Morgan County, Alabama

History Cotaco County was established on February 8, 1818, named for Cotaco Creek (or possibly for a local Indian chief), with its county seat at Somerville. The county was renamed Morgan County in 1821. In 1891 the county seat was moved to Decatur.

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,552 km² (599 mi²). 1,508 km² (582 mi²) of it is land and 44 km² (17 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 2.81% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 111,064 people, 43,602 households, and 31,437 families residing in the county. The population density is 74/km² (191/mi²). There are 47,388 housing units at an average density of 31/km² (81/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 85.07% White, 11.24% African American, 0.67% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 1.25% from other races, and 1.25% from two or more races. 3.28% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 43,602 households out of which 33.50% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.40% are married couples living together, 11.20% have a female householder with no husband present, and 27.90% are non-families. 24.80% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.40% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.51 and the average family size is 2.99.

In the county the population is spread out with 25.30% under the age of 18, 8.40% from 18 to 24, 30.10% from 25 to 44, 23.80% from 45 to 64, and 12.30% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 37 years. For every 100 females there are 96.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 93.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $37,803, and the median income for a family is $45,827. Males have a median income of $35,759 versus $21,885 for females. The per capita income for the county is $19,223. 12.30% of the population and 9.70% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 15.90% are under the age of 18 and 12.80% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Decatur (part - part of Decatur is in Limestone County)
• Eva
• Falkville
• Hartselle
• Priceville
• Somerville
• Trinity