Owens Cross Roads
cityOwens Cross Roads is a city located in Madison County, Alabama, and is part of the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. As of 2020, the population was 2,594, but recent estimates for 2026 put the population at 3,415. The city offers a blend of rural and suburban living, attracting families and retirees with its friendly atmosphere and convenient location near Huntsville. The city's economy is supported by a mix of white- and blue-collar jobs, with significant employment in professional, scientific, technical services, healthcare, and construction. While specific major employers within the city are not readily available, its proximity to Huntsville provides access to a wide range of job opportunities in the space, high-tech, and defense sectors. The median household income is approximately $86,188, with a poverty rate around 10.14%. Owens Cross Roads is known for its strong sense of community and access to outdoor recreation. The city's history dates back to the early 1800s, and it was officially incorporated in 1967. The city is currently working to improve its infrastructure to accommodate future growth, including the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant scheduled to be completed in 2026.
Owens Cross Roads, Alabama
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 01-57504
- Country
- United States
- County
- Madison County
- Region
- Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area
- Elevation
- 584 ft
- Total Area
- 7.97 sq mi
- Land Area
- 7.853 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.118 sq mi
- Latitude
- 34.58833
- Longitude
- -86.48083
- Climate
- Owens Cross Roads has a warm and humid climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Rainfall is plentiful throughout the year, with occasional storms in spring and summer. Snowfall is rare.
- Neighboring Areas
- Huntsville · New Hope · Paint Rock
- Population (2020)
- 2,594
- Est. Population (2026)
- 3,415
- Median Age
- 32.1
- Median Income
- $86,188
- Poverty Rate
- 10.14%
- Family Households
- 73.1%
- Owner-Occupied
- 84.6%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of Owens Cross Roads is 79.55% White, 2.23% Black or African American, 1.34% Native American, 1.34% Asian, and 9.48% Two or more races. 5.2% of the population is Hispanic or Latino.
- Government Type
- Mayor-Council
- Governing Body
- City Council
- School District
- Madison County School System
- Municipal Services
- Police · Volunteer Fire Department · Public Works · Parks & Recreation
- Unemployment Rate
- 2.5%
- Economic Profile
- Residential/suburban · Commercial growth
- Employment Sectors
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services · Health Care & Social Assistance · Construction
- School Districts
- Madison County School System
- Transportation
- U.S. Route 431
- Utilities
- Municipal water (provided by Owens Cross Roads Water Authority) · Electric Department · Telephone & Internet
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Hays Nature Preserve · Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Hampton Cove · Burke Park
- Parks & Trails
- Aldridge Creek Greenway · Big Cove Creek Greenway · Mark Russell Recreational Center
- Founded
- Early 1800s
- Incorporated
- 1967
- Named After
- Thomas J. Owens, who built his home at the intersection of two roads
- Historical Significance
- Owens Cross Roads served as a stop for travelers between Huntsville and Guntersville and relied heavily on cotton cultivation in its early history.
- Key Events
- First appeared on maps in 1850 · Post office established in 1861 · Incorporated as a town on October 9, 1967 · Became a city on October 10, 2022