Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Russell County, AL, had a population of 59,183. About 51.2% are female and 48.8% male. The median age is 37.1 years. Racially, the population is 49.6% White, 43.1% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, 0.4% Native American, and 4.6% Hispanic or Latino of any race. Children under 18 comprise 23.9%, while 15.7% are 65 or older.
County Crime & Safety
Russell County, AL, has a crime rate higher than the national average, with recent statistics showing a violent crime rate of 4.8 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 22.7 per 1,000 residents. The Russell County Sheriff’s Office reports annual crime data, reflecting increased efforts in community policing and crime prevention. Despite these measures, burglary and theft remain the most reported offenses. Residents are encouraged to participate in neighborhood watch programs to help reduce crime rates and boost community safety.
Elections
Russell County, AL had 35,287 registered voters as of 2024. Voters participate in federal, state, and local elections, with 64.3% turnout in the 2020 general election. Major polling locations include the Russell County Courthouse and Central High School. Key issues recently include education funding and public safety. The county is administered by a Board of Registrars and the Probate Judge, overseeing 18 precincts. The two main parties are Democratic (winning 52% in 2022) and Republican. Voter registration can be completed online, by mail, or in-person, with identification required at polling sites.
Education, Employment and Housing
Russell County, AL, has approximately 16 public schools, including 2 high schools, serving around 8,500 students. The high school graduation rate is about 83%, while roughly 16% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The district offers specialty programs such as Advanced Placement and Career Technical Education. School safety scores are average, with a rating of 5/10 on niche.com. Adult education is supported through partnerships with local colleges. Overall, Russell County schools strive to improve academic performance, with the average state test score at about 45% proficiency in math and reading.
As of 2023, Russell County, AL, has an employment rate of approximately 55.6%. The largest industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (16.9%), Retail Trade (14.2%), and Manufacturing (11.8%). The most common occupation types are Office & Administrative Support (12.4%), Sales (10.3%), and Production (9.9%). About 84% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 24.7 minutes. The majority work locally, but around 31% commute to Columbus, GA, reflecting its influence as a major employment center for Russell County residents.
Russell County, AL, has a homeownership rate near 60%, with median home values around $132,000 as of 2023. Median gross rent is approximately $945 per month. The housing market remains stable, with property values showing modest annual growth of about 3-5%. Common housing types include single-family homes and apartments, particularly in neighborhoods like Phenix City and Ladonia. Property taxes are low, averaging 0.39% of assessed home value. The county offers a mix of suburban and semi-rural communities, appealing to both renters and buyers seeking affordability.
Popular names
- Steven Corbett
- Patricia Smith
- Michael Williams
- James Smith
- James Davis
- James Brown
- Jennifer Smith
- Robert Johnson
- James Jones
- Charles Davis
- Elizabeth Jones
- James Thomas
- James Williams
- John Thomas
- Joseph Thomas
- Lisa Williams
- Sandra Smith
- Stephanie Williams
- Anthony Johnson
- Blythe Kline
- Christopher Johnson
- Jennifer Jones
- John Smith
- Mary Thomas
- Michael Brown
- Michael Davis
- Michael Jones
- Michael Wilson
- Robert Smith
- Stephanie Jones
- Willie Johnson
- Angela Brown
- Ashley Jones
- Betty Davis
- Charles Jones
- Christopher Thomas
- George Corcoran
- Gloria Thomas
- James Anderson
- James Hall
- James White
- James Wilson
- Jason Williams
- Jessica Smith
- John Williams
- Kenneth Smith
- Kristen Legear
- Latisha Burtin
- Lee Payne
- Mary Williams
- Michael Miles
- Michael Smith
- Steven Brown
- William Smith
- Amanda Jones
- Barbara Johnson
- Barbara Williams
- Brittany Johnson
- Charles Baker
- Christopher Jones
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
- Dale
- 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