Hale County's composite score of 72.3 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of American counties. This score reflects a county where affordable living, low taxes, and reasonable housing costs create a foundation for livability that beats most of the nation.
2 / 5
Above-average livability in Alabama
At 72.3, Hale County edges above Alabama's state average composite score of 70.8. This positions the county as a solid performer within its state, offering residents livability benefits that match or exceed most of their Alabama neighbors.
3 / 5
Tax and housing affordability shine
Hale County excels with an exceptional tax score of 93.2 backed by an effective tax rate of just 0.322%, and a cost score of 87.3 reflecting affordable housing at median rents of $723/month and home values of $126,300. These two dimensions anchor the county's livability advantage for budget-conscious families.
4 / 5
Income growth lags considerably
The income score of 10.4 stands out as Hale County's weakest dimension, with median household income at $41,325 trailing both state and national norms significantly. Health outcomes at 55.7 and risk factors at 60.9 also indicate areas where the county faces room for improvement.
5 / 5
Best for retirees and remote workers
Hale County suits families and individuals prioritizing affordability and low tax burden over higher incomes and robust job markets. Those with modest fixed incomes, remote work arrangements, or seeking a quiet, inexpensive place to settle will find genuine value here.
Hale County's composite score of 72.3 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of American counties. This score reflects a county where affordable living, low taxes, and reasonable housing costs create a foundation for livability that beats most of the nation.
Above-average livability in Alabama
At 72.3, Hale County edges above Alabama's state average composite score of 70.8. This positions the county as a solid performer within its state, offering residents livability benefits that match or exceed most of their Alabama neighbors.
Tax and housing affordability shine
Hale County excels with an exceptional tax score of 93.2 backed by an effective tax rate of just 0.322%, and a cost score of 87.3 reflecting affordable housing at median rents of $723/month and home values of $126,300. These two dimensions anchor the county's livability advantage for budget-conscious families.
Income growth lags considerably
The income score of 10.4 stands out as Hale County's weakest dimension, with median household income at $41,325 trailing both state and national norms significantly. Health outcomes at 55.7 and risk factors at 60.9 also indicate areas where the county faces room for improvement.
Best for retirees and remote workers
Hale County suits families and individuals prioritizing affordability and low tax burden over higher incomes and robust job markets. Those with modest fixed incomes, remote work arrangements, or seeking a quiet, inexpensive place to settle will find genuine value here.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛93.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
With an effective tax rate of 0.322%, Hale County homeowners pay a fraction of what the national median demands. The typical home here carries a $406 annual property tax bill, while the national median is $2,690—placing Hale County in the lowest tier nationally for property tax burden.
Below average for Alabama
Hale County's 0.322% effective rate sits slightly below Alabama's state average of 0.339%, saving residents money compared to most state neighbors. The median tax bill of $406 is considerably lower than Alabama's state median of $511 per homeowner.
Among Alabama's most affordable
Hale County ranks among the lowest-tax counties in its region, nearly matching Lamar County (0.217%) while outperforming Houston County (0.300%) and Jackson County (0.308%). Only Lamar County offers meaningfully lower rates in this part of the state.
What $126K home costs annually
The median Hale County home valued at $126,300 generates an estimated annual property tax of $406. With mortgage-related assessments included, that rises to $496 per year—still among Alabama's gentlest tax burdens.
You might be overassessed
Many Hale County homeowners pay taxes on inflated property valuations and never challenge their assessments. A free appraisal review could uncover overpayment and unlock a tax appeal that reduces your annual bill.
Renters in Hale County spend 21% of their income on housing—double the standard threshold of 10% and higher than the national average. At $723 per month, median rent is close to the national mean, but Hale's median household income of $41,325 is 45% below the U.S. average of $74,755, squeezing household budgets significantly.
Housing affordability ranks below Alabama average
Hale County's 21.0% rent-to-income ratio places it above Alabama's 18.0% state average, putting it among the less affordable Alabama counties. The combination of lower incomes and moderate rents creates deeper affordability pressure than many statewide peers.
Similar challenges to nearby rural counties
Hale County shares affordability struggles with Jackson County (18.5% rent-to-income), also strapped by lower incomes despite reasonable rents. Both counties trail more affluent neighbors like Henry County (15.4%) where higher household incomes ease housing burden.
Where Hale County paychecks go
A typical Hale County renter earning $3,444 monthly dedicates $723 to gross rent, consuming 21% of income before taxes. Homeowners fare better, with an average monthly cost of $542, reflecting modest home values averaging $126,300.
Weighing a move to Hale County
If affordability tops your list, Hale offers the lowest median rents among these eight counties, but income levels matter—this county suits earners with stable $45,000+ jobs. Compare your actual salary against the 21% rent threshold to ensure housing remains manageable.
Hale County's median household income of $41,325 falls 45% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This significant gap reflects economic challenges that many rural Alabama counties face compared to national averages.
Among the lowest earners statewide
Hale County ranks in the bottom tier of Alabama's 67 counties, with a median income $12,871 below the state average of $54,196. Only a handful of Alabama counties earn less than Hale's households.
Struggling compared to nearby counties
Neighboring counties like Lamar ($47,447) and Jackson ($49,454) earn $6,000–$8,000 more per household. Even Hale's closest peers outpace its income levels, underscoring local economic headwinds.
Rent remains manageable despite low wages
Hale County's rent-to-income ratio of 21% sits at the affordability ceiling, meaning renters dedicate one-fifth of earnings to housing. While homeownership at a median value of $126,300 is attainable, wage stagnation limits wealth-building capacity.
Build financial stability from the ground up
Even modest income streams benefit from disciplined saving and low-cost investing—a $50-per-month automatic transfer into a diversified fund compounds significantly over decades. Consider leveraging down-payment assistance programs to transition from renting to homeownership, turning housing costs into equity.
Hale County residents have a life expectancy of 70.0 years, nearly 6 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years. One in four residents report poor or fair health, a rate that reflects significant health challenges in the community.
Among Alabama's lowest life expectancy counties
At 70.0 years, Hale County's life expectancy trails Alabama's state average of 72.1 years. The county ranks near the bottom statewide for overall health outcomes, signaling urgent health disparities.
Fewer doctors than surrounding areas
Hale County has just 20 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—roughly a quarter of Houston County's 82 per 100K. With 47 mental health providers per 100K, the county also lags neighboring Henry County's 73 per 100K.
Healthcare access remains a daily struggle
About 11.4% of Hale County residents lack health insurance, just slightly above the state average of 11.1%. Sparse provider availability means many residents travel significant distances for primary care and mental health services.
Explore coverage options today
Even small changes in health access can improve outcomes. Visit healthcare.gov to compare insurance plans, or contact Alabama's Medicaid program to see if you qualify for coverage that works for your family.
Hale County's risk stays well below national average
Hale County scores 39.09 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and sitting significantly below the national average. This means residents face fewer natural disaster threats than most Americans, though risk varies considerably by hazard type.
Among Alabama's safest counties
Hale County ranks as one of Alabama's lowest-risk regions with a composite score 22 points below the state average of 61.54. Only a handful of Alabama counties offer comparable natural disaster protection.
Safest in its region
Hale County's 39.09 composite risk significantly outperforms neighboring Lamar County (31.39) and nearby Henry County (42.05). Among regional peers, Hale offers above-average safety from natural hazards.
Hurricane and tornado threats lead
Hurricane risk scores 68.67 and tornado risk hits 68.23 in Hale County, making these the primary hazards to monitor. Conversely, wildfire risk remains minimal at 25.57, so evacuation planning should focus on storm preparedness rather than fire mitigation.
Secure wind and water coverage now
Homeowners in Hale County should prioritize comprehensive homeowners insurance with adequate wind and hail protection, since hurricanes and tornadoes pose the greatest threat. Adding flood insurance is wise even in low-risk areas, as storms can trigger localized flooding.