countyscore
54.7
County Score
Property Tax 99.9Cost of Living 94.6Weather & Climate 43.7

County Report Card

About Choctaw County, Alabama

Choctaw County exceeds national livability benchmark

With a composite score of 54.7, Choctaw County surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 55th percentile nationally. This county punches above its weight in regional livability comparisons.

Alabama's top performer in this sample

Choctaw County leads this group with a score of 54.7 versus the Alabama state average of 52.9, ranking in the upper tier of state counties. It represents a genuine livability bright spot in a regional context often marked by challenges.

Unbeatable tax burden and housing affordability

Choctaw County features the lowest effective tax rate of all counties examined (0.178%, tax score 99.9) and exceptional housing affordability with median rent of $653/month and home values at $111,800 (cost score 94.6). Few places offer better financial fundamentals.

Income and water quality require attention

Income (6.6) and water quality (18.8) are significant weak points, with median household income of just $44,483 reflecting limited economic opportunity. Water infrastructure challenges also warrant community investment.

Perfect for retirees and minimalist cost-seekers

Choctaw County excels for fixed-income seniors and cost-conscious families who prioritize financial simplicity over employment growth or amenities. Those dependent on higher wages or concerned about water systems should explore alternatives.

2040608010099.994.642.224.635.16.629.418.843.7Tax99.9Cost94.6Safety42.2Health24.6Schools35.1Income6.6Risk29.4Water18.8Weather43.754.7/100
This county
National avg
2 above average7 below average

Choctaw County DNA

Foverall

How Choctaw County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Choctaw County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (99.9/100) but notably weak in Income (6.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
99.9+47.900000000000006
Cost
94.6+46.599999999999994
Safety
42.2-12.799999999999997
Health
24.6-25.4
Schools
35.1-18.9
Income
6.6-44.4
Risk
29.4-17.6
Water
18.8-39.2
Weather
43.7-12.299999999999997
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$111,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$653/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$111,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$26,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $44,483/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

8.0

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
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Counties with similar scores

Gulf County
Florida
Median income: $67,361
54.7
Oconee County
Georgia
Median income: $115,925
54.7
Turner County
Georgia
Median income: $39,565
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Adams County
Illinois
Median income: $64,962
54.7
Rice County
Kansas
Median income: $63,947
54.7
Sagadahoc County
Maine
Median income: $82,080
54.7
Antrim County
Michigan
Median income: $71,421
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Forest County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $50,061
54.7

Nearby counties

Clarke County
Mississippi
60.7
Marengo County
Alabama
48.3
Lauderdale County
Mississippi
46.8
Wayne County
Mississippi
41.9
Clarke County
Alabama
48.1
Washington County
Alabama
65.4
Sumter County
Alabama
59.1
Jasper County
Mississippi
53.9

Deep Dives

Choctaw County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Choctaw County

via TaxByCounty

Choctaw has Alabama's lowest tax burden

Choctaw County's 0.178% effective rate ranks in the bottom 3% nationally, with homeowners paying just $199 annually—less than one-fifteenth the U.S. median of $2,690. This is one of the lowest property tax rates found anywhere in America.

Lowest effective rate in Alabama

At 0.178%, Choctaw County has the lowest effective tax rate among all Alabama counties, less than half the state average of 0.339%. The county's median tax of $199 is 61% below Alabama's median of $511.

Dramatically lower than surrounding counties

Choctaw County's 0.178% rate is less than half that of neighboring Chambers (0.382%) and Cherokee (0.388%), representing a significant savings for residents. Even compared to Chilton County at 0.336%, Choctaw homeowners pay roughly half the effective rate.

Just $199 on median home value

On Choctaw County's median home value of $111,800, homeowners pay only $199 annually in property taxes—the lowest across the region. This modest burden remains stable whether paying with mortgage escrow or independently.

Even low taxes deserve verification

Although Choctaw County's rates are exceptionally low, homeowners should still verify their assessments for accuracy to ensure fairness. The appeal process remains free and available to challenge any assessment deemed inaccurate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Choctaw County

via CostByCounty

Choctaw delivers rock-bottom rental costs

Choctaw County's $653 monthly rent is among the lowest in Alabama, and its 17.6% rent-to-income ratio sits below the national norm, despite a median household income of just $44,483—40% below the U.S. average. The county's extremely affordable rentals offer genuine opportunity for budget-conscious residents.

Alabama's cheapest rental market

Choctaw County's $653 median rent is the lowest in this eight-county sample and substantially below Alabama's state average of $799. The 17.6% rent-to-income ratio also beats the state average of 18.0%, making Choctaw one of the state's most affordable rental markets.

Unbeatable rents in rural Alabama

Choctaw's $653 rent undercuts all nearby counties—Cherokee ($750), Chambers ($850), and Chilton ($855)—making it the region's clear rental bargain. Even modest local incomes benefit from these historically low housing costs.

Affordability through rock-bottom rents

Monthly rent of $653 represents just 17.6% of Choctaw's $44,483 median household income, while homeownership averages $465 per month on $111,800-valued homes. Total housing costs consume roughly 25% of income—the lowest ownership burden in the sample.

Choctaw for those prioritizing ultra-low costs

If affordability is paramount, Choctaw County's $653 rent and $465 monthly ownership costs are unmatched in the region. This rural county suits anyone seeking minimal housing expense, though lower incomes mean careful budgeting remains essential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Choctaw County

via IncomeByCounty

Choctaw County earns 41% below U.S. median

Choctaw County's median household income of $44,483 ranks among Alabama's lowest, trailing the national median of $74,755 by $30,272. This significant gap reflects Choctaw's position as one of the nation's most economically vulnerable rural counties.

Alabama's second-poorest county by income

At $44,483, Choctaw County ranks near the bottom of Alabama's 67 counties, falling 18% below the state average of $54,196. The county's per capita income of $26,781 drops below the state average of $29,701, indicating uneven income concentration.

Lowest income among nearby rural counties

Choctaw County's $44,483 trails all nearby counties: Clarke ($49,167), Chambers ($49,295), and Cherokee ($50,769) all earn $4,500–$5,000 more annually. This gap suggests Choctaw faces steeper economic headwinds than neighboring regions.

Housing costs take up nearly one-fifth

At 17.6%, Choctaw County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, though tight household budgets make any housing cost significant. Median home values of $111,800 are the county's lowest, offering some relief to would-be homeowners.

Build resilience through incremental saving

On $44,483 annually, prioritize a small emergency fund of $1,000–$2,000 before investing, allowing you to weather unexpected expenses without debt. Explore employer retirement plans, tax credits for low-income savers (Saver's Credit), and no-fee community banking to maximize every dollar.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Choctaw County

via CrimeByCounty

Choctaw County’s Strong National Safety Standing

Choctaw County achieves a high safety score of 97.9, showing it is safer than the majority of U.S. counties. Its total crime rate of 1310.2 per 100K is nearly half the national average of 2,385.5. These numbers highlight the county's reputation for tranquility and security.

Outperforming Alabama State Safety Averages

With a score of 97.9, Choctaw County outperforms the Alabama state safety average of 97.3. Its total crime rate of 1310.2 per 100K is significantly lower than the state benchmark of 1731.0. This makes it one of the more peaceful counties for Alabama families.

How Choctaw Compares to Neighbors

Choctaw County is notably safer than neighboring Clarke County, which has a safety score of 97.0. It also maintains a much lower crime rate than Chilton County’s 2735.9. This regional leadership in safety makes it a standout for local residents.

Low Crime Rates Across the Board

Violent crime is very low at 181.5 per 100K, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime follows a similar trend, sitting at just 1128.7 per 100K. These figures indicate a low-risk environment for both residents and visitors alike.

Maintaining a Safe Home Environment

While crime is low, maintaining basic security habits helps keep it that way. Motion-sensor lights and deadbolt locks are effective, low-cost ways to protect your property. Staying connected with neighbors ensures the community remains a difficult target for crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Choctaw County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Learning in Choctaw County

Choctaw County operates a highly focused school system consisting of just four public schools. This streamlined infrastructure serves 1,097 students, split evenly between two elementary and two high schools.

Elite Graduation Rates in a Rural District

Choctaw County boasts an impressive 92% graduation rate, significantly higher than the 87% national average. The district achieves these results with a composite school score of 50.9, even while operating with a lean per-pupil budget of $5,312.

One District, Four Community Hubs

The Choctaw County district oversees all education for the county's 1,097 students. Without any charter schools, the community focuses its efforts on its four established traditional public campuses.

The Essence of Rural Education

Every school in the county is located in a rural setting, offering a truly quiet and focused atmosphere. With an average school size of just 274 students, campuses like Southern Choctaw High feel more like close-knit families.

Peaceful Living and Academic Success

If you value high graduation rates and small classroom settings, Choctaw County is an ideal choice. Check out available properties to see how you can benefit from this intimate and successful school environment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Choctaw County

via RiskByCounty

Choctaw County Exceeds National Risk Profile

Choctaw County's composite score of 70.61 substantially exceeds the national average, though it remains rated Relatively Low. This higher-than-typical exposure reflects significant hurricane and tornado vulnerabilities.

Above-Average Risk Across Alabama

At 70.61, Choctaw County substantially exceeds Alabama's state average of 61.54, ranking it among the state's higher-risk counties. This elevation stems primarily from exceptional hurricane exposure (89.32), one of the highest in the state.

Alabama's Most Hurricane-Vulnerable Inland County

Choctaw County's 70.61 score exceeds nearby Chilton County (54.71) and Chambers County (47.23), making it the riskiest in its immediate region. Its extraordinary hurricane risk (89.32) far surpasses neighboring counties, positioning it as unusually vulnerable for an inland Alabama county.

Hurricanes and Tornadoes Drive Risk Profile

Hurricane risk (89.32) stands at critical levels for an inland county, while tornado risk (77.83) and flood risk (73.54) compound exposure. Together, these water and wind hazards define Choctaw County's risk landscape.

Bundle Comprehensive Coverage Immediately

Choctaw County residents need robust homeowners insurance with wind coverage plus separate flood insurance, given the combined hurricane and tornado exposure. Consider impact-resistant materials for windows and doors to mitigate hurricane damage risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Choctaw County

via WaterByCounty

Critical Drinking Water Violations Noted

Choctaw County receives a Grade F for drinking water compliance after recording 26 health violations in five years. The violation rate of 143.7 per 100,000 residents is more than ten times the state average of 14.1. This indicates significant and recurring challenges for local water systems.

Watershed Health Remains Strong

Only 6.5% of the 31 assessed water bodies in Choctaw County are listed as impaired, far below the Alabama average of 27.7%. E. coli is the sole primary impairment cause identified in the 2022 reporting cycle. While treated water faces issues, the raw watershed remains relatively healthy.

Active Monitoring of Organic Compounds

Researchers utilize 21 monitoring sites to track water quality, resulting in 30,202 measurements over the last five years. The most frequently measured groups include physical characteristics, organics, and pesticides. This data offers a clear picture of the contaminants entering the Tombigbee River system.

Tombigbee River Flow Below Half

The Tombigbee River at Coffeeville Lock and Dam is currently discharging 12,100 cfs. This is 41% of the long-term mean of 29,494 cfs for this major waterway. Lower river levels can impact navigation and the intake of water for industrial or municipal use.

Prioritize Filtration and Health Updates

Given the Grade F compliance rating and high violation rate, residents should consider using certified water filters and following all utility notices closely. While the watershed is largely healthy, the infrastructure delivering water to homes is showing signs of distress. Monitor local health department updates for specific contaminant alerts.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Choctaw County

via WeatherByCounty

A high-precipitation southern landscape

While full temperature data is currently unavailable, Choctaw County's 52.0 inches of annual precipitation highlights a wet, subtropical climate. This rainfall level sits comfortably above the national median for moisture.

Drier than the state average

Choctaw's 52.0 inches of annual rain is lower than the Alabama state average of 57.4 inches. Despite this, it remains a lush environment characterized by high humidity throughout the year.

Comparing moisture across the border

The county receives less annual rainfall than neighboring Clarke County, which sees 59.0 inches. This slight difference can influence local agriculture and timber growth rates in the region.

Rare snow and humid cycles

Snowfall is nearly non-existent here, averaging only 0.4 inches annually. While specific summer averages are missing, the regional patterns suggest long, humid summers punctuated by heavy thunderstorms.

Focus on water management

Because of the 52.0 inches of rain, residents should focus on flood prevention and moisture control in crawlspaces. Lightweight, breathable clothing is a necessity for the long, damp seasons.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Choctaw County

via SoilByCounty

Analyzing Choctaw County's Soil Profile

Local pH and taxonomic data are currently missing, but the state average of 5.21 suggests acidic conditions. This is lower than the national median of 6.5, often requiring lime to balance the soil for most vegetables. Knowing your soil's taxonomy helps predict its behavior across different seasons.

Workability and Particle Composition

We currently lack specific data on the sand, silt, and clay percentages for Choctaw County. This mix dictates everything from how much water the soil holds to how easily roots can penetrate. Testing your own soil can reveal the specific texture that guides your management choices.

Building Fertility in Southwest Alabama

While specific organic matter levels for the county are unavailable, the state average of 1.74% serves as an important baseline. High organic content is the engine of soil fertility and improves water capacity. Increasing your organic matter toward the 2.0% national average can transform poor soil into a productive garden.

Understanding Water Flow and Drainage

The drainage class and hydrologic group for this area are currently unrecorded. These classifications tell us how quickly water moves through the ground, which is vital for both farming and infrastructure. Understanding these patterns prevents waterlogging and ensures healthy plant growth.

The Gardening Potential of Zone 8b

Choctaw County is in Zone 8b, which means a long frost-free window for growing peppers, tomatoes, and citrus. The warm, humid climate is a powerhouse for biomass and garden productivity. Now is the perfect time to explore the possibilities of your local soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Choctaw County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating the Choctaw County Climate

Choctaw County registers a lawn difficulty score of 30.3, placing it right near the Alabama state average of 29.5. While it outperforms some neighbors, it remains much more difficult to maintain than the national median of 50.0. Residents in this Zone 8b area face a climate that demands specialized warm-season turf management.

Consistent Rainfall and Warm Nights

The county receives 52.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is nearly perfect for maintaining Southern grasses without excessive irrigation. While specific heat day data is limited, the Zone 8b classification suggests a long, warm growing season. High humidity often accompanies this rainfall, increasing the risk of fungal diseases in the turf.

Assessing Your Soil Needs

Detailed soil metrics for Choctaw County are not currently available in our dataset. Local experts suggest testing for acidity, as many regional soils fall below the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH range. Adding organic matter can help improve the structure and water-holding capacity of your lawn's foundation.

Preparing for Frequent Dry Spells

Choctaw County has suffered through 35 weeks of drought over the past year, one of the higher totals in the state. Currently, 14.6% of the county remains in severe drought, with 97.3% categorized as abnormally dry. Focus on deep-root irrigation to help your lawn survive these prolonged periods of water stress.

Best Grasses for Southwest Alabama

Bermuda and Centipede grass are excellent choices for the heat of Choctaw County. Since specific frost dates are not available, wait until soil temperatures consistently reach 65 degrees before planting. These hardy varieties will thrive in the 8b hardiness zone if given proper care and attention.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Choctaw County's county score?
Choctaw County, Alabama has a composite county score of 54.7 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 Choctaw County rank among counties in Alabama?
Choctaw County ranks #31 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 Choctaw County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Choctaw County is $199, with an effective tax rate of 0.18%. This earns Choctaw County a tax score of 99.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Choctaw County?
The median household income in Choctaw County, Alabama is $44,483 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Choctaw County earns an income score of 6.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Choctaw County, Alabama a good place to live?
Choctaw County scores 54.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #31 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Choctaw 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 Choctaw County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.