Samson, Alabama facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Samson
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Location of Samson in Geneva County, Alabama.
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| Country | United States |
| State | Alabama |
| County | Geneva |
| Area | |
| • Total | 3.63 sq mi (9.40 km2) |
| • Land | 3.62 sq mi (9.37 km2) |
| • Water | 0.01 sq mi (0.02 km2) |
| Elevation | 200 ft (61 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,874 |
| • Density | 517.97/sq mi (199.98/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
36477
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| Area code(s) | 334 |
| FIPS code | 01-67800 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0153310 |
Samson is a city in Geneva County, Alabama, United States. It is part of the Dothan, Alabama Metropolitan Statistical Area. At the 2020 census, the population was 1,874, a decline from the figure of 1,940 tabulated in 2010. Samson incorporated in 1905 (according to the 1910 U.S. Census), although other sources cited 1906.
During the Great Depression, the T.S. Faulk and Company Store in downtown Samson purchased a large shipment of snuff, which remained stationary at the town's depot for an extended period of time. This led to Samson being nicknamed "Snuff City, U.S.A." The nickname is commemorated today with a New Year's drop of a Rooster snuff can.
In an attempt to shed this moniker, several community groups decided to plant extensive beds of red roses along all the roads leading into Samson. With this planting, they hoped the new slogan "City of a Million Roses" would take root. However, as the roses gradually disappeared, the old slogan resurfaced.
The town's current motto is "Samson...We Grow Friendly People." A Samson High School student devised the slogan during a high school contest. This contest received more than 50 entries, and the student emerged as the winner, earning $100. The contest committee deemed his slogan, "Samson-we grow friendly people," as a representation of the agricultural aspect and the amicability of the town.
Geography
Samson is located at 31°6′45″N 86°2′52″W / 31.11250°N 86.04778°W (31.112574, -86.047865).
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.6 square miles (9.3 km2), of which 3.6 square miles (9.3 km2) is land and 0.28% is water.
Demographics
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1910 | 1,350 | — | |
| 1920 | 1,646 | 21.9% | |
| 1930 | 1,656 | 0.6% | |
| 1940 | 2,182 | 31.8% | |
| 1950 | 2,204 | 1.0% | |
| 1960 | 1,932 | −12.3% | |
| 1970 | 2,257 | 16.8% | |
| 1980 | 2,402 | 6.4% | |
| 1990 | 2,190 | −8.8% | |
| 2000 | 2,071 | −5.4% | |
| 2010 | 1,940 | −6.3% | |
| 2020 | 1,874 | −3.4% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 2013 Estimate |
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2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 1,940 people, 814 households, and 513 families living in the city. The population density was 538.9 inhabitants per square mile (208.1/km2). There were 968 housing units at an average density of 268.9 per square mile (103.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 73.3% White, 17.9% Black or African American, 1.1% Native American, 5.2% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. 8.3% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 814 households 25.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.2% were married couples living together, 20.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.0% were non-families. 32.3% of households were one person and 13.6% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 3.05.
The age distribution was 24.6% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 24.8% from 25 to 44, 25.6% from 45 to 64, and 16.4% 65 or older. The median age was 38.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.7 males.
The median household income was $18,768 and the median family income was $25,060. Males had a median income of $29,167 versus $19,682 for females. The per capita income for the city was $11,606. About 31.6% of families and 32.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 44.7% of those under age 18 and 19.4% of those age 65 or over.
2020 census
| Race | Num. | Perc. |
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| White (non-Hispanic) | 1,236 | 65.96% |
| Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 300 | 16.01% |
| Native American | 16 | 0.85% |
| Asian | 4 | 0.21% |
| Other/Mixed | 85 | 4.54% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 233 | 12.43% |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,874 people, 763 households, and 434 families residing in the city.
Notable people
- Roy Brooks — guitarist, lived in Samson from 1971 to 1983
- Terry Owens — football player, San Diego Chargers; graduated from Samson High School in 1962
- James "J.T." Thomas, Jr. — winner of Survivor: Tocantins
- Bill Yates — cartoonist, born in Samson
See also
In Spanish: Samson (Alabama) para niños
