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Gadsden, AL


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Gadsden, Alabama

Introduction to Gadsden, Alabama

Gadsden, Alabama, in Etowah county, is 57 miles NE of Birmingham, Alabama (center to center) and 94 miles W of Atlanta, Georgia. The city has a population of 38,978.

Gadsden History

Gadsden was first settled by John Riley in 1825. At that time, the settlement was known as Double Springs and was a stagecoach stop on the Huntsville-Rome route. The first steamboat that came to the area was piloted by Captain James Lafferty. It arrived on July 4, 1845. Originally, it was proposed that the city's name be changed to Lafferty's Landing. However, when Lafferty declined the city was named after Colonel James D. Gadsden, who became famous for the Gadsden Purchase.

Gadsden and nearby Attractions

  • Noccalula Falls Park
  • Gadsden Museum of Fine Arts
  • James D. Martin Wildlife Park
  • Imagination Place Children's Museum
  • Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark
  • Huntsville - Madison County Botanical Garden

Things To Do In Gadsden

There are many parks and open spaces in Gadsden including Gadsden Kiwanis Park, North Gadsden Park, Central Recreation Area, Sequoyah Park, and Gadsden Moragne Park. You can also visit Noccalula Falls Park, James D. Martin Wildlife Park, Coosa River, Lookout Mountain, and Gilliland-Reese Covered Bridge. Shopping can be enjoyed at the Gadsden Mall Shopping Center, Agricola Shopping Center, and Genie Drew Village Shopping Center.

Gadsden Transportation

Flights are available from Talladega Municipal Airport.

Gadsden Higher Education

Gadsden State Community College is the local college. George C Wallace State Community Coll-Hanceville, Jacksonville State University, Jefferson State Community College, and many other colleges and universities also offer higher educational facilities.

High Points

Gadsden strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Alabama):

CategoryTrophy
Affordability of Rents
(vs. Peers)
Top 1%trophyGadsden Affordability of Rents
Affordability of Property Taxes
(vs. Peers)
Top 1%trophyGadsden Affordability of Property Taxes
Racial Diversity
(vs. State)
Top 5%trophyGadsden Racial Diversity
Short Commute Times
(vs. State)
Top 14%Gadsden Short Commute Times
Walking and Biking to Work
(vs. State)
Top 14%Gadsden Walking and Biking to Work

Comparative Profile of Gadsden, AL

Comparing Gadsden to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Alabama (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Female Share of the Population108
Senior Citizens109
Age of the Population97
Racial Diversity610
Children Under 5 Years Old56
Well-Paid Single Women26
Well-Paid Single Men15
Male Share of the Population13

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Portion of People Married22
Average Household Size22

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
College Educated Adults27
People Above Poverty13
People in Middle Class or Better14
Median Family Income13

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Short Commute Times89
Walking and Biking to Work29
Working at Home26
Public Transportation Use17

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Affordability of Rents105
Affordability of Property Taxes105
People Living Alone99
Seasonal and Vacation Housing53
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals38
Housing Recently Built21

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Low Violent Crime22
Low Property Crime11

Detailed pages on related topics: Gadsden collegesGadsden travelGadsden mortgage and property.

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Additional Details

Gadsden CareersGadsden Careers
Gadsden career and employment information.
Gadsden CollegesGadsden Colleges
Gadsden colleges and trade schools.
Gadsden Hotels & TravelGadsden Hotels & Travel
Gadsden hotels, landmarks, tourism, transportation.
Gadsden MortgageGadsden Mortgage
Gadsden property, mortgage, and real estate.

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