Population & Household section gives reader an outlook. of general population profile, structure, and outlook.
Population Trend
Washington County, AL is experiencing a notable decline in population, with a 13-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.07% and a one-year growth rate of -0.9%. The median age of 43.7 is higher than the state average of 39.3, indicating an aging population, with 19.8% over 65 years old. The county's age dependency ratio of 67.8 suggests a significant proportion of dependents relative to the working-age population. Compared to other counties in Alabama, Washington County's demographic trends reflect challenges similar to those in counties like Mobile and Calhoun, which also show stagnant or declining populations.
Total Population
15434
Sex Ratio
98.6 %
Population Growth (2021-2022)
-0.9 %
Population CAGR (2010-2022)
-1.07 %
Population Growth Rate (%)
Source: Census.gov
Age Structure
Dependency Rate
67.8 %
Median Age
43.7 y.o.
% of Population > 65 y.o.
19.8 %
Active Aging Index
121.1 %
Old Dependency Rate
33.2 %
Young Dependency Rate
34.6 %
Age Structure (%)
Source: Census.gov
Population Structure
Source: Census.gov
Household Status
Washington County, AL, with a total of 5,506 households, exhibits a unique demographic profile compared to other counties in Alabama. The county has a higher average household size of 2.78 and an average family size of 3.3, indicating larger family units. Notably, 38.7% of households include elderly members, which is above the state average of 31.9%. However, Washington County faces challenges, as it has experienced a negative compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.59%, contrasting with the overall state growth rate of 0.5%. Despite this decline, the county saw a significant one-year growth rate of 4.66%, suggesting potential recovery. In comparison, counties like Baldwin and Madison are experiencing more robust growth, highlighting Washington County's need for strategies to enhance its demographic and economic vitality.
Total Households
5506
Married-couple Household
3125
Household CAGR (2010-2022)
-1.59 %
Household Growth (2021-2022)
4.66 %
Average Household Size
2.78 p
Average Family Size
3.3 p
Household with Children (%)
28.7 %
Household with Elder 65+ (%)
38.7 %
Household Size
Source: Census.gov
Household Structure
Source: Census.gov
Marriage
Never Married
29 %
Now Married
53.5 %
Widowed
8 %
Divorced
9.5 %
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
Washington County, AL exhibits a predominantly White demographic, with 66.7% identifying as such, which is slightly below the state average of 66.2% and significantly lower than the national average of 65.9%. The county has a notable Black population at 23.4%, aligning closely with Alabama's average of 26.4%. The Hispanic population is relatively low at 1.7%, compared to the national average of 18.7% and the state average of 4.6%. Overall, Washington County reflects a demographic profile that is consistent with many rural areas in Alabama, characterized by a majority White population and a significant Black community.
One Race
97.4 %
Two or More Races
2.6 %
Non-White
33.3 %
Hispanic (Overlapping)
1.7 %
White
10298
Black
3608
Asian
62
Native American
1042
Race Structure (%)
Source: Census.gov
Racial Profile Breakdown
Source: Census.gov
Place of Birth
Washington County, AL, exhibits a notably high percentage of U.S.-born residents at 99.3%, significantly surpassing the Alabama state average of 96.5% and the national average of 86.3%. The county's foreign-born population is minimal at just 0.7%, with 86% of these individuals being naturalized. This contrasts sharply with nearby counties like Jefferson and Mobile, which have higher percentages of foreign-born residents (3.9% and 3.2%, respectively). Washington County's demographic profile suggests a more homogenous population compared to other regions in Alabama, indicating potential implications for cultural diversity and economic development.
Native US Citizen
10298
Native US Citizen (%)
33.3 %
Born in Alabama (%)
78.3 %
Born in Other State (%)
20.8 %
Foreign Born (%)
0.7 %
Naturalized (% of Foreign Born)
86 %
Place of Birth Changes (2010-2022)
Source: Census.gov
Birthplace Breakdown (Outside of US)
Source: Census.gov
Migration
-
Migration Inflow (% of Population)
7 %
From Different County (% of Inflow)
83 %
From Different State (% of Inflow)
15.2 %
From Different Country (% of Inflow)
1.7 %
%
Source: Census.gov
Religion
Number of Congregations
75
Number of Adherents
10084
Adherents (% of Total Population)
65.3 %
Christian (% of Total Population)
65.3 %
Religion Breakdown
Source: Census.gov
Education Attainment
Washington County, AL, shows a notable increase in educational attainment, with 14.2% of the population aged 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree, up from 9.5% a decade ago. However, this figure remains significantly lower than the Alabama state average of 27.2% and the national average of 34.3%. The median earnings for residents in Washington County stand at $48,875, which is higher than the state average of $43,016 but lower than the national median of $48,747. Additionally, 36.6% of degree holders are enrolled in STEM fields, indicating a growing interest in these areas, though still below the state average of 41.4%.