countyscore
49.2
County Score
Property Tax 99.7Cost of Living 75.2Disaster Risk 60.9

County Report Card

About Bibb County, Alabama

Slightly below national livability median

Bibb County scores 49.2, edging just below the national median of 50.0 and placing it in the middle of American counties. Its standout feature is tax affordability at 99.7, among the nation's best.

Marginally below Alabama's average

Bibb trails the state average of 52.9 by 3.7 points, representing a below-average Alabama county. However, its low-tax environment is a genuine competitive advantage within the state.

Taxes and housing affordability stand out

Bibb has the lowest effective tax rate in this group at 0.204%, plus strong housing affordability with a cost score of 75.2 and median home values of $132,600. These factors provide meaningful financial relief for budget-conscious residents.

Weak income and health scores concern

Median household income of $51,215 is modest, with an income score of just 17.1, and health outcomes (26.6) are notably poor. Schools (17.3) and safety (29.3) are also significant weaknesses.

Best for retirees with modest means

Bibb appeals to fixed-income households and those prioritizing lowest possible living costs over quality of life amenities. Working-age families should seek counties with stronger job markets and schools.

Score breakdown

Tax99.7Cost75.2Safety29.3Health26.6Schools17.3Income17.1Risk60.9Water58.9Weather55.4
🏛99.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼17.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡29.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤26.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓17.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡60.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧58.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱29.3
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Tuscaloosa County
Alabama
39.7
Perry County
Alabama
67.4
Chilton County
Alabama
45.9
Shelby County
Alabama
58.5
Jefferson County
Alabama
34.7
Hale County
Alabama
66.4
Autauga County
Alabama
41.9
Greene County
Alabama
56.6

Deep Dives

Bibb County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Bibb County

via TaxByCounty

Bibb offers Alabama's lowest property tax rate

Bibb County's effective tax rate of 0.204% is the lowest in this eight-county group and among the most favorable in the nation. Homeowners pay just $271 annually on a $132,600 median-valued property—less than one-tenth the national median tax of $2,690.

Alabama's most tax-friendly county

Bibb County's 0.204% effective rate is dramatically lower than Alabama's state average of 0.339%, ranking it near the bottom in tax burden across all 67 counties. At just $271 in median annual taxes, Bibb residents enjoy the state's lightest property tax load.

Significantly lower than surrounding counties

Bibb's 0.204% rate is less than two-thirds of neighboring Tallapoosa County's rate and roughly half of Chilton County's burden. This makes Bibb an exceptionally affordable option for homebuyers seeking minimal property tax obligations in central Alabama.

Among the lowest taxes in the state

A homeowner with Bibb's $132,600 median-value property pays just $271 annually in property taxes. Those paying via mortgage see approximately $334 in annual escrow, while debt-free homeowners pay around $227—among the lowest amounts statewide.

Even low bills warrant periodic review

While Bibb's tax burden is minimal, you should still monitor your property's assessed value for accuracy. If your home has depreciated or recent sales nearby were lower than your assessment, a challenge could reduce an already favorable tax bill further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bibb County

via CostByCounty

Bibb slightly above national affordability baseline

Renters in Bibb County spend 18.8% of their income on housing, just slightly above the national average of 18% but above Alabama's state average of 18%. The county's median household income of $51,215 trails the national median of $74,755, indicating rural income constraints despite manageable rent burdens.

Mid-tier affordability within Alabama

Bibb County ranks in the middle of Alabama counties for housing affordability, neither particularly strained nor exceptionally cheap. Its 18.8% rent-to-income ratio sits close to the state average, reflecting relatively balanced housing costs.

Affordable rents between rural extremes

Bibb's median rent of $802 falls between cheaper Barbour ($644) and pricier Autauga ($1,200), positioning it as a moderate rural option. The county's median home value of $132,600 offers affordable homeownership compared to coastal Baldwin but higher than the poorest counties.

Modest rents, modest owner costs, modest income

Renters pay $802 monthly while homeowners commit $566 to mortgages from a median income of $51,215, keeping combined housing costs under 26% of household budgets. This balance makes Bibb accessible for both renters and buyers seeking rural stability.

Bibb suits families seeking rural affordability

With rents at $802 and median home values under $133,000, Bibb County appeals to families prioritizing space and affordability over urban amenities. Compare these costs to your current housing expenses and assess whether the county's income levels align with your employment opportunities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bibb County

via IncomeByCounty

Bibb income trails U.S. median by substantial margin

Bibb County's median household income of $51,215 falls $23,540 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-income third of American counties. This 31% gap reflects limited economic diversity and rural employment constraints typical of central Alabama.

Slightly above state average, but struggling

Bibb's median household income of $51,215 exceeds Alabama's state average of $54,196 by only $2,981, putting it near the middle of the state's income distribution. While marginally better than the most distressed rural counties, Bibb still lags prosperous suburban and coastal areas by wide margins.

Mixed fortunes compared to regional peers

Bibb's $51,215 income sits between struggling Barbour ($44,290) and stronger performers like Calhoun ($55,826) and Blount ($61,096). The county represents a transitional economic zone in central Alabama—better off than rural farming regions but unable to compete with areas near metro centers or coastal development.

Rent affordable, housing values modest

Bibb's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% sits comfortably below the 20% affordability threshold, and median home values of $132,600 remain attainable for middle-income buyers. Despite modest incomes, housing costs don't create the same squeeze felt in higher-priced markets, freeing modest resources for other needs.

Start small with disciplined saving habits

Bibb households earning $51,215 annually should focus on automatic savings transfers—even $50 monthly invested consistently builds meaningful wealth over 20 years. Local credit unions, employer retirement plans, and basic index fund investing offer accessible pathways to accumulate assets despite modest starting income.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bibb County

via CrimeByCounty

Bibb County Offers Strong National Safety

Bibb County reports 1689.8 crimes per 100K residents, a rate substantially lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This contributes to a high safety score of 97.3 for the county.

Perfectly Matching Alabama's Average Safety

Bibb County’s safety score of 97.3 perfectly matches the Alabama state average. Its total crime rate of 1689.8 is also slightly lower than the state average of 1731.0, showing consistent performance with state norms.

Bibb and Blount Show Similar Trends

Bibb’s crime rate of 1689.8 is nearly identical to Blount County’s rate of 1662.3. Both counties maintain similar safety profiles, offering a consistent environment for residents in this part of Alabama.

Low Violent Crime Underpins Safety

With a violent crime rate of 305.6 per 100K, Bibb County stays well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 1384.2, which is also lower than the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Stay Proactive About Home Safety

Ensure your home remains a safe haven by using outdoor cameras and keeping your property tidy to discourage trespassing. Community awareness and basic security measures are effective ways to keep local crime rates low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bibb County

via HealthByCounty

Bibb life expectancy slightly below national average

At 73.0 years, Bibb residents live 0.4 years less than the U.S. average of 73.4 years, though the difference is modest. However, 25.1% of adults report poor or fair health—well above the national norm—indicating significant chronic disease or unmet healthcare needs in the county.

Slightly above state average but health concerns remain

Bibb's 73.0-year life expectancy edges past Alabama's 72.1 state average, but the 25.1% poor/fair health rate suggests unmet preventive and chronic care needs. At 10.8% uninsured, Bibb tracks below the state average of 11.1%, meaning insurance access is relatively stable for most residents.

Mixed performance on providers and outcomes

Bibb's 73.0-year life expectancy compares fairly to neighboring Greene and Sumter counties, though health perceptions lag county norms. With 67 primary care providers per 100K and 37 mental health providers per 100K, Bibb has reasonable access to routine care but fewer specialists than wealthier neighbor counties.

Accessible primary care, fewer mental health options

Bibb residents benefit from 67 primary care providers per 100K—above state averages—making routine doctor visits relatively accessible for the 89.2% with insurance coverage. Mental health providers at 37 per 100K are adequate but lagging demand, particularly for low-income residents managing multiple chronic conditions.

Strengthen your family's health security

Bibb's 10.8% uninsured rate means roughly 2,200 residents lack coverage and may defer necessary care due to cost. Visit Healthcare.gov or Alabama Medicaid to explore enrollment options; getting covered is the first step to managing chronic disease and preventing health crises.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bibb County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Learning in Bibb

Bibb County operates nine public schools under a single unified school district. The system supports 3,098 students through four elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools. There are no charter schools in the county, maintaining a traditional public school landscape.

Steady Progress with Efficient Spending

Bibb County sees an 85.0% graduation rate, which sits slightly below the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $5,806, roughly $460 less than the state average and significantly below the national benchmark. The county's school score of 48.3 demonstrates competitive results relative to its investment levels.

A Unified County District

The Bibb County School District serves as the sole educational authority for all 3,098 students. By consolidating resources into one district, the county manages schools like Brent Elementary and Bibb County High. This model ensures that every student in the county has access to the same local resources and standards.

A Small-Town Rural School Feel

Schools in Bibb County are split between five rural and four town locations, offering a quiet learning environment. With an average school size of only 387 students, most campuses feel personal and tight-knit. Brent Elementary is the largest school with 601 students, while many others are significantly smaller.

Quiet Living with Local Schools

For families who value small school sizes and a rural atmosphere, Bibb County offers a compelling lifestyle. The single-district system provides a consistent educational path for children from kindergarten through graduation. Browse local real estate options to find a home in this community-oriented county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bibb County

via RiskByCounty

Bibb ranks very low on national scale

Bibb County's composite risk score of 39.12 places it in the Very Low category—among the safest counties in America. This central Alabama location avoids the worst of multiple hazard types simultaneously.

Alabama's second-safest county overall

Bibb's 39.12 score is substantially below Alabama's state average of 61.54, making it one of the state's lowest-risk counties. Only a handful of Alabama counties match Bibb's favorable disaster profile.

Bibb offers relative safety regionally

Bibb (39.12) is notably safer than neighbors Autauga (57.57), Blount (68.48), and Calhoun (88.45), offering some of the most stable risk conditions in central Alabama. This geographic position protects against cumulative hazard exposure.

Tornadoes pose the primary threat

Tornado risk of 77.16 is Bibb's leading hazard, typical for inland Alabama counties in the tornado corridor. Other risks—flood (48.92), wildfire (48.66), and earthquake (62.44)—remain well below state and national medians.

Wind coverage and a safe plan suffice

Bibb homeowners should ensure wind and hail coverage on their standard homeowners policy to handle tornado events. A basic tornado safety plan—identifying a safe room or interior hallway—provides additional security in this relatively low-risk county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bibb County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate but subtropical profile

Bibb's 61.9°F average temperature places it squarely in a subtropical climate, slightly warmer than the national median. It offers a balanced temperature profile compared to coastal Alabama.

Cooler than the Alabama average

The county stays cooler than the Alabama average of 63.2°F, offering a break from the intense heat found further south. It represents the transition toward the state's more temperate northern hills.

Closely matching regional patterns

The county experiences 66 extreme heat days, mirroring its neighbor Calhoun more closely than the hotter southern counties. It receives a healthy 57.1 inches of rain, right in line with the state average.

Crisp winters and manageable summers

Winters are crisp with a 45.4°F average, while summers peak at an average of 79.3°F in July. Snowfall remains minimal at 0.7 inches annually.

Planning for moderate humidity

Residents should prepare for moderate winter heating needs and capitalize on 57.1 inches of annual rainfall for gardens. The 66 days of extreme heat require reliable attic insulation and ventilation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bibb County

via SoilByCounty

Bibb's High-Acidity Profile

Bibb County soils likely track with the Alabama average pH of 5.21, far below the national 6.5 median. This acidity is a hallmark of the weathered Ultisols common across the deep south.

Loams and Clays of the Piedmont

Exact composition data for sand and clay is unavailable, yet Bibb's location offers a variety of mineral-rich textures. These soils generally provide better nutrient retention than the sandier regions to the south.

Building Water Retention

Alabama soils average a water capacity of 0.138 in/in, which local gardeners can improve with better organic management. Aiming higher than the state’s 1.74% organic matter average will unlock Bibb's true growing potential.

Planning for Proper Drainage

Drainage classifications are not currently specified for Bibb, requiring on-site observation of water movement. In this hilly terrain, managing water flow is the key to preventing soil erosion and foundation issues.

Garden Variety in Zone 8a

Zone 8a offers a slightly shorter growing season than the coast but remains excellent for tomatoes and peppers. The climate supports a robust timber industry and diverse home vegetable gardens alike.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bibb County

via LawnByCounty

Typical Alabama Lawn Care Challenges

Bibb County's lawn difficulty score of 29.3 aligns perfectly with the Alabama state average. Situated in Zone 8a, your lawn faces a standard mix of Southern heat and humidity. This makes maintenance more intensive than the national average but manageable with a steady routine.

Balanced Rainfall and Summer Warmth

The county receives 57.1 inches of rain annually, which is slightly above the national ideal but typical for the state. With 66 days above 90°F, heat stress is a persistent factor during the summer months. You should expect a long growing season that keeps your mower busy well into autumn.

Optimizing Your Local Soil

Detailed soil stats are not currently available for Bibb County. To keep your lawn thriving, you should monitor for compaction and ensure proper drainage during heavy rain events. A professional soil test can help you determine the exact lime and fertilizer needs for your yard.

Preparing for Abnormally Dry Weather

Bibb County spent 27 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. You can improve resilience by raising your mower height, which shades the soil and reduces evaporation. Consistent, deep watering is key to surviving these prolonged dry periods.

Starting Your Bibb County Lawn

Warm-season grasses like Zoysia and Centipede are well-suited for the Zone 8a climate. Wait until after the last spring frost on April 2 to begin seeding or laying sod. This timing protects young shoots from late-season cold snaps while maximizing the summer sun.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bibb County's county score?
Bibb County, Alabama has a composite county score of 49.2 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Bibb County rank among counties in Alabama?
Bibb County ranks #44 among all counties in Alabama on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Bibb County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Bibb County is $271, with an effective tax rate of 0.20%. This earns Bibb County a tax score of 99.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bibb County?
The median household income in Bibb County, Alabama is $51,215 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bibb County earns an income score of 17.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bibb County, Alabama a good place to live?
Bibb County scores 49.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #44 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Bibb County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Bibb County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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