
History


Agriculture remained the most important segment of Ozark's economy until the outbreak of World War I and the establishment of Camp Rucker. Now called Fort Rucker, the installation is the home of Army Aviation and the newly formed U.S. Army Warrant Officer Career Center. The fort remains a primary driver of Ozark's economy. During the 1990s, Ozark opened the Dale County Agricultural Complex and the High Technology Center to broaden its economy.
Demographics
According to 2016 Census estimates, Ozark recorded a population of 14,721. Of that number, 63.2 percent identified themselves as white, 31.9 percent as African American, 3.1 percent as Hispanic, 3.1 percent as two or more races, 0.7 percent as Native American, and 0.4 percent as Asian. The city's median household income was $37,522, and per capita income was $22,068.
Employment
According to 2016 Census estimates, the workforce in Ozark was divided among the following industrial categories:
- Retail trade (20.4 percent)
- Educational services, and health care and social assistance (18.9 percent)
- Manufacturing (10.4 percent)
- Transportation and warehousing and utilities (9.5 percent)
- Public administration (8.8 percent)
- Professional, scientific, management, and administrative and waste management services (7.7 percent)
- Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services (7.1 percent)
- Other services, except public administration (5.6 percent)
- Construction (4.2 percent)
- Finance, insurance, and real estate, rental, and leasing (3.8 percent)
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and extractive (1.8 percent)
- Information (0.9 percent)
- Wholesale trade (0.4 percent)
Education
The Ozark City School System includes one early childhood school, two elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school. In addition to the public schools, Ozark is home to three private schools. Coastal Alabama Community College maintains a branch campus in Ozark that focuses on instruction and training relating to aviation maintenance, targeted toward jobs in the U.S. Army's aviation programs at Fort Rucker.
Transportation
Ozark is served by U.S. Highway 231, which runs north-south and connects with Ozark via State Highway 27. Residents are served by two airports: Blackwell Field Airport, which is for general aviation, and Cairns AAF Airport, which is connected to Fort Rucker. CSX Rail serves the city for rail transportation.
Events and Places of Interest

The annual Claybank Jamboree, held every October, includes antiquing, an art show, and a 5K run. Ed Lisenby Lake is known as the top lake for bass fishing in the state, as well as offering other game fish. Mabson Community Education Forest features interpretive walking trails and various stations focusing on forestry and conservation. Nearby attractions include the U.S. Army Aviation Museum and Lake Tholocco on the campus of Fort Rucker.
Additional Resources
Heritage of Dale County. Clanton, Ala.: Heritage Publishing Consultants, 2003
Additional Resources
Heritage of Dale County. Clanton, Ala.: Heritage Publishing Consultants, 2003