countyscore
61.9
County Score
Property Tax 97.6Water Quality 86Cost of Living 81.6

County Report Card

About Geneva County, Alabama

Geneva ranks well above national average

Geneva County's composite score of 61.9 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 62nd percentile nationally. This makes it one of Alabama's more livable counties by national standards.

Among Alabama's top-tier counties

With a score of 61.9, Geneva ranks well above Alabama's state average of 52.9 and sits in the upper tier of the state's 67 counties. Only a handful of Alabama counties surpass its livability profile.

Safety, schools, and low-tax efficiency

Geneva stands out with a safety score of 63.1 and school score of 57.0—both among Alabama's strongest. Combined with a tax score of 97.6 (effective rate 0.318%) and cost score of 81.6, it offers a well-balanced livability package.

Limited income and health infrastructure

Income score of 16.7 (median household income $50,951) and health score of 22.0 represent the county's primary constraints. These gaps prevent an even higher overall livability ranking.

Best for families seeking safety and schools

Geneva County is ideal for families with school-age children who value community safety and good schools over high salaries. Its balanced profile makes it appealing to middle-income households seeking stability and safety.

2040608010097.681.663.1225716.746.68639.4Tax97.6Cost81.6Safety63.1Health22Schools57Income16.7Risk46.6Water86Weather39.461.9/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Geneva County DNA

Doverall

How Geneva County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Geneva County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (97.6/100) but notably weak in Income (16.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
97.6+45.599999999999994
Cost
81.6+33.599999999999994
Safety
63.1+8.100000000000001
Health
22-28
Schools
57
Income
16.7-34.3
Risk
46.6
Water
86+28
Weather
39.4-16.6
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$120,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$757/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$120,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $50,951/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.0

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
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Counties with similar scores

Jackson County
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Linn County
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Ralls County
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Bon Homme County
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Gregory County
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Lincoln County
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Nearby counties

Holmes County
Florida
51.4
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44
Dale County
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45.9
Walton County
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52.6
Washington County
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53.5
Covington County
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Houston County
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Jackson County
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53.9

Deep Dives

Geneva County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Geneva County

via TaxByCounty

Geneva's tax rate sits below the national median

Geneva County's effective tax rate of 0.318% runs below the national median, making it a relatively tax-friendly county nationwide. Though the national median property tax is $2,690 annually, Geneva residents pay just $382—a difference reflecting both a favorable tax rate and a modest median home value of $120,200.

Geneva's rate runs slightly below state average

At 0.318%, Geneva County's effective tax rate falls modestly below Alabama's state average of 0.339%, placing it slightly below the middle of the state's 67 counties. The median property tax of $382 is well below the state median of $511, offering Geneva homeowners a light tax burden.

Geneva offers a tax advantage over most peers

Geneva's 0.318% rate is lower than DeKalb (0.338%), Escambia (0.395%), Etowah (0.364%), and Franklin (0.338%), though slightly higher than Elmore (0.264%) and Fayette (0.286%). In southeastern Alabama, Geneva ranks among the most affordable tax climates.

Median Geneva home costs $382 yearly

On a median home value of $120,200, Geneva property owners pay approximately $382 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $452 when including county fees, while those owning outright pay around $291.

Geneva homeowners should verify their assessments

Even with a favorable tax rate, some Geneva properties are overassessed—a reassessment request costs nothing and could lower your annual bill. Reach out to your county assessor to challenge any valuation that seems out of line with comparable homes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Geneva County

via CostByCounty

Geneva rents approach state-average burden

Geneva County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% sits just below Alabama's state average of 18.0%, reflecting typical affordability challenges across the state. Renters pay $757/month, a figure closer to Alabama's median of $799, while median household income of $50,951 trails the national average of $74,755.

Near the middle of Alabama's affordability spectrum

Geneva's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio edges slightly better than Alabama's state average of 18.0%, placing it in the middle tier of state affordability. The county represents mainstream Alabama housing dynamics—modest incomes with moderate rent burdens.

Higher rents than most—but offset by value

Geneva's $757/month rent exceeds Fayette ($622), Franklin ($667), and DeKalb ($683), yet its 17.8% ratio beats Etowah (18.3%) and Escambia (19.1%). The county balances higher rents with reasonable income levels, delivering middle-ground affordability for the region.

Housing costs remain manageable overall

Renters spend $757/month (17.8% of income) while homeowners average $557/month on median-valued homes of $120,200. Combined housing expenses stay under one-third of household income for most families, though renters experience slightly more burden than homeowners.

Geneva offers middle-ground relocation appeal

Relocating families earning $50,000–$52,000 will find Geneva's 17.8% rent ratio and $757 monthly cost reasonable, though neighboring Fayette (14.7%) and Franklin (15.5%) offer better affordability on similar incomes. Weigh Geneva's slightly higher rents against local amenities and job prospects before deciding.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Geneva County

via IncomeByCounty

Geneva earnings reflect rural disadvantage

Geneva County's median household income of $50,951 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 32%, a $23,804 annual shortfall. This gap underscores Geneva's rural economic position within a nationally integrated labor market.

Below state average by 6%

Geneva's $50,951 median income falls 6% below Alabama's state average of $54,196, placing it among the lower-earning Alabama counties. The $3,245 gap reflects local employment and wage structures.

Mid-pack among regional peers

Geneva's $50,951 ranks above Fayette ($50,733) and DeKalb ($51,149) but below Franklin ($51,493) by a slim margin. All four counties cluster within a tight $2,400 income band, suggesting similar economic fundamentals.

Housing costs moderately elevated

Geneva's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio—among the highest in this county group—signals that renters allocate a meaningful portion of paychecks to housing. Median home values of $120,200 remain accessible but require disciplined saving for down payments.

Prioritize emergency savings first

Geneva residents earning $50,951 should build a 3-6 month emergency fund before aggressive investing, given moderate housing pressures. Once that safety net exists, direct surplus income toward employer retirement plans and tax-advantaged savings vehicles.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Geneva County

via CrimeByCounty

Geneva County Is Exceptionally Secure

Geneva County earns a high safety score of 98.7, making it one of the safest areas in the region. Its total crime rate of 851.9 is nearly three times lower than the national average.

Significantly Safer Than Alabama Average

With a safety score of 98.7, Geneva far exceeds the Alabama state average of 97.3. Its total crime rate of 851.9 per 100K is about half of the state's average rate of 1,731.

Leading Nearby Counties in Safety

Geneva County is much safer than neighboring Escambia County, which has a crime rate nearly triple that of Geneva. Six local reporting agencies contribute to this high level of community security.

Violent Crime Is Extremely Rare

Violent crime occurs at a low rate of 93.8 per 100K, compared to the state average of 312.6. Property crimes also remain low at 758.1, indicating a very secure local environment.

Maintaining a Secure Community Environment

Even in high-safety counties, simple precautions like locking vehicles and securing garages are important. These small actions help Geneva County remain one of Alabama's safest places to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Geneva County

via SchoolsByCounty

Efficient Rural Education

Geneva County operates 13 public schools serving 4,036 students through two local districts. The system is well-distributed, featuring four elementary schools, four middle schools, and five high schools.

Top-Tier Graduation Success

Geneva County reaches a standout 95.4% graduation rate, nearly 10 percentage points higher than the national average. This performance is reflected in a school score of 55.1, achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,398.

Geneva County and City Districts

The Geneva County district is the larger of the two, educating 2,784 students, while Geneva City serves 1,252 students. There are no charter schools in the county, keeping all students within the traditional district system.

Small Schools, Big Results

Education is primarily rural, with 10 rural schools and three in town settings. The average school size is quite small at 336 students, ranging from Mulkey Elementary at 572 down to Samson High's smaller enrollment.

Find Home Near Geneva Schools

If you are looking for small school environments with elite graduation rates, Geneva County is an ideal candidate. Consider homes near Slocomb or Mulkey Elementary to give your children access to these top-performing local districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Geneva County

via RiskByCounty

Geneva's Risk Below National Average

Geneva County scores 53.37 with a Relatively Low rating, positioning it below the national average overall but with notable hurricane exposure that warrants attention. The county's Gulf proximity drives its 87.28 hurricane risk, while other hazards remain relatively moderate.

Below-Average Risk Statewide

At 53.37, Geneva's composite score falls below Alabama's state average of 61.54, making it one of the safer regions in the state. However, its 87.28 hurricane risk signals that Gulf-facing location creates concentrated vulnerability despite the lower overall score.

Safer Than Coastal Peer Escambia

Geneva's 53.37 score is substantially lower than neighboring Escambia County's 85.02, though both face significant hurricane exposure from Gulf proximity. Geneva's inland portions and lower overall hazard profile make it moderately safer than most Gulf-influenced Alabama counties.

Hurricanes Drive Seasonal Vulnerability

Hurricane risk at 87.28 is Geneva's defining hazard, making tropical storm season (June–November) the critical planning window for all residents. Tornado exposure at 51.59 remains moderate and manageable compared to inland Alabama counties, while floods and wildfires pose minimal threats.

Prioritize Hurricane Insurance and Readiness

Geneva residents must secure robust homeowners and wind insurance well before hurricane season, understanding deductibles and coverage limits specific to tropical systems. Maintain a home inventory, secure loose outdoor items before storms, and establish a family evacuation plan—these steps provide essential protection in a hurricane-exposed region.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Geneva County

via WaterByCounty

Geneva County Reports Flawless Compliance Record

Geneva County earns an 'A' grade for drinking water, with zero health violations over the last five years. This perfect record outshines the Alabama state average of 14.1 violations per 100,000 people.

Watershed Impairment Lower Than State Average

Assessments from 2022 show 17.5% of Geneva County water bodies are impaired, which is better than the 27.7% state average. E. coli, mercury, and fecal coliform are the top pollutants identified in the 63 assessed bodies.

Monitoring Network Logs Over 12,000 Results

With 21 active monitoring sites, the county has compiled 12,940 measurements over the last five years. The data primarily covers physical, nutrient, and inorganic characteristics to ensure broad environmental oversight.

Streamflow Data Unavailable for Choctawhatchee River

Current discharge data is not available for the Choctawhatchee River near Geneva. However, the county's excellent compliance records provide a strong baseline for evaluating local water safety.

Maintain High Standards for Clean Local Water

Geneva County residents enjoy safe drinking water, but E. coli and mercury remain present in local streams. Homeowners should continue to support watershed protection efforts to keep impairment levels below the state average.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Geneva County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical Heat and Heavy Rain

Geneva County is hot and humid, with an annual average temperature of 65.4°F. It is also exceptionally wet, recording 62.3 inches of rain compared to the much lower national median.

Warmer Than the State Average

Geneva's average temperature of 65.4°F is significantly higher than the Alabama state average of 63.2°F. It is also wetter than the state norm, receiving about 5 inches more rain than the average county.

Similar to the Gulf Coast

The county's climate closely mirrors Escambia (66.4°F), making it one of the warmest areas in the state. It is much hotter than Franklin County, which stays 5 degrees cooler on average.

Intense Summer Heat Peaks

Geneva faces 77 days of extreme heat above 90°F, the highest in this group. Winters are very mild with a 50.4°F average and almost no snow, recording just 0.1 inches annually.

Prioritize Heat Safety

With 77 days of extreme heat, residents must have functional AC and stay hydrated during the long summer. The 62.3 inches of annual rain also necessitates regular roof and seal inspections to prevent leaks.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Geneva County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Sands of the Wiregrass

Geneva County soil is acidic with an average pH of 5.13, sitting just below the Alabama state average. This is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5, which is common in the sandy Wiregrass region. The county's low soil score of 14.3 indicates significant challenges for intensive agriculture.

Predominantly Sandy Soil Structure

Almost 70% of Geneva's soil is sand, with silt at 18.9% and clay at a low 11.2%. This creates an extremely porous environment where water and nutrients move through very quickly. While this makes the ground easy to plow, it means the soil struggles to hold onto what plants need.

Low Moisture and Moderate Carbon

The available water capacity is just 0.106 in/in, well below the state average of 0.138. Organic matter sits at 1.69%, which is respectable for such sandy soil but still below the national average. Irrigation is almost always necessary here to keep plants healthy during the summer months.

Fast Drainage and High Permeability

While specific drainage classes are not listed, the high sand content guarantees rapid drainage and high permeability. This makes the area generally good for development but requires cautious use of fertilizers to prevent groundwater leaching. The soil lacks the clay 'stopper' needed to hold moisture near the surface.

Peanuts and More in Zone 8b

Geneva County’s 8b climate and sandy soil are the classic recipe for a successful peanut crop. Gardeners should focus on heat-loving plants and use plenty of mulch to conserve what little moisture the soil can hold. Dig in and start your Wiregrass garden by focusing on native, drought-tolerant species.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Geneva County

via LawnByCounty

Geneva Faces Steep Lawn Care Hurdles

Geneva County’s score of 15.7 indicates a very difficult environment for lawn maintenance, nearly 50% harder than the state average. Zone 8b conditions here demand specialized care and resilient grass varieties.

Intense Heat and Abundant Moisture

Residents face 77 days of extreme heat annually, far surpassing the state average of 64. This heat, paired with 62.3 inches of rain, creates a high-pressure environment for turfgrass that requires constant monitoring.

Sandy Soil Profiles Dominating Geneva

The soil is heavily sandy at 69.9%, which facilitates rapid drainage but often leads to nutrient leaching. You will need to amend the 5.13 pH soil with lime and use slow-release fertilizers to keep your lawn fed.

Severe Drought Sweeps the County

Geneva is currently 100% covered by severe drought conditions after 30 weeks of dry spells last year. In these conditions, dormant-seeding or using drought-tolerant species like Bahia grass is your best strategy.

Beat the Heat with Smart Planting

The long growing season in zone 8b starts after the last frost on March 23. Ensure your irrigation system is efficient and ready to combat the 77 days of summer heat that lie ahead.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Geneva County's county score?
Geneva County, Alabama has a composite county score of 61.9 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 Geneva County rank among counties in Alabama?
Geneva County ranks #8 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 Geneva County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Geneva County is $382, with an effective tax rate of 0.32%. This earns Geneva County a tax score of 97.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Geneva County?
The median household income in Geneva County, Alabama is $50,951 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Geneva County earns an income score of 16.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Geneva County, Alabama a good place to live?
Geneva County scores 61.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Geneva 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 Geneva County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.