010[17] | Pop 2020[18] | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 57,917 | 72,947 | 74,962 | 89.46% | 87.26% | 82.28% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 5,253 | 7,098 | 8,617 | 8.11% | 8.49% | 9.46% |
| Native American orAlaska Native alone (NH) | 233 | 252 | 249 | 0.36% | 0.30% | 0.27% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 108 | 512 | 655 | 0.17% | 0.61% | 0.72% |
| Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 17 | 41 | 20 | 0.03% | 0.05% | 0.02% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 16 | 64 | 234 | 0.02% | 0.08% | 0.26% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | 512 | 963 | 3,791 | 0.79% | 1.15% | 4.16% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 686 | 1,716 | 2,575 | 1.06% | 2.05% | 2.83% |
| Total | 64,742 | 83,593 | 91,103 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
As of thecensus of 2010, there were 83,593 people, 31,624 households, and 23,364 families living in the county. The population density was 132 people per square mile (51 people/km2). There were 35,541 housing units at an average density of 56 units per square mile (22 units/km2). Theracial makeup of the county was 88.2% White, 8.6% Black or African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.9% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. 2.1% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.[19]Of the 31,624 households 30.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.3% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.1% were non-families. 22.5% of households were one person and 8.5% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.02.
The age distribution was 23.7% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 27.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.1% 65 or older. The median age was 38.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.3 males.
The median household income was $48,837 and the median family income was $56,107. Males had a median income of $43,287 versus $32,843 for females. The per capita income for the county was $22,192. About 8.3% of families and 10.6% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 13.2% of those under age 18 and 9.5% of those age 65 or over.
As of thecensus of 2000, there were 64,742 people, 24,143 households, and 18,445 families living in the county. The population density was 102 people per square mile (39 people/km2). There were 27,303 housing units at an average density of 43 units per square mile (17 units/km2). Theracial makeup of the county was 90.03% White, 8.13% Black or African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.17% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.41% from other races, and 0.85% from two or more races. 1.06% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.[20]In 2000 the largest ancestry groups in St. Clair county were:
Of the 24,143 households 35.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.80% were married couples living together, 10.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.60% were non-families. 20.80% of households were one person and 8.20% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.01.
The age distribution was 25.40% under the age of 18, 7.90% from 18 to 24, 30.70% from 25 to 44, 24.30% from 45 to 64, and 11.70% 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.80 males.
The median household income was $37,285 and the median family income was $43,152. Males had a median income of $33,914 versus $24,433 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,960. About 9.60% of families and 12.10% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 15.20% of those under age 18 and 12.60% of those age 65 or over.
St. Clair County is home toLogan Martin Lake. It also containsHorse Pens 40, a private outdoor park on top of Chandler Mountain.
St. Clair County is a strongly Republican county. The last Democrat to win the county wasJimmy Carter in 1976.
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 1824 | 14 | 7.53% | 163 | 87.63% | 9 | 4.84% |
| 1828 | 7 | 1.50% | 459 | 98.50% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1832 | 0 | 0.00% | 605 | 100.00% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1836 | 26 | 5.31% | 464 | 94.69% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1840 | 42 | 5.83% | 679 | 94.17% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1844 | 46 | 6.67% | 644 | 93.33% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1848 | 150 | 24.75% | 456 | 75.25% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1852 | 44 | 8.82% | 455 | 91.18% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1856 | 0 | 0.00% | 818 | 90.79% | 83 | 9.21% |
| 1860 | 0 | 0.00% | 240 | 17.43% | 1,137 | 82.57% |
| 1868 | 632 | 59.57% | 429 | 40.43% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1872 | 501 | 38.51% | 800 | 61.49% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1876 | 435 | 27.72% | 1,134 | 72.28% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1880 | 496 | 34.49% | 942 | 65.51% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1884 | 661 | 42.05% | 901 | 57.32% | 10 | 0.64% |
| 1888 | 640 | 29.77% | 1,489 | 69.26% | 21 | 0.98% |
| 1892 | 78 | 2.97% | 1,079 | 41.03% | 1,473 | 56.01% |
| 1896 | 603 | 26.46% | 1,604 | 70.38% | 72 | 3.16% |
| 1900 | 1,171 | 47.89% | 794 | 32.47% | 480 | 19.63% |
| 1904 | 593 | 30.55% | 908 | 46.78% | 440 | 22.67% |
| 1908 | 782 | 43.59% | 820 | 45.71% | 192 | 10.70% |
| 1912 | 260 | 14.37% | 787 | 43.50% | 762 | 42.12% |
| 1916 | 851 | 44.81% | 987 | 51.97% | 61 | 3.21% |
| 1920 | 2,561 | 55.04% | 1,934 | 41.56% | 158 | 3.40% |
| 1924 | 1,432 | 50.64% | 1,281 | 45.30% | 115 | 4.07% |
| 1928 | 2,581 | 66.25% | 1,313 | 33.70% | 2 | 0.05% |
| 1932 | 1,449 | 39.43% | 2,185 | 59.46% | 41 | 1.12% |
| 1936 | 1,464 | 37.73% | 2,399 | 61.83% | 17 | 0.44% |
| 1940 | 1,540 | 38.27% | 2,462 | 61.18% | 22 | 0.55% |
| 1944 | 1,117 | 37.86% | 1,819 | 61.66% | 14 | 0.47% |
| 1948 | 1,063 | 35.67% | 0 | 0.00% | 1,917 | 64.33% |
| 1952 | 1,590 | 40.54% | 2,326 | 59.31% | 6 | 0.15% |
| 1956 | 2,441 | 49.07% | 2,420 | 48.64% | 114 | 2.29% |
| 1960 | 2,589 | 45.90% | 3,039 | 53.88% | 12 | 0.21% |
| 1964 | 4,813 | 70.76% | 0 | 0.00% | 1,989 | 29.24% |
| 1968 | 1,635 | 16.86% | 869 | 8.96% | 7,193 | 74.18% |
| 1972 | 6,952 | 79.82% | 1,538 | 17.66% | 220 | 2.53% |
| 1976 | 4,877 | 44.87% | 5,653 | 52.01% | 339 | 3.12% |
| 1980 | 7,768 | 56.89% | 5,236 | 38.35% | 650 | 4.76% |
| 1984 | 10,408 | 71.02% | 4,000 | 27.30% | 246 | 1.68% |
| 1988 | 10,604 | 70.71% | 4,335 | 28.91% | 58 | 0.39% |
| 1992 | 12,447 | 57.56% | 6,517 | 30.14% | 2,660 | 12.30% |
| 1996 | 12,762 | 62.29% | 6,187 | 30.20% | 1,540 | 7.52% |
| 2000 | 17,117 | 71.05% | 6,485 | 26.92% | 488 | 2.03% |
| 2004 | 23,500 | 80.59% | 5,456 | 18.71% | 205 | 0.70% |
| 2008 | 27,649 | 81.11% | 6,091 | 17.87% | 348 | 1.02% |
| 2012 | 29,031 | 82.39% | 5,801 | 16.46% | 403 | 1.14% |
| 2016 | 31,651 | 82.42% | 5,589 | 14.55% | 1,160 | 3.02% |
| 2020 | 36,166 | 81.38% | 7,744 | 17.43% | 531 | 1.19% |
| 2024 | 35,501 | 81.56% | 7,640 | 17.55% | 385 | 0.88% |
Historically, theSouthern Railway ran several dailypassenger trains, including theKansas City-Florida Special and an Atlanta-Birmingham section of thePiedmont Limited, making stops in Pell City. TheSunnyland made signal stops as well.[22] The last trains made stops in 1967.[23][24] Today, the nearest passenger service isAmtrak'sCrescent inAnniston, 30.6 miles to the east.
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Media related toSt. Clair County, Alabama at Wikimedia CommonsPlaces adjacent to St. Clair County, Alabama | ||||||||||||||||
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Municipalities and communities ofSt. Clair County, Alabama,United States | ||
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| Towns | ||
| Unincorporated communities | ||
| Former towns | ||
| Footnotes | ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties | |
33°42′57″N86°19′05″W / 33.71583°N 86.31806°W /33.71583; -86.31806
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