Cherokee County Public RecordsAlabama

As of the 2020 Census, Cherokee County, AL had a population of 24,971. The median age was 45.4 years, with 49.6% male and 50.4% female residents. Racially, the county was 90.7% White, 5.2% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.3% Asian, and 1.7% two or more races; 2.1% identified as Hispanic or Latino. The population under 18 was 19.2%, while 20.6% were 65 or older.

Cherokee County, AL, had approximately 17,000 registered voters in the 2022 general election. Voters participate in local, state, and federal elections, with major races drawing around 65% turnout. There are 17 polling locations across the county. Elections are overseen by the Cherokee County Probate Judge’s office. Political activity is dominated by the Republican Party, which typically garners over 75% of votes in major races; Democrats receive less than 25%. Key issues for voters include local economic development and education. Voter registration is available online, by mail, or in-person, with ID required at polling sites.

Cherokee County, AL, features 8 public schools serving approximately 3,800 students, with one main high school, Cherokee County High, and a graduation rate of about 91%. Approximately 12% of adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average school test score is 62%, below the national average. School safety is prioritized, with resource officers present in major schools. Educational programs include STEM, dual-enrollment, and career tech tracks. Adult education options are available via Gadsden State Community College’s local campus, supporting GED completion and workforce readiness.

As of 2022, Cherokee County, AL, had an employment rate of 52.6%, with a labor force participation rate of 54.4%. Key industries include manufacturing (23% of employment), health care and social assistance (13%), and retail trade (12%). The most common occupation types are production (15%), office/administrative support (13%), and sales (10%). Most residents commute for work, with an average travel time of 29 minutes, and about 62% work outside the county, primarily commuting to nearby Etowah and Calhoun counties.

Cherokee County, AL, has a homeownership rate of about 77%, with median home values around $163,000 (2023). Renters make up 23% of households, with median rents near $700 per month. Housing types are mainly single-family homes and some mobile homes, spread across rural communities such as Centre, Leesburg, and Cedar Bluff. Property values have risen roughly 8% year-over-year. Average effective property tax rate is low, around 0.38%. Neighborhoods offer lakeside and country living, with Weiss Lake being a local highlight.

Cherokee County, AL, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to the national average. According to recent FBI data, the county's violent crime rate stands at approximately 2.1 per 1,000 residents, while property crime rate is about 14.3 per 1,000 residents. Local law enforcement actively encourages community involvement in reporting suspicious activity, contributing to high case resolution rates. Annual safety reports show a 5% decrease in overall crime from the previous year. Residents generally consider Cherokee County a safe place to live, with most incidents relating to minor property offenses rather than violent crime.