Cherokee County, Alabama Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Cherokee County is located in Alabama with a total population of 25,224. It is the 40th most populous county out of 67 in Alabama.

Age Demographics

The median age in Cherokee County is 47.4 years. This is 21% higher than the state median of 39.3 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Cherokee County is $50,769. This is 18% lower than the state median of $62,027. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 35% lower. The poverty rate stands at 14.5%. This is 7% lower than the state poverty rate of 15.6%. The unemployment rate is 3.4%. This is 29% lower than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $165,900. Housing costs are 15% lower than the state median of $195,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x. 79.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 14% higher than the state average of 69.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

Cherokee County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 90.7% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 3.7%. The Black or African American population (3.7%) is well below the state average of 25.9%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.7%) is well below the state average of 5.4%. The Asian population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 1.4%.

Education

16.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 43% lower than the state rate of 27.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 83.9%.