countyscore
44.2
County Score
Property Tax 93.4Water Quality 67.8Cost of Living 64.3

County Report Card

About Calhoun County, Alabama

Below national median, with mixed signals

Calhoun County scores 44.2, falling 5.8 points below the national median of 50.0. However, its school score of 40.5 is the second-highest in this group, offering a bright spot amid otherwise mediocre livability.

Trailing Alabama's state average

Calhoun scores 44.2, well below Alabama's state average of 52.9, placing it among the lower-performing counties statewide. However, it's the most disaster-resilient county in this group by far.

Schools and disaster resilience lead

Calhoun's school score of 40.5 is second-best in this group, and its risk score of 11.5 is the lowest, indicating minimal natural disaster exposure. These factors provide real value for families prioritizing education and environmental safety.

Safety and health are critical gaps

Safety score of 9.8 is dangerously low, health outcomes (25.4) are weak, and income (27.3) is modest at a median of $55,826. These gaps significantly offset the school quality advantage.

Best for education-focused families with caution

Calhoun suits families prioritizing schools over other amenities and comfortable with lower safety metrics, perhaps because they have strong neighborhood ties. Those prioritizing safety should look elsewhere in Alabama.

2040608010093.464.39.825.440.527.311.567.853.1Tax93.4Cost64.3Safety9.8Health25.4Schools40.5Income27.3Risk11.5Water67.8Weather53.144.2/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Calhoun County DNA

Foverall

How Calhoun County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Calhoun County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (93.4/100) but notably weak in Safety (9.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
93.4+41.400000000000006
Cost
64.3+16.299999999999997
Safety
9.8-45.2
Health
25.4-24.6
Schools
40.5-13.5
Income
27.3-23.7
Risk
11.5-35.5
Water
67.8+9.799999999999997
Weather
53.1
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Compare mortgage rates in Calhoun County

Whether buying or refinancing in Calhoun County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$149,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$804/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$149,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $55,826/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

18.1

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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Counties with similar scores

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Orange County
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Fulton County
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Nearby counties

Cleburne County
Alabama
57.6
Etowah County
Alabama
47.7
St. Clair County
Alabama
49.4
Talladega County
Alabama
46.9
Cherokee County
Alabama
49.9
Clay County
Alabama
60.4
Haralson County
Georgia
46.6
Randolph County
Alabama
56.9

Deep Dives

Calhoun County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Calhoun County

via TaxByCounty

Calhoun's rate is the highest, but still modest

Calhoun County's 0.408% effective tax rate ranks among the nation's higher county rates, yet homeowners pay just $610 annually on a $149,500 median home—roughly one-quarter the national median of $2,690. This reflects Alabama's consistently low property values across the state.

High rate, mid-range actual taxes

At 0.408%, Calhoun County has one of Alabama's highest effective tax rates, significantly exceeding the state average of 0.339%. Yet the $610 median tax sits above the state median of $511 only because Calhoun's home values are higher than the statewide average.

Steepest burden in northeast Alabama cluster

Calhoun's 0.408% rate is notably higher than neighboring Etowah and Talladega counties, making it the region's most aggressive taxer. However, with a $149,500 median home value typical of the area, the absolute dollars remain moderate compared to national standards.

Expect around $610 on median Calhoun home

A homeowner with Calhoun's $149,500 median-value property pays approximately $610 annually in property taxes. Those paying via mortgage see roughly $678 in annual escrow, while debt-free homeowners pay about $508.

High rates make reassessment reviews critical

With Alabama's highest tax rate in this group, Calhoun homeowners should actively contest inflated assessments. If your property was assessed when the market was stronger or hasn't been updated to reflect recent sales, an appeal could yield substantial annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Calhoun County

via CostByCounty

Calhoun slightly better than national average

Renters in Calhoun County spend 17.3% of their income on housing, beating the national average of 18% and the Alabama state average of 18%. The county's median household income of $55,826 lags the national median of $74,755, but housing affordability provides a meaningful offset.

Solid affordability within Alabama

Calhoun County ranks above-average for housing affordability in Alabama, with a 17.3% rent-to-income ratio that edges below the state norm. The county offers balanced rural living without the extremes seen in wealthier or poorer Alabama communities.

Moderate rents in a competitive peer group

Calhoun's median rent of $804 nearly ties Bibb County's $802 and sits between Barbour ($644) and Blount ($743), positioning it in the rural mainstream. Its median home value of $149,500 offers middle-ground pricing compared to coastal Baldwin ($287,000) and poorest rural counties under $130,000.

Balanced housing costs on modest income

Renters pay $804 monthly and homeowners $713 from a median income of $55,826, keeping combined housing costs under 27% of household budgets. This equilibrium makes Calhoun accessible for both renters and buyers seeking stable, affordable rural living.

Calhoun offers reliable rural-suburban balance

With a 17.3% rent-to-income ratio and median home values at $149,500, Calhoun County delivers dependable affordability for families seeking rural stability. Compare its $804 rent to your current housing burden and assess whether the county's job market aligns with your career trajectory.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Calhoun County

via IncomeByCounty

Calhoun nears national income average

Calhoun County's median household income of $55,826 falls $18,929 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle income range nationwide. While trailing the national average, Calhoun's income outpaces many rural counties and reflects a modest working-class economy.

Modestly above Alabama state average

Calhoun's median household income of $55,826 exceeds Alabama's state average of $54,196 by 3%, ranking it in the middle-upper tier of Alabama counties. The county performs better than rural areas but significantly lags more prosperous suburban and coastal regions.

Middle performer in regional income hierarchy

Calhoun's $55,826 income ranks fourth among the eight analyzed counties, comfortably ahead of struggling rural counties but trailing Blount ($61,096), Autauga ($69,841), and Baldwin ($75,019). The county represents Alabama's working-class backbone—neither prosperous nor deeply distressed.

Housing remains reasonably affordable

Calhoun's rent-to-income ratio of 17.3% sits well below the 20% affordability threshold, and median home values of $149,500 align with household income levels. Residents enjoy genuine housing affordability compared to national averages, freeing resources for other essential expenses and modest saving.

Leverage housing affordability into wealth building

Calhoun households earning $55,826 benefit from affordable housing that frees $200-$300 monthly compared to national housing costs. Channel this housing savings advantage into employer 401(k) contributions, Roth IRA accounts, and strategic home equity building to gradually accumulate meaningful assets over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Calhoun County

via CrimeByCounty

Calhoun County Faces Higher Crime Trends

Calhoun County reports a total crime rate of 2801.2 per 100K, exceeding the national average of 2,385.5. These statistics result in a safety score of 95.6 for the county.

Trailing State Safety Benchmarks

The county's safety score of 95.6 is lower than the Alabama average of 97.3. Total crime is also significantly higher than the state's average rate of 1731.0 per 100K, indicating a more challenging safety environment.

Similar Safety Profile to Butler County

Calhoun County’s crime rate of 2801.2 is very close to Butler County’s 2866.0. Both counties experience higher-than-average crime levels compared to many of their Alabama neighbors.

Violent Crime Rates Are Elevated

Violent crime in Calhoun is 562.1 per 100K, which is roughly 50% higher than the national average of 369.8. Property crime also exceeds national norms, reaching 2239.1 per 100K residents.

Enhance Your Personal Safety Measures

To counter elevated crime rates, residents should prioritize comprehensive home security and personal awareness. Motion lighting and visible security cameras can serve as effective deterrents against local property crimes.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Calhoun County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse and Dynamic School Hub

Calhoun County boasts a large educational network of 37 public schools serving 17,028 students across five districts. This infrastructure includes 15 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, and 14 high schools. The high number of schools and districts provides residents with a variety of educational environments and choices.

Strong Results and State-Leading Spending

Calhoun County outperforms the state graduation average with a rate of 91.1%. Per-pupil expenditure is a healthy $6,319, which exceeds the Alabama state average of $6,270. These investments support a solid school score of 52.6, placing the county above the national median for education quality.

Major Districts in Oxford and Anniston

The county is anchored by the Calhoun County District (8,050 students) and Oxford City (4,203 students), while Anniston City serves 1,892 students. Two other smaller districts round out the local landscape, offering localized control. There are no charter schools, though the variety of districts provides significant diversity in school culture.

City, Suburb, and Rural Diversity

Calhoun County offers a rare mix of 12 rural, 12 suburban, and 11 city schools. Campus sizes vary significantly, from Oxford High’s 1,288 students to smaller rural elementary programs. This geographic diversity means families can find everything from a bustling city campus to a quiet country schoolhouse.

A Home for Every Educational Need

With five different school districts to choose from, Calhoun County is a top destination for home buyers who prioritize school choice. Whether you want the suburban amenities of Oxford or the rural charm of the county district, there is a fit for you here. Start your home search today in one of Alabama's most varied educational landscapes.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Calhoun County

via RiskByCounty

Calhoun ranks as relatively moderate risk

Calhoun County's composite risk score of 88.45 ranks it as Relatively Moderate—above average for natural disaster exposure nationwide. The county faces significant exposure to multiple hazard types simultaneously, especially tornadoes and earthquakes.

Among Alabama's highest-risk counties

Calhoun's 88.45 score far exceeds Alabama's state average of 61.54, placing it among the state's most disaster-prone counties. This northeast Alabama location exposes it to tornadoes, earthquakes, flooding, and wildfire risks above statewide norms.

Calhoun faces significantly higher risks

Calhoun (88.45) has substantially higher risk than most neighboring counties including Blount (68.48), Autauga (57.57), and Bibb (39.12). Only Baldwin County (96.72) exceeds Calhoun's hazard exposure in the state, making it a high-risk outlier regionally.

Tornadoes and earthquakes drive risk

Tornado risk peaks at 98.22—among the nation's highest—while earthquake risk of 84.73 reflects Calhoun's position near the southeastern seismic zone. Flood risk of 89.54 and wildfire risk of 81.52 add substantial secondary concerns.

Comprehensive coverage is essential

Calhoun homeowners must invest in wind and hail coverage for tornado protection and should strongly consider earthquake insurance given the 84.73 risk score. Flood insurance is highly recommended, especially for properties near waterways, as the 89.54 flood risk represents substantial exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Calhoun County

via WaterByCounty

Good Compliance with Occasional Violations

Calhoun County maintains a Water Quality Grade of B with 3 health violations over the last five years. Its violation rate of 2.0 per 100K is excellent compared to the state average of 14.1. This suggests that while occasional issues occur, the county's water systems are generally high-performing.

Widespread Impairments in Calhoun Watersheds

A high 40.0% of the 30 assessed water bodies in Calhoun County are impaired, far exceeding the state average of 27.7%. Major causes for these failures include E. coli, PCBs, and phosphorus. These pollutants indicate significant historical and ongoing industrial or agricultural impacts on local waters.

Active Monitoring of Nutrient and Metal Levels

Seventeen monitoring sites have produced 8,317 measurements over the past five years. Data collection focuses on physical, inorganic, and nutrient groups. These records are critical for tracking the movement of PCBs and phosphorus throughout the county's aquatic systems.

Ohatchee Creek Flow Significantly Low

The USGS gauge on Ohatchee Creek at Ohatchee shows a current discharge of 101 cfs. This represents only 27% of its long-term typical flow, indicating a significant dry spell for the 216 square mile drainage area. Low flows can cause pollutants like PCBs and phosphorus to become more concentrated in the remaining water.

Filter for Heavy Contaminants

With 40% of local waters impaired and current flows at only 27% of typical levels, pollutant concentrations may be elevated. Residents should use filters capable of removing heavy contaminants like PCBs. Stay alert to any water utility notices, as the Grade B status indicates that while safety is generally high, some health violations have occurred recently.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Calhoun County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard subtropical conditions

Calhoun's 63.1°F average temperature aligns with a humid subtropical climate, sitting well above the national median. It experiences distinct seasonal shifts within a warm framework.

A perfect Alabama average

It matches the Alabama state average of 63.2°F almost perfectly, representing the quintessential state weather profile. The county avoids the extreme heat of the south and the deep freezes of the north.

Moderate heat for the region

Its 60 extreme heat days place it between the milder Blount and the hotter southern counties. Rainfall of 52.9 inches is slightly lower than the state average of 57.4 inches.

Broad seasonal temperature swings

The county experiences a sharp 36-degree swing between January's 44.4°F and July's 80.4°F averages. Annual snowfall is negligible, averaging just 0.1 inches.

Heating and cooling balance

Dual-purpose HVAC systems are essential here to manage both the 60 heat days and the chilly 46.5°F winter average. Outdoor planning should account for the lower-than-average 52.9 inches of rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Calhoun County

via SoilByCounty

High Acidity in the Foothills

Calhoun County's average pH likely tracks with the state average of 5.21, much lower than the national 6.5 median. This acidity often requires supplemental lime to make nutrients available for traditional turf and gardens.

A Complex Texture Profile

While specific sand and clay percentages are unavailable, Calhoun's Appalachian valley location provides a complex mix of soil types. These soils often offer good structure but can be prone to compaction in high-traffic areas.

Nurturing Valley Soil Health

Alabama's 1.74% average organic matter is slightly below the 2.0% national average, suggesting a need for soil amendments. Improved organic content will enhance the state's typical water capacity of 0.138 in/in.

Managing Foothill Hydrology

Specific drainage classes for Calhoun are not listed, making local observation of runoff patterns vital. Proper drainage planning is particularly important for construction in the county's varied valley terrain.

Hardy Growth in Zone 8a

Calhoun County sits in Zone 8a, supporting a wide range of vegetables and hardy perennials. The moderate climate is excellent for starting a home garden with staples like corn and beans.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Calhoun County

via LawnByCounty

Better Growing Odds in Calhoun County

Calhoun County's lawn difficulty score of 36.8 is higher than the Alabama average, making it one of the easier places in the state to keep a lawn. While Zone 8a brings summer heat, the overall conditions are relatively favorable for home gardeners. You still face more challenges than the national average of 50.0, but local factors are on your side.

Favorable Rainfall and Typical Heat

The county receives 52.9 inches of rain annually, which is very close to the ideal range for most turf. You will deal with 60 extreme heat days, slightly below the Alabama average of 64. These conditions support a steady growing season without the extreme stress seen in the southern part of the state.

Laying a Strong Soil Foundation

While specific soil composition data is unavailable, maintaining a healthy pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is vital for Calhoun County lawns. You should focus on regular aeration to improve the soil's ability to absorb the 52.9 inches of annual rain. A local soil test is highly recommended to guide your seasonal applications.

Protecting Lawns from Dry Spells

Calhoun County spent 19 weeks in drought over the last year, and currently, 100% of the area is abnormally dry. You can help your lawn stay resilient by leaving grass clippings on the surface to act as a natural mulch. This simple practice keeps the soil cooler and holds moisture longer.

Top Choices for a Calhoun Lawn

Zoysia and Tall Fescue are popular and effective choices for the Zone 8a climate here. Plan your seeding or sodding for late March, once the threat of the March 23 frost has passed. Early spring planting gives your lawn a head start on the 5,472 growing degree days available each year.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Calhoun County's county score?
Calhoun County, Alabama has a composite county score of 44.2 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 Calhoun County rank among counties in Alabama?
Calhoun County ranks #60 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 Calhoun County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Calhoun County is $610, with an effective tax rate of 0.41%. This earns Calhoun County a tax score of 93.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Calhoun County?
The median household income in Calhoun County, Alabama is $55,826 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Calhoun County earns an income score of 27.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Calhoun County, Alabama a good place to live?
Calhoun County scores 44.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #60 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Calhoun 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 Calhoun 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.