The wealth of resources you'll find in Arab, Alabama may be packaged a little
differently than those found in larger cities. But it's those differences that
make life and work here so very worthwhile. Take our people, for instance. Here
there are real people, who still live for the values American dreams are made
of - a hard day's work, and love of life and God and country. Then, there's our
land. A land overflowing with unspoiled rivers and lakes, dark rich soil, towering
trees and plenty of wide open spaces - all the room you need to grow. And, of
course, there is our industry...innovative, sophisticated center of technology
and manufacturing, and untapped potential for companies to grow and build for
years to come. Consider all the things about Arab that make life and work so rich.
Once you do, there's a very good chance you'll want to consider it home. Arab,
Alabama. Consider it Home.
Location
Located in Northeast Alabama, Arab is one of the highest incorporated cities
in Alabama. 1,125 feet above sea level, on top of Brindlee Mountain, Arab is approximately
65 miles northeast of Birmingham and 25 miles south of Huntsville.
Population
The Arab area is one of the most densely settled rural areas in the United States.
Between 1990-1995 Marshall County ranked 6th in growth among all Alabama counties
and 1st among all non-metropolitan counties. Arab itself experienced a growth
of 16.3%, the highest in the county, between 1970-1997.
|
|
2000** |
1992**
|
1989**
|
1986**
|
1984**
|
1970*
|
|
|
County
|
82,732 |
72,281 |
74,136 |
71,500 |
68,700 |
54,211
|
|
|
City
|
7,350 |
6,537 |
N.D.
|
6,600
|
6,282
|
4,399
|
|
|
* U.S. Census-actual
** Census Bureau estimate
N.D. no data available currently |
|
|
|
|
|
Climate
Arab's annual average temperature is 60 degrees F. Rainfall averages 62.64 inches.
The growing season extends from April through late October with prevailing winds
at six miles per hour. The city's altitude is 1,125 feet above sea level.
Government
A mayor and five-member city council govern Arab.
Education
Arab City Schools rank among the top in the state and students have traditionally
scored well above average on standardized tests in comparison with students in
both the state and nation.
Health Care
Marshall Medical Center North provides the area with a skilled medical staff
and the latest technology in medical care. Other facilities for health care in
the area include Marshall County Health Department, Arab Health and Rehabilitation
Center, Marshall-Jackson Mental health Center and Therapy Plus Center. Serving
the area are 104 physicians. <>
Religion
Most Protestant denominations are represented in the city and include the following:
Baptist, Methodist, Church of Christ, Church of God and Assembly of God. Catholic
and Episcopal churches are located in Guntersville, 10 miles away.
Recreation
Recreational facilities and activities are key ingredients in the family-oriented
lifestyle prevalent in the Arab community. Activities include organized sports
such as softball, baseball, football, basketball, swimming, and soccer. Many regional
and district softball and baseball tournaments are held in Arab, Facilities at
the Arab City Park include a walking trail, ten softball and a baseball fields,
playground and picnic facilities, two community centers, a tournament size swimming
pool, volleyball courts, a football field, and eight tennis courts. All outdoor
sports fields are lighted for night use. The Thompson/Edison Park located on the
west side of town boasts a 26 acre complex consisting of a 5,000 foot walking
trail and three soccer fields, one of which is egulation size. An indoor gymnasium,
racquetball courts and meeting rooms also contribute to sports facilities available
to the public. Golfing facilities are also prevalent with two eighteen-hole courses
located inside the city limits. Several other eighteen-hole courses are located
within the immediate area. Cherokee Ridge Golf Community is just a short drive
from Arab, as well as Hampton Cove Golf Community, one of the many Robert Trent
Jones Golf Courses, which is approximately 34 miles from Arab.
Beautiful Lake Guntersville, located ten miles away, offers more than 69,000
acres of water for recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating. Lake
Guntersville State Park offers primitive and improved camping facilities as well
as cabins/chalets and a resort lodge with extensive meeting facilities and an
eighteen hole golf course.
Communication
The Arab Tribune, a twice weekly newspaper, informs residents of local events.
Huntsville and Birmingham newspapers are delivered daily.
Online news and information covering the local area is provided by www.arab-today.com
Local radio is provided by WRAB-AM and WAFN-FM.
A number of television stations in a 50-mile radius, provide information and
entertainment representing all major networks. Full service cable TV is available
offering national coverage, movie channnels and pay per view.
Broad band internet access is provided via DSL or Cable. Dial-up access is provided
via local phone lines.
Agriculture
Marshall County's agricultural production contributes heavily to the area's economy,
with the poultry business as the leading industry. Production of truck crops,
hay and cattle plays a significant role in the county's economic picture.
Industry
Marshall County industries enjoy the benefit of having the least expensive electricity
in the nation furnished by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Local industries provide
a major source of income for area residents. Industries are varied and manufacture
such diverse product as silk flower arrangements, chemicals, monofilament, hydraulic
cylinders and electronic components.
Labor
The number of workers available in the labor market includes 17,600 manufacturing
workers and 32,600 non-manufacturing workers.
Transportation
U.S. Highway 231 and Alabama Highway 69 serve Arab. Four motor freight transportation
companies serve the Arab area. Commercial air service is also available in Huntsville
and Birmingham, each approximately a one-hour drive.
Utilities
The Arab Electric Cooperative, Inc. provides electricity to area residents. The
City of Arab Water Works supplies the water, with a current plant capacity of
4,500,000 gallons per day. Average daily consumption is 3.2 million gallons per
day. The Tennessee River is the City's water source, Marshall County Gas District
supplies natural gas to the area. The City of Arab has two sewage treatment plants
that have a capacity of 1,800,000 gallons per day.
Telephone Service
Otelco Telephone Company provides approximately 13,000 customers in the Arab
area with comprehensive telecommunications services. In addition to basic telephone
service, many special calling features are available to residential and business
customers. All services are tailored to meet customer needs.
Wireless phone service is provided by most major carriers.
