Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Dale County, AL, has a population of approximately 48,900. The median age is about 39.6 years, with 49.6% male and 50.4% female. Racially, the county is 67.8% White, 23.8% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, 0.7% Native American, and 5.3% Hispanic or Latino (any race). About 2.5% identify as two or more races, with other groups making up the remainder.
Elections
Dale County, AL, has around 35,000 residents, with approximately 22,000 registered voters. Voters participate in local, state, and federal elections, including primaries (typically with 25% turnout) and general elections (55% turnout in 2020). Main polling locations include Ozark Civic Center and Daleville High School. Recent elections saw Republican candidates winning over 70% of county votes. Issues often center on economic development and education. The Board of Registrars administers voter registration and election logistics. The county predominantly supports the Republican Party, but Democrats maintain a presence in local offices.
Education, Employment and Housing
Dale County, AL, has 17 public schools, including 4 high schools. Approximately 85% of adults have a high school diploma, while about 15% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average school ranking is above 60% of Alabama schools, reflecting moderate performance. School safety rates are satisfactory, with few incidents reported annually. Adult education and career technical programs are available through Wallace Community College. The county prioritizes STEM and vocational education, with some schools offering advanced placement and dual enrollment courses.
As of 2022, Dale County, AL, had an employment rate of approximately 54%, with about 18,540 employed individuals. The leading industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (16.4%), Retail Trade (14.3%), and Educational Services (10.6%). Most common occupations are Office & Administrative Support (13.9%) and Sales (10.8%). The average commute time is 25.9 minutes, with 80.4% driving alone. Major employment locations include Ozark and nearby Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker), a significant employer in the region, drawing many commuters from surrounding areas.
Dale County, AL, has a homeownership rate of approximately 68%, with median home values around $130,000 as of 2023. The median monthly rent is about $900. Recent years have seen modest property value growth of 3-5% annually. Housing types predominantly include single-family homes, with some apartments and mobile homes. Popular neighborhoods in and near Ozark, Daleville, and Fort Rucker offer suburban and rural settings. Property taxes are low, averaging 0.33% of home value, making the area affordable for many families and retirees. Rental properties are in moderate demand due to the local military presence.
County Crime & Safety
Dale County, AL, reported a crime rate of approximately 23.8 per 1,000 residents in 2022, according to FBI statistics. Of these, violent crimes—such as assault and robbery—constituted about 3.1 per 1,000 residents, while property crimes—including burglary and theft—stood at 20.7 per 1,000 residents. The Sheriff's Office and local police actively report data annually, contributing to a downward trend in overall crime rates over recent years. Continued community policing and crime prevention initiatives aim to further enhance safety across the county.
Popular names
- Michael Smith
- James Smith
- Mary Smith
- Amanda Smith
- James Davis
- James Jones
- William Smith
- Christopher Smith
- David Jones
- James Andrews
- James Turner
- James Watson
- Jessica Johnson
- Linda Smith
- Michael Jones
- Patricia Smith
- Robert Jones
- Thomas Johnson
- William King
- Christopher Johnson
- James Johnson
- James Miller
- Jessica Jones
- Joseph Smith
- Joseph Williams
- Joshua Smith
- Larry Smith
- Mary Sanders
- Robert Smith
- Steven Williams
- Thomas Brown
- William Hardwick
- William Johnson
- Amy Davis
- Angela Thomas
- Barbara Smith
- Billy Smith
- Brenda Smith
- Brian Smith
- Charles Walker
- Chasity Lightner
- Chris Johnson
- Debra Johnson
- James Cook
- James King
- James Powell
- James Roberts
- James Sanders
- James Williams
- Jennifer Martin
- John Smith
- Jonathan Givens
- Joshua Williams
- Larry Williams
- Mary Austin
- Mary Hughes
- Misty Smith
- Patricia Johnson
- Robert Copeland
- Robert Taylor
Other Counties in Alabama
- Autauga
- Baldwin
- Barbour
- Bibb
- Blount
- Bullock
- Butler
- Calhoun
- Chambers
- Cherokee
- Chilton
- Choctaw
- Clarke
- Clay
- Cleburne
- Coffee
- Colbert
- Conecuh
- Coosa
- Covington
- Crenshaw
- Cullman
- Dallas
- De Kalb
- Elmore
- Escambia
- Etowah
- Fayette
- Franklin
- Geneva
- Greene
- Hale
- Henry
- Houston
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Lamar
- Lauderdale
- Lawrence
- Lee
- Limestone
- Lowndes
- Macon
- Madison
- Marengo
- Marion
- Marshall
- Mobile
- Monroe
- Montgomery