About Emelle
Small in size, rich in story
One of Alabama's smallest incorporated municipalities — a Black Belt community with deep roots, a remarkable history, and a story that reaches far beyond its 0.21 square miles.
A Black Belt town
Emelle is one of Alabama's smallest incorporated municipalities, situated in Sumter County in the western part of the state near the Mississippi border. With a population of 32 residents as of the 2020 Census, it is a place where community bonds run deep and every neighbor knows your name.
Part of Alabama's historic Black Belt — named for the region's rich, dark soils — Emelle carries within it centuries of agricultural heritage, African-American cultural history, and a strong artistic tradition that has gained international recognition.
Governed by a mayor-council structure, Emelle participates in Sumter County services including law enforcement, education, and public works. Residents rely on nearby Livingston and York for shopping, healthcare, and employment.
- Region
- Black Belt, W. Alabama
- Border
- Near Mississippi
- Lat/Lng
- 32.729°N, 88.313°W
- Area
- 0.21 sq mi (all land)
History
Timeline
Early 1900s
Railroad Era
The community grew around the Alabama, Tennessee and Northern Railroad. The town was named for the Dial family, who donated land for the railroad right-of-way. Cotton agriculture anchored the early economy across Alabama’s Black Belt.
1981
Incorporation
Despite existing as a settlement for decades, Emelle was officially incorporated as an Alabama municipality in 1981, making it one of the newest — and smallest — incorporated towns in the state.
1992
Supreme Court Case
Emelle's hazardous waste facility — the largest in the United States, operated by Chemical Waste Management — became the center of a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case: Chemical Waste Management, Inc. v. Hunt (1992), regarding Alabama's fee on out-of-state waste.
Jan 2023
EF2 Tornado
On January 12, 2023, an EF2 tornado struck Emelle and the surrounding area, causing significant structural damage and drawing renewed attention to the resilience of the small community.
County Seat
Sumter County Courthouse
The historic Sumter County Courthouse in nearby Livingston serves as the county seat for all governmental and judicial functions affecting Emelle residents. Built in an era of grand civic architecture, it remains a landmark of the region.
Municipal Profile
Quick facts & data
| County | Sumter |
|---|---|
| State | Alabama |
| ZIP Code | 35459 |
| Area Codes | 205, 659 |
| Time Zone | Central (CST/CDT) |
| Coordinates | 32.729°N, 88.313°W |
| Government | Mayor-Council |
| School Dist. | Sumter County Schools |
Population history
- 199044
- 200051
- 201052
- 202032
Emelle, like many small rural communities in western Alabama, has experienced population decline over recent decades. The 2020 Census recorded 32 residents — 11 male and 21 female — with a majority African-American population.
- Male Residents
- 11
- Female Residents
- 21
- Pop. Density / sq mi
- ~152
- African-American
- Maj.