Population126,483 (2025 est.)
River City History and Wings Over Wetlands
Morgan County, AlabamaMorgan County brings Decatur, Hartselle and smaller north Alabama communities into a landscape connected with the Tennessee River. Decatur is the county seat, while Somerville offers a link to an earlier center of county government. Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge adds a different reason to explore the area, especially for those interested in birds and wetland habitats. Follow the county’s historical records, its communities or its nearby natural spaces to find your own starting point.
Morgan County at a Glance
Population126,483 (2025 est.)
County SeatDecatur
Largest CityDecatur
Established1818
ZIP CodesSee postal resources
Total Area, Including Water599 sq mi (total)
Major RoutesSee transportation resources
Area CodesVaries by community
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Discover Morgan County
Morgan County
Morgan County began in 1818 under the name Cotaco County, before Alabama became a state. It received its present name in 1821 in honor of Revolutionary War general Daniel Morgan. Somerville served as an earlier county seat, with Decatur later becoming the center of county government. The county archives preserve another route into this history through local records. Looking between those civic centers helps connect the county's territorial beginnings with the communities that developed across north Alabama.
Decatur and Hartselle provide two useful community anchors, while Somerville adds a historical stop beyond them. For a nature outing, Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge offers a chance to learn about wetland habitats and seasonal bird movements in the Decatur area. Check the refuge's current visitor information when planning a visit, since access and activities can vary. A county visit can balance that outdoor focus with time exploring local history through the archives.
What Shapes Us
Territorial Beginnings
The county's original Cotaco name and its later change to Morgan connect present communities with the period just before and after Alabama became a state.
Birds and Wetlands
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge protects important habitat near Decatur, giving visitors a local connection to seasonal waterfowl movements and the work of wildlife conservation.
Local Records
The county archives offer a starting point for exploring historical records, complementing visits to Decatur, Somerville and other communities with a deeper documentary perspective.
Discover the river region through history and habitat.
A Closer Look
Morgan County
Places and perspectives from Morgan County
Morgan County headlines via Google News
Hurricane Isaias threatens north Alabama with damaging winds - Decatur Daily
Hurricane Isaias threatens north Alabama with damaging winds Decatur Daily
Read the Story Oct 9, 2026 • 2 min read
Around Morgan County
Stories from every corner of Morgan County.
Hurricane Isaias threatens north Alabama with damaging winds - Decatur Daily
Hurricane Isaias threatens north Alabama with damaging winds Decatur Daily
Oct 9, 2026 • 2 min read
Capital murder conviction upheld in case of Morgan County father killed day of custody hearing - 1819 News
Capital murder conviction upheld in case of Morgan County father killed day of custody hearing 1819 News
Sep 30, 2026 • 2 min read
Attorney General Marshall Announces Court of Criminal Appeals Upholds Capital Murder Conviction in Morgan County - Alabama Attorney General's Office (.gov)
Attorney General Marshall Announces Court of Criminal Appeals Upholds Capital Murder Conviction in Morgan County Alabama Attorney General's Office…
Sep 29, 2026 • 2 min read
Woman killed, child injured in Morgan County crash - WAFF
Woman killed, child injured in Morgan County crash WAFF
Sep 21, 2026 • 2 min read
Delayed grand jury indictments clog Morgan County court system - Decatur Daily
Delayed grand jury indictments clog Morgan County court system Decatur Daily
Sep 19, 2026 • 2 min read
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Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
County Resources
Find the Right Local Connection
Start with the organization responsible for the service you need. Follow its official link for current requirements, office locations and availability.
Government
Schools
Public school contacts
Selected local schools from the NCES 2024-2025 directory. Contact the school or district to confirm enrollment, attendance boundaries and current services; this is not a complete school list.
Austinville Elementary School – Elementary; grades PK-05. 2320 Clara Ave SW, Decatur, AL 35601. 256-552-3050.
Barkley Bridge Elementary School – Elementary; grades KG-04. 2333 Barkley Bridge Rd, Hartselle, AL 35640. 256-773-1931.
DanvilleNeel Elementary School – Elementary; grades PK-04. 8688 Danville Rd, Danville, AL 35619. 256-773-7183.
Austin High School – High; grades 09-12. 3004 Modaus Road, Decatur, AL 35601. 256-552-3060.
Austin Middle School – Middle; grades 06-07. 2715 Danville Rd SW, Decatur, AL 35603. 256-552-4622.
Austin Junior High School – Secondary; grades 08-09. 1625 Danville Road SW, Decatur, AL 35601. 256-552-3060.
Eva School – Elementary; grades PK-08. 20 School Rd, Eva, AL 35621. 256-796-5141.
Hospitals
Local hospital contacts
Facility contacts from the CMS Hospital General Information directory, updated July 22, 2026. Contact the facility directly to confirm current services and appointment arrangements.
Decatur Morgan Hospital – Decatur Campus – Acute Care Hospitals. 1201 7Th Street Se, Decatur, AL 35601. 256-341-2000.
Public Safety
Emergency Services
Parks & Public Lands
Start with the county’s public information and department directory for local contacts and service information.
Trails
Start with the county’s public information and department directory for local contacts and service information.
Utilities
Libraries
Local library contacts
Locations and public phone numbers are from the IMLS FY2024 Public Libraries Survey. Call the branch to confirm current hours and services before visiting.
Decatur Public Library – 504 Cherry Street Ne, Decatur, AL 35602. 256-353-2993.
Eva Public Library – 4549 Highway 55 East, Eva, AL 35621. 256-796-8638.
Falkville Public Library – 7 North 1St Avenue, Falkville, AL 35622. 256-784-5822.
Hartselle – William Bradford Huie Library Of Hartselle – 152 Sparkman Street Nw, Hartselle, AL 35640. 256-773-9880.
Somerville Public Library – 192 Broad Street, Somerville, AL 35670. 256-778-9779.
Linda Duran Public Library – 1612 S. Bethel Rd, Decatur, AL 35603. 256-584-0230.
Courts
DMV
Alabama — Driver License Offices
Alabama — License and ID Cards
Alabama — Driver Records, Crash Reports, and Driver License Reinstatements
Transportation
Start with the county’s public information and department directory for local contacts and service information.
Postal Services
USPS location finder — Search by street address, city or ZIP Code for nearby post offices, collection boxes and available services.
USPS ZIP Code lookup — Find the mailing ZIP Code for a specific street address.
USPS Hold Mail — Arrange a temporary mail hold and review identity-verification requirements.
USPS change of address and forwarding — Review forwarding options and submit an address-change request through USPS.
USPS package pickup — Check pickup availability for your address and schedule eligible shipments.
Veterans
National services available to local residents
VA accredited representatives — Find help with VA claims and benefit applications.
VA health care applications — Review application options and supporting information.
VA disability claims — Find the official steps for submitting a disability claim.
GI Bill and education benefits — Review how to apply for VA education benefits.
Veteran career and employment support — Explore VA employment, training and career assistance.
Employment
National services available to local residents
USAJOBS federal employment — Search federal openings by location and occupation.
Apprenticeship Finder — Search apprenticeship opportunities by location and occupation.
My Next Move career exploration — Explore occupations, industries and career interests.
Government job-training resources — Find routes to state training programs and support for different job seekers.
Unemployment benefit guidance — Find your state program and its application and eligibility information.
Get to Know Morgan County
Useful answers for residents, visitors and anyone planning their next step.
Local Questions
Morgan County Questions, Answered
Explore practical details about the county and the organizations that serve it.
126,483 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate). This is a dated Census Bureau estimate, rather than a live resident count.
599.051 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography). The total combines land and water area.
Start with Community Corrections, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Emergency Management Agency, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Environmental Services/Recycling, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Human Resources, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Veterans Affairs, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Morgan County Commission, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Start with Courts, linked from the government source used for this county. Check that page for current details before visiting or submitting a request.
Yes. The county was created as Cotaco County in 1818 and renamed Morgan County in 1821. Its official historical account explains the earlier name and the change. Morgan County historical account.
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge provides information about its habitats, visitor facilities and seasonal bird activity. Check the refuge’s current notices before choosing a route or facility to visit. Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge.
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
My Local Guide
Local Businesses
Businesses Serving Morgan CountyExplore the businesses listed for this county.
Businesses serving Morgan County
Additional county facts: county overview and references.
Connect with local businesses.Morgan County