Franklin County, Alabama

Franklin County, Alabama
Franklin County Courthouse in Russelville, Alabama
Location in the state of Alabama
Alabama's location in the U.S.
Founded	February 6, 1818
Named for	Benjamin Franklin
Seat	Russellville
Largest city	Russellville
Area  - Total  - Land  - Water	646.51 sq mi (1,674 km²) 635.64 sq mi (1,646 km²) 10.86 sq mi (28 km²), 1.68%
Population  - (2010)  - Density	31,704 50/sq mi (19/km²)
Time zone	Central: UTC-6/-5
Website	www.franklincountyal.org

Franklin County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama. Its name is in honor of Benjamin Franklin, famous statesman, scientist, and printer. As of the 2010 census, the population was 31,704. Its county seat is Russellville; it is a dry county.

History

Franklin County was established on February 6, 1818.

Colbert County

Colbert County was originally established on February 6, 1867 after it split from Franklin County over political issues after the American Civil War. It was abolished eight months later by an Alabama constitutional convention and then reestablished on February 24, 1870.

Musical History

Many musicians and songwriters are from Franklin County including Billy Sherrill, Tammy Wynette, Ricky Pierce, Eddie Martin, Kerry Gilbert, and many others.

Geography

According to the 2000 census, the county has a total area of 646.51 square miles (1,674.5 km²), of which 635.64 square miles (1,646.3 km²) (or 98.32%) is land and 10.86 square miles (28.1 km²) (or 1.68%) is water.

Major Highways

• U.S. Highway 43
• State Route 5
• State Route 13
• State Route 17
• State Route 19
• State Route 24

Rail

• Norfolk Southern Railway
• Redmont Railway

Adjacent Counties

• Colbert County (north)
• Lawrence County (east)
• Winston County (southeast)
• Marion County (south)
• Itawamba County, Mississippi (southwest)
• Tishomingo County, Mississippi (northwest)

National protected area

• William B. Bankhead National Forest (part)

Demographics

Historical populations
Census	Pop.		%±
1820	4,988		—
1830	11,078		122.1%
1840	14,270		28.8%
1850	19,610		37.4%
1860	18,627		−5.0%
1870	8,006		−57.0%
1880	9,155		14.4%
1890	10,681		16.7%
1900	16,511		54.6%
1910	19,369		17.3%
1920	22,011		13.6%
1930	25,372		15.3%
1940	27,552		8.6%
1950	25,705		−6.7%
1960	21,988		−14.5%
1970	23,933		8.8%
1980	28,350		18.5%
1990	27,814		−1.9%
2000	31,223		12.3%
2010	31,704		1.5%
Est. 2011	31,884		0.6%
U.S. Decennial Census 2011 estimate through 1960

1990

As of the census of 1990 the racial makeup of the county was 87.43% White (non-Hispanic), 7.06% Black or African American, 0.33% Native American, 0.06% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 4.62% from other races, and 1.01% from two or more races. 7.42% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

2000

As of the census of 2000, there were 31,223 people, 12,259 households, and 8,949 families residing in the county. The population density was 49 people per square mile (19/km²). There were 13,749 housing units at an average density of 22 per square mile (8/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 89.68% White (non-Hispanic), 4.21% Black or African American, 0.33% Native American, 0.11% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 4.62% from other races, and 0.96% from two or more races. 5.82% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 12,259 households out of which 32.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.20% were married couples living together, 10.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.00% were non-families. 24.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.10% 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 2.97.

In the county the population was spread out with 24.50% under the age of 18, 9.20% from 18 to 24, 28.00% from 25 to 44, 23.40% from 45 to 64, and 14.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 96.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.80 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $27,177, and the median income for a family was $34,274. Males had a median income of $27,497 versus $18,631 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,814. About 15.20% of families and 18.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.60% of those under age 18 and 24.10% of those age 65 or over.

Cities and towns

• Belgreen
• Hodges
• Phil Campbell
• Red Bay
• Russellville
• Vina

Schools

There are two school systems in Franklin County; Russellville City Schools and Franklin County Schools.

Russellville City Schools include:

• Russellville High School
• Russellville Middle School
• Russellville Elementary School (grades 3 - 5)
• West Elementary School (grades Kindergarten - 2)

Franklin County Schools include:

• Belgreen High School (grades K - 12)
• East Franklin Junior High School (grades K - 9)
• Phil Campbell High School (two separate buildings serving grades K - 12)
• Red Bay High School (grades K - 12)
• Tharptown Junior High School (grades K-12)
• Vina High School (grades K - 12)

There is also the Franklin County Career-Technical Center, located next to Belgreen High School.

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Franklin County, Alabama
• Properties on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage in Franklin County, Alabama

External links

• Franklin County, Alabama
• Franklin County Chamber of Commerce
• Bay Tree Council for the Performing Arts