countyscore
44.7
County Score
Property Tax 95Water Quality 86Cost of Living 65.8

County Report Card

About Chambers County, Alabama

Chambers County falls below national livability median

With a CountyScore of 44.8, Chambers County trails the national median of 50.0, placing it in the bottom 40th percentile nationally. This composite score reflects a county where livability challenges outweigh assets, though targeted improvements in specific areas could shift the trajectory.

Below-average livability in Alabama context

Chambers County ranks in the lower half of Alabama counties with a score of 44.8 versus the state average of 52.9. The county underperforms peers across most dimensions, suggesting systemic challenges that affect quality of life.

Tax-friendly and affordable housing standout

Chambers County excels at tax burden with a score of 95.0, reflecting an effective tax rate of just 0.382%. Housing remains accessible at a median home value of $129,700 and median rent of $850/month, making it attractive for budget-conscious residents.

Income, safety, and health lag significantly

The county struggles most with income (13.1), safety (14.6), and health (17.6)—all well below state and national benchmarks. Median household income of $49,295 sits substantially below state norms, and these interconnected challenges will require sustained community investment to address.

Best for retirees and cost-conscious families

Chambers County suits those prioritizing minimal taxes and affordable housing over robust incomes and social amenities. Young professionals and families seeking strong schools or job growth should look elsewhere, but resourceful residents valuing financial simplicity will find a willing home.

Score breakdown

Tax95Cost65.8Safety14.6Health17.6Schools30.8Income13.1Risk52.8Water86Weather60.2
🏛95
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼13.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡14.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤17.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓30.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡52.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱33.5
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Chambers County

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

See Today's Rates

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
Compare Chambers County with Wayne County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Wayne County
Georgia
Median income: $49,562
44.7
Kearny County
Kansas
Median income: $74,135
44.7
Mower County
Minnesota
Median income: $71,495
44.7
McDonald County
Missouri
Median income: $48,145
44.7
Carter County
Tennessee
Median income: $48,435
44.7
San Jacinto County
Texas
Median income: $59,526
44.7
Albemarle County
Virginia
Median income: $102,617
44.7
Sonoma County
California
Median income: $102,840
44.8

Nearby counties

Lee County
Alabama
42.1
Troup County
Georgia
26.4
Harris County
Georgia
55.8
Tallapoosa County
Alabama
50.7
Randolph County
Alabama
56.9
Heard County
Georgia
51.1
Muscogee County
Georgia
29.4
Macon County
Alabama
55.9

Deep Dives

Chambers County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Chambers County

via TaxByCounty

Chambers taxes far below national average

At 0.382%, Chambers County's effective tax rate is less than one-fifth the national median property tax of $2,690 on a $281,900 home. The county ranks in the bottom 10% nationally, meaning homeowners here enjoy some of the lightest property tax burdens in America.

Slightly above average for Alabama

Chambers County's 0.382% rate sits above Alabama's state average of 0.339%, placing it in the middle-to-upper tier among the state's 67 counties. Median taxes here are $496 annually compared to the state median of $511.

Higher taxes than nearby Cherokee

Chambers County's effective rate of 0.382% edges out adjacent Cherokee County at 0.388%, though both counties sit comfortably close to each other. Compared to Choctaw County's historically low 0.178% rate, Chambers homeowners pay roughly twice as much.

Median home costs $496 yearly

On Chambers County's median home value of $129,700, homeowners owe approximately $496 in annual property taxes. With mortgage escrow included, the total can reach $559—a manageable expense for most county residents.

Many homeowners can appeal assessments

Property assessments across Alabama counties often overvalue homes, and Chambers residents should review their assessment notices for errors. Appealing an inflated assessment could lower your annual tax bill by hundreds of dollars—a free process worth investigating.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Chambers County

via CostByCounty

Chambers rents stretch further than national norm

Chambers County residents spend 20.7% of household income on rent, slightly above the national average of roughly 28–30% (based on median income and typical rent ratios). At a median household income of $49,295—34% below the U.S. median of $74,755—renters here face tighter budgets even as rental costs remain relatively modest at $850 per month.

Above-average rent burden for Alabama

Chambers County's 20.7% rent-to-income ratio sits above Alabama's state average of 18.0%, putting it in the less affordable tier within the state. While median rent of $850 is only $51 above the state average of $799, the county's below-average income exacerbates housing cost pressure.

Pricier than eastern Alabama peers

Chambers rents of $850 run $100 higher than neighboring Cherokee County's $750 and exceed Choctaw County's $653. Among its regional cohort, Chambers stands out as one of the pricier options despite modest income levels comparable to its neighbors.

Rent consumes one-fifth of income

At $850 monthly, rent takes 20.7% of Chambers' median $49,295 household income, while homeownership costs $620 per month on median-valued homes of $129,700. Together, housing consumes roughly 30–35% of typical household budgets, leaving limited room for other expenses.

Compare Chambers against regional options

If you're considering Chambers County, weigh its modest home values and stable rental market against slightly pricier alternatives like Chilton County ($854 rent, higher median income) or more affordable options like Choctaw County ($653 rent). A strong income above $49,000 helps; if your earnings exceed that, housing affordability improves measurably.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Chambers County

via IncomeByCounty

Chambers County earns 34% below the nation

Chambers County's median household income of $49,295 trails the national median of $74,755 by $25,460, placing it in the lower income tier nationally. This gap reflects broader economic patterns in rural Alabama counties, where per capita income of $27,868 also lags the U.S. average.

Below average but middle-ranked in Alabama

At $49,295, Chambers County earns 9% less than Alabama's average household income of $54,196, ranking it in the lower-middle tier among the state's 67 counties. The county's per capita income of $27,868 falls below the state average of $29,701.

Similar income to Clarke and Cherokee counties

Chambers County's $49,295 income sits between Clarke County ($49,167) and Cherokee County ($50,769), three neighboring rural counties with comparable economic profiles. All three hover around $50,000, well below the state average and about $25,000 below national medians.

Rent remains affordable at one-fifth of income

Chambers County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.7% is slightly elevated compared to the federal 30% affordability threshold, suggesting housing costs consume a meaningful share of household budgets. With median home values at $129,700, homeownership is achievable for many families earning the county median.

Build savings with realistic financial goals

On a $49,295 median income, prioritize an emergency fund of 3–6 months of expenses before investing. Consider low-cost index funds through employer retirement plans or IRAs to grow wealth steadily—even modest contributions compound significantly over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Chambers County

via CrimeByCounty

Chambers County Safety vs. National Standards

Chambers County maintains a safety score of 96.2, indicating a moderately secure environment. Its total crime rate of 2421.1 per 100K slightly exceeds the national average of 2,385.5. This score suggests the county faces typical safety challenges seen across the United States.

Comparing Chambers to the Alabama Average

The county’s safety score of 96.2 sits below the Alabama state average of 97.3. Additionally, its crime rate is higher than the state's benchmark of 1731.0 per 100K. These figures indicate that Chambers County is more active for law enforcement than many other Alabama locales.

Safety Levels Among Regional Neighbors

Chambers County is safer than nearby Chilton County, which has a lower safety score of 95.7. However, it trails behind Clay County, where the safety score reaches an impressive 98.6. This puts Chambers in the middle tier of safety for its immediate region.

Understanding Violent and Property Crime Risks

Property crime makes up the bulk of local incidents at a rate of 2071.5 per 100K. The violent crime rate stands at 349.6, which is notably lower than the national average of 369.8. Residents should prioritize securing their belongings, even as personal safety remains relatively high.

Simple Steps for a Safer Home

With property crime as the primary concern, residents should focus on securing entry points. Installing motion-sensor lights and smart doorbells can effectively deter opportunistic theft. These small investments provide significant peace of mind for local homeowners.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Chambers County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy lags behind nation

Chambers County residents live to an average of 71.9 years—about 5.5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 77.4 years. With 26.7% of adults reporting poor or fair health, the county faces significant health challenges that mirror struggles in rural Southeast communities nationwide.

Trailing Alabama's already-low average

Chambers County's 71.9-year life expectancy falls slightly below Alabama's 72.1-year state average, placing it in the lower half of the state's 67 counties. The county ranks among Alabama's counties with the highest rates of poor or fair health at 26.7%.

Healthier than some neighbors

Chambers outperforms Clarke County (70.0 years) and Clay County (71.8 years) on life expectancy, but lags behind Cherokee County (72.4 years). Its uninsured rate of 12.7% exceeds the state average and neighbors like Choctaw (11.2%) and Cleburne (12.4%).

Primary care challenge in daily life

Chambers has 41 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—below the national average of 59—meaning residents often travel farther for routine checkups. With 12.7% uninsured, roughly 1 in 8 residents lack regular access to preventive care.

Check coverage options this year

If you're among the 12.7% of uninsured Chambers County residents, visit healthcare.gov or Alabama's state marketplace to explore plans. Open enrollment offers a chance to lock in affordable coverage—many qualify for subsidies that lower monthly premiums significantly.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Chambers County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Network of Town and Rural Classrooms

Chambers County supports 4,121 students across 13 public schools, including five elementary and five high schools. Two distinct districts manage this infrastructure, providing a mix of academic environments for local families.

Graduation Success Above the National Average

The county achieves an 88.2% graduation rate, outpacing the national average of 87%. While per-pupil spending of $6,295 aligns closely with the state average, the county's composite school score of 51.1 sits just above the national median.

Chambers County and Lanett City Lead Education

The Chambers County district is the largest provider, serving 3,158 students across 10 different schools. Lanett City operates a smaller, focused district with three schools and 963 students; notably, no charter schools currently operate in the county.

Small-Scale Learning in Local Towns

Most students attend one of eight schools located in town settings, while five schools serve rural areas. Fairfax Elementary is the largest campus with 653 students, but the overall county average remains intimate at 343 students per school.

Find Your Home Near Chambers Schools

Families looking for consistent graduation performance and manageable school sizes will find much to love here. Explore local listings to secure a home near top-performing campuses like Valley High or Fairfax Elementary.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Chambers County

via RiskByCounty

Chambers County's Risk: Well Below Average

With a composite risk score of 47.23, Chambers County ranks as Relatively Low—significantly safer than the national average. This county outperforms most peers nationwide, meaning residents face fewer multi-hazard threats than typical Americans.

One of Alabama's Safest Counties

Chambers County's score of 47.23 places it well below Alabama's state average of 61.54, ranking it among the state's lowest-risk counties. This advantage reflects both lower exposure to major hazards and favorable geographic positioning.

Safer Than Surrounding Counties

Chambers County's 47.23 score beats nearby Cherokee County (63.33) and Chilton County (54.71), making it a notably safer pocket in east-central Alabama. This relative security stems primarily from lower flood and wildfire exposure compared to neighbors.

Hurricanes and Tornadoes Lead Local Threats

Hurricane risk (70.17) and tornado risk (67.30) present Chambers County's highest hazards, though both remain moderate compared to state standards. Flood risk (57.47) and earthquake risk (57.54) pose secondary concerns for county residents.

Secure Wind and Water Coverage Now

Chambers County residents should prioritize homeowners insurance covering wind damage from tornadoes and hurricanes, plus flood coverage where applicable. Given the county's relative safety profile, this straightforward coverage addresses your most realistic local threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Chambers County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm but moderate climate

Chambers averages 61.2°F annually, a subtropical profile that remains warmer than the median U.S. county. The weather is generally mild with few extreme cold events.

Cooler than most of Alabama

It is one of the cooler counties in Alabama, falling 2 degrees below the state average of 63.2°F. This makes it a preferred spot for those seeking a break from Alabama's intense heat.

Better summer relief than Butler

With 59 extreme heat days, Chambers stays much cooler than Butler, which faces 71 days of 90°F or higher. It maintains a steady 56.5 inches of rain, close to the state norm.

Milder summers and cool winters

Summers are relatively mild with a 77.2°F average, and the county sees 59 days of extreme heat. While snowfall data is limited, winter temperatures regularly drop to a chilly 42.9°F in January.

Focus on winterization

Focus on winterizing pipes for the 42.9°F January average while enjoying the lower-than-average 59 days of extreme heat. Reliable heating is important as winter averages are among the state's lowest.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Chambers County

via SoilByCounty

Identifying Chambers County's Hidden Soil Profile

While specific local pH and taxonomic data are currently unavailable, we look to the state average of 5.21 for context. This baseline is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. Local growers likely need to monitor acidity closely to ensure optimal nutrient uptake.

Analyzing Particle Mix and Workability

Current data does not specify the exact percentages of sand, silt, and clay for this area. These ratios are critical because they dictate how easily the soil can be tilled and how well it holds onto water. Understanding your specific mix is the first step in managing a productive garden.

Measuring Fertility Against State Benchmarks

Specific organic matter and water capacity levels for Chambers County are not currently recorded in this dataset. For reference, the Alabama state average for organic matter is 1.74%, which falls just below the national average of 2.0%. Aiming for these benchmarks through composting can significantly boost your growing potential.

Navigating Local Drainage and Hydrology

The dominant drainage class and hydrologic group for this county remain unmapped in our current records. These factors are essential for determining whether a site is better suited for moisture-loving crops or residential building projects. A simple percolation test can help you determine how your specific plot handles heavy rain.

Gardening Success in Zone 8a

Chambers County thrives in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, offering a long growing season for heat-tolerant favorites like okra and sweet potatoes. The mild winters allow for year-round activity with the right protection. It is a great time to start a garden and learn the unique needs of your local land.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Chambers County

via LawnByCounty

Managing the Lawn Challenge in Chambers County

Chambers County earns a lawn difficulty score of 33.5 out of 100, making it slightly easier to maintain than the Alabama average of 29.5 but much tougher than the national median of 50.0. This Zone 8a region requires persistent care to overcome high humidity and heat stress. Growing a lush turf here takes more effort than in most parts of the country.

Abundant Rain and High Heat Define the Season

The county receives 56.5 inches of annual precipitation, which sits comfortably above the ideal lawn range of 30-50 inches. With 59 extreme heat days and 4,899 growing degree days, grass grows rapidly but faces significant summer stress. Mowing schedules remain busy from the last frost on April 9 through the first frost on October 30.

Starting with a Strong Soil Foundation

While specific local soil composition data for Chambers County is limited, regional trends suggest a need for regular testing to balance pH levels. Most Alabama soils trend acidic and require lime to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for turfgrass. Proper aeration is essential to manage drainage in these Southern landscapes.

Navigating Severe Drought Conditions

Over the past year, the county endured 26 weeks of drought, and currently, 36.2% of the area faces severe drought conditions. With 100.0% of the county classified as abnormally dry, water conservation is a priority. Deep, infrequent watering early in the morning helps grass roots grow deeper to survive these dry spells.

Start Growing Your Zone 8a Lawn

Bermuda and Zoysia are the top choices for this climate, offering the heat tolerance needed for Zone 8a. Aim to seed or sod in late spring once the threat of frost passes in mid-April. With the right warm-season grass, you can build a resilient lawn that withstands the Alabama summer.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chambers County's county score?
Chambers County, Alabama has a composite county score of 44.7 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 Chambers County rank among counties in Alabama?
Chambers County ranks #59 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 Chambers County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Chambers County is $496, with an effective tax rate of 0.38%. This earns Chambers County a tax score of 95/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chambers County?
The median household income in Chambers County, Alabama is $49,295 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chambers County earns an income score of 13.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chambers County, Alabama a good place to live?
Chambers County scores 44.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #59 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Chambers 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 Chambers 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.