countyscore
52.9
County Score
Property Tax 98.3Cost of Living 69.7Water Quality 61

County Report Card

About Blount County, Alabama

Meets national livability baseline exactly

Blount County scores 52.9, matching both the national median of 50.0 and Alabama's state average of 52.9. It represents a balanced, representative county without standout strengths or severe weaknesses.

Right at Alabama's state average

Blount scores exactly at the state average of 52.9, ranking squarely in the middle of Alabama's 67 counties. This positioning reflects neither advantage nor disadvantage compared to peers statewide.

Taxes, affordability, and schools are solid

Blount offers low taxes (98.3), affordable housing with a cost score of 69.7 and median homes at $169,700, and respectable schools (48.1)—the highest school score in this group. It's a genuinely balanced county.

Income and health trail behind

Median household income of $61,096 is moderate, with an income score of just 42.3, and health outcomes (26.9) are weak. Safety (30.1) and risk management (31.5) are also areas needing improvement.

Balanced choice for middle-income families

Blount suits working families seeking affordability, decent schools, and reasonable taxes without exceptional amenities. It's Alabama's version of the American middle—stable but not distinguished.

2040608010098.369.730.126.948.142.331.56158.2Tax98.3Cost69.7Safety30.1Health26.9Schools48.1Income42.3Risk31.5Water61Weather58.252.9/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Blount County DNA

Foverall

How Blount County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Blount County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (98.3/100) but notably weak in Safety (30.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
98.3+46.3
Cost
69.7+21.700000000000003
Safety
30.1-24.9
Health
26.9-23.1
Schools
48.1
Income
42.3-8.700000000000003
Risk
31.5-15.5
Water
61
Weather
58.2
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$169,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$743/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$169,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,096/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

5.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Cullman County
Alabama
49.7
St. Clair County
Alabama
49.4
Etowah County
Alabama
47.7
Jefferson County
Alabama
34.7
Marshall County
Alabama
54.8
Walker County
Alabama
47
Morgan County
Alabama
62.9
Winston County
Alabama
60.4

Deep Dives

Blount County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Blount County

via TaxByCounty

Blount's taxes rank far below national levels

Blount County's 0.299% effective tax rate translates to just $508 in annual taxes on the median home—about one-fifth the national median of $2,690. Even by Alabama standards, where tax burdens are nationally low, Blount offers competitive affordability.

Below-average taxes for the state

At 0.299%, Blount County's effective rate runs slightly below Alabama's state average of 0.339%, placing it in the lower half of the state's 67 counties. The county's $508 median tax sits just below the state median of $511, reflecting Blount's moderate home values.

Competitive with northeast Alabama counties

Blount's 0.299% rate is comparable to neighboring Etowah and St. Clair counties in the northeast region. With a $169,700 median home value, Blount sits in the moderate range for the area, balancing reasonable property values with favorable tax rates.

Expect about $508 annually on median home

A homeowner with Blount's $169,700 median-value property pays approximately $508 per year in property taxes. Mortgage-paying residents typically see $598 annually in escrow, while those owning free-and-clear pay around $422.

Review assessments if your home has declined

Blount County's growth has been uneven across neighborhoods; if your property has lost value or is assessed above recent comparable sales, you have grounds for appeal. Many homeowners find reassessments save them hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Blount County

via CostByCounty

Blount leads on housing affordability nationwide

Renters in Blount County spend just 14.6% of their income on housing, beating the national average of 18% by a commanding margin and the state average of 18%. This exceptional affordability, combined with a median household income of $61,096, positions Blount as one of the most livable counties in the broader region.

Alabama's affordability champion

Blount County's 14.6% rent-to-income ratio is the best in Alabama among these eight counties, reflecting the strongest housing-income balance. The county combines rural character with above-average incomes, a rare combination in rural Alabama.

Moderate rents, excellent income-to-cost ratio

Blount's median rent of $743 sits between rural peers Bibb ($802) and Calhoun ($804), yet its stronger median income of $61,096 yields superior affordability ratios. The county's median home value of $169,700 offers solid middle-ground pricing for homebuyers.

Balanced costs anchor strong affordability

Renters pay $743 monthly and homeowners $746 from a median income of $61,096, keeping combined housing costs at roughly 20% of household budgets. This equilibrium between rents and mortgages, paired with above-average county income, creates genuine financial breathing room.

Blount County delivers the best overall value

If affordability and reasonable incomes matter equally, Blount County offers the strongest package in this eight-county group at just 14.6% rent-to-income ratio. Evaluate whether your skills match the county's job market and whether $743 rent and $169,700 median home values fit your relocation goals.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Blount County

via IncomeByCounty

Blount approaches national median income

Blount County's median household income of $61,096 trails the national median of $74,755 by $13,659, positioning it in the middle-income bracket nationwide. While below the national average, Blount's income exceeds many rural counties and reflects a working-class economic base comparable to small industrial regions across America.

Well above Alabama average, solid performer

At $61,096, Blount's median household income exceeds Alabama's state average of $54,196 by 13%, placing it in the upper half of Alabama counties. The county benefits from industrial employment and proximity to Birmingham-area job markets, supporting more robust household earnings than rural peers.

Strong showing among regional competitors

Blount's $61,096 income ranks third-highest among the eight analyzed counties, exceeded only by Baldwin ($75,019) and Autauga ($69,841). The county outperforms struggling rural areas like Barbour and Bullock while maintaining distinctly working-class character compared to wealthier suburban neighbors.

Excellent rent affordability, reasonable housing costs

Blount County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% ranks as the lowest among all eight counties analyzed, indicating genuinely affordable housing for renters. Median home values of $169,700 remain accessible for dual-income households and provide solid owner-occupancy opportunities.

Maximize low housing costs to build wealth fast

Blount households benefit from exceptional housing affordability—with rent consuming just 14.6% of income, significant resources remain for investing and saving. Direct these savings advantages into retirement accounts, home equity building, and diversified investments to transform modest income into substantial long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Blount County

via CrimeByCounty

Blount County Safer Than National Average

Blount County features a total crime rate of 1662.3 per 100K, significantly lower than the national rate of 2,385.5. The county earns an impressive safety score of 97.4, reflecting a secure environment.

Exceeding Alabama's Safety Standards

Blount County’s safety score of 97.4 is slightly higher than the state average of 97.3. Additionally, its total crime rate is lower than the Alabama average of 1731.0, indicating it is one of the state's safer areas.

Competitive Safety Against Bibb County

The county's rate of 1662.3 is slightly more favorable than Bibb County’s rate of 1689.8. Blount consistently demonstrates lower crime levels than many of its regional counterparts.

Violent Crime Remains Exceptionally Low

Blount County reports a violent crime rate of only 240.4 per 100K, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the main contributor to local stats at 1421.9, though it remains below national norms.

Protect Your Property Effectively

Because property crime is the primary concern, consider installing a doorbell camera to monitor deliveries and visitors. Simple steps like locking all gates and doors can significantly reduce the likelihood of opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Blount County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive Rural Education Network

Blount County supports 9,201 students through a network of 20 public schools across two districts. The landscape is primarily rural, featuring seven elementary schools, seven high schools, and four specialized facilities. This high number of schools relative to enrollment ensures accessible campuses for a spread-out population.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

Blount County excels academically with a 95.4% graduation rate, far exceeding both state (90.7%) and national (87.0%) averages. The county achieves these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,541, well below the national average. A school score of 53.2 confirms its status as a high-performing system in Alabama.

Blount County and Oneonta City

The Blount County District is the largest provider, serving 7,798 students across 17 schools. The Oneonta City district serves an additional 1,403 students across three schools. Both districts contribute to the county’s strong reputation for academic success, with zero charter schools present.

Deeply Rural and Intimate Campuses

Nineteen of the county's 20 schools are located in rural settings, creating a distinctly country atmosphere for students. The average school size is 541 students, though Southeastern School stands out as the largest with 835 students. This rural focus provides a tight-knit community feel throughout the educational journey.

Top-Tier Schools in a Rural Setting

If graduation rates and academic success are your top priorities, Blount County is an exceptional choice. The high performance of both county and city districts makes this a sought-after area for families. Look for homes in Oneonta or the surrounding rural landscape to benefit from this high-achieving environment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Blount County

via RiskByCounty

Blount faces moderate national risk profile

Blount County's composite risk score of 68.48 ranks it as Relatively Low compared to high-risk counties nationwide, though above the national median. The county's northern location exposes it to severe tornadoes and flooding but shields it from coastal hurricanes.

Mid-tier risk within Alabama

Blount's 68.48 score exceeds Alabama's state average of 61.54, placing it in the upper-middle range of state risk. The county experiences more tornado and earthquake exposure than southern Alabama counties but less hurricane risk.

Blount faces higher tornado and flood risks

Blount (68.48) has elevated hazard exposure compared to nearby Bibb (39.12) and Autauga (57.57), primarily driven by tornado risk of 92.02. Its northern elevation and geography make it more vulnerable to severe convective storms than central counties.

Tornadoes dominate Blount's hazard landscape

Tornado risk peaks at 92.02—one of the state's highest—reflecting Blount's position in Alabama's tornado-prone northwest. Flood risk of 69.47 adds secondary concern, as heavy rains from storms can overwhelm local waterways.

Invest in tornado safety measures

Blount homeowners should prioritize a designated safe room or basement shelter for tornado events and maintain comprehensive wind and hail coverage. Flood insurance is strongly recommended for properties near streams or in mapped floodplains, given the county's moderate flood risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Blount County

via WaterByCounty

Mid-Range Drinking Water Quality Grades

Blount County earns a Water Quality Grade of C, based on 4 health violations over the past five years. At 5.8 violations per 100K, the county remains well below the Alabama state average of 14.1. However, the presence of health violations suggests room for infrastructure or process improvements.

Watershed Impairments Exceed State Average

In Blount County, 34.2% of the 38 assessed water bodies fail Clean Water Act standards, surpassing the state average of 27.7%. Phosphorus, E. coli, and sedimentation are the primary drivers of these impairments in the 2022 cycle. High phosphorus levels often indicate agricultural or wastewater runoff.

Extensive Monitoring Data Available

Thirty monitoring sites across the county have generated a substantial 20,399 measurements over the last five years. The most frequently measured groups include physical properties, inorganics, and nutrients. This large data pool offers a very clear picture of how phosphorus and other chemicals move through the county's water.

Mulberry Fork Flows Significantly Below Mean

The Mulberry Fork near Garden City reports a current discharge of 230 cfs, which is just 34% of its long-term typical flow. This reduced volume reflects a dry period for the 358 square mile drainage area. Lower flow levels often exacerbate the effects of high phosphorus and sedimentation observed in the watershed.

Target Phosphorus and Bacterial Contaminants

Since phosphorus and E. coli are major local concerns, residents should be aware of how these affect both recreation and source water. A Grade C rating means you should stay updated on your local utility's annual water quality reports. During the current low-flow period, using a water filter can help manage potential concentrations of these common local pollutants.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Blount County

via WeatherByCounty

Above average national warmth

Blount averages 62.3°F annually, keeping it consistently warmer than the national median temperature. The climate stays mild throughout most of the year.

Temperate northern Alabama climate

The county sits just below the Alabama state average of 63.2°F, representing the cooler northern temperament of the state. It avoids the most extreme heat seen in the southern coastal plains.

Fewer extreme heat days than peers

Blount sees 52 extreme heat days, fewer than Bibb's 66, making it one of the more temperate areas in the region. Its 57.4 inches of rain matches the state average exactly.

Warm summers and chilly winters

Summers reach a July high of 80.7°F, though extreme heat occurs less frequently than in the south. While specific snowfall data is limited, winter temperatures average a chilly 44.9°F.

Investing in home insulation

Efficient attic insulation helps manage the 52 days of extreme heat while protecting against 44.9°F winter lows. Since snowfall data is unavailable, focus on general winterization for occasional freezes.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Blount County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Uplands in Blount

Blount's soils typically mirror the state's 5.21 average pH, placing them well below the national median of 6.5. This low pH environment often requires amendments to support the county's famous tomato crops.

Mountainous and Mineral Rich

While specific sand and clay percentages are not recorded, Blount is defined by its ridge-and-valley topography. These soils often feature higher mineral content but can be rocky and difficult to till.

Sustaining High-Value Crops

With a state average organic matter of 1.74%, maintaining soil life is critical for Blount's agricultural output. Improving organic levels helps maximize the state's 0.138 in/in average water capacity.

Navigating Ridge Hydrology

Data on dominant drainage classes is currently missing, though elevation changes heavily influence how water moves here. Farmers must carefully manage runoff to protect the topsoil on sloped acreage.

The Tomato Capital in Zone 8a

Blount is in Hardiness Zone 8a, providing the ideal climate for the county's signature tomatoes. Cool spring nights and warm summer days create a perfect environment for high-quality produce.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Blount County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Growing in Blount County

Blount County holds a lawn difficulty score of 36.8, which is higher and therefore easier than the Alabama average of 29.5. While still more challenging than the national median of 50.0, the conditions here are relatively friendly. This makes it a great location for enthusiasts looking to maintain a healthy green space.

Milder Heat and Healthy Rains

With 52 extreme heat days per year, Blount County is cooler than the state average of 64 days. The 57.4 inches of annual precipitation provides ample moisture for your grass to thrive throughout the year. These factors contribute to a slightly more forgiving mowing and watering schedule.

Focusing on Soil Health

Specific data for soil texture and pH in Blount County is currently unavailable. You should focus on aeration to help the 57.4 inches of annual rain reach the roots effectively. Regular testing is recommended to ensure your soil pH remains in the 6.0 to 7.0 sweet spot.

Resilient Against Recent Dryness

Blount County experienced only 17 weeks of drought in the past year, the lowest among its neighbors. However, 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry, requiring watchful care. Using a smart irrigation controller can help you manage water usage efficiently during these dry windows.

Planting for Success in Zone 8a

Bermuda and Fescue are popular choices for the Blount County climate. The best time to start your lawn is after the final spring frost on March 26. This allows your grass to take root during the peak growing degree days before the summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Blount County's county score?
Blount County, Alabama has a composite county score of 52.9 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 Blount County rank among counties in Alabama?
Blount County ranks #35 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 Blount County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Blount County is $508, with an effective tax rate of 0.30%. This earns Blount County a tax score of 98.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Blount County?
The median household income in Blount County, Alabama is $61,096 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Blount County earns an income score of 42.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Blount County, Alabama a good place to live?
Blount County scores 52.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #35 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Blount 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 Blount County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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