Leeds, Alabama
Encyclopedia
Leeds is a tri-county municipality
located in Jefferson
, St. Clair
, and Shelby
Counties in the U.S. state
of Alabama
. It is a suburb
of Birmingham
. As of the 2009 population estimate, the population of the city is about 11,474.
and the beginning of iron ore production there; the building of the Georgia Pacific Railway from Birmingham
to Atlanta
; and the construction of a Portland Cement manufacturing plant in 1906.
The city recently broke away from the Jefferson County
school system and initiated its own Leeds City school system. Leeds is poised to make a leap forward in development and population as the eastward population shift continues into Jefferson County and St. Clair County
. Leeds has also benefited from the recent addition of the Barber Motorsports Park
and the world's largest Bass Pro Shops
Outlet that opened in November 2008. In November of 2010, The Outlets of Grand River shopping complex opened in proximity to the Motorsports Park and the Bass Pro Shop. These developments are expected to become magnets for visitors and sources of income, as well as significantly increasing the profile of the city.
.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 22.5 square miles (58.3 km²), of which, 22.4 square miles (58 km²) of it is land and 0.2 square mile (0.517997622 km²) of it (0.67%) is water.
of 2000, there were 10,455 people, 4,301 households, and 2,989 families residing in the city. The population density
was 467.9 people per square mile (180.6/km2). There were 4,585 housing units at an average density of 205.2 per square mile (79.2/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 81.98% White
, 15.91% Black
or African American
, 0.34% Native American
, 0.48% Asian
, 0.08% Pacific Islander
, 0.40% from other races
, and 0.81% from two or more races. 1.34% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race.
There were 4,301 households out of which 30.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.6% were married couples
living together, 14.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.5% were non-families. 27.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.95.
In the city the population was spread out with 24.5% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 29.4% from 25 to 44, 24.8% from 45 to 64, and 13.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 91.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $37,420, and the median income for a family was $46,127. Males had a median income of $32,090 versus $23,448 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $18,573. About 10.5% of families and 13.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.6% of those under age 18 and 10.8% of those age 65 or over.
In 2009, the City of Leeds Board of Education authorized the construction—completed by the Wyatt Construction Company—of two new schools, Leeds Middle School and Leeds High School. They began construction in 2009 and now have completed both schools. The Leeds BOE also authorized the renovations of and additions to Leeds Elementary School, which began in 2008. These renovations were made by the Wyatt Construction Company, they include a expanded office and a new awning around the front of the school.
On December 4, 2008 the Leeds High School Green Wave Football team won the Class 3A AHSAA State Football Championship and finishing the year 15-0, beating the Cordova Blue Devils in the Super Six Tournament at historic Legion Field
in Birmingham, Alabama
. On February 28, 2009, the Green Wave Basketball team won the 3A AHSAA State Basketball Championship by defeating Madison Academy, 72-64.
On December 6, 2010 the Green Wave Football team won the Class 3A AHSAA State Football Championship and finishing the year 15-0, beating the Hamiton raiders in the Super Six Tournament on Pat Dye Field at Jordan Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama.
The Leeds High School Track and Field team has won several state championships.
Municipality
A municipality is essentially an urban administrative division having corporate status and usually powers of self-government. It can also be used to mean the governing body of a municipality. A municipality is a general-purpose administrative subdivision, as opposed to a special-purpose district...
located in Jefferson
Jefferson County, Alabama
Jefferson County is the most populous county in the U.S. state of Alabama, with its county seat being located in Birmingham.As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of Jefferson County was 658,466...
, St. Clair
St. Clair County, Alabama
St. Clair County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama.It is a part of the Birmingham–Hoover–Cullman Combined Statistical Area. Its name is in honor of General Arthur St...
, and Shelby
Shelby County, Alabama
Shelby County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama and a part of the Birmingham–Hoover–Cullman Combined Statistical Area. It is named in honor of Isaac Shelby, Governor of Kentucky. The county seat of Shelby County is Columbiana. As of 2010 U.S. Census the population was 195,085. Shelby...
Counties in the U.S. state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
. It is a suburb
Suburb
The word suburb mostly refers to a residential area, either existing as part of a city or as a separate residential community within commuting distance of a city . Some suburbs have a degree of administrative autonomy, and most have lower population density than inner city neighborhoods...
of Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama. The city is the county seat of Jefferson County. According to the 2010 United States Census, Birmingham had a population of 212,237. The Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan Area, in estimate by the U.S...
. As of the 2009 population estimate, the population of the city is about 11,474.
History
Leeds was incorporated on April 27, 1887. Its success due to: the incorporation of nearby BirminghamBirmingham, Alabama
Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama. The city is the county seat of Jefferson County. According to the 2010 United States Census, Birmingham had a population of 212,237. The Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan Area, in estimate by the U.S...
and the beginning of iron ore production there; the building of the Georgia Pacific Railway from Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama. The city is the county seat of Jefferson County. According to the 2010 United States Census, Birmingham had a population of 212,237. The Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan Area, in estimate by the U.S...
to Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in...
; and the construction of a Portland Cement manufacturing plant in 1906.
The city recently broke away from the Jefferson County
Jefferson County, Alabama
Jefferson County is the most populous county in the U.S. state of Alabama, with its county seat being located in Birmingham.As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of Jefferson County was 658,466...
school system and initiated its own Leeds City school system. Leeds is poised to make a leap forward in development and population as the eastward population shift continues into Jefferson County and St. Clair County
St. Clair County, Alabama
St. Clair County is a county of the U.S. state of Alabama.It is a part of the Birmingham–Hoover–Cullman Combined Statistical Area. Its name is in honor of General Arthur St...
. Leeds has also benefited from the recent addition of the Barber Motorsports Park
Barber Motorsports Park
The Barber Motorsports Park is a multi-purpose racing facility located on the eastern fringes of Birmingham, Alabama, USA near Leeds. The facility was the vision of George Barber, and includes the Barber Vintage Motorsport Museum. In July 2009 officials announced that Barber will be the site of...
and the world's largest Bass Pro Shops
Bass Pro Shops
Bass Pro Shops is a privately held retailer of hunting, fishing, camping and related outdoor recreation merchandise. Bass Pro Shops is known for a large selection of hunting, fishing, and other outdoor gear.-History:The owner, John L...
Outlet that opened in November 2008. In November of 2010, The Outlets of Grand River shopping complex opened in proximity to the Motorsports Park and the Bass Pro Shop. These developments are expected to become magnets for visitors and sources of income, as well as significantly increasing the profile of the city.
Geography
Leeds is located at 33°32′44"N 86°33′27"W (33.545592, -86.557388), primarily within Jefferson CountyJefferson County, Alabama
Jefferson County is the most populous county in the U.S. state of Alabama, with its county seat being located in Birmingham.As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the population of Jefferson County was 658,466...
.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 22.5 square miles (58.3 km²), of which, 22.4 square miles (58 km²) of it is land and 0.2 square mile (0.517997622 km²) of it (0.67%) is water.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 10,455 people, 4,301 households, and 2,989 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 467.9 people per square mile (180.6/km2). There were 4,585 housing units at an average density of 205.2 per square mile (79.2/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 81.98% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 15.91% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.34% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.48% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.08% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.40% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.81% from two or more races. 1.34% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race.
There were 4,301 households out of which 30.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.6% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 14.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.5% were non-families. 27.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.95.
In the city the population was spread out with 24.5% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 29.4% from 25 to 44, 24.8% from 45 to 64, and 13.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 91.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $37,420, and the median income for a family was $46,127. Males had a median income of $32,090 versus $23,448 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $18,573. About 10.5% of families and 13.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.6% of those under age 18 and 10.8% of those age 65 or over.
Education
Leeds is served by the Leeds City School District.In 2009, the City of Leeds Board of Education authorized the construction—completed by the Wyatt Construction Company—of two new schools, Leeds Middle School and Leeds High School. They began construction in 2009 and now have completed both schools. The Leeds BOE also authorized the renovations of and additions to Leeds Elementary School, which began in 2008. These renovations were made by the Wyatt Construction Company, they include a expanded office and a new awning around the front of the school.
On December 4, 2008 the Leeds High School Green Wave Football team won the Class 3A AHSAA State Football Championship and finishing the year 15-0, beating the Cordova Blue Devils in the Super Six Tournament at historic Legion Field
Legion Field
Legion Field is a large stadium in Birmingham, Alabama, United States, primarily designed to be used as a venue for American football, but is occasionally used for other large outdoor events. The stadium is named in honor of the American Legion, a U.S. organization of military veterans. At its peak...
in Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham is the largest city in Alabama. The city is the county seat of Jefferson County. According to the 2010 United States Census, Birmingham had a population of 212,237. The Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan Area, in estimate by the U.S...
. On February 28, 2009, the Green Wave Basketball team won the 3A AHSAA State Basketball Championship by defeating Madison Academy, 72-64.
On December 6, 2010 the Green Wave Football team won the Class 3A AHSAA State Football Championship and finishing the year 15-0, beating the Hamiton raiders in the Super Six Tournament on Pat Dye Field at Jordan Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama.
The Leeds High School Track and Field team has won several state championships.
Famous natives
- Charles BarkleyCharles BarkleyCharles Wade Barkley is a former American professional basketball player. Nicknamed "Sir Charles" and "The Round Mound of Rebound", Barkley established himself as one of the National Basketball Association's most dominating power forwards...
, Basketball Hall of FameBasketball Hall of FameThe Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, located in Springfield, Massachusetts, United States, honors exceptional basketball players, coaches, referees, executives, and other major contributors to the game of basketball worldwide...
r - Henry E. ErwinHenry E. ErwinHenry Eugene "Red" Erwin, Sr., was a United States Army Air Forces airman and a recipient of the U.S. military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II. He earned the award as a staff sergeant and radio operator aboard a B-29 Superfortress in the Asia-Pacific theater...
, Medal of Honor recipient - World War II - Kenneth L. Farmer, Jr.Kenneth L. Farmer, Jr.Major General Kenneth Lloyd Farmer Jr. commanded Walter Reed Army Medical Center and North Atlantic Regional Medical Command from June 2004 to August 2006.-Biography:...
MG USA (Ret), Deputy Surgeon General, U.S. Army and Chief of Staff, U.S. Army Medical Command - Caitlín R. KiernanCaitlin R. KiernanCaitlín Rebekah Kiernan is the author of many science fiction and dark fantasy works, including seven novels, many comic books, more than one hundred published short stories, novellas, and vignettes, and numerous scientific papers.- Overview :Born in Dublin, Ireland, she moved to the United States...
, author and paleontologist - William R. Lawley, Jr.William R. Lawley, Jr.William Robert "Bill" Lawley, Jr. was a United States Army Air Forces officer and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.-Biography:...
, Medal of Honor recipient - World War II - Mark MartinMark Martin (cartoonist)Mark Martin is an American cartoonist known for lighthearted humor and satire.-Career:Martin's first major work in the 1980s was Gnatrat, a parody of Batman, featuring a rat who dresses as a gnat to fight crime...
, cartoonist - Alford L. McLaughlinAlford L. McLaughlinMaster Sergeant Alford Lee McLaughlin , the 33rd United States Marine to receive the Medal of Honor for heroism in the Korean fighting, earned the nation’s highest decoration for his intrepid two-machine-gun defense of a lonely outpost on “Bunker Hill.” He was decorated by President Dwight D...
, Medal of Honor recipient - Korean War - Paige Phillips, Miss Alabama 1980; 1st runner-up to Miss America 1981
- Dixie WalkerDixie WalkerFred E. "Dixie" Walker was a right fielder in Major League Baseball who played for the New York Yankees , Chicago White Sox , Detroit Tigers , Brooklyn Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates...
, professional baseball player and coach - Harry WalkerHarry WalkerHarry William Walker, known to baseball fans of the middle 20th century as "Harry the Hat" , was an American baseball player, manager and coach.-Early life and family:...
, professional baseball player and manager - Dennis E. Webb Jr., Nuclear Chemist, Best of Set Awardee