CountyScore

Choctaw County

Alabama · AL

#18 in Alabama
72.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Choctaw County, Alabama

Choctaw County delivers strong national-level livability

With a composite score of 72.3, Choctaw County ranks in the 72nd percentile nationwide, well above the national median of 50.0. This solid performance is driven by exceptional tax efficiency and the lowest housing costs in this eight-county group.

Among Alabama's best-performing counties

Choctaw County's score of 72.3 exceeds Alabama's state average of 70.8 by 1.5 points, placing it solidly in the upper half of the state's 67 counties. This above-average standing reflects its distinctive tax and affordability advantages.

Lowest taxes and most affordable housing statewide

Choctaw County boasts the lowest effective tax rate (0.178%) of any county in this analysis, paired with the lowest median rent ($653/month) and home values ($111,800). These exceptional cost advantages create the most budget-friendly environment for price-sensitive residents.

Low income and health metrics warrant attention

Median household income of $44,483 (score: 12.4) ranks lowest in this group, limiting economic opportunities for working-age residents and families. Health scores of 58.4, while respectable, suggest room for improvement in preventive care and wellness infrastructure.

Ideal for retirees and minimalist lifestyle seekers

Choctaw County suits retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, and those consciously choosing a low-cost, rural lifestyle over wage-earning opportunities. The county's rock-bottom taxes and housing costs make it exceptionally attractive to those with stable external income seeking maximum purchasing power.

Score breakdown

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

Tax97.3Cost89.8SafetyComing SoonHealth58.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome12.4Risk29.4WaterComing Soon
🏛97.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤58.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡29.4
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 Choctaw County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Butler County
Alabama
72.3
Median income: $44,881
Hale County
Alabama
72.3
Median income: $41,325
Pike County
Alabama
72.3
Median income: $47,961
Gilchrist County
Florida
72.3
Median income: $61,070
Crawford County
Georgia
72.3
Median income: $60,905

Deep Dives

Choctaw County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Choctaw County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy above regional norm

Choctaw County residents live to 73.1 years, about 4.3 years below the U.S. average of 77.4 years, yet exceed many surrounding counties. However, 26.5% report poor or fair health, indicating underlying chronic disease burdens.

Modest advantage in state ranking

At 73.1 years, Choctaw County's life expectancy slightly exceeds Alabama's 72.1-year average and ranks above half the state's counties. The 26.5% poor/fair health rate, however, signals substantial population health challenges.

Life expectancy leader with health concerns

Choctaw's 73.1-year life expectancy leads Chambers (71.9), Clay (71.8), and Cleburne (72.1), but its 26.5% poor/fair health rate is the highest among surveyed counties. Its 11.2% uninsured rate is the lowest in the region, suggesting insurance access alone doesn't explain health disparities.

Covered but still facing health gaps

Choctaw has relatively good insurance coverage at 11.2% uninsured—below the state average—but only 40 primary care providers and 16 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. The disconnect suggests systemic challenges beyond just insurance, including transportation and provider availability.

Maintain coverage for better outcomes

At 11.2% uninsured, Choctaw is closer to full coverage than most counties, but 1 in 9 residents still lack protection. Keep your coverage active and work with providers to address the chronic conditions affecting 26.5% of residents.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.