Houston County Public RecordsAlabama

As of 2022, Houston County, AL has an estimated population of 107,993. The median age is about 40.5 years. Females make up approximately 52% of the population, while males account for 48%. Racially, the county is 68% White, 27% Black or African American, 3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Asian, and 0.5% identifying as two or more races.

Houston County, Alabama, has about 70,000 residents, with over 45,000 registered voters as of 2024. Voters participate in local, state, and federal elections, including primaries and general elections. In the 2020 presidential election, 71% voted Republican, and 28% Democratic. There are 33 polling locations across the county. Issues often center on education funding, infrastructure, and public safety. Elections are administered by the Houston County Probate Office, with oversight from both Republican and Democratic party committees, which maintain active local chapters. Voter turnout in recent major elections averages around 62%.

Houston County, AL, has 19 public schools, including 4 high schools, serving around 6,400 students. About 85% graduate high school, while 23% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety is a priority, with incidents below the national average. Average test scores are close to the state mean, with a math proficiency of 44% and reading at 46%. The district offers advanced placement, dual enrollment, and adult education programs, supporting lifelong learning and career readiness.

As of early 2024, Houston County, AL, reports an unemployment rate of approximately 2.2%. The leading employment sectors are health care and social assistance (20%), retail trade (13%), and manufacturing (12%). Major occupation types include office and administrative support (14%), sales (10%), and production (9%). The average commute time is about 21 minutes, with 87% of workers driving alone. Most residents work within the county, particularly in Dothan, the regional economic hub. Employment opportunities continue to grow, reflecting Houston County's diverse and stable economy.

Houston County, AL, has a homeownership rate of around 69%, with median home values near $170,000 in 2024. The average monthly rent is approximately $1,050. Popular housing types include single-family homes, townhouses, and some apartments, especially in Dothan, the county seat. Neighborhoods like Highlands and Chapelwood are favored for families. The area has seen steady property value growth, averaging about 6% annually. Property taxes are low, with the average annual bill around $650. This combination makes Houston County appealing for affordability and suburban living.

Houston County, AL experiences moderate crime rates compared to national averages. According to recent FBI data, the county's violent crime rate is approximately 3.7 per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate hovers around 23.5 per 1,000. Dothan, the county seat, accounts for a significant proportion of reported incidents. Law enforcement emphasizes community engagement and timely reporting—over 2,100 crimes were reported in 2022. Overall, while some areas see higher rates, Houston County remains relatively safe, with ongoing efforts to reduce crime and improve public safety.