Dale County

As of the latest census, Dale County, Alabama, has a population of approximately 49,326 people. The racial composition is about 70.2% White, 23.4% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, 1.2% Native American, and 3.8% Hispanic or Latino. The median age is around 38 years. The median household income stands at about $42,215. The population's gender ratio is roughly equal, with a slight majority of women at 51%. Educational attainment shows that about 84% of individuals over 25 have at least a high school diploma, and about 19% hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

As of the latest data, Dale County, AL has a median home value of approximately $137,000. The median household income is around $46,000. The homeownership rate is about 65%, with a vacancy rate near 14%. The average property tax is relatively low, typically under $500 annually. Home appreciation over the last decade has averaged about 3% per year. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages around $600 per month. These figures provide a snapshot of the housing market in Dale County.

In Dale County, Alabama, elections cover various local, state, and national positions. For a recent local election example, in the 2022 general elections, key races included:

1. Dale County Sheriff:

   • Mason Bynum (R): 6,123 votes
   • Doug Nelson (D): 3,442 votes

2. Dale County Commission District 1:

   • Steve McKinnon (R): 2,109 votes

3. Dale County Commission District 2:

   • Frankie Wilson (R): 1,876 votes

For state-level representation, voters in Dale County participate in Alabama's State House and Senate elections, as well as national elections including U.S. House and Senate races.

Voter turnout varies by election type, with presidential elections typically seeing higher participation. For detailed, up-to-date, and comprehensive election information, Dale County residents should consult the Dale County Probate Office or the Alabama Secretary of State’s website.

In Dale County, AL, educational attainment levels show variance compared to state and national averages. About 86.1% of residents over the age of 25 have a high school diploma or higher, which is slightly lower than the national average of 88.5% and close to the Alabama state average of roughly 86.4%. However, only about 16.9% of Dale County residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly below the national average of 33.1% and slightly under the state average of 25.5%. These figures indicate that while high school completion rates in Dale County are reasonably close to broader averages, the county lags behind significantly in higher education attainment.

As of 2021, Dale County, AL, had a labor force of approximately 20,000 people, with an unemployment rate of around 3.8%, slightly lower than Alabama's state average of 4% and the national average of 4.2%. Key industries in Dale County include:

1. Manufacturing: Employing around 4,000 people, accounting for 20% of the workforce, significantly higher than the national average of 8.5%.
2. Healthcare and Social Assistance: Employs roughly 3,000 individuals, similar to national levels.
3. Retail Trade: About 2,500 jobs, aligning closely with state and national averages.
4. Construction: Around 1,500 jobs, higher than national proportions.
5. Public Administration: Approximately 2,000 jobs, higher than the national average due to the presence of Fort Rucker, a major military installation.

This diversified economy helps maintain steady employment rates in comparison to broader averages.

As of the latest data, the average household income in Dale County, AL, is approximately $49,700. This is below both the national average of around $68,700 and the Alabama state average of approximately $56,500. Dale County's income levels highlight economic challenges relative to broader benchmarks.

Dale County’s income lags behind both state and national figures, reflecting economic disparities that may influence local policy and development strategies.

As of the most recent data, Dale County, Alabama, experiences the following crime rates per 1,000 residents:

Breakdown of Violent Crimes:

• Assault: 1.7
• Robbery: 0.2
• Rape: 0.3
• Murder: 0.1

Breakdown of Property Crimes:

• Burglary: 2.5
• Theft: 8.0
• Motor Vehicle Theft: 1.3

Dale County has a relatively low violent crime rate, but property crime remains a concern. The community and local law enforcement continue to work together to address these issues and improve overall safety.