CountyScore

Cherokee County

Alabama · AL

#26 in Alabama
71.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Cherokee County, Alabama

Cherokee County ranks solidly above national average

Cherokee County's composite score of 71.5 places it well above the national median of 50.0, landing in the 71st percentile nationwide. This above-average standing reflects a balanced profile of low taxes, affordable housing, and solid health outcomes relative to most American counties.

Leads Alabama's county rankings narrowly

With a score of 71.5 versus Alabama's state average of 70.8, Cherokee County ranks just above the midpoint among the state's 67 counties. This positions it as one of the slightly more livable counties in Alabama, though by a modest margin.

Low taxes and exceptional health outcomes shine

Cherokee County excels with the state's lowest risk score (36.7) and a strong health score of 62.1, the best among these eight counties. Combined with its nearly zero effective tax rate (0.388%) and highly affordable housing ($750/month rent), the county offers a compelling blend of fiscal and wellness advantages.

Income growth remains the weakest link

Median household income stands at $50,769 (score: 16.5), limiting economic advancement for younger families and wage-dependent households. While housing and taxes are friendly, income opportunities lag, suggesting limited high-paying employment or business development in the area.

Ideal for health-conscious, tax-averse families

Cherokee County appeals most to health-conscious families, early retirees, and those prioritizing low-stress living over career advancement. The county's exceptional health and risk profiles, paired with minimal taxes and cheap housing, create an attractive haven for established residents seeking wellness and stability over economic growth.

Score breakdown

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

Tax91.4Cost86SafetyComing SoonHealth62.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome16.5Risk36.7WaterComing Soon
🏛91.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼16.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤62.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡36.7
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 Cherokee County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Bullock County
Alabama
71.5
Median income: $36,723
Bradley County
Arkansas
71.5
Median income: $39,565
Franklin County
Arkansas
71.5
Median income: $51,919
Fulton County
Arkansas
71.5
Median income: $38,941
Ouachita County
Arkansas
71.5
Median income: $49,838

Deep Dives

Cherokee County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cherokee County

via TaxByCounty

Cherokee taxes rank in lowest tier nationally

Cherokee County's 0.388% effective rate translates to just $643 annually on the national median home value, placing it in the bottom 12% across America. The typical U.S. homeowner pays $2,690 per year—more than four times what Cherokee residents pay.

Slightly above Alabama's average rate

At 0.388%, Cherokee County edges out Alabama's state average of 0.339% and sits in the upper-middle range among state counties. The county's median tax of $643 runs about 26% higher than Alabama's median of $511.

Similar to Chambers, much higher than Choctaw

Cherokee's 0.388% rate nearly matches adjacent Chambers County at 0.382%, making them regional peers in the tax landscape. By contrast, neighboring Choctaw County at 0.178% shows how much variation exists just miles away.

$643 annual tax on median home

On Cherokee County's median home value of $165,900, homeowners pay roughly $643 per year in property taxes. With mortgage escrow factored in, the annual bill climbs to $745—still modest compared to national standards.

Assessment appeals could save hundreds

Cherokee County homeowners should verify their property assessments are accurate, as overvaluation is common statewide. An appeal process exists to challenge inflated assessments at no cost, potentially reducing your tax burden significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cherokee County

via CostByCounty

Cherokee keeps housing costs manageable

Cherokee County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% sits well below the national norm, with residents spending less than one-fifth of household income on rent. At a median household income of $50,769—32% below the national average of $74,755—the county's lower rents of $750 per month help maintain relative affordability despite lower regional wages.

Among Alabama's most affordable counties

Cherokee County's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks below Alabama's state average of 18.0%, placing it among the more affordable communities in the state. The median rent of $750 is $49 cheaper than the state average of $799, offering genuine savings for renters.

Eastern Alabama's bargain rental market

Cherokee's $750 rent is the lowest among nearby Chambers ($850), Chilton ($855), and Clarke ($785) counties. Combined with respectable median home values of $165,900, Cherokee emerges as a rental and ownership bargain within its region.

Balanced rental and ownership costs

Monthly rent of $750 consumes 17.7% of Cherokee's median $50,769 household income, while homeownership averages $590 per month on $165,900-valued properties. Housing costs total roughly 25–27% of income—among the most favorable ratios in the state.

Relocate here for genuine affordability

Cherokee County delivers one of Alabama's best housing-affordability stories: low rents, reasonable home prices, and manageable rent-to-income ratios. If you're seeking an affordable relocation with below-state-average housing burdens, Cherokee outperforms neighboring counties across metrics.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cherokee County

via IncomeByCounty

Cherokee County earns 32% below national median

Cherokee County's median household income of $50,769 falls $24,000 short of the $74,755 national median, placing it in the lower-income band across the United States. Per capita income of $31,360, however, slightly exceeds Alabama's state average of $29,701, showing some income concentration.

Ranks 35th among Alabama's 67 counties

At $50,769, Cherokee County outperforms Alabama's state median of $54,196 by 6%, placing it near the middle of the state's income rankings. The county's per capita income of $31,360 runs above the state average, indicating strong wealth distribution.

Middle of the pack in rural northeast Alabama

Cherokee County's $50,769 income edges out Chambers County ($49,295) but trails Chilton County ($61,873) and Clay County ($51,852) in the region. These four counties cluster within $12,000 of each other, reflecting similar rural, small-town economies.

Rent costs less than one-fifth of income here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 17.7%, Cherokee County residents spend well below the federal 30% affordability benchmark, indicating strong housing affordability. Median home values of $165,900 remain within reach for families earning the county median income.

Your income supports both saving and investing

Cherokee County's $50,769 median income supports a balanced approach: save 3–6 months of expenses, then funnel 10–15% into diversified investments like 401(k)s or IRAs. Starting early takes advantage of compound returns—a $5,000 annual contribution over 30 years can exceed $400,000.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Cherokee County

via HealthByCounty

Beating national health averages

Cherokee County residents live to 72.4 years, about 5 years below the U.S. average of 77.4 years, but with a relatively low 19.5% reporting poor or fair health. The county stands among Alabama's healthier communities, suggesting more stable access to preventive care.

Above-average health for Alabama

At 72.4 years, Cherokee County edges past Alabama's 72.1-year state average and ranks in the healthier half of Alabama counties. Its 19.5% poor/fair health rate is notably better than the state median.

Health leader among surrounding counties

Cherokee County's 72.4-year life expectancy outpaces Chambers (71.9) and Clay (71.8), matching Coffee County's solid performance. Its mental health provider density of 66 per 100,000 substantially exceeds regional neighbors like Chambers (15) and Choctaw (16).

Good access, moderate insurance gaps

Cherokee has 44 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—better than many rural counties—and robust mental health support at 66 providers per 100,000. Yet 13.3% remain uninsured, slightly higher than the state average of 11.1%.

Close the insurance gap now

With 13.3% uninsured, Cherokee County families are missing out on preventive care and routine screenings. Visit healthcare.gov this enrollment season to find affordable plans—subsidies may be available to lower your costs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cherokee County

via RiskByCounty

Cherokee County Faces Above-Average Risk

Cherokee County's composite risk score of 63.33 exceeds the national average, reflecting genuine multi-hazard exposure across the county. This Relatively Low rating still indicates manageable risk—but higher than most American counties.

Mid-Range Risk for Alabama Standards

At 63.33, Cherokee County slightly exceeds Alabama's state average of 61.54, placing it in the middle tier of state counties. This positioning reflects stronger tornado and earthquake exposure than many neighboring areas.

More Hazardous Than Nearby Chambers County

Cherokee County's 63.33 score substantially exceeds Chambers County's 47.23, though both remain Relatively Low-risk areas. The difference centers on Cherokee's elevated tornado risk (82.95) and earthquake risk (73.44), making it notably more vulnerable to seismic and severe weather events.

Tornadoes Dominate Local Hazard Profile

Tornado risk (82.95) stands as Cherokee County's most acute threat, nearly reaching high-risk thresholds. Earthquake risk (73.44) and flood risk (70.42) round out the county's top three hazards, each requiring distinct preparedness strategies.

Invest in Tornado and Earthquake Protection

Cherokee County homeowners should carry comprehensive insurance covering wind damage, with particular attention to tornado-resistant features and safe rooms. Consider earthquake coverage as well, since seismic risk here substantially exceeds national norms.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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