Andalusia, Alabama – Wikipedia

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City in and county seat of Covington County, Alabama

City in Alabama, United States

Andalusia is a city in and the county seat of Covington County, Alabama, United States. At the 2020 census, the population was 8,805.

History[edit]

Andalusia was first settled in 1841 after flooding of the Conecuh River and the surrounding lowlands forced citizens to move to higher ground. The county seat was moved from Montezuma to Andalusia in 1844. Andalusia likely got its name from Spanish explorers or settlers since the land where the town is located was part of Spanish Florida until Pinckney’s Treaty in 1795. Andalusia shares its name with the autonomous community of Andalusia in southern Spain.[citation needed] The new town was originally called “New Site” but was known as Andalusia by the time a post office was established in 1846.[2]

Andalusia was incorporated as a town in 1884.[3]

In 1899, two railroad lines arrived in Andalusia, the Central of Georgia and the L & N Railroad, and the town began to grow.[4]

The Avant House is one of seven sites in Andalusia listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography[edit]

Andalusia is located slightly northwest of the center of Covington County at 31°18′N 86°29′W / 31.300°N 86.483°W / 31.300; -86.483 (31.309, -86.479).[5] According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 19.8 square miles (51.3 km2), of which 19.7 square miles (50.9 km2) is land and 0.15 square miles (0.4 km2), or 0.79%, is water.[6]

Andalusia is served by the South Alabama Regional Airport, formerly known as the Andalusia-Opp Airport, located approximately 5 miles (8 km) east of the central business district.

Climate[edit]

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Andalusia has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated “Cfa” on climate maps.[7]

Climate data for Andalusia, Alabama, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1912–2018
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 84
(29) 		87
(31) 		89
(32) 		97
(36) 		100
(38) 		105
(41) 		105
(41) 		105
(41) 		101
(38) 		99
(37) 		88
(31) 		84
(29) 		105
(41)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 75.0
(23.9) 		77.3
(25.2) 		83.7
(28.7) 		87.5
(30.8) 		92.3
(33.5) 		96.3
(35.7) 		97.6
(36.4) 		97.0
(36.1) 		94.4
(34.7) 		89.2
(31.8) 		82.8
(28.2) 		77.3
(25.2) 		98.7
(37.1)
Average high °F (°C) 60.5
(15.8) 		64.6
(18.1) 		71.5
(21.9) 		77.7
(25.4) 		84.2
(29.0) 		89.0
(31.7) 		90.6
(32.6) 		90.2
(32.3) 		86.9
(30.5) 		79.1
(26.2) 		70.0
(21.1) 		62.8
(17.1) 		77.3
(25.1)
Daily mean °F (°C) 47.9
(8.8) 		51.5
(10.8) 		57.8
(14.3) 		63.9
(17.7) 		71.6
(22.0) 		78.3
(25.7) 		80.4
(26.9) 		80.1
(26.7) 		76.0
(24.4) 		66.0
(18.9) 		55.7
(13.2) 		50.0
(10.0) 		64.9
(18.3)
Average low °F (°C) 35.2
(1.8) 		38.3
(3.5) 		44.0
(6.7) 		50.1
(10.1) 		59.1
(15.1) 		67.6
(19.8) 		70.2
(21.2) 		70.0
(21.1) 		65.1
(18.4) 		52.9
(11.6) 		41.5
(5.3) 		37.3
(2.9) 		52.6
(11.5)
Mean minimum °F (°C) 17.9
(−7.8) 		21.3
(−5.9) 		26.2
(−3.2) 		32.7
(0.4) 		43.8
(6.6) 		55.4
(13.0) 		62.3
(16.8) 		62.1
(16.7) 		49.2
(9.6) 		34.0
(1.1) 		27.0
(−2.8) 		19.8
(−6.8) 		14.6
(−9.7)
Record low °F (°C) 0
(−18) 		10
(−12) 		16
(−9) 		27
(−3) 		34
(1) 		44
(7) 		50
(10) 		54
(12) 		34
(1) 		28
(−2) 		16
(−9) 		2
(−17) 		0
(−18)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 5.19
(132) 		4.62
(117) 		4.97
(126) 		4.86
(123) 		4.32
(110) 		5.65
(144) 		6.21
(158) 		6.34
(161) 		5.14
(131) 		3.40
(86) 		4.11
(104) 		5.45
(138) 		60.26
(1,530)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.3
(0.76) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.3
(0.76)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 7.8 6.7 7.0 6.2 6.4 9.2 10.9 9.4 6.8 4.2 5.6 6.7 86.9
Source: NOAA (mean maxima/minima 1981–2010)[8][9][10]

Demographics[edit]

Andalusia[edit]

Historical population
Census Pop. Note %±
1880 596 —
1890 270 −54.7%
1900 551 104.1%
1910 2,480 350.1%
1920 4,023 62.2%
1930 5,154 28.1%
1940 6,886 33.6%
1950 9,162 33.1%
1960 10,263 12.0%
1970 10,092 −1.7%
1980 10,415 3.2%
1990 9,269 −11.0%
2000 8,794 −5.1%
2010 9,015 2.5%
2020 8,805 −2.3%

Andalusia first appeared on the 1880 U.S. Census as an unincorporated village.[12] It formally incorporated in 1884. See Andalusia Precinct/Division below.

2020 census[edit]

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 8,805 people, 3,490 households, and 2,147 families residing in the city.

2010 census[edit]

At the 2010 census there were 9,015 people in 3,694 households, including 2,359 families, in the city. The racial makeup of the city was 70.5% White, 25.9% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 0.4% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. 1.9% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.[14]
Of the 3,694 households 26.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.9% were married couples living together, 18.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.1% were non-families. 31.3% of households were one person and 14.9% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.93.

The age distribution was 23.4% under the age of 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 23.6% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 18.7% 65 or older. The median age was 39.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.2 males.

The median household income was $28,049 and the median family income was $37,059. Males had a median income of $27,228 versus $25,855 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,544. About 20.2% of families and 22.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 35.4% of those under age 18 and 14.5% of those age 65 or over.

2000 Census data[edit]

As of the census[15] of 2000, there were 8,794 people in 3,707 households, including 2,376 families, in the city.[16] The population density was 465.9 inhabitants per square mile (179.9/km2). There were 4,279 housing units at an average density of 226.7 per square mile (87.5/km2).[17] The racial makeup of the city was 73.93% White, 24.47% Black or African American, 0.36% Native American, 0.27% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.18% from other races, and 0.76% from two or more races. 0.78% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.[16]

Of the 3,707 households 27.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.5% were married couples living together, 14.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.9% were non-families. 33.3% of households were one person and 17.1% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.91.[16]

The age distribution was 23.2% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 22.6% from 45 to 64, and 20.8% 65 or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.5 males.[16]

The median household income was $26,856 and the median family income was $37,091. Males had a median income of $29,406 versus $20,410 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,292. About 15.7% of families and 20.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.6% of those under age 18 and 18.9% of those age 65 or over.[16]

Andalusia Precinct/Division (1880-)[edit]

Historical population
Census Pop. Note %±
1880 729 —
1890 1,371 88.1%
1900 2,051 49.6%
1910 4,388 113.9%
1920 6,057 38.0%
1930 7,680 26.8%
1940 9,647 25.6%
1950 10,882 12.8%
1960 10,263 −5.7%
1970 10,092 −1.7%
1980 18,168 80.0%
1990 18,275 0.6%
2000 18,646 2.0%
2010 18,495 −0.8%

Andalusia Beat (Precinct) (Covington County 1st Beat) first appeared on the 1880 U.S. Census. In 1890, “beat” was changed to “precinct.” In 1960, the precinct was changed to “census division” as part of a general reorganization of counties.[18] In 1980, three additional census divisions were consolidated into Andalusia, including Andalusia East, Andalusia West and Red Level.[19]

Andalusia East Census Division (1960-70)[edit]

Historical population
Census Pop. Note %±
1960 2,859 —
1970 2,608 −8.8%

Andalusia East Census Division was created in 1960 and contained the towns of Babbie, Heath, Libertyville and Sanford. In 1980, it was consolidated into Andalusia Census Division.

Andalusia West Census Division (1960-70)[edit]

Historical population
Census Pop. Note %±
1960 2,014 —
1970 1,576 −21.7%

Andalusia West Census Division was created in 1960. It did not contain any incorporated communities, and included the rural area west of the city of Andalusia to the Conecuh County line. In 1980, it was consolidated into Andalusia Census Division.

  • Cable TV Station
  • WKNI 25 community interests
  • Radio stations
  • Newspaper
    • Andalusia Star-News (daily)

Education[edit]

Primary and secondary public education is provided by Andalusia City Schools, which consists of Andalusia Elementary School (Pre-K through 6th Grade), Andalusia Jr. High School (7th and 8th Grade), and Andalusia High School (9th through 12th Grade). Students can continue their studies at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College.

Transportation[edit]

Intercity bus service is provided by Greyhound Lines.[20]

Sites on the National Register of Historic Places[edit]

Notable people[edit]

  • Harold Albritton, U.S. district court judge
  • Dempsey J. Barron, President of the Florida Senate from 1975 to 1976
  • Charles Brooks, editorial cartoonist
  • James U. Cross, retired U.S. Air Force brigadier general and chief Air Force One pilot under president Lyndon B. Johnson
  • Cecil O. De Loach, Jr., California grape-grower and winemaker
  • Quinton Dial, defensive tackle for the Alabama Crimson Tide
  • Irwin Gunsalus, biochemist; assistant secretary general at the United Nations
  • Seth Hammett, Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives
  • Robert Horry, basketball player, one of only two players to have won the National Basketball Association championship with three different teams
  • Nico Johnson, one of two members of the University of Alabama’s football team to start in their National Championship victories in 2009, 2011 and 2012
  • Alexa Jones, Miss Alabama 2005 and Miss America 2006 (second runner-up)[21]
  • T. D. Little, member of Alabama Senate and House of Representatives
  • Lamar Morris, country music singer
  • Frank J. Tipler, mathematical physicist and cosmologist; author of books and papers about a mechanism for the resurrection of the dead

Gallery[edit]

  • Andalusia Public Library, 2014

    Andalusia Public Library, 2014

  • 115 Sixth Avenue, Andalusia

    115 Sixth Avenue, Andalusia

  • 208 S. Cotton Street, Andalusia

    208 S. Cotton Street, Andalusia

  • Clark Theatre, Andalusia
  • 8-14 Court Square, Andalusia

    8-14 Court Square, Andalusia

  • 201 South Three Notch Street, Andalusia

    201 South Three Notch Street, Andalusia

  • First United Methodist, Andalusia

    First United Methodist, Andalusia

  • 121 Central Street, Andalusia

    121 Central Street, Andalusia

  • Andalusia High School
  • Andalusia Ballet School (formerly Church Street School), Andalusia

    Andalusia Ballet School (formerly Church Street School), Andalusia

  • Andalusia Junior High School

    Andalusia Junior High School

  • Andalusia City Hall
  • Old L&N Depot, Andalusia
  • Bank of Andalusia
  • Covington County Alabama Courthouse

    Covington County Alabama Courthouse

  • Covington County Alabama Jail

    Covington County Alabama Jail

  • Covington County Alabama Courthouse

    Covington County Alabama Courthouse

  • Three Notch Museum

References[edit]

  1. ^ “2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files”. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 29, 2021.
  2. ^ Hoskins Morton, Patricia (December 10, 2009). “Covington County”. Encyclopedia of Alabama. Retrieved January 27, 2010.
  3. ^ Owen, Thomas McAdory; Marie Bankhead Owen (1921). History of Alabama and dictionary of Alabama biography, Volume 1. The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company. p. 716.
  4. ^ “Community – History of Andalusia”. City of Andalusia official site. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
  5. ^ “US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990”. United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  6. ^ “Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Andalusia city, Alabama”. U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved June 9, 2014.
  7. ^ “Andalusia, Alabama Köppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase)”. Weatherbase.
  8. ^ “NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data”. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 9, 2021.
  9. ^ “Station: Andalusia 3 W, AL”. U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 9, 2021.
  10. ^ “Monthly Highest Max Temperature and Monthly Lowest Min Temperature for Andalusia 3 W, Al”. Applied Climate Information System. Retrieved June 9, 2021.
  11. ^ a b c d “U.S. Decennial Census”. Census.gov. Retrieved June 6, 2013.
  12. ^ 1880 AL Census
  13. ^ “Explore Census Data”. data.census.gov. Retrieved December 17, 2021.
  14. ^ “U.S. Census website”. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 20, 2015.
  15. ^ “U.S. Census website”. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  16. ^ a b c d e “Fact Sheet- Andalusia city, Alabama”. American Fast Facts. United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved January 27, 2010.
  17. ^ “Geographic Comparison Table- Alabama”. American Fast Facts. United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020.
  18. ^ 1960 AL Census
  19. ^ 1980 AL Census
  20. ^ “Vinny’s in Andalusia, Alabama | Greyhound”. www.greyhound.com.
  21. ^ “Alexa Jones: Miss Alabama”. Country Music Television.

External links[edit]

Media related to Andalusia, Alabama at Wikimedia Commons