Houston County was created on February 9, 1903 and is the newest of Alabama‘s 67 counties [1]. It is named for Gov. George Smith Houston of Limestone County. The seat is Dothan, chosen March 16, 1903, which is also the largest city. The 2020 estimate was 105,319 residents across 577 square miles in the southeast corner of the state.
| Created | February 9, 1903 |
|---|---|
| Seat | Dothan |
| Population, 2020 | 105,319 (estimate) |
| Area | 577 square miles |
| Median household income | $49,069 |
| Region | Wiregrass |
History
Most of the county was carved from Henry County, with smaller portions from Dale and Geneva counties. Residents in lower Henry County faced long travel distances to pay taxes and handle legal matters, which drove the push for a new county. The courthouse has been replaced three times, in 1905, 1962 and 2003 [1].
Peanuts and economy
The Wiregrass region produces about one-fourth of the nation’s peanuts, earning the title Peanut Capital of the World. Farming shifted from cotton to peanuts, corn, pecans and livestock after the boll weevil arrived, and hydroelectric power in the 1930s and 1940s helped move the county toward industry. Education and health care employed 24.5 percent of workers in 2020 [1].
Education and attractions
The Houston County School System runs 11 schools and Dothan City Schools 20. Troy University has a Dothan branch campus and Wallace Community College is in Dothan. Attractions include Landmark Park, a 100-acre living-history farm, the National Peanut Festival each fall, the George Washington Carver Interpretive Museum, the Wiregrass Museum of Art and the 1915 Dothan Opera House [1].
Formation and name
Houston County was established on February 9, 1903, from parts of Dale, Geneva and Henry counties and is named for George Smith Houston, the 24th governor of Alabama. It lies in the Wiregrass region of southeast Alabama and covers 582 square miles. It is the only Alabama county bordering both Georgia and Florida.[2]
Population
The county had 107,202 residents in 2020, up from 32,414 in 1910, with a 2025 estimate of 110,318 and a median age of 40.8. Dothan is the county seat and largest city and extends partly into Henry County. About 65.7 percent of residents live in urban areas.[2]
History
The area was developed for pine timber, turpentine production and cotton plantations that relied on enslaved African Americans, who were the majority of early residents until many migrated to northern and midwestern cities in the early twentieth century. Constitutional amendments and other laws after 1900 disenfranchised Black residents and many poor white residents.[2]
FAQs
When was it created? February 9, 1903.
What is the seat? Dothan.
Sources
More in Human Geography
Key facts
- Population 105,3191
Quick checkWhich is Alabama's newest county?Show answer
Houston County, created in 1903.
Sources
- Encyclopedia of Alabama. Houston County. n.d. (accessed 2026-11-10)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 10, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue