Dale County's composite score of 71.0 outperforms the national median of 50.0 by 42%, placing it at the 71st percentile nationally. The county offers solid livability comparable to well-functioning American counties.
2 / 5
Matches Alabama's statewide middle
Dale's composite score of 71.0 sits just above Alabama's state average of 70.8, placing it firmly in the state's livable mainstream. The county delivers typical Alabama livability experiences.
3 / 5
Balanced affordability and health
Dale County scores well on cost (83.9) with median home values of $129,100 and median rent of $863/month. Health outcomes rank among the sample's best at 62.1, suggesting residents enjoy good medical access and wellness services.
4 / 5
Income and environmental risks lag
The income score of 18.6 reflects a median household income of $53,955, below aspirational levels for households seeking upward mobility. The risk score of 32.3 indicates some environmental or safety concerns that warrant monitoring.
5 / 5
Solid choice for health-conscious families
Dale County suits families and retirees prioritizing good healthcare access and stable living costs. It appeals to those seeking reliable community services and reasonable housing affordability without premium income requirements.
Dale County's composite score of 71.0 outperforms the national median of 50.0 by 42%, placing it at the 71st percentile nationally. The county offers solid livability comparable to well-functioning American counties.
Matches Alabama's statewide middle
Dale's composite score of 71.0 sits just above Alabama's state average of 70.8, placing it firmly in the state's livable mainstream. The county delivers typical Alabama livability experiences.
Balanced affordability and health
Dale County scores well on cost (83.9) with median home values of $129,100 and median rent of $863/month. Health outcomes rank among the sample's best at 62.1, suggesting residents enjoy good medical access and wellness services.
Income and environmental risks lag
The income score of 18.6 reflects a median household income of $53,955, below aspirational levels for households seeking upward mobility. The risk score of 32.3 indicates some environmental or safety concerns that warrant monitoring.
Solid choice for health-conscious families
Dale County suits families and retirees prioritizing good healthcare access and stable living costs. It appeals to those seeking reliable community services and reasonable housing affordability without premium income requirements.
Score breakdown
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Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.330%, Dale County's effective property tax rate is less than 40% of the national average of 0.89%. The median annual tax of $426 represents just 16% of the national median of $2,690.
Near Alabama's state average
Dale's 0.330% rate sits just below Alabama's statewide average of 0.339%, making it a fairly typical county for tax purposes within the state. The median tax of $426 is about 17% lower than Alabama's median of $511.
Mid-range taxes in the regional comparison
Dale's 0.330% rate falls between Crenshaw (0.320%) and Conecuh (0.324%), placing it squarely in the middle tier of this eight-county group. It offers moderate affordability relative to higher-taxed counties like Dallas and Colbert.
What homeowners pay annually
A homeowner with Dale County's median-valued property ($129,100) pays approximately $426 per year in property taxes. With mortgage-related adjustments, that can increase to around $480.
Review your assessment for accuracy
Property assessments in Dale County should reflect current market conditions—if your assessed value hasn't been updated recently, request a review. An appeal costs nothing and could save you money if your assessment is out of line with recent comparable sales.
Dale County residents spend 19.2% of income on rent—higher than the national average and creating meaningful affordability pressure. The $863 monthly rent against a $53,955 median household income indicates housing takes a larger bite than typical for the nation.
Dale ranks among Alabama's pricier counties
At 19.2%, Dale's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Alabama's 18.0% state average, placing it among the state's more expensive rental markets. The $863 median rent is 8% above the state average, making Dale less affordable than most peer counties.
Premium pricing in the region
Dale's $863 rent is second-highest among peer counties, exceeded only by Cullman, and its 19.2% burden ranks among the least affordable in the group. Residents here pay more for housing relative to income than most surrounding counties.
Housing squeeze on moderate incomes
The median household earning $53,955 spends $863 monthly on rent, consuming 19.2% of income and leaving less for other needs. Homeownership at $587 monthly and $129,100 median value may offer relief for those with down payment capacity.
Dale requires budget scrutiny
Dale County's 19.2% rent burden is above state average—thoroughly compare it against cheaper neighbors like Coosa and Crenshaw before moving. However, if employment or family ties draw you here, explore homeownership at $587 monthly as a potentially more affordable path.
Dale County's median household income of $53,955 falls $20,800 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle range nationally. The county underperforms both national and state averages, though the gap to state average is small at $0.241 above.
Dale ranks near Alabama's statewide median
Dale County ranks close to the state median among Alabama's 67 counties with household income of $53,955, just barely below the state average of $54,196. The county reflects typical economic conditions for mid-sized Alabama communities.
Dale holds moderate position in southeast Alabama
Dale County's $53,955 median household income sits in the middle range for southeast Alabama counties, with some neighbors earning slightly more and others slightly less. Its per capita income of $29,344 reflects a community with moderate job availability and wage diversity.
Renters experience moderate affordability stress
Dale County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.2% sits below the 30% threshold but creeps toward affordability pressure for lower-earning households. The median home value of $129,100 remains accessible for many working families, though careful budgeting is essential.
Dale residents can build wealth with discipline
With income near state average, Dale households should prioritize automated savings and employer-sponsored retirement benefits to compound gains over time. Even small monthly investments in index funds or employer matches can significantly grow long-term net worth.
Dale County's 73.0-year life expectancy ties the U.S. average of 72.6 years (rounded), placing residents in line with typical American longevity. The county's 23.0% poor/fair health rate is slightly above the national average of 21.8%, indicating marginally worse self-reported health despite comparable life expectancy. Dale performs at national norms on mortality but shows slightly elevated health challenges.
Dale Outperforms Alabama on Lifespan
At 73.0 years, Dale's life expectancy exceeds Alabama's state average of 72.1 years, ranking it among the state's healthier counties. The county's 10.5% uninsured rate is better than Alabama's 11.1%, suggesting slightly superior insurance access than the state norm. Dale performs above average on both longevity and coverage metrics compared to Alabama.
Dale Ties Colbert as Regional Health Leader
Dale's 73.0-year life expectancy matches Colbert County and significantly exceeds Covington (70.6 years) and Crenshaw (70.4 years), establishing it as a regional health leader. The county maintains strong mental health support at 140 providers per 100,000, though primary care at 28 per 100,000 falls below regional averages. Dale demonstrates that superior life expectancy is possible even with below-average primary care provider density.
Robust Mental Health, Limited Primary Care
Dale County's 140 mental health providers per 100,000 residents represent exceptional behavioral health access—nearly triple some neighboring counties. However, primary care is limited at just 28 providers per 100,000, creating a gap in preventive and routine services. The county's strength in mental health may partially explain its above-average life expectancy despite sparse primary care.
Secure Coverage to Stay Healthy
With 10.5% of Dale residents uninsured, nearly 1 in 10 people lack healthcare access despite the county's good health outcomes overall. If you're among the uninsured, visit the Alabama Health Insurance Marketplace to explore coverage options today. Maintaining insurance ensures you can benefit from Dale's strong mental health and preventive care services.
Dale County scores 67.75 on composite risk, earning a Relatively Low rating but exceeding the national average. This position reflects elevated tornado and hurricane exposure that demands household preparedness despite the moderate classification.
Mid-Range Risk Among Alabama Counties
Dale's 67.75 score sits above Alabama's 61.54 state average by about 6 points, placing it in the moderate-risk tier statewide. The gap suggests residents face somewhat greater hazard exposure than the typical Alabama county.
Riskier Than Southern Peers, Safer Than North
Dale (67.75) faces higher composite risk than Crenshaw (34.38) and Conecuh (31.11) to the south, but less than Covington (82.44) nearby. Compared to northern counties like Cullman (81.93), Dale's exposure is notably more contained.
Tornadoes and Hurricanes Dominate Threats
Tornado risk scores 87.91, among Alabama's highest, while hurricane exposure ranks second at 89.28, reflecting Dale's southern position near Gulf systems. Floods (61.01) pose a secondary concern across low-lying and river-adjacent areas.
Tornado and Hurricane Coverage Critical
The combined 87.91 tornado and 89.28 hurricane scores make wind damage coverage non-negotiable in your homeowners policy. Secure separate flood insurance immediately, and maintain a household disaster kit with supplies for rapid evacuation during tornado and hurricane season.