CountyScore

Clarke County

Alabama · AL

#35 in Alabama
71
County Score

County Report Card

About Clarke County, Alabama

Clarke County ranks above national livability median

Clarke County's composite score of 71.0 places it in the 71st percentile nationally, comfortably above the U.S. median of 50.0. This respectable standing reflects solid performance across taxes, affordability, and moderate health metrics.

Tracks slightly ahead of Alabama average

With a score of 71.0 versus Alabama's 70.8 average, Clarke County sits marginally above the state mean and roughly at the state midpoint in overall livability. This positioning suggests fairly typical conditions for rural Alabama with some modest competitive advantages.

Low taxes and reasonable housing affordability

Clarke County's tax score of 93.6 (effective rate 0.307%) and cost score of 85.4 anchor its livability profile, with median rents of $785/month and homes valued at $126,400. These fundamentals create a cost-conscious, financially accessible environment for budget-aware residents.

Income and health lag behind peer counties

Median household income of $49,167 (score: 15.5) ranks among the lowest in this group, offering limited wage-earning upside. Health and risk scores (55.8 and 46.6 respectively) also trail leading counties, indicating potential gaps in medical services or public health infrastructure.

Best for retirees seeking stable, affordable living

Clarke County appeals primarily to retirees, fixed-income households, and those prioritizing extreme affordability over economic growth. The moderate health and income profiles suggest this county works best for residents with pre-established financial security rather than those building careers.

Score breakdown

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

Tax93.6Cost85.4SafetyComing SoonHealth55.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome15.5Risk46.6WaterComing Soon
🏛93.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤55.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡46.6
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 Clarke County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Blount County
Alabama
71
Median income: $61,096
Dale County
Alabama
71
Median income: $53,955
Boone County
Arkansas
71
Median income: $54,195
Hempstead County
Arkansas
71
Median income: $47,654
Hot Spring County
Arkansas
71
Median income: $52,644

Deep Dives

Clarke County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Clarke County

via TaxByCounty

Clarke taxes well below national median

Clarke County's 0.307% effective rate places it in the bottom 5% nationally, with homeowners paying just $388 annually compared to the U.S. median of $2,690. This represents less than one-seventh the national property tax burden.

Below average for Alabama

At 0.307%, Clarke County falls below Alabama's state average of 0.339%, ranking in the lower tier among the state's counties. The county's median tax of $388 is $123 less than Alabama's median of $511.

Lower than most surrounding counties

Clarke County's 0.307% rate sits below Chambers (0.382%) and Cherokee (0.388%), but remains above the exceptional Choctaw County at 0.178%. Compared to Cleburne County at 0.289%, Clarke residents pay slightly more in effective rate.

Median tax bill under $400 yearly

On Clarke County's median home value of $126,400, homeowners pay approximately $388 in annual property taxes. With mortgage escrow, the total reaches $477—an exceptionally low burden for property ownership.

Challenge inflated assessments affordably

Clarke County homeowners should review their property assessments to identify any overvaluation, which is common across Alabama. The county's appeal process is free and could result in meaningful tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clarke County

via CostByCounty

Clarke's rents strain modest incomes

Clarke County's 19.2% rent-to-income ratio stands above Alabama's state average of 18.0% and reflects below-average household income of $49,167—34% below the national median of $74,755. At $785 monthly rent, housing costs consume nearly one-fifth of median household budgets.

Above-average affordability pressure in Alabama

Clarke County's 19.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the least affordable in this eight-county cohort, exceeding the state average by 1.2 percentage points. While median rent of $785 sits slightly below the state average of $799, the county's lower income amplifies housing-cost burden.

Rental costs higher than eastern peers

Clarke's $785 rent exceeds Cherokee ($750) and Choctaw ($653) but trails Chambers ($850) and Chilton ($855). Despite mid-range pricing, Clarke's below-average income makes housing feel more expensive than in neighboring counties with stronger wage bases.

Nearly one-fifth of income to rent

Monthly rent of $785 consumes 19.2% of Clarke's median $49,167 household income, while homeownership costs $589 per month on $126,400-valued homes. Total housing costs approach 30% of typical household budgets, leaving constrained room for other essentials.

Clarke suits those with stable local income

Clarke County works best for relocators with incomes above $49,000 or those with existing employment securing higher wages locally. Compare it against more affordable Cherokee ($750 rent, 17.7% ratio) or higher-income Chilton ($61,873 income, 16.6% ratio) before deciding.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clarke County

via IncomeByCounty

Clarke County earns 34% below the nation

Clarke County's median household income of $49,167 lags the national median of $74,755 by $25,588, placing it firmly in the lower-income category. Per capita income of $31,101 exceeds the state average of $29,701, suggesting pockets of relative wealth.

Below Alabama average, middle-ranked statewide

Clarke County's $49,167 income falls 9% below Alabama's state average of $54,196, placing it in the lower-middle tier among the state's 67 counties. The county's per capita income of $31,101 outpaces the state average, indicating some income concentration.

Comparable to Chambers and Cherokee nearby

Clarke County's $49,167 sits in the lower-income cluster with Chambers County ($49,295) and Cherokee County ($50,769), all within $1,600 of each other. These three counties share similar rural profiles and economic challenges.

Housing costs are slightly elevated

Clarke County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.2% edges toward the concern threshold but remains below the federal 30% affordability ceiling. Median home values of $126,400 remain accessible, though housing represents a larger burden than in neighboring counties.

Start small with employer retirement plans

On $49,167 annually, begin by capturing any employer 401(k) match—this is free money that accelerates wealth building. Once an emergency fund covers 3 months of expenses, direct 5–10% toward retirement savings; even modest contributions compound meaningfully over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Clarke County

via HealthByCounty

Lowest life expectancy in survey

Clarke County residents live to just 70.0 years—7.4 years below the U.S. average of 77.4 years—and 26.2% report poor or fair health. The county faces Alabama's most acute health crisis among these eight counties.

Critical health crisis in state

Clarke County's 70.0-year life expectancy is nearly 2.1 years below Alabama's 72.1-year average, ranking it among the state's lowest-performing counties. Its 26.2% poor/fair health rate places it among Alabama's most challenged communities.

Significantly behind regional peers

Clarke's 70.0-year life expectancy trails all surveyed neighbors, falling 3.1 years behind Choctaw (73.1) and 4.2 years behind Coffee (74.2). Its health crisis requires urgent regional and state attention.

Struggling with care gaps

Clarke has 40 primary care providers per 100,000 residents but exceptionally high mental health provider density at 103 per 100,000, suggesting recognition of behavioral health needs. With 11.5% uninsured and broader social determinants at play, insurance alone won't close the life expectancy gap.

Coverage is critical for Clarke County

Clarke's 11.5% uninsured rate represents families without a safety net in the county's most fragile health environment. Enroll now at healthcare.gov—coverage connects you to mental health services, chronic disease management, and preventive care you need.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clarke County

via RiskByCounty

Clarke County Below National Risk Levels

Clarke County's composite score of 53.40 sits below the national average in the Relatively Low category. This positioning indicates residents face manageable multi-hazard exposure compared to typical American counties.

Well Below Alabama State Average

At 53.40, Clarke County substantially underperforms Alabama's state average of 61.54, placing it among the state's safer counties. This advantage particularly reflects low flood risk (40.39) and moderate wildfire exposure.

Safer Than Coffee County, Riskier Than Clay

Clarke County's 53.40 score falls well below Coffee County's 83.43 (one of Alabama's highest) but exceeds Clay County's 26.69. This positioning makes Clarke a moderate-risk area relative to its regional peers.

Hurricane Risk Dominates Local Threats

Hurricane risk (89.61) stands as Clarke County's most critical hazard, ranking among the state's highest despite inland location. Tornado risk (67.78) presents a secondary but significant concern for county residents.

Secure Comprehensive Wind and Flood Coverage

Clarke County homeowners should prioritize wind damage coverage for hurricane exposure, the county's dominant natural disaster risk. Standard homeowners insurance addressing wind damage provides your most essential protection against local hazards.

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.