List of unincorporated communities in Alabama facts for kids
Have you ever heard of a town that isn't really a town? In Alabama, there are many places like this called unincorporated communities. These are areas where people live, but they don't have their own local government, like a mayor or a city council. They are not officially recognized as cities or towns.
Think of it this way: when you live in a city, you have a city government that makes rules, collects taxes for local services, and manages things like police and fire departments just for that city. But in an unincorporated community, these services are usually handled by the larger county government.
These communities are different from "Census-designated places" (CDPs). CDPs are areas that the U.S. Census Bureau identifies for statistics, but they also don't have their own local government. Unincorporated communities are even less formal than CDPs. They might be small groups of homes, a crossroads with a store, or just a name on a map where people live close together.
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What are Unincorporated Communities?
Unincorporated communities are places where people live that are not part of any official city or town. This means they don't have their own local government. Instead, the county government takes care of things like roads, public safety, and other services for these areas.
Why do they exist?
Many of these communities started as small settlements, perhaps around a mill, a church, or a general store. Over time, some grew into official towns, but others remained smaller and never formally organized their own government. People living in these areas still have neighbors and a sense of community, even without a city hall.
How are they different from cities?
The main difference is the type of government. Cities and towns have their own elected officials who make decisions for that specific area. Unincorporated communities rely on the county government for most services. This can sometimes mean fewer local services or different rules compared to a nearby city.
Examples of Unincorporated Communities in Alabama
Alabama has many unincorporated communities. Here are just a few examples to show you how varied they can be:
This table shows just a small part of the many unincorporated communities in Alabama. Each one has its own unique history and character, even without a formal city government.
See also
