countyscore
48.1
County Score
Property Tax 98Cost of Living 75.8Disaster Risk 46.6

County Report Card

About Clarke County, Alabama

Clarke County slightly trails national livability median

Clarke County's score of 48.1 sits modestly below the national median of 50.0, placing it near the 45th percentile nationally. The county reflects a below-average livability profile with scattered strengths and concentrated weaknesses.

Below-average livability by Alabama standards

At 48.1, Clarke County underperforms the Alabama state average of 52.9, ranking in the lower-middle tier of state counties. This positioning reflects widespread challenges that affect resident well-being.

Taxes and housing costs offer relief

Clarke County impresses with a tax score of 98.0 (effective rate 0.307%) and cost score of 75.8, featuring median rents of $785/month and home values of $126,400. These affordances ease financial strain for working families.

Income, health, and water infrastructure lag

Income (12.8) and health (17.1) rank among the county's worst dimensions, with median household income of just $49,167. Water infrastructure (37.3) also needs improvement, suggesting underinvestment in critical systems.

Attractive for tax-conscious households with modest means

Clarke County suits budget-focused families and retirees comfortable with limited income growth and fewer amenities. Those seeking robust health services, strong job markets, or quality water systems will find better options elsewhere.

Score breakdown

Tax98Cost75.8Safety24.8Health17.1Schools38.8Income12.8Risk46.6Water37.3Weather42.8
🏛98
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡24.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤17.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓38.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡46.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧37.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱16.5
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Monroe County
Alabama
52.2
Washington County
Alabama
65.4
Choctaw County
Alabama
54.7
Wilcox County
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Marengo County
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Wayne County
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Escambia County
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Greene County
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Deep Dives

Clarke County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Clarke County

via CrimeByCounty

Clarke County National Safety Profile

Clarke County maintains a respectable safety score of 97.0, indicating a solid level of security. Its total crime rate of 1869.2 per 100K is much lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This suggests that residents face fewer overall risks than the average American.

Clarke County vs. Alabama State Norms

The county's safety score of 97.0 is just slightly below the Alabama state average of 97.3. While its safety score is close to the average, its total crime rate of 1869.2 is slightly higher than the state average of 1731.0. This reflects a typical crime environment for rural Alabama.

Regional Comparisons for Clarke County

Clarke County is safer than neighboring Chilton County (95.7) but trails behind Choctaw County (97.9). Its total crime rate of 1869.2 positions it as a middle-tier performer in the region. These figures show a balanced safety profile relative to its surrounding counties.

Violent vs. Property Crime Breakdown

The violent crime rate of 420.7 per 100K is slightly higher than the national average of 369.8. Conversely, the property crime rate is low at 1448.5 per 100K, well below the national 2015.7 average. This means property is quite safe, but residents should stay mindful of personal safety.

Practical Tips for Clarke Homeowners

Focusing on home security systems can help mitigate the slightly elevated violent crime concerns. Visible deterrents like cameras and alarm signs are effective for maintaining a secure perimeter. Consistent outdoor lighting is another simple way to increase safety around your home.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Clarke County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Schooling Options in Clarke County

Clarke County features 10 public schools across two districts, serving a total of 3,227 students. The landscape is evenly distributed with four elementary, three middle, and three high schools providing a clear path for student progression.

Strong Results and State-Leading Investment

With a 90.5% graduation rate, Clarke County aligns closely with the state average and beats the national benchmark. The county invests $6,362 per pupil, which is higher than the Alabama state average and reflected in its 52.4 school score.

Choosing Between County and City Districts

Families can choose between the Clarke County district, which serves 2,171 students, and the Thomasville City district with 1,056 students. No charter schools are currently active, leaving these two strong districts as the primary options.

A Blend of Town and Country Life

Six schools are located in town settings while four are rural, offering varied environments for families. The average school size is a manageable 323 students, with Thomasville Elementary standing as the largest at 470 pupils.

Discover Your Home in Clarke County

With graduation rates above 90% and high per-pupil investment, Clarke County is a smart choice for education-minded buyers. Look for homes today to take advantage of the diverse town and rural school settings.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Clarke County

via WeatherByCounty

Consistent warmth in the Deep South

Clarke County is quite warm, with an annual average temperature of 64.9°F. This puts it well above the national median, firmly in the humid subtropical category.

One of Alabama's warmer counties

Clarke County's 64.9°F average exceeds the state norm of 63.2°F. It ranks among the warmer counties in Alabama, driven by its southern latitude and proximity to the Gulf.

Hotter than the central counties

The county is significantly warmer than Chilton County, which averages 62.9°F. It also receives more rain, with 59.0 inches compared to the state average of 57.4 inches.

Abundant heat and minimal snow

Clarke experiences 73 days of extreme heat over 90°F, making for very long summers. Winters are exceptionally mild, with a January average of 47.1°F and negligible snowfall of 0.2 inches.

Prioritize cooling and rain gear

With 73 days of extreme heat, high-efficiency air conditioning is a primary home requirement. Residents should also invest in durable rain gear to handle the heavy 59.0 inches of annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clarke County

via SoilByCounty

The Unique Soil Identity of Clarke County

Current records for Clarke County don't list a specific pH, but the Alabama state average is 5.21. This indicates a likely acidic profile compared to the national median of 6.5. Identifying the dominant taxonomic order is essential for understanding the long-term history of your land.

Texture and Nutrient Retention

Data on the exact percentages of sand, silt, and clay is currently unavailable for this county. These three components define the texture, which impacts how well your soil stores nutrients. Knowing if your soil is clay-heavy or sandy determines your irrigation and fertilization strategy.

Fertility Trends and Water Capacity

Specific local organic matter data is missing, but it can be compared to the state average of 1.74%. Alabama's average water capacity of 0.138 in/in is a target for local growers looking to sustain crops through the heat. Boosting organic matter is the most effective way to improve these critical fertility metrics.

Managing Drainage and Hydrologic Flow

The drainage class and hydrologic group for Clarke County are not currently specified in this dataset. These factors determine if water drains away quickly or lingers near the surface, affecting everything from root rot to basement dry-rot. A quick check of your land's topography can offer clues to its natural drainage.

Growing Large in Hardiness Zone 8b

Clarke County falls within Zone 8b, offering a robust climate for pecans, figs, and summer vegetables. The warm temperatures allow for multiple planting cycles throughout the year. Start your gardening journey today to make the most of this generous growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clarke County

via LawnByCounty

Clarke County Faces High Lawn Difficulty

With a difficulty score of only 16.5, Clarke County is one of the most challenging places in the nation to maintain a traditional lawn. This score is significantly lower than the Alabama average of 29.5 and far below the national median of 50.0. The combination of intense heat and extreme growing energy makes turf management a full-time job.

Intense Heat and Rapid Growth

Clarke County endures 73 extreme heat days per year, well above the state average of 64. With 5,943 growing degree days and 59.0 inches of rain, grass grows aggressively but is prone to heat exhaustion. The growing season is exceptionally long, starting with the final frost on March 18 and ending November 12.

Managing the Soil for Hardy Turf

Specific soil data for Clarke County is unavailable, making a home soil test kit your best friend. In this high-heat, high-moisture environment, maintaining a pH of 6.0-7.0 is crucial for grass to utilize nutrients efficiently. Frequent mowing and thatch management are required to handle the rapid growth cycles driven by the local climate.

Long-Term Drought Stress Persistence

The county has spent 37 weeks in drought over the last year, putting immense pressure on lawn health. While currently free of severe drought (D2+), the entire county remains abnormally dry. Efficient watering is mandatory to keep the grass from entering dormancy during these frequent dry stretches.

The Most Resilient Grasses for Clarke

St. Augustine and Bermuda grass are the best candidates to survive Clarke County's intense Zone 8b heat. You can begin seeding or sodding as early as late March to take advantage of the long growing season. Be prepared for a high-maintenance schedule to keep these varieties looking their best.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clarke County's county score?
Clarke County, Alabama has a composite county score of 48.1 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 Clarke County rank among counties in Alabama?
Clarke County ranks #49 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 Clarke County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Clarke County is $388, with an effective tax rate of 0.31%. This earns Clarke County a tax score of 98/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clarke County?
The median household income in Clarke County, Alabama is $49,167 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clarke County earns an income score of 12.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clarke County, Alabama a good place to live?
Clarke County scores 48.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #49 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Clarke 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 Clarke County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.