Etowah County Public RecordsAlabama

As of the 2020 Census, Etowah County, AL had a population of approximately 103,436. The median age is 41.2 years, with 51.5% female and 48.5% male residents. The racial and ethnic makeup is 77.4% White, 16.7% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, 0.3% Native American, and 4.1% Hispanic or Latino. About 1.3% identify as two or more races.

Etowah County, AL has approximately 65,000 registered voters as of 2024. Residents can participate in local, state, and federal elections, including primaries and runoffs. Major parties are Republican and Democratic, with GOP candidates typically winning over 70% in recent cycles. The Etowah County Board of Registrars administers elections across 31 polling locations. Issues such as property tax, school funding, and public safety often dominate ballots. In the 2022 general election, voter turnout was about 48%. Voter registration is available online, by mail, or in-person at the courthouse.

Etowah County, AL has 33 public schools, including 6 high schools, serving around 8,300 students. Approximately 82% of residents over 25 hold a high school diploma, while 15% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average public school rating is 5/10, with Southside and Glencoe High Schools ranking above county averages. Adult education is supported by Gadsden State Community College. School safety initiatives include resource officers in each school and anti-bullying programs. Educational offerings include career tech, Advanced Placement, and dual enrollment courses, preparing students for diverse post-secondary paths.

As of 2023, Etowah County, AL, has an employment rate of approximately 54%, with around 40,000 employed residents. The largest industries are Manufacturing (22%), Health Care & Social Assistance (17%), and Retail Trade (13%). Leading occupation types include Production (17%), Office & Administrative Support (14%), and Sales (12%). About 86% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 23 minutes. Most residents are employed within the county, though roughly 24% travel to jobs in neighboring areas such as Jefferson and Calhoun counties.

Etowah County, AL, has a homeownership rate of about 68%, with median home values around $135,000 and typical monthly rents near $850. The area features diverse housing types, primarily single-family homes, along with some apartments and mobile homes. Popular neighborhoods include Southside and Rainbow City. Property values have risen approximately 6% over the past year. Property taxes remain low, with an average effective rate of 0.36%, making the area affordable for homeowners.

Etowah County, AL, has a crime rate higher than the state average, with 2022 FBI data showing about 4,200 reported crimes per 100,000 residents. Violent crime, including assault and robbery, makes up roughly 18% of reported offenses, while property crime—mainly theft and burglary—accounts for over 82%. In recent years, local law enforcement has increased patrols and community outreach to address safety concerns, leading to a modest 4% decrease in overall crime rates from 2021 to 2023. Crime reporting is accessible through county and city police departments.