CountyScore

Colbert County

Alabama · AL

#46 in Alabama
69.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Colbert County, Alabama

Colbert scores well above national median

With a composite score of 69.3, Colbert County significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 69th percentile nationally. This means the county offers livability conditions better than roughly seven out of ten U.S. counties, reflecting solid fundamentals across taxes, affordability, and health.

Slightly below Alabama's middle tier

Colbert's score of 69.3 sits just below Alabama's state average of 70.8, placing it in Alabama's upper-middle range. The county competes closely with its peers statewide, holding its own in the state's livability landscape.

Tax breaks and affordable living

Colbert County excels at keeping costs low, with a tax score of 91.8 and cost score of 81.6 reflecting an effective tax rate of just 0.374% and median home values of $161,600. Renters also benefit, with median gross rent at $838/month, making the county attractive to budget-conscious households.

Income growth lags, health gaps exist

The county's income score of 20.4 reveals a median household income of just $56,736, limiting wealth-building opportunities for many residents. Health outcomes (63.2) and risk assessment (19.3) also suggest room for improvement in public health and safety infrastructure.

Best for cost-conscious Alabamians

Colbert County suits retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high incomes. Its stable fundamentals make it a sensible choice for those seeking Southern living without financial strain, though residents should expect modest income levels.

Score breakdown

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

Tax91.8Cost81.6SafetyComing SoonHealth63.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome20.4Risk19.3WaterComing Soon
🏛91.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤63.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡19.3
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 Colbert County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Jackson County
Alabama
69.3
Median income: $49,454
Chugach Census Area
Alaska
69.3
Median income: $88,565
Sharp County
Arkansas
69.3
Median income: $42,950
Rabun County
Georgia
69.3
Median income: $61,466
Upson County
Georgia
69.3
Median income: $50,904

Deep Dives

Colbert County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Colbert County

via HealthByCounty

Colbert's Life Expectancy Tops National Average

At 73.0 years, Colbert County residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 72.6 years, placing the county among healthier areas nationally. The county's 21.5% poor/fair health rate falls below the national average of 21.8%, suggesting residents report better overall health status. This above-average performance reflects better-than-typical health outcomes for a rural Alabama county.

Colbert Outperforms Most Alabama Counties

Colbert's 73.0-year life expectancy ranks above Alabama's state average of 72.1 years, placing it among the healthier counties in a state facing significant health challenges. The county also maintains a slightly lower uninsured rate at 10.7% compared to Alabama's 11.1% state average. This positions Colbert as a relative bright spot in Alabama's health landscape.

Colbert Leads Its Region in Life Expectancy

Colbert's 73.0-year life expectancy surpasses neighboring Covington County (70.6 years) and Crenshaw County (70.4 years), and ties peer counties like Dale County. The county maintains robust access to primary care with 66 providers per 100,000 residents, outpacing regional averages. Colbert stands out as a regional health leader, particularly in provider availability.

Good Access, Manageable Insurance Gaps

With 10.7% of residents uninsured, Colbert performs nearly as well as the state average, and the county supports 66 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well above the national standard. Mental health support is solid at 60 providers per 100,000, ensuring residents can access behavioral health services. The combination of low uninsured rates and strong provider networks creates reasonable healthcare access for most residents.

Explore Coverage Options in Colbert

Even though Colbert performs well, nearly 11% of residents remain uninsured—missing access to preventive care and treatment. If you lack health insurance, explore options through the Alabama Health Insurance Marketplace or visit your local health department to learn about available plans. Taking action now protects your health and financial security.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.