CountyScore

Chilton County

Alabama · AL

#21 in Alabama
72.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Chilton County, Alabama

Chilton County exceeds national livability baseline

Chilton County's composite score of 72.2 ranks it in the 72nd percentile nationally, significantly above the U.S. median of 50.0. This positioning reflects a well-rounded livability profile anchored by low taxes, affordable housing, and notably the highest median income among these eight counties.

Ranks in top tier of Alabama counties

Scoring 72.2 compared to Alabama's state average of 70.8, Chilton County sits among the state's stronger performers, outpacing roughly half of Alabama's 67 counties. The 1.4-point advantage over the state mean reflects its income and health strengths.

Income, taxes, and health form a strong triad

Chilton County's median household income of $61,873 (score: 23.8) leads this group by far, while maintaining excellent tax efficiency (score: 92.8, effective rate 0.336%) and solid health metrics (62.3). This combination makes it the most economically robust county in this comparison, supporting household formation and upward mobility.

Risk factors present modest concern

The county's risk score of 45.3 trails its other dimensions, though still above the national median. Housing costs, while affordable statewide, are slightly higher than several neighboring counties at $855/month rent, potentially limiting appeal for the most budget-constrained households.

Perfect for families seeking economic balance

Chilton County best serves working families and young professionals who value both stable income and low cost of living. The combination of strong wages, affordable housing, and reasonable taxes creates an ideal environment for building equity and establishing roots without sacrificing financial security.

Score breakdown

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

Tax92.8Cost83.1SafetyComing SoonHealth62.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.8Risk45.3WaterComing Soon
🏛92.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤62.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡45.3
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 Chilton County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Baker County
Florida
72.2
Median income: $70,833
Dade County
Georgia
72.2
Median income: $58,936
Oconee County
Georgia
72.2
Median income: $115,925
Dearborn County
Indiana
72.2
Median income: $82,693
Buchanan County
Iowa
72.2
Median income: $78,430

Deep Dives

Chilton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Chilton County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy near national gap

Chilton County residents live to 72.7 years, roughly 4.7 years shorter than the U.S. average of 77.4 years, with 19.6% reporting poor or fair health. The county shows moderate health outcomes for rural Alabama.

Above average for Alabama

Chilton County's 72.7-year life expectancy is the highest among the eight counties surveyed and exceeds Alabama's 72.1-year state average. Its 19.6% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's better outcomes.

Strong relative health position

Chilton's 72.7-year life expectancy leads Coffee (74.2—top in the region), and surpasses Chambers, Clay, and Cleburne counties. Its mental health provider density of 84 per 100,000 significantly exceeds neighbors like Chambers (15) and Choctaw (16).

Mental health strength, primary care gap

Chilton stands out with 84 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, among the highest in the region, but struggles with only 22 primary care providers per 100,000. The 13.2% uninsured rate means residents may delay care due to cost.

Secure coverage before emergencies

Chilton's 13.2% uninsured rate puts many families at financial risk; one emergency could trigger debt. Enroll at healthcare.gov to access mental health and primary care without worrying about medical bills.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.