CountyScore

Escambia County

Alabama · AL

#56 in Alabama
68.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Escambia County, Alabama

Escambia ranks well above national baseline

Escambia County's score of 68.2 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 36%, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties despite ranking slightly below Alabama's state average. The county delivers meaningful livability advantages, particularly in housing affordability and tax burden.

Just below state average but solid

Escambia scores 68.2, placing it modestly below Alabama's 70.8 state average but well within competitive range. This positioning reflects a county with dependable fundamentals that may appeal to those seeking traditional Southern community life.

Affordability is Escambia's signature strength

Escambia excels in cost (87.8) and tax burden (91.2), with median home values of just $122,700 and rents at $709 monthly—among the lowest in this region. For budget-conscious residents, Escambia offers exceptional housing value without excessive tax strain.

Income limitations constrain opportunity

Escambia's income score of 12.4 reflects a median household income of only $44,447, the second-lowest among these eight counties and well below state averages. This income constraint may limit access to higher-wage jobs and affect long-term economic mobility.

Best for retirees and fixed-income families

Escambia County suits retirees, fixed-income households, and those prioritizing minimal cost of living above wage opportunities. The combination of very affordable housing and low taxes makes it an attractive haven for those living on established retirement or savings.

Score breakdown

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

Tax91.2Cost87.8SafetyComing SoonHealth55.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome12.4Risk15WaterComing Soon
🏛91.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼12.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤55.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡15
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 Escambia County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Madison County
Alabama
68.2
Median income: $83,528
Cross County
Arkansas
68.2
Median income: $47,012
Poinsett County
Arkansas
68.2
Median income: $47,188
Morgan County
Colorado
68.2
Median income: $75,407
Brantley County
Georgia
68.2
Median income: $47,801

Deep Dives

Escambia County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Escambia County

via TaxByCounty

Escambia taxes rank well above the national median

Escambia County's effective tax rate of 0.395% significantly exceeds the national median, placing it among the higher-taxing counties nationwide. Though the national median property tax is $2,690 annually, Escambia residents pay $485—lower in absolute dollars due to the county's modest median home value of $122,700.

Escambia ranks among Alabama's highest tax rates

At 0.395%, Escambia County's effective tax rate runs considerably above Alabama's state average of 0.339%, placing it in the upper tier of the state's 67 counties. The median property tax of $485 is below the state median of $511, though this reflects Escambia's lower home values rather than a tax advantage.

Escambia's rate exceeds most regional counties

Escambia's 0.395% rate is higher than DeKalb (0.338%), Elmore (0.264%), Fayette (0.286%), Franklin (0.338%), and Geneva (0.318%), making it the steepest tax burden in this southern Alabama cluster. Only Greene County's 0.488% exceeds Escambia's burden.

Median Escambia home costs $485 yearly

On a median home value of $122,700, Escambia property owners pay approximately $485 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $593 when including county fees, while those owning outright pay around $399.

Escambia homeowners should scrutinize their assessments

Given Escambia's above-average tax rate, verifying your assessment's accuracy is especially important—overassessed properties are common throughout Alabama. A successful appeal can deliver significant annual savings; contact your county assessor about requesting a reassessment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Escambia County

via CostByCounty

Escambia rents squeeze tight household budgets

Renters in Escambia County face a 19.1% rent-to-income ratio despite paying just $709/month—the highest burden among all eight counties examined. This tension reflects Escambia's median household income of $44,447, nearly 40% below the national average, making housing an outsized expense for local families.

Above-average rent burden signals economic pressure

Escambia's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Alabama's state average of 18.0%, placing it among the state's more strained housing markets. Though local rents of $709 fall below the state median of $799, weak median household income ($44,447) reverses any savings advantage.

Worst affordability in the regional comparison

Escambia's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds neighboring DeKalb (16.0%), Fayette (14.7%), and Franklin County (15.5%), despite comparable rent levels. The county's lower median household income ($44,447) versus its peers' $50,000–$51,000 explains the outsized housing burden.

Housing dominates household budgets here

Renters spend $709/month (19.1% of income) while homeowners pay $523/month on median-valued homes of $122,700. Combined, housing costs can claim up to 38% of annual household income, leaving less for food, transportation, and savings.

Escambia challenges unless your income aligns

Relocating to Escambia works best for households earning $45,000–$50,000+ who accept tighter budgets; lower incomes will struggle with the 19.1% rent burden. Compare Escambia's affordability carefully with neighboring DeKalb and Franklin counties before deciding—both offer better rent-to-income ratios at similar price points.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Escambia County

via IncomeByCounty

Escambia households earn well below average

Escambia County's median household income of $44,447 trails the national median of $74,755 by 41%, representing one of the steepest income shortfalls in the nation. Typical Escambia households earn approximately $30,300 less annually than U.S. counterparts.

Among Alabama's lowest-income counties

Escambia's $44,447 median income falls 18% below Alabama's state average of $54,196, positioning it among the state's lowest-earning counties. The $9,749 gap underscores Escambia's economic challenges relative to the broader state.

Escambia struggles against nearby peers

Escambia's $44,447 median income is $6,702 lower than Franklin County ($51,493) and $6,504 lower than Geneva County ($50,951) in adjacent areas. Among immediate neighbors, Escambia faces the most significant income headwinds.

Housing costs strain household budgets

Escambia's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio—the highest among surveyed neighbors—signals that housing consumes a meaningful portion of paychecks. Median home values of $122,700 represent nearly 2.8 years of median household income, suggesting homeownership requires careful financial planning.

Start small, save consistently

Escambia residents earning $44,447 should prioritize building emergency savings and accessing employer 401(k) matches before investing elsewhere. Even $50-100 monthly contributions to a savings account builds resilience and opens doors to future wealth-building as income grows.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Escambia County

via HealthByCounty

Escambia's life expectancy trails national averages

At 70.1 years, Escambia residents live 1.4 years below the U.S. average of 71.5 years. More than one in four (25.7%) report poor or fair health, indicating widespread health challenges in the county.

Among Alabama's least healthy counties

Escambia's 70.1-year life expectancy falls 2.0 years below Alabama's 72.1-year state average, placing it among the state's most challenged counties. The disparity underscores persistent health struggles residents face.

Lowest longevity in this county grouping

Escambia has the shortest life expectancy of all eight counties—4.5 years less than top-performing Elmore County and notably lower than adjacent counties like Geneva (70.6 years). The gap signals significant health disparities within the region.

Uninsured rates compound health struggles

One in eight Escambia residents (12.4%) lack health insurance, above the state average of 11.1%. With only 30 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, accessing preventive care remains difficult for many families.

Get covered to improve your health

In Escambia, insurance gaps contribute to worse health outcomes. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to find affordable plans and start building a path to better health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Escambia County

via RiskByCounty

Escambia's Risk Well Above National Norms

Escambia County scores 85.02 with a Relatively Moderate risk rating, substantially exceeding the national average across multiple hazard types. The county's notable hurricane risk of 96.58 places it among the nation's most hurricane-exposed regions, a critical factor for coastal preparedness.

Alabama's Highest Hurricane Exposure

Escambia's 85.02 composite score ranks it among Alabama's riskier counties, well above the state average of 61.54. The county's 96.58 hurricane risk is the highest in the state, reflecting its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and vulnerability to tropical systems.

Coastal Hazards Set It Apart

Escambia's 85.02 score positions it as significantly higher-risk than neighboring Geneva County (53.37) and most inland Alabama counties. Its extreme hurricane exposure of 96.58 makes it categorically different from inland peers and comparable only to Alabama's other Gulf-facing regions.

Hurricanes Dominate Escambia's Threats

Hurricane risk at 96.58 is Escambia's defining hazard, making tropical storm season (June–November) the critical planning period for all residents and businesses. Tornadoes (83.05) and wildfires (74.01) present secondary but substantial risks that compound the hurricane threat.

Hurricane Preparedness Is Non-Negotiable

Escambia residents must secure comprehensive homeowners and wind insurance with hurricane deductibles understood and affordable before season arrives each June. Install impact-resistant windows, reinforce roof connections, and maintain a detailed home inventory; regular evacuation drills and a family communication plan are equally vital for this high-risk county.

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.