CountyScore

Chambers County

Alabama · AL

#41 in Alabama
70.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Chambers County, Alabama

Chambers County outperforms national median

With a composite score of 70.4, Chambers County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 70th percentile nationally. This means the county offers livability advantages that distinguish it from three-quarters of U.S. counties, driven primarily by its exceptionally low tax burden and affordable housing market.

Slightly below Alabama's county average

Chambers County scores 70.4 compared to Alabama's state average of 70.8, ranking it near the middle of the state's 67 counties. Though just 0.4 points below the state mean, this suggests Chambers offers fairly typical livability conditions for rural Alabama.

Taxes and affordability lead the way

Chambers County's greatest strengths are its exceptionally low taxes (score: 91.5, effective rate 0.382%) and highly affordable housing (score: 83.7), with median home values at just $129,700 and rent averaging $850/month. These twin advantages make the county particularly attractive to budget-conscious households and retirees seeking to minimize living expenses.

Income levels and risk need attention

The county faces headwinds on income, with a median household income of $49,295 (score: 15.6) that trails most of the state. Health outcomes and risk factors also show room for improvement, scoring 55.7 and 52.8 respectively, suggesting residents may benefit from enhanced preventive care and economic development initiatives.

Best for cost-conscious, established residents

Chambers County suits retirees, fixed-income households, and remote workers seeking minimal tax exposure and maximum housing affordability. The lower income profile and moderate health metrics suggest this county works best for those already financially secure rather than those seeking strong wage-earning opportunities.

Score breakdown

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

Tax91.5Cost83.7SafetyComing SoonHealth55.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome15.6Risk52.8WaterComing Soon
🏛91.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤55.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡52.8
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 Chambers County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Wilcox County
Alabama
70.4
Median income: $42,236
Ashley County
Arkansas
70.4
Median income: $44,481
Dixie County
Florida
70.4
Median income: $47,655
Morgan County
Indiana
70.4
Median income: $79,088
Lincoln County
Kansas
70.4
Median income: $53,546

Deep Dives

Chambers County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

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