countyscore
45.9
County Score
Property Tax 97Water Quality 86Cost of Living 63.2

County Report Card

About Chilton County, Alabama

Chilton County underperforms national livability standard

Chilton County's composite score of 45.9 sits below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the bottom third of U.S. counties by livability. Despite some bright spots, systemic challenges constrain overall quality of life.

Below-average rank within Alabama counties

At 45.9, Chilton County trails the Alabama state average of 52.9 by a notable margin. The county ranks in the lower tier of state peers, indicating less-than-ideal conditions across multiple livability dimensions.

Lowest taxes and strongest incomes among sample

Chilton County boasts Alabama's lowest effective tax rate at 0.336% (tax score 97.0) and the highest median household income in this group at $61,873 (income score 44.8). These twin advantages create genuine financial breathing room for residents.

Safety and schools need urgent focus

Safety (10.5) ranks among the county's poorest metrics, alongside weak school performance (24.5). These interconnected issues—particularly school quality—may deter families and undermine long-term economic resilience.

Suits higher-earning residents willing to compromise

Chilton County works best for established professionals and families with solid incomes who can navigate safety and education gaps through private options or commuting. Those seeking strong public schools or walkable communities should reconsider.

204060801009763.210.531.124.544.845.38654.5Tax97Cost63.2Safety10.5Health31.1Schools24.5Income44.8Risk45.3Water86Weather54.545.9/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Chilton County DNA

Foverall

How Chilton County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Chilton County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (97/100) but notably weak in Safety (10.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
97+45
Cost
63.2+15.200000000000003
Safety
10.5-44.5
Health
31.1-18.9
Schools
24.5-29.5
Income
44.8
Risk
45.3
Water
86+28
Weather
54.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$142,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$855/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$142,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,873/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

11.0

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
Compare Chilton County with Dale County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Dale County
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Median income: $53,955
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Bethel Census Area
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Median income: $70,616
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Bristol Bay Borough
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White County
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Montgomery County
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Mackinac County
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Barry County
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San Miguel County
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Median income: $47,400
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Nearby counties

Autauga County
Alabama
41.9
Coosa County
Alabama
55.8
Shelby County
Alabama
58.5
Bibb County
Alabama
49.2
Elmore County
Alabama
52.1
Dallas County
Alabama
49.1
Perry County
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67.4
Lowndes County
Alabama
55.6

Deep Dives

Chilton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Chilton County

via TaxByCounty

Chilton taxes among America's lowest

Chilton County's 0.336% effective rate ranks in the bottom 8% nationally, with homeowners paying just $478 annually on the median home compared to the U.S. median of $2,690. This means Chilton residents enjoy property taxes less than one-fifth the national burden.

Slightly below Alabama's state average

At 0.336%, Chilton County sits just below Alabama's state average of 0.339%, placing it in the lower-middle range among state counties. The county's median tax of $478 is $33 less than Alabama's median of $511.

Mid-range for central Alabama region

Chilton's 0.336% rate sits between Cherokee County's 0.388% and Choctaw County's 0.178%, reflecting the wide variation across south-central Alabama. Compared to nearby Cleburne County at 0.289%, Chilton residents pay slightly more in effective rate.

Median property tax reaches $478

On Chilton County's median home value of $142,300, homeowners owe approximately $478 annually in property taxes. With mortgage costs included, the total bill can reach $584—still remarkably affordable by national standards.

Verify your assessment for errors

Like homeowners throughout Alabama, Chilton County residents should carefully review their property assessments for potential overvaluation. The county's appeal process costs nothing, and successful appeals can reduce your annual tax liability.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Chilton County

via CostByCounty

Chilton balances decent income with affordability

Chilton County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% is one of Alabama's best, significantly below the national norm and reflecting relatively strong household incomes of $61,873—only 17% below the U.S. median. Renters here allocate one-sixth of their income to housing, freeing resources for other needs.

Top-tier Alabama affordability story

Chilton County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio beats Alabama's state average of 18.0% by 1.4 percentage points, ranking among the state's most affordable. The median income of $61,873 also exceeds most of its peers, creating a powerful affordability advantage.

Higher rent, offset by stronger income

Chilton's $855 monthly rent is slightly above neighbors like Chambers ($850) and Cherokee ($750), but the county's $61,873 median income—highest among eastern Alabama peers—keeps the rent-to-income ratio low. This income advantage makes housing feel genuinely affordable despite higher nominal rents.

Strongest income-to-housing ratio in region

At $855 monthly rent on a $61,873 median income, Chilton residents dedicate just 16.6% to renting, while homeownership averages $654 per month on $142,300-valued homes. Total housing costs consume roughly 24–25% of income—among the lowest burden rates statewide.

Chilton offers income-plus-affordability combo

Relocate to Chilton County if you want the rare combination of above-average income, manageable housing costs, and genuine savings versus national norms. Its 16.6% rent ratio and $61,873 median income outperform most Alabama alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Chilton County

via IncomeByCounty

Chilton County exceeds state but trails nation

Chilton County's median household income of $61,873 beats Alabama's state average of $54,196 by 14% but still falls $12,882 short of the national median of $74,755. This positions Chilton as an above-average Alabama county with moderate national standing.

Top third of Alabama's 67 counties by income

At $61,873, Chilton County ranks in Alabama's upper-middle tier and significantly outperforms the state average of $54,196. The county's per capita income of $30,032 edges above the state average of $29,701, suggesting fairly even income distribution.

Chilton leads neighboring rural counties

Chilton County's $61,873 income leads nearby Cleburne County ($53,319), Clay County ($51,852), and Cherokee County ($50,769), all within a 150-mile radius. The $8,000–$10,000 gap suggests Chilton benefits from stronger local employment or manufacturing bases.

Housing costs remain very manageable

Chilton County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% ranks among the state's best, well below the 30% affordability ceiling, allowing families to allocate more to savings. Median home values of $142,300 remain accessible to households earning the county median.

Strong income supports aggressive wealth building

On $61,873 annually, Chilton County residents can comfortably build emergency reserves and redirect 15–20% to investment accounts. Max out employer 401(k) matches, then consider additional Roth IRA contributions—this income level supports long-term wealth compounding.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Chilton County

via CrimeByCounty

Chilton County National Safety Comparison

Chilton County holds a safety score of 95.7, indicating a higher volume of reported incidents than many peers. The total crime rate of 2735.9 per 100K stands well above the national average of 2,385.5. This makes the county one of the more active areas for crime in the dataset.

Where Chilton Stands in Alabama

Chilton's safety score of 95.7 falls below the state average of 97.3, signaling room for improvement. The total crime rate of 2735.9 per 100K is notably higher than the Alabama average of 1731.0. Local authorities across six agencies manage a higher caseload than the state norm.

Chilton vs. Surrounding Alabama Counties

Chilton County has the highest total crime rate in this group, far exceeding Clarke County’s rate of 1869.2. It is also less safe than neighboring Chambers County, which maintains a 96.2 safety score. These comparisons highlight the county's unique challenges within the region.

A Closer Look at Local Crime

The violent crime rate is 454.1 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also elevated at 2281.8 per 100K. This dual pressure means residents should stay vigilant regarding both personal and property safety.

Building a More Secure Household

Higher crime rates make home security systems a wise investment for Chilton residents. Alarms and visible cameras serve as powerful deterrents to potential intruders. Regularly checking locks and coordinating with neighbors can further enhance local safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Chilton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Chilton's Growing Rural Education Infrastructure

Chilton County manages 14 public schools serving a significant population of 7,858 students. The system is balanced across various levels, featuring four middle schools, four high schools, and four all-grade campuses.

Competitive Graduation Rates with Leaner Spending

The county maintains an 88% graduation rate, exceeding the national average of 87%. Although per-pupil spending of $5,792 is lower than the state average, the county remains competitive with a 49.9 composite school score.

A Massive Unified County District

All 14 public schools in the area fall under the Chilton County district umbrella, which manages over 7,800 students. There are no charter schools in the region, focusing all resources into the traditional district system.

Large Campuses in a Rural Setting

Despite having 13 of its 14 schools in rural locales, Chilton County features several large campuses like Clanton Elementary, which enrolls 1,028 students. The average school size is 655 students, creating a bustling environment within a quiet landscape.

Establish Roots in Chilton County

Families looking for a rural lifestyle without sacrificing large-school opportunities should explore Chilton County. Browse local homes to find the perfect spot near popular schools like Chilton County High or Thorsby High.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Chilton County

via RiskByCounty

Chilton County Below National Risk Average

Chilton County's composite score of 54.71 sits comfortably below the national average, placing it in the Relatively Low risk category. Residents enjoy better protection from multi-hazard exposure than typical American communities.

Among Alabama's Lower-Risk Counties

At 54.71, Chilton County underperforms Alabama's state average of 61.54, ranking it in the safer half of state counties. This advantage reflects notably lower flood exposure and moderate tornado preparedness.

Safer Than Choctaw, Riskier Than Cleburne

Chilton County's 54.71 falls between safer Cleburne County (27.48) to the east and more hazardous Choctaw County (70.61) to the west. Its position reflects moderate vulnerability across most hazard types, making it a middle-ground risk area.

Tornadoes Lead, Wildfires Follow Close

Tornado risk (85.78) represents Chilton County's most serious threat, reaching levels typically associated with tornado-prone regions. Wildfire risk (63.26) presents a secondary but meaningful concern, particularly during dry seasons.

Prioritize Tornado and Fire Protection

Chilton County homeowners should focus on wind coverage for tornado damage and consider wildfire protection if near forested areas. Standard homeowners insurance covering these perils, plus a documented home inventory, provides essential protection against your county's primary threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Chilton County

via WaterByCounty

Chilton County Drinking Water Safe

Chilton County holds a Grade A for drinking water compliance with zero health violations in the last five years. Its 0.0 violation rate outpaces the Alabama average of 14.1 per 100,000 residents. Local water utilities are operating within all federal health standards.

Phosphorus and PCBs Affect Watersheds

Approximately 39.4% of the 33 assessed water bodies in Chilton County are classified as impaired in the 2022 cycle. This exceeds the state average impairment rate of 27.7% for the same period. The top causes for these failures are phosphorus, biochemical oxygen demand, and PCBs.

Consistent Tracking at Fifteen Sites

A network of 15 monitoring sites has recorded 12,904 water quality measurements over the past five years. Data collection focuses on physical traits, organic compounds, and inorganic chemicals. This monitoring footprint provides the necessary data to track the 13 impaired water bodies.

Walnut Creek Flows Reach Critical Lows

The USGS gauge at Walnut Creek above Clanton shows a current discharge of 15 cfs. This is only 26% of the long-term mean flow of 57 cfs for this location. Such low flows can stress local aquatic ecosystems and reduce the dilution of pollutants.

Address Watershed Impairments Locally

Despite excellent tap water quality, the high rate of watershed impairment from PCBs and phosphorus suggests residents should be careful with local fish consumption. The critical 26% streamflow on Walnut Creek highlights the need for community water conservation. Protecting the watershed now ensures the long-term health of the county's primary water sources.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Chilton County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm southern climate exceeds national norms

Chilton County averages 62.9°F annually, reflecting its position in the warm heart of the Southeast. This is significantly warmer than the national median, typical for the deep humid subtropical zone.

Mirroring the Alabama average

At 62.9°F, Chilton County sits almost exactly at the state average of 63.2°F. It serves as a climate bellwether for Alabama, representing the typical weather experience for the region.

Warmer than its northern neighbors

Chilton's average temperature is several degrees higher than Cherokee County's 59.7°F. It bridges the gap between the cooler Appalachian foothills and the hotter coastal plains to the south.

Sizzling summers and brief frosts

The county experiences 57 days of extreme heat annually, with July averages reaching 79.8°F. Winter brings a dusting of snow, averaging 0.5 inches, while January stays relatively mild at 44.5°F.

Ready your home for humidity

High annual precipitation of 57.5 inches requires reliable HVAC systems with dehumidification. Outdoor planning should account for the nearly two months of days topping 90°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Chilton County

via SoilByCounty

Defining Chilton County's Soil Identity

Chilton County lacks specific local pH data in this set, though we can assume it trends toward the Alabama average of 5.21. This represents a more acidic environment than the 6.5 national median. Understanding this acidity is crucial for the county's famous agricultural outputs.

The Complex Mix of Sand and Clay

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are currently unavailable for this area. This composition determines how well your land retains nutrients versus how quickly it drains. A balanced mix is the secret behind the region's productive orchards and farms.

Assessing the Roots of Local Fertility

Local organic matter levels are not currently specified, but the state benchmark of 1.74% provides a goal for local growers. Adding organic matter helps the soil reach or exceed the state's 0.138 in/in water capacity average. This capacity ensures plants stay hydrated even during dry Alabama summers.

Water Management and Drainage Classes

The dominant drainage class for Chilton County is not currently listed in our dataset. Knowing your hydrologic group is essential for managing runoff and choosing the right site for a pond or garden. Proper drainage is especially important for the stone fruits that define this region's heritage.

Peaches and More in Zone 8b

Chilton County sits in Hardiness Zone 8b, a slightly warmer pocket perfect for peaches and blueberries. The extended growing season allows for early spring planting and late autumn harvests. Your backyard is ready for a garden that celebrates this unique climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Chilton County

via LawnByCounty

Chilton County Lawn Maintenance Hurdles

Chilton County scores 28.6 on the lawn difficulty scale, falling just below the Alabama state average of 29.5. This score indicates a more challenging environment than the national median of 50.0. Homeowners in this Zone 8b region must be diligent with watering and pest control to keep grass healthy.

Long Growing Seasons and High Energy

With 5,390 growing degree days, the lawn stays active for a significant portion of the year. The county experiences 57 extreme heat days annually and receives a generous 57.5 inches of rain. The frost-free window is wide, typically opening on March 22 and closing on November 10.

The Groundwork for Chilton Lawns

Because localized soil texture and pH data are not available, starting with a soil sample is recommended for all residents. Southern lawns typically struggle with clay-heavy soils that require core aeration to improve oxygen flow. Maintaining a balanced pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is key for nutrient uptake in this climate.

Abnormally Dry but Improving Conditions

The county has faced 27 weeks of drought in the past year, and the entire area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Fortunately, no part of the county is currently in severe drought (D2+). Implementing a smart irrigation plan now can prepare your turf for the hotter months ahead.

Ideal Turf Varieties for Zone 8b

Warm-season favorites like St. Augustine and Zoysia are well-suited for Chilton County's 8b hardiness zone. You can start seeding or sodding as early as late March thanks to the early spring transition. Early establishment ensures your lawn is strong enough to handle the 5,000+ growing degree days of the Alabama summer.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chilton County's county score?
Chilton County, Alabama has a composite county score of 45.9 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 Chilton County rank among counties in Alabama?
Chilton County ranks #56 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 Chilton County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Chilton County is $478, with an effective tax rate of 0.34%. This earns Chilton County a tax score of 97/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chilton County?
The median household income in Chilton County, Alabama is $61,873 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chilton County earns an income score of 44.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chilton County, Alabama a good place to live?
Chilton County scores 45.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #56 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Chilton 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 Chilton 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.