Education, Employment and Housing

Winston County, AL, has around 10 public schools, including Winston County High School and Haleyville High School. The high school graduation rate is about 85%, but only roughly 12% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, lower than the state average. Schools have an average GreatSchools rating of 5/10. The county emphasizes school safety with resource officers and anti-bullying programs. Career and technical education, as well as adult education classes, are available through local schools and Bevill State Community College. Overall, educational achievement and resources are below the national average.

As of 2022, Winston County, AL has an employment rate of about 48%, with roughly 9,600 residents employed. The leading industries are manufacturing (22%), health care and social assistance (15%), and retail trade (13%). Most common occupations include production (14%) and office/administrative support (13%). About 91% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 28 minutes. While 71% work within Winston County, 29% commute to neighboring counties, primarily Walker and Cullman.

Winston County, AL, has a homeownership rate of about 77%, with a median home value around $126,000 as of 2023. Median gross rent is roughly $700 per month. The housing market remains stable, with modest annual appreciation close to 3%. Typical housing types include single-family homes and mobile homes, with some scattered apartment options. Key neighborhoods are Double Springs, Haleyville, and Arley. Property taxes are low, averaging $300–$400 annually on median-valued homes, making homeownership affordable for many residents.

Elections

Winston County, Alabama, had approximately 15,000 registered voters as of 2024. Elections include federal, state, and local races—most recently, 81% voted Republican in the 2022 gubernatorial race. The Probate Judge oversees elections, with polling at sites like the Double Springs Community Center. Key issues for voters include education and rural infrastructure. Both Democratic and Republican parties maintain local offices, but Republican dominance is strong. Voter turnout often exceeds 60% in general elections, reflecting engaged participation.

Demographics

As of 2022, Winston County, Alabama, has a population of approximately 24,200. About 49.5% are male and 50.5% are female. The median age is roughly 44.5 years, indicating an aging population. Racially, the county is predominantly White (over 93%), with African Americans comprising about 1.4%, and Hispanics or Latinos around 2.4%. Other racial groups, including Native American and Asian populations, each represent less than 1% of the total population.

County Crime & Safety

Winston County, AL, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In recent FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data, the county reported a violent crime rate of approximately 2.5 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of about 11 per 1,000 residents in 2022. Local law enforcement actively promotes community safety initiatives and encourages prompt crime reporting, contributing to a generally safe environment. Despite an occasional uptick in minor property offenses, Winston County remains one of the safer regions in Alabama for both residents and visitors.