Geneva County's composite score of 72.1 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 44%, placing it firmly in the upper tier of U.S. counties. This performance reflects balanced strengths across affordability, tax efficiency, and health outcomes.
2 / 5
Above state average in livability ranking
Geneva's score of 72.1 surpasses Alabama's state average of 70.8, positioning it among the stronger-performing counties in the state. This above-average ranking reflects meaningful livability advantages relative to typical Alabama communities.
3 / 5
Balanced affordability and health appeal
Geneva scores well on cost (86.4) and tax burden (93.3), with median home values at $120,200 and rents at $757 monthly, while achieving a health score of 58.9. This balance of affordability with healthcare access creates an appealing lifestyle proposition.
4 / 5
Income opportunities and risk factors lag
Geneva's income score of 16.7 reflects a median household income of $50,951, indicating limited wage growth and career advancement opportunities. The risk score of 46.6 suggests moderate vulnerabilities that warrant further exploration.
5 / 5
Ideal for health-conscious cost-savers
Geneva County appeals to retirees and families seeking affordable living with decent healthcare access and low taxes. The county's above-average health outcomes combined with reasonable housing costs make it attractive for those prioritizing wellness and financial stability.
Geneva County's composite score of 72.1 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 44%, placing it firmly in the upper tier of U.S. counties. This performance reflects balanced strengths across affordability, tax efficiency, and health outcomes.
Above state average in livability ranking
Geneva's score of 72.1 surpasses Alabama's state average of 70.8, positioning it among the stronger-performing counties in the state. This above-average ranking reflects meaningful livability advantages relative to typical Alabama communities.
Balanced affordability and health appeal
Geneva scores well on cost (86.4) and tax burden (93.3), with median home values at $120,200 and rents at $757 monthly, while achieving a health score of 58.9. This balance of affordability with healthcare access creates an appealing lifestyle proposition.
Income opportunities and risk factors lag
Geneva's income score of 16.7 reflects a median household income of $50,951, indicating limited wage growth and career advancement opportunities. The risk score of 46.6 suggests moderate vulnerabilities that warrant further exploration.
Ideal for health-conscious cost-savers
Geneva County appeals to retirees and families seeking affordable living with decent healthcare access and low taxes. The county's above-average health outcomes combined with reasonable housing costs make it attractive for those prioritizing wellness and financial stability.
Score breakdown
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🏛93.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
Geneva's life expectancy trails national benchmark
At 70.6 years, Geneva residents live 0.9 years below the U.S. average of 71.5 years. Just over one in five (22.6%) report poor or fair health—a significant share managing chronic conditions.
Below state average with modest insurance gap
Geneva's 70.6-year life expectancy falls 1.5 years below Alabama's 72.1-year state average. At 12.1% uninsured, the county slightly exceeds the state average of 11.1%, meaning about one in eight residents lack coverage.
Mid-range outcomes in the eight-county comparison
Geneva's 70.6-year life expectancy ties with Greene County and places it above Escambia and Etowah but well below Elmore County's 74.6 years. The county's health profile is typical of rural northern Alabama.
Limited primary care and specialist access
Geneva has 12.1% uninsured residents and only 30 primary care providers per 100,000—among the lowest in this set. Mental health support is similarly constrained at 37 providers per 100,000, limiting care options for those with behavioral health needs.
Insurance opens doors to care
With 12.1% uninsured and limited providers, Geneva residents should prioritize finding coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your county health office to explore affordable plans that match your family's needs.
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.