[2] Houston County is part of the Dothan, Alabama metropolitan area.

This area of the state was historically developed for the pine timber and turpentine industries, as well as cotton plantations.

Because of this history, African Americans predominated in the population until after the early 20th century, when many migrated to northern and midwestern cities for better economic opportunities and to escape Jim Crow discrimination.

They were essentially disenfranchised after the turn of the 20th century because of constitutional amendments and other laws that made voter registration nearly impossible.

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 107,202 people, 39,761 households, and 25,893 families residing in the county.

27.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

As of 2023[update], the County Chairman is Brandon Shoupe, while Peter Covert is the Chief Administrative Officer.

Donald Valenza serves as Sheriff, Probate Judge is Patrick Davenport, Revenue Commissioner is Starla Moss, and Coroner is Robert Byrd.

The District Attorney serves as prosecutor for cases in both Houston and Henry counties.

Houston County is located in Alabama's 2nd congressional district; its current Representative (as of 2021[update]) is Barry Moore (R).

The last Democrat to win the county in a presidential election was Adlai Stevenson, who won it by a majority in 1956.