Population & Household section gives reader an outlook. of general population profile, structure, and outlook.
Population Trend
Etowah County, AL, is experiencing a slight population decline, with a 13-year CAGR of -0.06% and a 1-year growth rate of -0.1%, contrasting with Alabama's overall population growth of 0.6%. The county's median age is 41.9, higher than the state average of 39.3, indicating an aging population, with 19.4% over 65 years old. The age dependency ratio of 68.9 suggests a significant proportion of dependents, particularly the elderly. Compared to nearby counties, Etowah's demographic trends reflect challenges similar to those in Talladega and Calhoun counties, which also show stagnant or declining populations.
Total Population
103348
Sex Ratio
94.2 %
Population Growth (2021-2022)
-0.1 %
Population CAGR (2010-2022)
-0.06 %
Population Growth Rate (%)
Source: Census.gov
Age Structure
Dependency Rate
68.9 %
Median Age
41.9 y.o.
% of Population > 65 y.o.
19.4 %
Active Aging Index
110.1 %
Old Dependency Rate
32.8 %
Young Dependency Rate
36.1 %
Age Structure (%)
Source: Census.gov
Population Structure
Source: Census.gov
Household Status
Etowah County, AL, with a total of 38,791 households, exhibits a notable demographic profile characterized by a higher percentage of elderly residents (36.1%) compared to the state average of 31.9%. The average household size in Etowah is 2.63, slightly above the state average of 2.53, while the average family size is 3.29, indicating a family-oriented community. However, the county faces challenges with a negative household growth rate of -0.58%, contrasting with the state’s positive growth rate of 0.5%. Compared to nearby counties, such as Jefferson and Mobile, which have larger populations and more dynamic growth rates, Etowah's stagnation may reflect economic or social factors that warrant further investigation. Overall, while Etowah County maintains a stable household structure, its growth concerns highlight potential areas for development.
Total Households
38791
Married-couple Household
18116
Household CAGR (2010-2022)
-0.58 %
Household Growth (2021-2022)
1.31 %
Average Household Size
2.63 p
Average Family Size
3.29 p
Household with Children (%)
27.8 %
Household with Elder 65+ (%)
36.1 %
Household Size
Source: Census.gov
Household Structure
Source: Census.gov
Marriage
Never Married
28.9 %
Now Married
48.3 %
Widowed
8.5 %
Divorced
14.4 %
Marriage Status
Source: Census.gov
Marriage Status Breakdown
Source: Census.gov | S1201
Cultures
*Culture section contains several components: races, education, marriage and other factors.
Racial Profiiles
Etowah County, AL, exhibits a predominantly White demographic, with 77.9% identifying as White, which is slightly above the state average of 66.2% and significantly higher than the national average of 65.9%. The Black population in Etowah County stands at 15.2%, lower than Alabama's average of 26.4% but higher than the national average of 12.5%. The Hispanic population is relatively low at 4.4%, consistent with state and national trends. Overall, Etowah County reflects a demographic profile that aligns closely with Alabama's racial composition, while also showcasing a unique balance within its local context.
One Race
96.5 %
Two or More Races
3.5 %
Non-White
22.1 %
Hispanic (Overlapping)
4.4 %
White
80555
Black
15724
Asian
748
Native American
329
Race Structure (%)
Source: Census.gov
Racial Profile Breakdown
Source: Census.gov
Place of Birth
Etowah County, AL, exhibits a high percentage of U.S.-born residents at 97.6%, slightly above the Alabama state average of 96.5%. Notably, 77.9% of its population was born in the state, indicating a strong local demographic presence. The county's foreign-born population stands at 2.4%, lower than the state average of 3.5%, with a significant portion (46.8%) being naturalized. Compared to nearby counties like Jefferson and Madison, which have higher foreign-born percentages, Etowah County reflects a more homogenous population, suggesting potential implications for cultural diversity and economic integration.
Native US Citizen
80555
Native US Citizen (%)
22.1 %
Born in Alabama (%)
77.9 %
Born in Other State (%)
19 %
Foreign Born (%)
2.4 %
Naturalized (% of Foreign Born)
46.8 %
Place of Birth Changes (2010-2022)
Source: Census.gov
Birthplace Breakdown (Outside of US)
Source: Census.gov
Migration
-
Migration Inflow (% of Population)
10.5 %
From Different County (% of Inflow)
72.5 %
From Different State (% of Inflow)
22.5 %
From Different Country (% of Inflow)
5 %
%
Source: Census.gov
Religion
Number of Congregations
251
Number of Adherents
83850
Adherents (% of Total Population)
81.1 %
Christian (% of Total Population)
78.9 %
Religion Breakdown
Source: Census.gov
Education Attainment
Etowah County, AL, shows a notable educational and economic profile compared to both state and national averages. With only 17.7% of the population aged 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree, it significantly lags behind Alabama's average of 27.2% and the national average of 34.3%. The median earnings for the county's population are also lower, at $36,248, compared to Alabama's $43,016 and the national median of $48,747. Furthermore, only 35.1% of degree holders are enrolled in STEM fields, indicating potential areas for growth in education and economic development.