Selma is a city in Alabama located on the banks of the Alabama River in Dallas County, Alabama, of which it is the county seat. As of the last census, the population of the city is 20,512. The city is known for the Selma to Montgomery marches, three civil rights marches that began in this city.
Selma is located at 32°24'26"N, 87°1'16"W.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 37.4 km2 (14.4 mi2). 35.9 km2 (13.9 mi2) of it is land and 1.5 km2 (0.6 mi2) of it is water. The total area is 4.02% water.
The ZIP codes for Selma are 36701 and 36703. 36702 is a ZIP code used only for P.O. Boxes, but 36701 is a standard ZIP code.
As of the census of 2000, there are 20,512 people, 8,196 households, and 5,343 families residing in the city. The population density is 571.4/km2 (1,479.6/mi2). There are 9,264 housing units at an average density of 258.1/km2 (668.3/mi2). The racial makeup of the city is 28.77% White, 69.68% Black or African American, 0.10% Native American, 0.56% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.22% from other races, and 0.66% from two or more races.
There are 8,196 households out of which 30.3% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.2% are married couples living together, 27.2% have a female householder with no husband present, and 34.8% are non-families. 32.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 14.6% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.44 and the average family size is 3.10.
In the city the population is spread out with 27.3% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 24.9% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 16.3% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 78.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 72.0 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $21,261, and the median income for a family is $28,345. Males have a median income of $29,769 versus $18,129 for females. The per capita income for the city is $13,369. 31.7% of the population and 26.9% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 41.8% of those under the age of 18 and 28.0% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Native American lore states that Selma is built where Chief Tuskaloosa met with explorer DeSoto. The site was officially recorded in 1732 as Ecor Bienville, then later as the Moore's Bluff settlement. In 1820, Selma (meaning "high seat" or "throne") was incorporated. It was planned and named by future Vice President of the United States William R. King.
During the Civil War, it was one of the South's main military manufacturing centers, producing tons of supplies and munitions, and turning out Confederate warships such as the Ironclad warship Tennessee, resulting in the Battle of Selma. Union General J. H. Wilson's troops destroyed Selma's army arsenal and factories, and much of the city, in a fiery, bloody siege.
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Selma, AL
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