CountyScore

DeKalb County

Alabama · AL

#51 in Alabama
68.5
County Score

County Report Card

About DeKalb County, Alabama

DeKalb outpaces national median by 37%

DeKalb County's composite score of 68.5 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper third of U.S. counties overall. This strong performance reflects a county where affordability and tax burden are genuine competitive advantages for residents seeking value.

Slightly below state average in rankings

DeKalb ranks just below Alabama's state average of 70.8 with a score of 68.5, placing it in the middle tier among the state's counties. Despite this middle position, DeKalb remains well above the national baseline, indicating solid fundamentals for livability.

Tax and housing costs drive appeal

DeKalb excels with a tax score of 92.8 (effective rate of 0.338%) and cost score of 87.5, reflecting median home values of $135,500 and rents of just $683 per month. These affordability advantages make DeKalb particularly attractive to budget-conscious families and retirees seeking stable, low-cost living.

Income and risk scores need attention

DeKalb faces challenges with an income score of just 16.8 against a median household income of $51,149, indicating limited high-wage opportunities. The county's risk score of 19.6 also suggests vulnerabilities that warrant closer examination as quality-of-life factors.

Best for cost-conscious families seeking stability

DeKalb County suits families and retirees prioritizing affordability and low taxes over higher incomes and rapid growth. The county offers solid fundamentals and predictability, though prospective residents should research specific communities to ensure they meet individual needs beyond cost metrics.

Score breakdown

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

Tax92.8Cost87.5SafetyComing SoonHealth52.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome16.8Risk19.6WaterComing Soon
🏛92.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼16.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤52.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡19.6
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 DeKalb County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Russell County
Alabama
68.5
Median income: $50,046
Talladega County
Alabama
68.5
Median income: $56,249
Dodge County
Georgia
68.5
Median income: $50,152
Rice County
Kansas
68.5
Median income: $63,947
Waldo County
Maine
68.5
Median income: $68,441

Deep Dives

DeKalb County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.