countyscore
45.9
County Score
Property Tax 97.2Water Quality 69Cost of Living 66.7

County Report Card

About Dale County, Alabama

Dale County underperforms national baseline

Dale County's composite score of 45.9 falls below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 46th percentile nationally. The county faces livability challenges compared to typical U.S. counties.

Below state average, bottom-tier in Alabama

Dale's 45.9 score significantly trails Alabama's state average of 52.9 by 7.0 points, ranking it among the weaker-performing counties statewide. Among Alabama's 67 counties, Dale sits in the lower quarter.

Tax burden and water quality offer modest advantages

Dale County maintains a reasonable effective tax rate of 0.330% with a tax score of 97.2, and provides solid water quality (69.0). Housing carries moderate affordability with $863/month rent and $129,100 median home value.

Critical safety crisis demands immediate attention

Dale's safety score of a catastrophic 0.7 indicates severe public safety emergencies that dominate livability concerns. Additionally, income levels (22.8) lag significantly, and health outcomes (30.7) remain weak.

Difficult livability profile warrants careful consideration

Dale County presents substantial challenges due to critical safety issues that overshadow its tax advantages. Only those with compelling professional reasons to relocate or deep family ties should seriously consider settling here without first thoroughly investigating current conditions.

2040608010097.266.70.730.752.522.832.36928.9Tax97.2Cost66.7Safety0.7Health30.7Schools52.5Income22.8Risk32.3Water69Weather28.945.9/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Dale County DNA

Foverall

How Dale County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Dale County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (97.2/100) but notably weak in Safety (0.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
97.2+45.2
Cost
66.7+18.700000000000003
Safety
0.7-54.3
Health
30.7-19.3
Schools
52.5
Income
22.8-28.2
Risk
32.3-14.700000000000003
Water
69+11
Weather
28.9-27.1
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$129,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$863/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$129,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $53,955/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

12.1

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
Compare Dale County with Chilton County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Chilton County
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Median income: $61,873
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Bethel Census Area
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Median income: $70,616
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Bristol Bay Borough
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White County
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Montgomery County
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Mackinac County
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Barry County
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San Miguel County
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Median income: $47,400
45.9

Nearby counties

Coffee County
Alabama
44
Geneva County
Alabama
61.9
Houston County
Alabama
53.7
Henry County
Alabama
55.9
Pike County
Alabama
47.3
Barbour County
Alabama
46
Holmes County
Florida
51.4
Early County
Georgia
43.5

Deep Dives

Dale County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Dale County

via TaxByCounty

Dale's taxes rank well below national average

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dale County

via CostByCounty

Dale's rent burden exceeds national norms

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dale County

via IncomeByCounty

Dale income trails national median moderately

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dale County

via CrimeByCounty

High Crime Rates Demand Awareness in Dale

Dale County reports a total crime rate of 7,906.1 per 100,000 residents, which is triple the national average of 2,385.5. The county has a safety score of 87.5, requiring increased vigilance from residents.

Significant Safety Challenges for the County

Dale County’s safety score of 87.5 is well below the Alabama state average of 97.3. Total crime rates exceed the state average of 1,731.0 per 100,000 by a factor of four.

Regional Comparison Shows High Incidence

Compared to its neighbors, Dale County experiences a much higher frequency of crime across ten reporting agencies. Both violent and property crime rates remain elevated relative to the surrounding South Alabama region.

Elevated Violent and Property Crime Risks

Violent crime sits at 1,856.2 per 100,000 people, while property crime reaches 6,049.9. These figures indicate a high risk of both physical encounters and theft compared to state and national norms.

Essential Home Protection for Residents

Given the local statistics, comprehensive home security is a critical necessity. Residents should consider integrated alarm systems and professional monitoring to safeguard their families and property.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Dale County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Schooling Across Three Districts

Dale County serves 6,478 students through 18 public schools, including six elementary and seven high schools. Three distinct districts—Dale County, Ozark City, and Daleville City—provide localized administration for this diverse population. The county also offers two alternative schools to support varied student needs.

Superior Graduation Outcomes and Strong Scores

The county's graduation rate is a commendable 94.3%, significantly higher than the 87.0% national average. Dale County spends $6,315 per pupil, which is slightly above the Alabama state average of $6,270. These investments produce a solid school score of 54.3, reflecting a high standard of academic excellence.

A Concentrated Multi-District Effort

The Dale County district is the largest provider with 3,270 students, followed by Ozark City's 2,054 students. No charter schools operate in the area, as the three public districts manage all local enrollment. Ariton School is the largest single facility, uniquely serving 863 students in a PK-12 format.

Town-Centered Schools with Rural Roots

The locale mix features 11 schools in town settings and seven in rural areas, leaning toward a more developed feel. The average school size is 463 students, providing a balanced environment that is neither too small nor too anonymous. Major schools like Carroll High and Ariton School serve as central community gathering points.

Investing in a High-Achievement Area

Dale County's 94% graduation rate makes it a smart choice for buyers prioritizing education and future resale value. Living in Ozark or Daleville offers immediate access to town-based schools and convenient community services. Explore local listings to find a home that matches the county's strong academic trajectory.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dale County

via RiskByCounty

Dale's Risk Moderately Above National

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Dale County

via WaterByCounty

High drinking water standards in Dale

Dale County earns a B grade with just one health violation in the last five years. Its violation rate of 1.4 per 100K residents is much lower than the Alabama average of 14.1.

Local watersheds face impairment challenges

The 2022 assessment found that 42.4% of Dale County's water bodies are impaired. Contamination from E. coli, fecal coliform, and mercury are the primary factors behind these failed ratings.

Microbiological data leads monitoring efforts

With 28 monitoring sites and 7,787 measurements, Dale County has a robust water-quality record. Unlike many neighbors, this county frequently monitors microbiological groups alongside physical and inorganic data.

Choctawhatchee River running at 38% capacity

The Choctawhatchee River near Newton is currently flowing at 350 cfs, which is only 38% of its long-term typical flow. This represents a significant decrease in surface water volume for the area.

Staying alert to bacterial contamination

With high levels of fecal coliform and E. coli reported in the watershed, residents should be cautious of contact with surface water. Low river flows currently at 38% of the mean can elevate the risks of these impairments.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dale County

via WeatherByCounty

Intense Heat in the Wiregrass Region

Dale County is one of the warmest areas in the nation with an annual average of 67.8°F. This subtropical climate is defined by long, hot summers and very short, mild winters.

Surpassing Alabama's Average Temperature

The county's 67.8°F average is significantly higher than the Alabama state mean of 63.2°F. It ranks as one of the hottest counties in the state's southeastern corner.

Hotter Than Most Interior Neighbors

Dale is warmer than Covington County (67.1°F) and much hotter than Dallas County (64.6°F). Its 53.9 inches of annual rain is slightly below the state average, leading to drier heat spikes.

Prolonged High Summer Temperatures

The county sees 89 days per year above 90°F, with July averages reaching a sweltering 83.0°F. Winters are among the mildest in the state, averaging 52.8°F with no measurable snow recorded.

Focus on Summer Heat Mitigation

High-efficiency HVAC systems are vital for navigating the 89 days of extreme heat. Since snow is not a factor, residents should focus their home prep on heat-reflective roofing and sun protection.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dale County

via SoilByCounty

High Acidity in Dale County Soils

Dale County has an average pH of 5.04, making it more acidic than the state average of 5.21 and significantly below the national 6.5 median. This acidic environment strongly influences local plant selection and soil management strategies.

A Dominant Sand Composition

The soil is comprised of 67.9% sand, 17.9% silt, and 13.0% clay. This high sand content provides excellent drainage and easy workability, though it can lead to faster nutrient leaching during heavy rains.

Water Capacity and Organic Needs

Organic matter levels stand at 1.51%, trailing the state average of 1.74%. With an available water capacity of 0.112 in/in, the soil holds less moisture than the state average, requiring consistent irrigation and organic amendments.

Fast Drainage and Land Use

While specific drainage classes are not listed, the 67.9% sand content suggests the soil belongs to a high-infiltration hydrologic group. This makes the land well-suited for construction but demands more attention for water-intensive agriculture.

Thriving Gardens in Zone 8b

Dale County sits in Hardiness Zone 8b, which is perfect for heat-loving crops like peanuts and blueberries. With a Soil Score of 10.8, your garden will benefit from added compost and lime to balance the natural acidity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dale County

via LawnByCounty

High Difficulty in Dale County Turf

Dale County presents a difficult environment for lawns with a score of 21.0, falling well below the Alabama average of 29.5. This Zone 8b county requires specialized knowledge of soil chemistry and heat management to succeed.

Relentless Heat and High Growth

Lawns here must survive 89 extreme heat days and 6,792 growing degree days annually. This intense thermal environment means your grass is working hard nearly year-round, requiring frequent mowing and precise hydration.

Acidic and Sandy Soil Challenges

The soil in Dale is quite acidic with a pH of 5.04 and a high sand content of 67.9%. To support a healthy lawn, you will likely need significant lime applications and organic amendments to hold water and nutrients in the root zone.

Navigating Severe Drought Conditions

Currently, 100% of the county is in a D2 Severe Drought, following 27 weeks of dry conditions this year. Given the high sand content of the soil, your lawn will lose moisture rapidly and requires careful monitoring during these periods.

Early Starts in Zone 8b

The long growing season begins March 01 and stays frost-free until November 24. Centipede grass is often the best choice for these acidic, sandy soils, provided you start seeding early in the spring.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dale County's county score?
Dale County, Alabama has a composite county score of 45.9 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 Dale County rank among counties in Alabama?
Dale County ranks #57 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 Dale County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Dale County is $426, with an effective tax rate of 0.33%. This earns Dale County a tax score of 97.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dale County?
The median household income in Dale County, Alabama is $53,955 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dale County earns an income score of 22.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dale County, Alabama a good place to live?
Dale County scores 45.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #57 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Dale 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 Dale 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.