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Arab, Alabama Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

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The current estimated population of Arab is 8,300, with a gender distribution of 48% male and 52% female. The population has grown modestly in recent years, benefiting from its proximity to Huntsville and its appeal as a small, family-friendly town.

City Facts

  • Year founded: 1882
  • County: Marshall County
  • Land area: 12.7 square miles
  • Population density: 654 people per square mile
  • Area code: 256
  • Zip code: 35016

Geography and Location

Arab is located in northern Alabama, within Marshall County, about 25 miles south of Huntsville. The town sits on top of Brindlee Mountain, a plateau that is part of the southernmost extension of the Appalachian Mountains. Arab’s elevated location provides scenic views and a slightly cooler climate than the surrounding valleys, with warm, humid summers and mild winters. The town is part of the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area, making it a popular residential community for people who work in Huntsville, home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and numerous defense contractors. Arab is connected to the surrounding region via U.S. Highway 231, which runs through the town, providing easy access to Huntsville and Birmingham. The local economy is based on a mix of manufacturing, retail, and services, with a strong focus on family-oriented living. Arab hosts several community events throughout the year, contributing to its small-town charm. The town’s combination of proximity to larger cities, outdoor recreational opportunities, and a family-friendly atmosphere make it an attractive place to live.

Demographics

Median resident age: 39.6 years
Median household income: $36,716
Median house value: $91,800

Population by Race

Races in Arab:

  • White Non-Hispanic (97.9%)
  • American Indian (0.9%)
  • Hispanic (0.7%)

Ancestries: United States (16.9%), Irish (14.1%), English (11.7%), German (8.4%), Scotch-Irish (2.7%), Dutch (2.4%).

Elevation: 1087 feet

Land area: 12.8 square miles

Map of Arab, AL

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Arab

  • High school or higher: 80.0%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 21.5%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 7.7%
  • Unemployed: 4.1%
  • Mean travel time to work: 26.5 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Arab city

  • Never married: 16.0%
  • Now married: 59.3%
  • Separated: 1.4%
  • Widowed: 10.5%
  • Divorced: 12.8%

1.1% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +728 (+11.3%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Arab:

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Arab:

  • HUNTSVILLE INTL-CARL T JONES FIELD (about 29 miles; HUNTSVILLE, AL; Abbreviation: HSV)
  • BIRMINGHAM INTL (about 57 miles; BIRMINGHAM, AL; Abbreviation: BHM)
  • TALLADEGA MUNI (about 61 miles; TALLADEGA, AL; Abbreviation: ASN)

Other public-use airports nearest to Arab:

  • GUNTERSVILLE MUNI – JOE STARNES FIELD (about 17 miles; GUNTERSVILLE, AL; Abbreviation: 8A1)
  • THE ALBERTVILLE MUNI-THOMAS J BRUMLIK FLD (about 19 miles; ALBERTVILLE, AL; Abbreviation: 8A0)
  • FOLSOM FIELD (about 25 miles; CULLMAN, AL; Abbreviation: 3A1)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Arab:

  • ALABAMA A & M UNIVERSITY (about 28 miles; NORMAL, AL; Full-time enrollment: 4,886)
  • GEORGE C WALLACE STATE COMMUNITY COLL-HANCEVILLE (about 29 miles; HANCEVILLE, AL; Full-time enrollment: 3,272)
  • UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN HUNTSVILLE (about 30 miles; HUNTSVILLE, AL; Full-time enrollment: 4,795)
  • JOHN C CALHOUN STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 39 miles; DECATUR, AL; Full-time enrollment: 4,547)
  • JEFFERSON STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 50 miles; BIRMINGHAM, AL; Full-time enrollment: 3,279)
  • GADSDEN STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 54 miles; GADSDEN, AL; Full-time enrollment: 3,360)
  • BEVILL STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 55 miles; SUMITON, AL; Full-time enrollment: 2,670)

Schools

Public high school in Arab:

  • ARAB HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 1,014; Location: 511 ARABIAN DR NE; Grades: 08 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Arab:

  • ARAB PRIMARY SCHOOL (Students: 603; Location: 121 MIMOSA ST NE; Grades: PK – 02)
  • ARAB JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 559; Location: 911 OLD CULLMAN RD; Grades: 06 – 08)
  • ARAB ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 529; Location: 241 8TH AVE NE; Grades: 03 – 05)
  • GRASSY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 297; Location: 2233 SHOAL CREEK RD; Grades: PK – 04)

Libraries

Library in Arab:

  • ARAB PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $213,640; Location: 325 2ND STREET NW; 43,408 books; 1,225 audio materials; 1,153 video materials; 72 serial subscriptions)

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