countyscore
55.7
County Score
Property Tax 99.4Water Quality 86Cost of Living 84.2

County Report Card

About Covington County, Alabama

Covington scores above national baseline

With a composite score of 55.6, Covington County exceeds the national median of 50.0, landing in the 55th percentile nationally. The county demonstrates solid livability comparable to above-average U.S. counties.

Above Alabama average, mid-to-upper tier

Covington's 55.6 score tops Alabama's state average of 52.9 by 2.7 points, positioning it in the upper-middle range statewide. Among Alabama's 67 counties, Covington ranks solidly in the stronger half.

Taxes, water quality, and affordability excel

Covington features an exceptional effective tax rate of 0.251% with a tax score of 99.4, plus an outstanding water score of 86.0. Housing affordability is strong with costs at 84.2, rents at $736/month, and homes valued at $142,500.

Low incomes and weak health infrastructure limit growth

Covington's income score of 16.5 reflects a median household income of just $50,886, constraining family economic mobility. Health (26.0) and safety (34.5) scores indicate areas needing substantial improvement.

Suits retirees and sustainability-focused residents

Covington County is ideal for those prioritizing minimal taxes, excellent water quality, and ultra-low housing costs. Remote workers and fixed-income retirees will thrive, but job seekers and health-conscious families should investigate further.

2040608010099.484.234.52654.116.517.68629.3Tax99.4Cost84.2Safety34.5Health26Schools54.1Income16.5Risk17.6Water86Weather29.355.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Covington County DNA

Foverall

How Covington County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Covington County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (99.4/100) but notably weak in Income (16.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
99.4+47.400000000000006
Cost
84.2+36.2
Safety
34.5-20.5
Health
26-24
Schools
54.1
Income
16.5-34.5
Risk
17.6-29.4
Water
86+28
Weather
29.3-26.7
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Whether buying or refinancing in Covington County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$142,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$736/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$142,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $50,886/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

10.6

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

Coffee County
Alabama
44
Conecuh County
Alabama
58.7
Crenshaw County
Alabama
55.9
Geneva County
Alabama
61.9
Butler County
Alabama
45
Okaloosa County
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52.3
Escambia County
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46.3
Walton County
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52.6

Deep Dives

Covington County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Covington County

via TaxByCounty

Covington's taxes rank among America's lowest

At 0.251%, Covington County's effective property tax rate is less than 30% of the national average of 0.89%, placing it in the bottom 5th percentile nationwide. The median annual tax of $358 represents only 13% of the national median of $2,690.

Well below Alabama's state average

Covington's 0.251% rate ranks among the lowest in Alabama, trailing the state average of 0.339% by roughly 26%. Its median tax of $358 is about 30% lower than Alabama's statewide median of $511.

Second-lowest rate in the region

Only Coosa County (0.271%) has a lower tax rate than Covington's 0.251%, making Covington the second-most affordable in this eight-county comparison. This positions Covington well for homeowners seeking minimal tax burden.

What homeowners pay annually

A homeowner with a median-valued property ($142,500) in Covington pays approximately $358 per year in taxes. Mortgaged properties may see that increase slightly to $383.

Double-check your assessment before paying

Property assessment errors can still affect tax bills, even in low-rate counties—request a copy of your assessment and verify it reflects your home's true current value. Many Alabama counties allow free assessment challenges; check your county assessor's office for deadline dates.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Covington County

via CostByCounty

Covington keeps housing costs in check

Covington County's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national average, offering residents solid affordability on a median household income of $50,886. The $736 median monthly rent is modest, making housing a manageable expense for most households.

Covington rivals Alabama's best affordability

At 17.4%, Covington performs slightly better than Alabama's 18.0% state average for rent burden, positioning it among the state's more affordable counties. The $736 median rent is about 8% below the state average, providing tangible savings for renters.

Mid-range costs, solid value

Covington's $736 rent falls in the middle of regional options, cheaper than Colbert and Cullman but slightly pricier than Coosa. The county offers balanced affordability—not the cheapest, but with reasonable incomes supporting housing costs effectively.

Balanced housing investment

Renters spending $736 monthly against a $50,886 household income allocate 17.4% to rent, leaving substantial funds for other needs. Homeowners pay $552 monthly with a median home value of $142,500, offering middle-market accessibility for buyers.

Covington balances cost and access

Covington deserves attention if you want solid affordability without the lowest costs in the region—it offers good value and steadier community resources. Compare the $736 rent against neighbors and the $142,500 median home price against counties both cheaper and pricier.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Covington County

via IncomeByCounty

Covington earns below national benchmarks

Covington County's median household income of $50,886 falls $23,869 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower third nationally. The county also underperforms Alabama's state average of $54,196, though the gap is smaller than the national difference.

Covington ranks in Alabama's lower-middle tier

Covington County ranks below the state median among Alabama's 67 counties with household income of $50,886. The county sits in the lower-middle range regionally, facing tougher economic conditions than more than half of its state peers.

Covington trails most surrounding counties

Covington County's $50,886 median household income falls below several neighboring south-central Alabama counties with stronger job markets. Its per capita income of $30,151 remains modest, indicating limited wage advancement and professional opportunities in the area.

Renters face moderate affordability pressures

Covington County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% sits below the 30% threshold but signals mounting cost pressure for lower-earning households. The median home value of $142,500 requires careful budgeting, as it approaches two years of median household income.

Strategic financial planning strengthens household stability

Covington residents should prioritize building emergency savings and exploring affordable first-time homebuyer programs to build wealth. Even modest, consistent contributions to a savings plan or low-cost retirement account compound meaningfully over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Covington County

via CrimeByCounty

Covington County Displays Strong Safety Ratings

Covington County reports a total crime rate of 1,521.0 per 100,000 residents, outperforming the national rate of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 97.6, indicating a secure environment for families.

Ranking Above the Alabama State Average

Covington's safety score of 97.6 is higher than the state average of 97.3. Across nine reporting agencies, the county maintains a violent crime rate of 207.8, which is over 100 points lower than the Alabama average.

Safety Comparisons Across South Alabama

Compared to nearby counties, Covington provides a balanced safety profile with a total crime rate 12% lower than the state average. Its property crime rate of 1,313.2 remains well below the national benchmark of 2,015.7.

Breakdown of Local Crime Incident Types

Violent crimes are relatively rare here, occurring at a rate of 207.8 per 100,000 people. Property crimes, totaling 1,313.2, constitute the vast majority of law enforcement activity in the region.

Effective Ways to Deter Property Crimes

Securing your home remains the best way to keep Covington County's crime rates low. Focus on securing entry points and using outdoor surveillance to protect against property-related incidents.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Covington County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse and Growing School System

Covington County supports 6,240 students across 14 public schools and three distinct districts. The network is well-balanced with five elementary, three middle, and four high schools. This infrastructure provides comprehensive coverage for families in both rural areas and developed towns.

Exceptional Graduation Rates Lead the Way

A standout 93.8% graduation rate places Covington County well ahead of the national 87.0% benchmark. The county invests $6,597 per pupil, outspending the state average by over $300 per child. This commitment is reflected in a school score of 54.7, indicating high-quality instruction and student success.

Leading Districts and Large Campuses

The Covington County district is the largest, serving 3,040 students, followed by Andalusia City with 1,871. There are zero charter schools, as the traditional public systems maintain a strong hold on local education. Andalusia Elementary is a major hub, serving 1,126 students as the county's largest school.

Small Schools in Rural and Town Locales

Ten of the county's schools are in rural settings, while four are located in town environments like Andalusia and Opp. The average school size is 446 students, though the range is wide, from tiny rural schools to the 1,126-student Andalusia Elementary. This mix allows families to choose between centralized town life or quiet rural learning.

Finding Value in High-Performing Areas

With graduation rates hitting nearly 94%, Covington County is an attractive destination for education-focused homebuyers. Areas near Andalusia and Opp offer proximity to larger school hubs and a variety of community amenities. Consider these high-performing districts as you evaluate the long-term potential of your next home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Covington County

via RiskByCounty

Covington Faces Significant National Risk

Covington County scores 82.44 on composite risk, earning a Relatively Moderate rating and substantially exceeding the national average. This means residents experience multi-hazard exposure well above the American norm, demanding careful disaster preparedness.

Among Alabama's Most At-Risk Counties

Covington's 82.44 score sits far above Alabama's 61.54 state average, ranking it among the highest-hazard counties statewide. The 20-point gap reflects concentrated vulnerability across tornado, hurricane, and flood exposure.

Riskier Than All Immediately Adjacent Counties

Covington (82.44) faces substantially higher composite risk than neighbors Conecuh (31.11) and Crenshaw (34.38) to the south, creating a marked risk gradient. Even compared to Cullman (81.93) to the north, Covington's hurricane exposure at 95.58 stands out as Alabama's highest.

Hurricanes Pose Exceptional Threat Here

Hurricane risk scores at an extraordinary 95.58—Alabama's highest—reflecting Covington's southern location and exposure to Gulf storm systems. Tornadoes (83.65) and floods (69.02) compound the threat, creating a region where multiple hazard seasons overlap throughout the year.

Comprehensive Coverage Is Essential

The 95.58 hurricane risk score demands robust wind and water damage coverage; don't rely on standard policies alone. Secure separate flood insurance immediately, especially if you live in a mapped flood zone, and consider an umbrella policy for additional liability protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Covington County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect compliance for Covington County water

Covington County earns an A grade with zero health violations recorded over the past five years. This perfect record stands in sharp contrast to the state average of 14.1 violations per 100K residents.

Watershed health aligns with state averages

Exactly 26.7% of the 45 assessed water bodies are considered impaired, which is nearly identical to the Alabama average. Primary causes of impairment include mercury, E. coli, and issues with sedimentation or siltation.

Monitoring records cover nearly nine thousand points

Water quality is tracked at 17 sites, yielding 8,766 measurements over a five-year window. Physical attributes and nutrient levels are the most frequently analyzed components of the local water profile.

Conecuh River flow hits 41% of mean

The Conecuh River at River Falls is currently flowing at 587 cfs, compared to a long-term mean of 1,447 cfs. This represents just 41% of typical flow for this massive 1,277 square mile drainage area.

Maintaining quality during low flow periods

While drinking water compliance is excellent, low river flows can increase the impact of sedimentation. Residents near impaired streams should be aware that E. coli and mercury remain the primary environmental concerns.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Covington County

via WeatherByCounty

Extreme Southern Warmth and Humidity

Covington County is significantly warmer than the national average, posting a high 67.1°F annual mean. It sits firmly in a subtropical zone characterized by heavy rainfall and long-duration heat.

One of Alabama's Warmest Counties

Covington's 67.1°F average is nearly four degrees higher than the Alabama state average of 63.2°F. It experiences some of the most persistent heat levels in the entire state.

Hotter Than Nearby Conecuh

At 67.1°F, Covington is warmer than its neighbor Conecuh County, which averages 66.2°F. It also records more extreme heat days, indicating a more intense summer season for the local area.

Dominant Summers and Negligible Snow

The county endures a staggering 99 days per year above 90°F, with July averages reaching 82.1°F. Snow is nearly non-existent, averaging only 0.3 inches annually as winter stays mild at 52.2°F.

Strategies for Sustained High Heat

Homeowners must invest in high-efficiency cooling, as extreme heat lasts for nearly a third of the year. Outdoor activities require careful planning to avoid the peak afternoon temperatures during the 99-day heat window.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Covington County

via SoilByCounty

The Acidic Nature of Covington Soil

Covington County lacks specific taxonomic and pH data in this report. It likely follows the Alabama state average pH of 5.21, which is notably more acidic than the national median of 6.5.

Sandy Loams of South Alabama

Data regarding specific percentages of sand, silt, and clay are not currently available. Most growers in this part of the Coastal Plain find sandy soils that offer excellent drainage but low natural nutrient retention.

Boosting Fertility in Covington

This county does not have specific organic matter or water capacity figures listed. To improve your land, strive for organic matter levels above the state's 1.74% average to help your plants survive the heat.

Drainage in the Piney Woods

While official drainage classes are missing from this data, the region's topography suggests varied hydrologic groups. Proper drainage is vital for local construction and for protecting crops during heavy tropical rains.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 8b

Covington County resides in Hardiness Zone 8b, a prime location for heat-loving plants like sweet potatoes and peppers. Embrace the long southern summer and start your vegetable garden today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Covington County

via LawnByCounty

Covington’s Extreme Lawn Care Challenge

Covington County is one of the toughest places for lawns in the state, scoring a very low 18.2 on the difficulty scale. This Zone 8b region demands constant attention to overcome environmental stressors that are far more intense than the national average.

Near-Constant Heat and Growth

The county endures 99 extreme heat days per year, which is 35 days more than the Alabama average. Combined with 6,581 growing degree days, your lawn is in a state of rapid growth and high thirst for most of the year.

Focusing on Soil Health and Drainage

Localized soil data is limited, but the region's 59.7 inches of rain can easily wash away nutrients in the area's typical sandy-loam bases. You should focus on building soil carbon to help your lawn retain moisture against the relentless 90°F+ temperatures.

Severe Drought Conditions are Present

With 27 weeks of drought in the past year and 100% of the county currently at a D2 Severe level, water conservation is critical. Implement smart irrigation controllers to ensure you are only watering when the grass truly needs it.

Long Growing Season Starts Early

The frost-free season begins very early on March 04 and lasts until November 26. St. Augustine is highly recommended here for its heat tolerance, but you must be prepared to provide supplemental water during the long summer.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Covington County's county score?
Covington County, Alabama has a composite county score of 55.7 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 Covington County rank among counties in Alabama?
Covington County ranks #26 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 Covington County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Covington County is $358, with an effective tax rate of 0.25%. This earns Covington County a tax score of 99.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Covington County?
The median household income in Covington County, Alabama is $50,886 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Covington County earns an income score of 16.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Covington County, Alabama a good place to live?
Covington County scores 55.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Covington 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 Covington County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.