CountyScore

Baldwin County

Alabama · AL

#64 in Alabama
67.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Baldwin County, Alabama

Baldwin competes nationally on livability

Baldwin's composite score of 67.2 is 34% above the national median of 50.0, securing its place in the upper half of U.S. counties for livability. The county performs particularly well on risk mitigation, with a risk score of just 3.3—exceptional by any standard.

Slightly below Alabama's median

Baldwin scores 67.2 compared to Alabama's state average of 70.8, placing it slightly below the state middle. Despite this, it remains competitive statewide and benefits from unique coastal advantages.

Coastal safety and higher incomes

Baldwin excels with an exceptional risk score of 3.3, suggesting strong environmental and economic stability—a major draw for families seeking security. The county also leads on income at 32.4, with median household income of $75,019, reflecting robust economic activity driven by coastal tourism and business.

Housing affordability tightening

Baldwin's median home value of $287,000 and cost score of 69.6 reflect rising housing pressure, particularly as coastal development accelerates. The effective tax rate of 0.307% is slightly elevated compared to rural Alabama neighbors.

Perfect for affluent coastal seekers

Baldwin attracts higher-income families and retirees drawn to beach lifestyle, boating, and economic opportunity. This is Alabama's playground county for those with disposable income and a preference for coastal living.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax93.6Cost69.6SafetyComing SoonHealth70.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome32.4Risk3.3WaterComing Soon
🏛93.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤70.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡3.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Baldwin County with another county →

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Garland County
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Berrien County
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Shelby County
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Median income: $68,457

Deep Dives

Baldwin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Baldwin County

via TaxByCounty

Baldwin's taxes remain well below national average

Baldwin County's effective tax rate of 0.307% is still less than one-ninth the national median property tax. Even with the highest median home values in this group at $287,000, Baldwin residents pay roughly $881 annually—far below the national median of $2,690.

Mid-range taxes within Alabama

Baldwin County's 0.307% rate sits slightly below Alabama's 0.339% state average, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 67 counties. The county's $881 median property tax exceeds the state median of $511, reflecting Baldwin's higher home values and strong coastal property market.

Moderate rates for Alabama's most valuable properties

Baldwin's 0.307% effective rate is slightly lower than neighboring Houston County and comparable to Covington County. With the region's strongest median home values at $287,000, Baldwin offers relatively favorable tax treatment for its premium real estate market.

Plan for about $881 on Baldwin's median home

A homeowner with Baldwin's $287,000 median-value property pays approximately $881 annually in property taxes. Those paying via mortgage will see roughly $945 in annual escrow, while debt-free homeowners typically pay around $770.

Appeal your assessment if values have shifted

Rapid development in Baldwin County can lead to overassessed properties, especially as the market cools. If your assessment doesn't reflect recent comparable sales in your neighborhood, filing an appeal could reduce your annual tax bill significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Baldwin County

via CostByCounty

Baldwin keeps pace with national affordability

At a 19.4% rent-to-income ratio, Baldwin County's renters spend just slightly more than the national average of 18%, indicating solid housing affordability despite higher absolute costs. The county's median income of $75,019 nearly matches the national median of $74,755, helping offset its premium rents.

Alabama's most expensive housing market

Baldwin County ranks as Alabama's least affordable county, with the highest median rents and home values across the state. Its 19.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average of 18%, reflecting the coastal economic premium and tourism-driven property markets.

Gulf Coast premium over inland peers

Baldwin's median rent of $1,211 towers over rural Barbour County ($644) and Bibb County ($802), though mirrors nearby Autauga County at $1,200. The county's median home value of $287,000 is the highest in this eight-county comparison, reflecting beachfront and resort-adjacent appreciation.

High rents and mortgages strain budgets

Renters pay $1,211 monthly while homeowners commit $1,098 to mortgages from a median income of $75,019, totaling over 30% of household income toward housing alone. This dual burden makes Baldwin's housing costs the steepest in Alabama, though still manageable compared to national metros.

Baldwin rewards higher earners seeking Gulf access

If your income exceeds Baldwin's $75,019 median, the county's coastal lifestyle and strongest job market in this group may justify premium housing costs. Weigh the $1,211 median rent against amenities like beaches, tourism employment, and above-average local wages before relocating.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Baldwin County

via IncomeByCounty

Baldwin slightly leads the national median

Baldwin County's median household income of $75,019 edges above the national median of $74,755, placing it in the upper-middle income tier across all U.S. counties. This $264 cushion above the national benchmark reflects Baldwin's position as one of Alabama's economic engines.

Alabama's highest household income county

Baldwin County's $75,019 median household income exceeds Alabama's state average by 38%, the highest margin among the eight counties analyzed. This commanding income advantage reflects Baldwin's mix of coastal tourism, military presence, and professional employment sectors that draw higher-wage workers to the region.

Clear income leader among peer counties

Baldwin's $75,019 median household income outpaces every comparable county in this analysis, including nearby Autauga ($69,841) and Blount ($61,096). As Alabama's Gulf Coast anchor, Baldwin captures regional economic activity and draws affluent retirees and professionals, creating a distinct income profile.

Housing costs stay well within budget

Baldwin's rent-to-income ratio of 19.4% sits comfortably below the recommended 20% threshold, offering genuine affordability relief for renters. Though the median home value of $287,000 represents the highest in this county set, strong incomes make homeownership achievable for most households seeking owner-occupancy.

Leverage income advantage to build assets

Baldwin households with $75,019 annual income are positioned to aggressively build wealth through diversified investments and strategic real estate. With housing costs under control and incomes above national average, residents should prioritize high-yield savings accounts, 401(k) maximization, and real estate equity to accelerate net worth growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Baldwin County

via HealthByCounty

Baldwin ranks among America's healthiest counties

With a life expectancy of 76.6 years, Baldwin County residents live 3.2 years longer than the U.S. average of 73.4 years, placing the county in the top tier nationally. Just 17.0% of adults report poor or fair health, reflecting strong preventive care and lifestyle factors across the population.

Alabama's beacon for health and longevity

Baldwin's 76.6-year life expectancy exceeds Alabama's state average by 4.5 years, making it one of the healthiest counties in the state. At 10.2% uninsured, Baldwin is also below the state average of 11.1%, meaning strong insurance penetration supports access to care.

Outpacing surrounding counties on all metrics

Baldwin's 76.6-year life expectancy significantly outperforms neighboring Mobile, Escambia, and Geneva counties by 3+ years each. The county boasts 63 primary care providers per 100K and an exceptional 121 mental health providers per 100K—among the highest ratios in the state.

Robust provider network supports daily care

Baldwin residents benefit from strong healthcare infrastructure, with 63 primary care providers and 121 mental health providers per 100K—well above state and national averages. At 10.2% uninsured, most Baldwin residents can schedule appointments without insurance barriers, though nearly 1 in 10 still lack coverage.

Close the coverage gap in Baldwin County

Despite Baldwin's health advantages, 10.2% of residents—roughly 11,000 people—remain uninsured and at risk for medical hardship. Visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Marketplace plans, Medicaid, or employer options that work for your budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Baldwin County

via RiskByCounty

Baldwin faces high natural disaster risk

Baldwin County's composite risk score of 96.72 ranks it as Relatively High—among the most at-risk counties nationally. This coastal location makes it vulnerable to multiple concurrent hazards, especially hurricanes and flooding.

Highest-risk county in Alabama

Baldwin's 96.72 score far exceeds Alabama's state average of 61.54, making it the state's most disaster-prone county. The gap reflects Baldwin's unique position as Alabama's only coastal county with direct hurricane exposure and extensive water-based development.

Baldwin stands apart from inland counties

Baldwin (96.72) faces dramatically higher risk than inland Alabama counties like Autauga (57.57) and Bibb (39.12). Its exposure to Gulf hurricanes (99.25 risk) and coastal flooding (92.21 risk) creates hazard intensities unmatched elsewhere in the state.

Hurricanes and flooding dominate Baldwin's threats

Hurricane risk peaks at 99.25—among the highest in the nation—while flood risk of 92.21 reflects both storm surge and inland rainfall concerns. Tornado risk of 92.84 adds another layer, meaning Baldwin residents face a rare triple threat of major hazards.

Hurricane coverage is non-negotiable

Baldwin homeowners must carry windstorm or dedicated hurricane coverage—standard homeowners policies exclude wind damage in coastal areas. Flood insurance is equally essential; federal law requires it for mortgaged homes in flood zones, and many Baldwin residents qualify.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.