countyscore
51.9
County Score
Property Tax 95.3Weather & Climate 57.1Cost of Living 56.1

County Report Card

About Colbert County, Alabama

Colbert County slightly above national baseline

With a composite score of 51.9, Colbert County ranks just above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 51st percentile nationally. The county edges out the typical American county, though modest gains remain possible across multiple dimensions.

Meets state average, ranks mid-pack in Alabama

Colbert's 51.9 score falls just below Alabama's state average of 52.9, positioning it as a middle-tier county within the state. Among Alabama's 67 counties, Colbert performs solidly but not exceptionally.

Tax advantage sets Colbert apart

Colbert County shines with a tax score of 95.3—one of the lowest tax burdens in the nation at 0.374% effective rate. The county also maintains moderate housing costs with a median rent of $838/month and median home value of $161,600, offering reasonable affordability.

Income and safety lag behind state pace

Colbert faces headwinds in income generation (score: 29.6) with a median household income of $56,736, and safety challenges limit livability (score: 37.1). Health outcomes (33.4) and natural disaster risk (19.3) also need attention.

Best for tax-conscious families seeking stability

Colbert County suits retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing low taxes and stable housing costs over urban amenities. If you value modest living expenses and small-town pace over robust job markets and nightlife, this county deserves your consideration.

2040608010095.356.137.133.455.629.619.354.357.1Tax95.3Cost56.1Safety37.1Health33.4Schools55.6Income29.6Risk19.3Water54.3Weather57.151.9/100
This county
National avg
1 above average4 below average

Colbert County DNA

Foverall

How Colbert County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Colbert County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (95.3/100) but notably weak in Disaster Risk (19.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
95.3+43.3
Cost
56.1+8.100000000000001
Safety
37.1-17.9
Health
33.4-16.6
Schools
55.6
Income
29.6-21.4
Risk
19.3-27.7
Water
54.3
Weather
57.1
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$161,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$838/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$161,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$33,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $56,736/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.4

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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Nearby counties

Lauderdale County
Alabama
53.8
Franklin County
Alabama
55.5
Tishomingo County
Mississippi
55.3
Lawrence County
Alabama
59
Wayne County
Tennessee
61.4
Hardin County
Tennessee
46.3
Itawamba County
Mississippi
55.1
Lawrence County
Tennessee
53.8

Deep Dives

Colbert County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Colbert County

via TaxByCounty

Colbert's tax rate ranks low nationally

At 0.374%, Colbert County's effective property tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.89%, placing it in roughly the 15th percentile of U.S. counties. The median property tax here is $604 annually, compared to a national median of $2,690—less than a quarter of what typical American homeowners pay.

Above average for Alabama

Colbert County's 0.374% rate exceeds Alabama's state average of 0.339%, making it one of the higher-taxed counties in the state. The median tax of $604 also surpasses the state median of $511 by roughly 18%.

Higher than most nearby counties

Colbert's 0.374% rate edges out neighboring Lauderdale County's typical rates but sits above smaller rural counties like Coosa (0.271%) and Covington (0.251%). Among the eight-county sample, Colbert ranks third-highest in effective tax rate.

What homeowners pay annually

A homeowner with a median-valued property ($161,600) pays roughly $604 in annual property taxes in Colbert County. With mortgage-related adjustments, that figure can reach $700 for financed properties.

Check your assessment for overvalue

Many Alabama homeowners pay more than they should due to outdated or inflated property assessments. If your home's assessed value seems high compared to recent sale prices in your neighborhood, filing an appeal could lower your tax bill significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Colbert County

via CostByCounty

Colbert's rent burden beats the nation

At 17.7%, Colbert County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national norm—residents here spend far less of their paychecks on rent than Americans overall. Colbert's median household income of $56,736 trails the U.S. median of $74,755, yet housing costs remain remarkably affordable by national standards.

Among Alabama's most affordable counties

Colbert ranks as one of Alabama's better housing buys, with a 17.7% rent-to-income ratio slightly better than the state average of 18.0%. The $838 median monthly rent is 5% higher than Alabama's typical $799, but household incomes here support that difference comfortably.

A middle ground in North Alabama

Colbert's $838 rent falls between neighbors Cullman County ($883) and Coosa County ($682), offering balance between urban convenience and rural affordability. Its median home value of $161,600 positions it as more expensive for ownership than surrounding counties but still accessible compared to state urban centers.

Where Colbert incomes go

Renters spend $838 monthly while owners pay $769—a modest difference suggesting both paths remain viable for the typical household earning $56,736 annually. Overall, housing consumes just 17.7% of income, leaving breathing room for other necessities and savings.

Colbert offers solid affordability

If you're weighing Alabama counties for a move, Colbert delivers below-average housing costs without sacrificing access to employment and services. Compare the $838 rent here against pricier neighbors like Cullman, or explore ownership at $161,600 median value—both merit serious consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Colbert County

via IncomeByCounty

Colbert's income edges closer to national average

Colbert County's median household income of $56,736 falls $18,019 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, positioning it in the lower-middle range nationally. The county ranks below average when compared to the nation, but beats the Alabama state median by $2,540.

A solid middle-tier earner in Alabama

Colbert County ranks in the upper-middle tier among Alabama's 67 counties for household income. Its median income of $56,736 outpaces the state average of $54,196, reflecting a community with moderately stronger earning power than most of its neighbors.

Colbert outearns nearby counties

Colbert County's $56,736 median household income exceeds most adjacent communities: it surpasses Lauderdale County comparables and stands well above the state average. The county's per capita income of $32,685 ranks among the stronger performers in this region of north Alabama.

Rent remains affordable for most households

At 17.7%, Colbert County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, suggesting renters spend a manageable share of earnings on housing. The median home value of $161,600 aligns reasonably with local income levels, though prospective buyers should budget carefully.

Building financial security in Colbert County

With a median household income above state average, Colbert residents have room to prioritize savings and investment strategies. Consider consulting a financial advisor about retirement planning, home equity building, or starting a rainy-day fund to weather economic shifts.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Colbert County

via CrimeByCounty

Colbert County Outperforms National Safety Averages

Colbert County maintains a total crime rate of 1,454.5 per 100,000 residents, significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This impressive performance earns the county a high safety score of 97.7 out of 100.

Exceeding the Alabama Safety Benchmark

With a safety score of 97.7, Colbert County ranks above the Alabama state average of 97.3. Local law enforcement across eight reporting agencies keeps total crime rates well below the state average of 1,731.0 per 100,000 people.

A Regional Leader in Public Safety

Colbert County reports roughly 300 fewer crimes per 100,000 residents than the typical Alabama county. Its violent crime rate of 220.0 stands notably lower than the state's average of 312.6, making it a safer alternative to many neighboring areas.

Property Offenses Comprise Most Local Crimes

Property crimes account for 1,234.5 incidents per 100,000 people, while violent crime remains low at 220.0. These figures mean residents are far less likely to encounter physical violence here than in the average U.S. community.

Securing Your Colbert County Residence

While rates are low, property crime remains the primary concern for local homeowners. Simple steps like installing smart cameras and motion-sensor lighting can further decrease the likelihood of a break-in.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Colbert County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Tri-City Education Network

Colbert County supports 8,073 students across a diverse network of 25 public schools. The infrastructure includes 13 elementary, three middle, and eight high schools spread across four distinct districts. This layout ensures students have access to specialized environments from early childhood through graduation.

Graduation Rates Surpass State and National Averages

The county boasts a 93.2% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 90.7%. While per-pupil expenditure is $6,830, higher than the Alabama average, the county maintains a solid school score of 54.8. These metrics indicate a high return on educational investment for local families.

Strong Competition Between Leading Districts

Muscle Shoals City and Colbert County are the two largest districts, serving 2,896 and 2,621 students respectively. There are currently zero charter schools in the county, with traditional public districts like Tuscumbia City providing the bulk of the education. Muscle Shoals High School stands as the largest single campus with 853 students.

Suburban and Rural Learning Environments

Education here happens in a mix of 10 suburban, eight rural, and seven city schools, providing families with diverse lifestyle options. The average school size is a manageable 367 students, though campuses range from larger hubs like Muscle Shoals Middle to smaller local elementary schools. This variety allows for both large-school opportunities and tight-knit community feel.

Settling Near High-Performing Schools

Families looking for a combination of high graduation rates and diverse school settings find plenty of options in Colbert County. As you research homes in Muscle Shoals or Tuscumbia, keep in mind that school proximity often correlates with long-term property value. Explore local listings to find your place in this high-achieving educational community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Colbert County

via RiskByCounty

Colbert's Risk: Above National Average

Colbert County scores 80.66 on composite risk, earning a Relatively Low rating but sitting well above the national average. This means residents face greater exposure to natural hazards than most Americans, driven primarily by earthquake and tornado threats.

Among Alabama's Most at-Risk Counties

Colbert's 80.66 score ranks it significantly higher than Alabama's state average of 61.54, placing it among the top hazard-exposed counties statewide. The gap reflects concentrated vulnerability that affects emergency preparedness across the region.

Riskier Than Most Surrounding Counties

Colbert faces substantially higher composite risk than neighbors Cullman (81.93) and Dallas (70.77), though all three share elevated tornado and earthquake exposure. Compared to southern Alabama counties like Crenshaw (34.38) and Coosa (14.57), Colbert's northern location creates distinctly different hazard patterns.

Earthquakes and Tornadoes Lead Threats

Earthquakes pose Colbert's highest risk at 91.98, reflecting proximity to seismic zones, while tornadoes score 87.60—among the state's strongest rotational storm exposure. Floods rank third at 76.49, affecting low-lying areas and communities near river systems.

Earthquake and Tornado Insurance Matters

Standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake damage, making separate earthquake coverage critical in Colbert given the 91.98 risk score. Review tornado and flood protections annually, especially if your home sits in a flood zone or mobile home park.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Colbert County

via WaterByCounty

Safe Drinking Water Act compliance in Colbert

Colbert County maintains a C grade with 9 health violations recorded over the last five years. While significant, the county's violation rate of 11.0 per 100K residents remains lower than the Alabama state average of 14.1.

Mercury and E. coli impact local watersheds

In the 2022 reporting cycle, 44.4% of assessed water bodies in Colbert County were classified as impaired. This failure rate exceeds the state average of 27.7%, with mercury, E. coli, and excess nutrients cited as the primary causes of degradation.

Six thousand measurements track water quality

Monitoring efforts are active across 21 distinct sites, producing 6,544 measurements over the last five years. Data collection focuses heavily on physical properties, inorganics, and metals to track environmental shifts.

No active streamgage data currently available

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage providing live flow data for Colbert County. Residents should look to drinking water compliance signals as the primary indicator of local water system stability.

Prioritizing filtration and watershed safety

Given the 44.4% impairment rate and presence of mercury, residents should stay informed about local fish consumption advisories. The moderate compliance grade suggests that home filtration may provide an additional layer of security for drinking water.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Colbert County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical mid-south climate patterns

Colbert County averages 61.8°F annually, which is warmer than the national median but moderate for the South. Its 55.9 inches of rainfall per year is significantly higher than the average for the central U.S.

Below the Alabama state average

The county's average temperature of 61.8°F is slightly cooler than the state average of 63.2°F. It represents the climate of the Tennessee Valley, which is generally milder than southern Alabama.

Warmer than the northeast hills

Colbert is warmer than Cherokee (59.7°F) and Cleburne (60.2°F) counties. It experiences 62 extreme heat days, showing a more intense summer pattern than its neighbors to the east.

Hot summers and crisp winters

July temperatures average 80.2°F, contributing to two full months of extreme heat days. January is cool at 41.8°F, though specific snowfall data for this northern county is currently unavailable.

Manage heat and seasonal rain

Residents should prepare for 62 days of 90°F weather with efficient home cooling. At 55.9 inches of rain, consistent roof maintenance and yard drainage are vital for protecting property.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Colbert County

via SoilByCounty

Colbert County's Undocumented Soil Profile

Specific pH and taxonomic data for Colbert County are not available in current records. However, local gardeners should prepare for acidic conditions typical of Alabama, where the state average pH of 5.21 sits well below the national 6.5 median.

Analyzing Texture in the Tennessee Valley

Detailed percentages for sand, silt, and clay in Colbert County remain unmapped in this dataset. Local growers typically encounter varied textures across the valley, necessitating site-specific tests to determine how well the ground holds water and nutrients.

Local Fertility and State Benchmarks

Organic matter and water capacity figures for this region are currently unavailable. For reference, Alabama's average organic matter is 1.74%, and farmers in Colbert likely need to supplement their land to reach the national 2.0% benchmark.

Managing Water in Colbert County

While specific drainage classes aren't listed, understanding your local topography is key for managing runoff and soil health. Builders and farmers should observe how water moves through their specific plots before starting new projects.

Growing Success in Zone 8a

Colbert County sits in Hardiness Zone 8a, which supports a wide variety of vegetables and ornamentals. Start a garden today by focusing on heat-tolerant crops like okra and peppers that thrive in our long southern summers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Colbert County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming the Grass Gap in Colbert

Colbert County earns a lawn difficulty score of 33.8, which is slightly easier than the Alabama state average of 29.5 but well below the national median of 50.0. Located in Hardiness Zone 8a, residents here face moderate environmental pressure that requires more active maintenance than other parts of the country.

High Precipitation and Heavy Heat Load

The area receives 55.9 inches of annual precipitation, exceeding the ideal lawn range of 30-50 inches. With 5,207 growing degree days and 62 extreme heat days, lawn owners must time their mowing to avoid stressing grass during peak afternoon temperatures.

Local Testing Essential for Success

While specific soil composition data is limited for this region, local growers typically encounter the red clay or silt common to Northern Alabama. You should conduct a private soil test to determine if your specific plot needs lime or nutrient adjustments to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH range.

Managing Moderate Yearly Drought Cycles

Over the past year, the county spent 22 weeks in drought conditions, and currently, 100% of the area is classified as Abnormally Dry. To maintain resilience, you should water deeply but infrequently to encourage roots to grow further into the profile.

Starting Your Colbert Lawn Journey

Bermuda and Zoysia are top choices for this climate, thriving after the last spring frost around March 27. Plan your major seeding or sodding projects before the first fall frost hits on November 08 to ensure strong establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Colbert County's county score?
Colbert County, Alabama has a composite county score of 51.9 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 Colbert County rank among counties in Alabama?
Colbert County ranks #39 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 Colbert County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Colbert County is $604, with an effective tax rate of 0.37%. This earns Colbert County a tax score of 95.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Colbert County?
The median household income in Colbert County, Alabama is $56,736 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Colbert County earns an income score of 29.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Colbert County, Alabama a good place to live?
Colbert County scores 51.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #39 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Colbert 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 Colbert 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.