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Saraland, Alabama
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Saraland is a city in Mobile County, Alabama, United States, and a suburb of Mobile. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 16,171,[2] up from 13,405 at the 2010 census. Saraland, part of the Mobile metropolitan area, is the third largest city in Mobile County.
Key Information
Geography
[edit]Saraland is located at 30°49′31″N 88°5′31″W / 30.82528°N 88.09194°W (30.825186, -88.091932).[3] It is bordered to the southwest by the city of Prichard, to the south by Chickasaw, to the east by the undeveloped northern end of Mobile, and to the northeast by Satsuma and Creola.
U.S. Route 43 (Saraland Boulevard) and Interstate 65 are the main north–south routes through Saraland. U.S. 43 leads south 9 miles (14 km) to downtown Mobile and north 55 miles (89 km) to Jackson, while I-65 leads south 15 miles (24 km) to its terminus at Interstate 10 in southwestern Mobile, and northeast 157 miles (253 km) to Montgomery, the state capital.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Saraland has a total area of 32.4 square miles (84 km2), of which 0.32 square miles (0.83 km2), or 0.68%, are water.[1] The city is drained by Bayou Sara, an east-flowing tributary of the Mobile River.
History
[edit]The land area that was to become the present-day Saraland was included in a Spanish land grant to Don Diego Alvarez. Hence, descendants of Alvarez were the ones to give the community its first name: Alvarez Station. Later land squatters moved into the area and were able, legally, in 1800 to begin purchasing property. In 1807, a land office was opened in St. Stephens to handle all land transactions. Some of the pioneer families who seized the opportunity to buy up sections were named Alvarez, Rice, Hartley, Moore, LaCoste, Williams, Tool and Cleveland. Eventually, Alvarez Station was called Cleveland Station. The present name of the city is reported to have been given by C.J. DeWitt, a retired minister editor who moved south in 1890 for health reasons. He opened the first post office on the Southern Railroad in 1895. The community is purported to be the namesake of his beloved wife, Sara.
Saraland was sparsely populated during the first part of the 20th century, until an industrial and population boom occurred in neighboring Mobile. Northward expansion of Mobile in the 1940s and 50s brought about the incorporation of Saraland in 1957. At the time of incorporation, the city reported only 125 residents. By the 1960 U.S. Census, annexations had swelled the population to 4,595. In 1980, census figures cited 9,844 Saraland residents. As of the 2020 census, Saraland's population had grown to 16,171.[2]
The worst rail disaster in the history of Amtrak occurred just east of Saraland on Big Bayou Canot on September 22, 1993. At approximately 2:53 AM, Amtrak's Sunset Limited train, powered by three locomotives, and en route from Los Angeles to Miami with 220 passengers and crew aboard, crossed the Bayou Canot bridge at high speed and derailed at a kink in the track caused by a barge captain who rammed the bridge by making a wrong turn in the waterway and failed to report the accident. 47 people, of whom 42 were passengers, were killed, many by drowning, others by fire. Much of the rescue efforts were average citizens of the community who journeyed out in the early morning hours in small fishing boats to help at the scene.
Demographics
[edit]| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 4,595 | — | |
| 1970 | 7,840 | 70.6% | |
| 1980 | 9,833 | 25.4% | |
| 1990 | 11,751 | 19.5% | |
| 2000 | 12,288 | 4.6% | |
| 2010 | 13,405 | 9.1% | |
| 2020 | 16,171 | 20.6% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[4] | |||
2000 census
[edit]At the 2000 census there were 12,288 people in 4,810 households, including 3,602 families, in the city. The population density was 560.9 inhabitants per square mile (216.6/km2). There were 5,138 housing units at an average density of 234.5 per square mile (90.5/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 88.50% White, 8.97% Black or African American, 0.56% Native American, 0.46% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.37% from other races, and 1.13% from two or more races. 1.17% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.[5]
Of the 4,810 households 31.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.0% were married couples living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.1% were non-families. 21.2% of households were one person and 8.1% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 2.97.
The age distribution was 23.4% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 29.3% from 25 to 44, 24.4% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% 65 or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.2 males.
The median household income was $38,318 and the median family income was $43,471. Males had a median income of $35,431 versus $22,787 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,470. About 7.4% of families and 9.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.2% of those under age 18 and 8.9% of those age 65 or over.
2010 census
[edit]At the 2010 census there were 13,405 people in 5,208 households, including 3,757 families, in the city. The population density was 558.5 inhabitants per square mile (215.6/km2). There were 5,828 housing units at an average density of 266.1 per square mile (102.7/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 83.7% White, 12.0% Black or African American, 0.8% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.5% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. 2.5% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.[6]
Of the 5,208 households 27.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.4% were married couples living together, 13.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.9% were non-families. 22.8% of households were one person and 10.0% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 2.01.
The age distribution was 22.9% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 27.5% from 45 to 64, and 15.8% 65 or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.9 males.
The median household income was $48,721 and the median family income was $54,845. Males had a median income of $44,201 versus $31,235 for females. The per capita income for the city was $22,192. About 8.8% of families and 14.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.3% of those under age 18 and 7.0% of those age 65 or over.
2020 census
[edit]| Race | Num. | Perc. |
|---|---|---|
| White (non-Hispanic) | 12,378 | 76.54% |
| Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 2,261 | 13.98% |
| Native American | 225 | 1.39% |
| Asian | 189 | 1.17% |
| Pacific Islander | 6 | 0.04% |
| Other/Mixed | 801 | 4.95% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 311 | 1.92% |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 16,171 people, 5,171 households, and 3,615 families residing in the city.
Transportation
[edit]Economy
[edit]- Royal Dutch Shell used to operate the Saraland Refinery in Saraland, now owned by Vertex Energy.[8]
- Alorica Telecommunications Center
- China Doll, a brand of rice and beans.
Redwing Carriers, Inc. in Saraland had been identified as having a Superfund site which was at risk from climate change, due to high wildfire hazard potential, flood hazard, or potential for damage in Category 4 or 5 hurricanes.[9] As of September 2, 2014, Redwing Carriers, Inc. in Saraland was removed from the National Priorities List (NPL) because no hazardous waste remains on site.[10]
Education
[edit]Primary and secondary schools
[edit]Public schools
[edit]Saraland is served by the Saraland Board of Education. Residents are zoned to Saraland Early Education Center, Saraland Elementary School, Saraland (formerly Adams) Middle School, and Saraland High School.[11]
In June 2006, the City of Saraland voted to break away from the Mobile County Public School System and form its own school system.[12] The school district came into effect in autumn 2008; at the time Saraland Elementary and Adams Middle were a part of the city district, but high schoolers had to attend county schools because Saraland High School was not yet open.[13] Prior to the split of the City of Saraland from the county system in 2009, Saraland was zoned to Satsuma High School.[14] 2011 was the final year in which Saraland residents were permitted by the county to attend county schools.[15]
Several years prior to 2009 officials of Saraland, Satsuma, and Chickasaw contemplated forming the "Delta School District."[16]
Private schools
[edit]Private schools within Saraland include Evangel Christian School, North Mobile Christian School, and the Saraland Yeshiva right outside of the city limits.
Notable people
[edit]- Matt Peacock (baseball), Professional Baseball Pitcher
- Ann Casey, retired professional wrestler[17]
- Jay Prosch, National Football League fullback for the Houston Texans[18]
- Velus Jones Jr, National Football League wide receiver for the Chicago Bears.[19]
- Cordale Flott, National Football League Cornerback for the New York Giants.[20]
- Ryan Williams (wide receiver), College Wide Receiver for the Alabama Crimson Tide[21]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "2021 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
- ^ a b c "Saraland city, Alabama: 2020 DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171)". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
- ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
- ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". Census.gov. Retrieved June 6, 2013.
- ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
- ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
- ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
- ^ "Shell sells Mobile Chemical LP Refinery to Vertex Energy". May 27, 2021.
- ^ Burkhalter, Eddie (November 22, 2019). "Report: Climate change threatens 11 Alabama superfund sites". Alabama Political Reporter. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
- ^ US EPA, OSRTI. "REDWING CARRIERS, INC. (SARALAND) Site Profile". cumulis.epa.gov. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
- ^ "Schools." Saraland City Schools. Retrieved on October 22, 2010.
- ^ "Education." Saraland Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved on October 22, 2010.
- ^ Lucio, Diana. "Saraland School System Coming Soon Archived 2009-08-08 at the Wayback Machine." WKRG. Saturday November 3, 2007. Retrieved on October 22, 2010.
- ^ Cannon, Jason. "Vickers accepts Saraland position." Demopolis Times. Tuesday June 23, 2009. Retrieved on November 17, 2012.
- ^ Philips, Rena Havner. "Mobile County school system sees dropping enrollment." Mobile Press-Register. Monday December 12, 2011. Retrieved on November 17, 2012.
- ^ Philips, Rena Havner. "Chickasaw officials to examine possible school split Archived June 9, 2011, at the Wayback Machine." Mobile Press-Register. Friday March 27, 2009. Retrieved on March 31, 2009.
- ^ Kociaba, Bill. "Ann Casey: More than just a pretty face". Cauliflower Alley Club. Retrieved March 14, 2015.
- ^ "Jay Prosch". ESPN. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
- ^ "Bears select Velus Jones with No. 71 pick in 2022 draft". NFL.com. Retrieved August 2, 2022.
- ^ "Cordale Flott #28 New York Giants". NFL.com. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
- ^ "Ryan Williams - Football". Alabama Athletics. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
External links
[edit]Saraland, Alabama
View on GrokipediaGeography
Location and Physical Features
Saraland is located in central Mobile County, southwestern Alabama, approximately 10 miles north of downtown Mobile, within the Mobile metropolitan area.[8] The city lies at approximately 30.82°N latitude and 88.07°W longitude.[9] As a suburb of Mobile, Saraland benefits from proximity to the Port of Mobile and Gulf Coast waterways, situated in the East Gulf Coastal Plain physiographic province.[10] The city's land area spans 32.15 square miles as measured in the 2020 census, reflecting boundary expansions from 23.18 square miles in 2010.[3] Elevations average around 30 feet (9 meters) above sea level, with minimal topographic relief typical of the coastal plain region.[11] Soils consist predominantly of sandy topsoils over clayey subsoils, which are highly weathered, nutrient-poor, and acidic, supporting pine-hardwood forests and wetlands in undeveloped areas.[12] Hydrologically, Saraland is drained by Bayou Sara, an east-flowing tributary of the Mobile River, which traverses the city's northern and central sections amid low-lying, water-influenced terrain featuring bayous, marshes, and flood-prone bottomlands.[13] The landscape includes flat to gently undulating plains with scattered sandhills, contributing to a mix of forested uplands and riparian habitats, though urbanization has altered much of the natural cover.[12]Climate and Environmental Factors
Saraland experiences a humid subtropical climate classified as Köppen Cfa, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters with no distinct dry season.[14] Average annual temperatures range from a low of 41°F in winter to a high of 91°F in summer, with July marking the peak at an average high of 92°F and January the coldest at an average low of 39°F.[15] Precipitation is abundant year-round, totaling approximately 66 inches annually, distributed fairly evenly but with higher rainfall in summer due to convective thunderstorms; snowfall is negligible, averaging near zero inches.[16] The region's climate supports lush vegetation but contributes to environmental challenges, including frequent severe weather. Saraland, located inland from Mobile Bay in Mobile County, faces elevated risks from tropical cyclones and associated flooding, as hurricanes and tropical storms track northward from the Gulf of Mexico. Historical data indicate significant impacts from events like Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which affected 255 properties through flooding, and more recent storms exacerbating riverine and flash flood risks.[17] Local hazard assessments rate flood risk as severe, with 81% of the area classified under high disaster vulnerability, driven by heavy rainfall overwhelming drainage systems rather than coastal surge.[18] Other factors include occasional winter freezes that can damage agriculture and infrastructure, though rare, and increasing wildfire potential in drier periods, affecting 7,474 properties over the next 30 years per risk models. Hurricane wind risks remain notable, with predictive maps showing exposure to sustained winds from Gulf-origin storms. These hazards are mitigated through county-level planning, including elevated structures and floodplain management, but climate variability amplifies long-term threats like intensified rainfall events.[19][20]History
Early Settlement and Pre-Incorporation Era
The land area encompassing present-day Saraland was included in a Spanish land grant awarded to Don Diego Alvarez prior to U.S. territorial acquisition.[1] Following the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, which incorporated the region into Mississippi Territory and later Alabama, squatters began occupying the area as early as 1800, drawn by fertile lands near Bayou Sara and proximity to Mobile.[1] These early settlers, often descendants or claimants linked to the Alvarez family, established a rudimentary community initially known as Alvarez Station, reflecting the original proprietor's influence.[21] By the late 19th century, the settlement remained sparse and agrarian, with limited infrastructure beyond basic farming and rail connections via the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, which facilitated minor commerce. In 1890, C.J. DeWitt, a retired minister and newspaper editor from the North seeking milder climate for health reasons, relocated to the area and contributed to its formalization.[1] DeWitt established the first post office in 1895, renaming the community Saraland in honor of his wife, Sara, supplanting prior informal designations like Cleveland Station.[1] Through the early 20th century, Saraland functioned as a small rural enclave within Mobile County, sustained by agriculture, timber, and subsistence activities, with population estimates under 100 residents by the 1930s.[1] No major industries or urban development emerged until post-World War II suburban pressures from Mobile's industrial boom prompted preliminary growth, including improved roads and housing, setting the stage for formal incorporation in 1957 with approximately 125 inhabitants.[1] Prior to this, the area lacked municipal governance, relying on county oversight for basic services amid episodic flooding from nearby waterways.[1]Incorporation and Mid-20th Century Growth
Saraland incorporated as a municipality in 1957 amid the northward suburban expansion of Mobile's population during the preceding two decades. This development stemmed from Mobile's industrial surge, particularly post-World War II economic activity in shipbuilding, petrochemicals, and port operations, which drew migrant labor and prompted residential spillover into adjacent rural areas. At incorporation, Saraland encompassed a modest core area with just 125 residents, primarily agricultural families and early commuters.[22][1] Post-incorporation growth accelerated as Mobile's metropolitan area burgeoned, with Saraland annexing nearby territories to accommodate incoming households seeking affordable housing near employment centers. The proximity to U.S. Highway 43 and emerging rail connections facilitated commuting, while basic municipal services like water and roads were established to support subdivision development. This era marked a transition from sparse rural settlement to a burgeoning bedroom community, driven by causal links to Mobile's labor demand rather than local industry.[1][22] By the 1960 U.S. Census, Saraland's population had surged to 4,595, a more than thirtyfold increase from incorporation levels, underscoring the velocity of mid-century suburbanization in the Gulf Coast region. This expansion reflected broader national trends of post-war baby boom migration to the South, amplified locally by Alabama's industrial corridor growth, though Saraland itself remained light on manufacturing and focused on residential influx. Early infrastructure investments, including schools and utilities, laid foundations for sustained viability amid rapid demographic shifts.[2]Late 20th and 21st Century Expansion
In the late 20th century, Saraland continued its trajectory as a suburban extension of Mobile, with population growth reflecting broader regional economic spillover from industrial and port activities. The city's population increased from approximately 10,809 in 1980 to 12,936 in 1990 and reached 13,870 by 2000, supported by annexation of adjacent lands and development along key transportation corridors like U.S. Route 43 and the emerging Interstate 65 interchange.[4] This expansion was facilitated by residential subdivisions and light industrial zoning, attracting commuters seeking affordable housing outside Mobile's urban core while benefiting from proximity to the Alabama State Docks.[22] Entering the 21st century, Saraland's growth accelerated, with the population rising modestly from 13,943 in 2010 to 16,171 in 2020, and further to an estimated 16,304 by 2023, driven by new residential construction and family-oriented amenities.[4][7] Major developments included proposals for large-scale subdivisions, such as the Southwind project, which adjusted plans in 2024 to build fewer than 750 homes amid community input on infrastructure capacity.[23] The establishment of an independent Saraland city school district in the early 2010s further bolstered appeal to young families, contributing to sustained inbound migration and a 1.21% population increase between 2022 and 2023.[22][7] Economically, the period saw diversification beyond traditional manufacturing, with emphasis on logistics and retail tied to Saraland's strategic position along Interstate 65 and near the Port of Mobile.[24] The city's 2021 comprehensive master plan outlined smart growth strategies, including expanded industrial parks and utilities to accommodate projected employment shifts, though some sectors faced contraction risks.[22] Recent milestones, such as the 2024 groundbreaking for mixed-use projects like The Land at Saraland and incoming restaurants, underscore ongoing commercial vitality, with population projections anticipating further increases supported by lower-than-average living costs and quality schools.[25][26][27] ![Interstate 65 shield][float-right]Demographics
Population Trends and Growth Rates
Saraland's population has grown steadily since the late 20th century, reflecting its role as a suburban extension of the Mobile metropolitan area with industrial and residential development. The U.S. Census Bureau recorded 12,288 residents in the 2000 census, increasing to 13,405 by 2010—a 9.1% decennial growth rate driven by annexation and housing expansion. This upward trajectory accelerated in the following decade, reaching 16,171 in the 2020 census, a 20.6% increase from 2010, outpacing Alabama's statewide growth of 5.1% over the same period and attributable to economic opportunities in nearby petrochemical and manufacturing sectors.[28] Post-2020 estimates indicate moderated but positive growth, with the population estimated at 16,304 in 2023 per American Community Survey data, representing an approximate 0.4% to 1.2% annual rate amid regional migration patterns favoring affordable housing near urban centers.[7][4]| Census Year | Population | Decennial % Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 12,288 | - |
| 2010 | 13,405 | 9.1% |
| 2020 | 16,171 | 20.6% |
Racial, Ethnic, and Socioeconomic Composition
As of the 2020 United States Census, Saraland's population of 16,171 was 79.4% non-Hispanic White, 15.3% non-Hispanic Black or African American, 3.1% two or more races, 0.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, and 0.6% Asian.[7][30] Hispanic or Latino residents of any race constituted 2.0% of the total.[7] These figures reflect a predominantly White suburb with a notable Black minority, consistent with broader patterns in Mobile County, Alabama, where historical settlement and economic factors have shaped residential distributions. Socioeconomically, Saraland exhibits middle-class characteristics. The median household income reached $60,577 in 2023 American Community Survey estimates, exceeding Alabama's statewide median of approximately $59,000 while trailing the national figure of $75,000.[7] The poverty rate was 9.3%, below both state (16.0%) and national (11.5%) averages, with per capita income at $39,669.[31] Educational attainment is relatively high, with 90.8% of residents aged 25 and older holding at least a high school diploma or equivalent, and 23.5% possessing a bachelor's degree or higher—figures surpassing Alabama's 89.5% and 26.8% but lagging national benchmarks of 90.4% and 34.3%. Homeownership stands at 75.7%, indicative of stable family-oriented housing patterns.| Demographic Indicator | Saraland (%) | Alabama (%) | United States (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| High School Graduate or Higher (Age 25+) | 90.8 | 89.5 | 90.4 |
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher (Age 25+) | 23.5 | 26.8 | 34.3 |
| Poverty Rate | 9.3 | 16.0 | 11.5 |
| Homeownership Rate | 75.7 | 70.0 | 66.0 |

