About

Limestone County provides the best of both worlds to its residents: an area with a friendly small-town atmosphere complimented by a location in the middle of one of the most technologically-advanced regions of the country. Covering 607 square miles in Northern Alabama, Limestone County is bordered to the north by the state of Tennessee, to the south by the beautiful Tennessee River, and to the east by

Madison County, which includes the city of Huntsville. This area, commonly referred to as the Heart of the Tennessee Valley, is one of the fastest growing areas in the state of Alabama.

Interstate 65 runs north and south through the center of Limestone County and conveniently connects the area to within 100 miles of Nashville to the north and Birmingham to the south. Interstate 565 connects Limestone County with the city of Huntsville. In addition, an active railroad system still runs through the county. Being part of the Huntsville Metro Area, many who live in Limestone County hold jobs with the Army, defense contractors, NASA, and other businesses that are on the cutting-edge of the newest technology. This thriving area allows residents quick access to the U. S. Space and Rocket Center, Redstone Arsenal, the Van Braun Center, Monte Sano State Park, the Huntsville Museum of Art, Alabama Constitution Village, and Early Works Children History Museum. Limestone County contributes greatly to the vitality of this area while maintaining its rich traditions. The county is host to events and attractions such as the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention, Crape Myrtle Festival, Limestone County Sheriff's Rodeo, Art on the Square, Singing on the Square, the Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives, and the Athens Storytelling Festival.

Limestone County was formed by an act of the Alabama Territorial General Assembly in 1818 and was named after Limestone Creek, a local stream that runs through the county. Having a history of being progressive, Limestone County's foundation was built on industry and agriculture. The Tennessee Valley Authority, established in the 1930's, continues to provide jobs for many of the citizens of Limestone County at its Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant. This nuclear power plant was the largest in the country when it was built in 1967. Today it operates at full capacity and provides needed power to the entire region. Limestone County, also known for its agriculture, is one of the largest producers of cotton in the state. Current census data from 2010 indicates that the population of Limestone County is 82,782 with 23.7 percent of that population being under 18 years old. The county seat of Athens, Alabama is also geographically in the center of the County and formed its own city school system in 1974 separate from Limestone County Schools. Median household income is approximately $48,000 and 13.3 percent of residents live below the poverty level. Citizens of Limestone County have always placed a high value on education. Athens State University, the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of Alabama, is located in the county seat of Athens, and the area is also home to Calhoun Community College, the largest two year institution in the Alabama Community College System. Calhoun Community College offers our students advanced opportunities while still in high school and after graduation. The county's first high school was built in 1912, Limestone County High School, with the original structure being constructed in 1874. This was located on the present site of Elkmont High School. 

Today Limestone County Schools serve approximately 8700 students and employ around 1100 faculty and staff with anannual budget of over $81 million. The system is composed of three K-12 schools, three 6-12 schools, six K-5 elementary schools, the CareerTechnical Center, and the Limestone County Alternative School. Enrollment hasdeclined in the past several years because of various reasons, including parts of Limestone County being annexated by neighboring cities and an increase in home school populations.