countyscore
62
County Score
Property Tax 96.8Cost of Living 87.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About DeKalb County, Alabama

DeKalb outpaces national livability median

With a composite score of 62.0, DeKalb County ranks well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 62nd percentile nationally. This makes it a notably livable county relative to the typical American county.

Second-best livability in Alabama

DeKalb ranks second among Alabama's 67 counties with a score of 62.0, compared to the state average of 52.9. Only one other Alabama county surpasses its overall livability profile.

Affordability and low taxes shine

DeKalb excels in cost and tax dimensions, with a cost score of 87.5 and an exceptional tax score of 96.8 (effective rate just 0.338%). Median home values of $135,500 and rents of $683/month make it one of Alabama's most affordable counties.

Health and income gaps need attention

The county's health score of 13.7 and income score of 17.0 are significant weak spots, with median household income at $51,149—well below state and national averages. These limitations reflect broader economic challenges despite strong affordability metrics.

Ideal for budget-conscious families seeking affordability

DeKalb County suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high incomes or extensive health services. It's a smart choice for cost-conscious households valuing financial relief and stable, modest-priced communities.

Score breakdown

Tax96.8Cost87.5Safety66.8Health13.7Schools54.5Income17Risk19.6Water86Weather72.7
🏛96.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼17
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡66.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤13.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓54.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡19.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤72.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨24.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱42.6
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Counties with similar scores

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Geneva County
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Jackson County
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Madison County
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Skagway Municipality
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DeKalb County
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Median income: $70,080
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Nearby counties

Chattooga County
Georgia
46.3
Jackson County
Alabama
61.9
Cherokee County
Alabama
49.9
Dade County
Georgia
63.5
Walker County
Georgia
55
Marshall County
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54.8
Floyd County
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38.1
Etowah County
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47.7

Deep Dives

DeKalb County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in DeKalb County

via TaxByCounty

DeKalb's tax rate sits near the national middle

DeKalb County's effective tax rate of 0.338% ranks close to the national median, meaning homeowners here pay roughly what Americans pay nationwide relative to home values. While the national median property tax is $2,690 annually, DeKalb residents pay just $458—a difference driven by significantly lower home values in the county (median $135,500 vs. $281,900 nationally).

DeKalb matches Alabama's statewide average

At 0.338%, DeKalb's effective tax rate is virtually identical to Alabama's state average of 0.339%, placing the county squarely in the middle of the state's 67 counties. The median property tax of $458 runs slightly below the state median of $511, reflecting DeKalb's below-average home values.

DeKalb undercuts some nearby counties

DeKalb's rate of 0.338% edges out Elmore County (0.264%) but exceeds Fayette County (0.286%) and Franklin County (0.338%). Among its immediate peers in northeastern Alabama, DeKalb is competitive, though Escambia and Greene counties to the south impose notably higher effective rates.

Median DeKalb home costs $458 yearly

On a median home value of $135,500, DeKalb property owners pay approximately $458 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $527 when factoring in county fees, while those owning outright pay around $399.

Many DeKalb homeowners may be overassessed

If your property tax bill feels high, you're not alone—assessments across Alabama frequently exceed fair market value, and homeowners have the right to appeal. Contact your county assessor's office to request a reassessment; many successful appeals lower annual taxes by hundreds of dollars.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in DeKalb County

via CostByCounty

DeKalb's rent bite is smaller than most

Renters in DeKalb County spend 16.0% of their household income on rent, meaningfully better than the national median rent-to-income ratio. While DeKalb's median household income of $51,149 trails the national average of $74,755, local rents of $683/month keep housing costs manageable compared to most U.S. counties.

Among Alabama's most affordable rentals

DeKalb's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks better than Alabama's state average of 18.0%, placing it among the state's more affordable counties for renters. The median rent of $683/month is also $116 below Alabama's state average, offering genuine relief for households on modest incomes.

Competitive with neighboring Northeast Alabama

DeKalb's $683 monthly rent and 16.0% rent-to-income ratio compare favorably to Franklin County ($667 rent, 15.5% ratio) and Geneva County ($757 rent, 17.8% ratio). Among its regional peers, DeKalb offers stable, affordable rental options for working families seeking housing security.

Rent and homeownership both accessible

DeKalb renters spend $683/month (16.0% of income), while homeowners average $579/month for a median home value of $135,500. Combined, housing costs consume roughly one-third of typical household income, leaving room for other necessities and savings.

Looking for true affordability? Consider DeKalb

If you're relocating on a $50,000–$55,000 household budget, DeKalb offers one of Alabama's best rent-to-income ratios and below-average rental costs. Compare DeKalb's rents and home values with neighboring Etowah County ($807 rent, 18.3% ratio) and Franklin County to find your ideal fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in DeKalb County

via IncomeByCounty

DeKalb lags behind national income

DeKalb County's median household income of $51,149 sits 31% below the national median of $74,755. This income gap means typical DeKalb households earn roughly $23,600 less per year than their counterparts across the United States.

Slightly above Alabama average

At $51,149, DeKalb's median household income exceeds Alabama's state average of $54,196 by a small margin, ranking the county in the middle tier statewide. DeKalb residents earn about 6% less than the typical Alabama household.

Mixed fortunes among neighbors

DeKalb's $51,149 median income places it between Etowah County ($53,070) to the south and Fayette County ($50,733) to the west. The neighboring variation is modest, with all three counties hovering within a narrow $2,400 band.

Rent remains affordable here

DeKalb's 16.0% rent-to-income ratio indicates housing costs are manageable for renters, sitting below the 30% affordability threshold. Median home values of $135,500 align reasonably with local incomes, suggesting homeownership remains attainable for many households.

Build wealth beyond your paycheck

With a median household income of $51,149, DeKalb residents have room to invest in retirement accounts and emergency savings. Even modest monthly contributions to a 401(k) or IRA compound significantly over time, helping close the wealth gap with higher-income counties.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in DeKalb County

via CrimeByCounty

DeKalb County Is Significantly Safer Than Average

DeKalb County maintains a remarkable safety score of 98.8, far exceeding national benchmarks. Its total crime rate of 781.2 per 100K is less than one-third of the national average of 2,385.5.

A Leader in Alabama Safety Standards

The county's total crime rate of 781.2 is significantly lower than the Alabama state average of 1,731.0. Its safety score also outperforms the state average of 97.3, marking it as a secure regional choice.

Outperforming Regional Neighbors in Security

DeKalb County is twice as safe as nearby Etowah County, which reports a crime rate over 2,215 per 100K. Residents here benefit from a much lower incident density than many surrounding North Alabama counties.

Low Violent Crime Defines Local Landscape

Violent crime in DeKalb is exceptionally rare at 75.3 per 100K, compared to 369.8 nationally. Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local reports, totaling 705.9 incidents per 100K.

Simple Steps Enhance Local Security

While rates are low, 14 reporting agencies recommend basic property precautions to maintain these standards. Installing smart locks and motion-activated lighting keeps DeKalb one of the safest spots in Alabama.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in DeKalb County

via HealthByCounty

DeKalb's life expectancy slightly above national trouble

At 72.4 years, DeKalb residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 71.5 years—a modest advantage. Yet nearly three in ten residents (28.1%) report poor or fair health, suggesting that extra years don't guarantee wellness.

Outperforming Alabama average on longevity

DeKalb's 72.4-year life expectancy exceeds Alabama's 72.1-year state average by 0.3 years. The county ranks solidly in the middle of Alabama's health outcomes, neither among the state's healthiest nor most challenged.

Healthier than some nearby counties

DeKalb residents live 2.2 years longer than those in Escambia County (70.1 years) and report better overall health than Franklin or Fayette counties. However, neighboring Elmore County (74.6 years) shows significantly better longevity outcomes.

Insurance gaps and provider shortages

One in six DeKalb residents (15.2%) lack health insurance—well above Alabama's 11.1% state average. Primary care remains thin with only 40 providers per 100,000 residents, making routine care harder to access.

Explore health coverage options today

With 15.2% of residents uninsured, DeKalb families should investigate marketplace plans, Medicaid eligibility, and employer coverage. Visiting healthcare.gov or contacting local health departments can connect you with affordable options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in DeKalb County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large Rural Learning Network

DeKalb County manages a robust network of 20 public schools serving 12,232 students across two distinct districts. The infrastructure includes five elementary schools, two middle schools, and four high schools, supported by nine specialized campuses.

Exceptional Graduation and Efficient Spending

The county boasts an impressive 94.8% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the national average of 87%. While per-pupil spending of $6,415 is roughly half the national average, the composite school score of 54.8 remains higher than the state average.

Local District Giants

The DeKalb County district is the largest provider with 15 schools and 8,717 students, while Fort Payne City serves 3,515 students. Currently, no charter schools operate in the county, meaning education remains centered in traditional district frameworks.

Rural Roots and Campus Diversity

Education here is deeply rural, with 15 schools in rural settings and five in town locales. Campus sizes vary significantly, ranging from the massive Plainview School with 1,264 students to smaller specialized facilities.

Find Your Home in DeKalb Schools

Families seeking high-performing rural schools often choose DeKalb for its strong graduation outcomes and community-focused districts. Explore local real estate options near top-rated campuses like Plainview or Geraldine to secure your student's future.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in DeKalb County

via RiskByCounty

DeKalb's Risk Sits Above National Average

DeKalb County scores 80.38 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating but running notably higher than the national average. This score reflects above-average exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly tornadoes and earthquakes, which residents should monitor year-round.

Higher Risk Than Most Alabama Counties

At 80.38, DeKalb's composite risk exceeds Alabama's state average of 61.54, placing it in the riskier half of the state's 67 counties. The county faces particularly acute tornado exposure compared to most of its peers statewide.

Among the State's Most Hazard-Prone

DeKalb's 80.38 score ranks it among the higher-risk counties in northeast Alabama, especially compared to neighboring Fayette County (38.17) and Franklin County (67.72). The county's 88.26 tornado risk stands out as one of the state's highest.

Tornadoes and Earthquakes Lead Threats

Tornado risk dominates at 88.26, making severe spring and fall storms the county's primary concern—DeKalb consistently ranks in Alabama's top tier for tornado exposure. Earthquakes present the second major hazard at 85.56, a moderate concern that deserves attention in home preparation and emergency planning.

Secure Coverage for Two Major Threats

Homeowners should prioritize wind and hail coverage for tornado season, as standard homeowners insurance often excludes or limits this protection. Adding earthquake insurance is prudent given DeKalb's above-average seismic risk, and a reinforced safe room or basement shelter offers life-saving protection during severe weather.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in DeKalb County

via WeatherByCounty

Alabama's Cooler Mountainous Climate

DeKalb County averages 59.6°F annually, making it one of the coolest counties in the state. Its climate is more in line with national averages than the rest of Alabama.

The State's Cool Weather Anchor

At 59.6°F, DeKalb is nearly 4 degrees cooler than the Alabama state average of 63.2°F. This makes it a popular refuge from the state's more intense southern heat.

Coolest in the North Region

DeKalb is slightly cooler than Cullman County's 60.0°F average. It also records 3.1 inches of snow annually, which is significantly higher than most of its neighbors to the south.

True Winters and Mild Summers

The county experiences a real winter with an average of 42.4°F and over 3 inches of snow. Summers are much milder than the state average, with only 34 days exceeding 90°F.

Winterize Homes for Snow and Ice

Unlike most of Alabama, DeKalb residents must prepare for 3.1 inches of snow and freezing 40.2°F January averages. Home heating and pipe insulation are higher priorities here than in the southern counties.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in DeKalb County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles in the Appalachian Plateau

DeKalb County soils show an average pH of 5.22, which aligns closely with the Alabama state average of 5.21. This level is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, requiring lime treatments for most traditional crops. While specific taxonomic data is limited for this region, the overall soil score of 24.2 sits just above the state benchmark.

Balanced Texture for Good Workability

The soil contains 33.2% sand and 44.9% silt, balanced by 22.0% clay content. This high silt percentage suggests a smooth texture that is generally easy to till and manage. However, the moderate clay levels mean farmers must monitor for compaction during wet seasons.

Strong Water Retention Despite Lower Carbon

Organic matter sits at 1.56%, trailing both the state average of 1.74% and the national average of 2.0%. Despite this, the available water capacity of 0.151 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.138. This helps crops survive short dry spells even when nutrient levels require supplemental feeding.

Hydraulic Performance in DeKalb

While specific drainage classes are not currently mapped for this county, the high water capacity suggests a system that holds moisture well. Local builders and farmers should conduct site-specific tests to determine the depth to the water table. These soils generally support varied land use when managed for their acidic nature.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 8a

DeKalb County falls within USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, providing a long and productive growing season. Blueberries and azaleas thrive in this naturally acidic soil without heavy modification. Start a home garden today by focusing on acid-loving perennials or using lime to boost vegetable yields.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in DeKalb County

via LawnByCounty

DeKalb Outperforms Alabama's Average Lawn Scores

DeKalb’s lawn score of 42.6 sits comfortably above the Alabama average of 29.5, though it still trails the national median of 50.0. Residents in hardiness zone 8a find more success here than in many neighboring counties with more extreme conditions.

Moderate Temperatures Support Northern Turf

The county receives 57.2 inches of annual rain, exceeding the ideal 50-inch threshold for many grass types. With only 34 extreme heat days per year—nearly half the state average of 64—grass experiences less summer stress than in the south.

High Soil Acidity Requires Remediation

The local soil pH of 5.22 is significantly lower than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range required for healthy turf. While the 22.0% clay content helps retain moisture, homeowners typically need lime applications to neutralize the high acidity.

Managing Severe Dry Spells in DeKalb

Despite high annual rainfall, DeKalb spent 15 weeks in drought last year, and 31.7% of the area currently faces severe conditions. Focus on deep, infrequent watering during dry months to encourage resilient root systems.

Planting Success Between the Frosts

Tall fescue and Bermuda grass are reliable choices for this hardiness zone. Plan your seeding after the last spring frost on April 1 and before the first frost arrives on October 31.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DeKalb County's county score?
DeKalb County, Alabama has a composite county score of 62 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 DeKalb County rank among counties in Alabama?
DeKalb County ranks #7 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 DeKalb County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in DeKalb County is $458, with an effective tax rate of 0.34%. This earns DeKalb County a tax score of 96.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in DeKalb County?
The median household income in DeKalb County, Alabama is $51,149 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. DeKalb County earns an income score of 17/100 on CountyScore.
Is DeKalb County, Alabama a good place to live?
DeKalb County scores 62/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate DeKalb 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 DeKalb County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.