Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Dallas County, Alabama, had a population of approximately 37,600. The age distribution skews older, with a median age of around 41 years. The gender split is nearly even, with 53% female and 47% male. Racially, the county is predominantly Black or African American (about 70%), with Whites making up roughly 29%, and other races, including Hispanic or Latino, accounting for less than 2%.

Elections

Dallas County, AL, has approximately 29,000 registered voters as of 2024. Voters participate in federal, state, and local elections, including primary and general contests. In the 2020 presidential election, 69% voted Democratic, 30% Republican. There are 32 polling locations across the county. Ongoing issues include turnout, accessibility, and voting technology. The Dallas County Board of Registrars and Probate Judge administer elections, and the county leans Democratic but includes Republicans and independents.

Education, Employment and Housing

Dallas County, AL, has around 20 public schools, including 3 high schools, with a high school graduation rate of approximately 78%. Only about 13% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools average a GreatSchools rating of 4/10. The area offers some adult education and vocational programs. School safety measures vary, but initiatives are in place for improvement. Educational programs focus on STEM, career tech, and early college. Despite challenges, efforts continue toward boosting student performance and adult education options.

As of 2022, Dallas County, AL, had an employment rate of about 49%, with a labor force of approximately 13,000. Major industries include health care and social assistance (19%), manufacturing (14%), and retail trade (12%). The most common occupations are office and administrative support (13%), production (12%), and sales (10%). The median commute time is 22 minutes, with over 80% of workers driving alone. Most residents are employed within the county, though some commute to nearby Montgomery and Autauga counties for work.

Dallas County, AL, has a homeownership rate of about 67%, with the median home value around $97,000 as of 2023. Median gross rent is approximately $690 monthly. Property values have remained relatively stable, with slight increases in recent years. The housing stock is primarily single-family homes, along with some apartments and townhouses. Popular neighborhoods in Selma, the county seat, include Old Town and West Selma. Property tax rates are low, averaging 0.43% of a property's assessed value, making it one of the more affordable counties in Alabama for homeowners.

County Crime & Safety

Dallas County, AL, experiences higher-than-average crime rates compared to national figures. According to NeighborhoodScout, the county's violent crime rate is approximately 6.5 per 1,000 residents, while property crime stands at 33.6 per 1,000. In 2022, the Dallas County Sheriff's Office reported over 1,000 total crime incidents, with burglary and assault being the most common. Community efforts and law enforcement are working to improve safety, but residents are advised to stay vigilant and promptly report suspicious activity to local authorities.