Houston County's composite score of 68.1 sits 18 points above the national median of 50.0, marking it as a notably livable American county. This score reflects particular strength in tax efficiency and health outcomes that contribute to solid overall community well-being.
2 / 5
Slightly below state average, still competitive
At 68.1, Houston County falls just under Alabama's state average of 70.8 by roughly 2.7 points. Despite this modest gap, the county remains a reasonably attractive choice within Alabama's competitive livability landscape.
3 / 5
Tax efficiency and health are standouts
Houston County earns an excellent tax score of 93.8 with an effective rate of 0.300%—the lowest among these eight counties—and a health score of 62.0 that ranks among the best here. Income at 20.9 and cost at 79.1 provide moderate support across the board.
4 / 5
Risk factors pose serious concern
Houston County's risk score of 12.2 is strikingly low and represents its most pressing challenge, indicating elevated environmental, safety, or economic vulnerability. Housing costs also run higher here with median rents of $905/month and home values of $178,000.
5 / 5
Right for health-conscious, tax-savvy households
Houston County appeals to people prioritizing low taxes and strong health infrastructure who can tolerate higher housing costs and manage identified risk factors. This county works best for established households with moderate incomes and access to stable employment.
Houston County's composite score of 68.1 sits 18 points above the national median of 50.0, marking it as a notably livable American county. This score reflects particular strength in tax efficiency and health outcomes that contribute to solid overall community well-being.
Slightly below state average, still competitive
At 68.1, Houston County falls just under Alabama's state average of 70.8 by roughly 2.7 points. Despite this modest gap, the county remains a reasonably attractive choice within Alabama's competitive livability landscape.
Tax efficiency and health are standouts
Houston County earns an excellent tax score of 93.8 with an effective rate of 0.300%—the lowest among these eight counties—and a health score of 62.0 that ranks among the best here. Income at 20.9 and cost at 79.1 provide moderate support across the board.
Risk factors pose serious concern
Houston County's risk score of 12.2 is strikingly low and represents its most pressing challenge, indicating elevated environmental, safety, or economic vulnerability. Housing costs also run higher here with median rents of $905/month and home values of $178,000.
Right for health-conscious, tax-savvy households
Houston County appeals to people prioritizing low taxes and strong health infrastructure who can tolerate higher housing costs and manage identified risk factors. This county works best for established households with moderate incomes and access to stable employment.
Score breakdown
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🏛93.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Houston County's effective rate of 0.300% ranks among the lowest in the nation, delivering substantial relief to property owners. The median $534 annual property tax is just 20% of the national median of $2,690.
Lowest rate in Alabama
Houston County boasts the lowest effective tax rate of any Alabama county at 0.300%, undercutting the state average of 0.339%. This advantage translates to real savings: the median tax of $534 still runs above state average due to higher home values, not higher rates.
Tax leader of the region
Houston County's 0.300% rate beats every comparable nearby county, including Jackson County (0.308%), Lawrence County (0.305%), and Henry County (0.342%). Only Lamar County (0.217%) offers lower rates, but Houston has higher home values to justify the comparison.
What $178K home costs yearly
A median Houston County home valued at $178,000 carries an estimated annual property tax of $534 at the county's lowest-in-state rate. Adding mortgage-related expenses brings the total to approximately $589 per year.
Challenge inflated assessments
Houston County homeowners frequently discover their assessments exceed independent appraisals, especially in fast-appreciating areas. Filing a tax appeal based on a professional appraisal can lower your rate and recover overpaid taxes.
Houston County's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio approaches but stays just under the stress threshold, performing close to the national norm. Renters earning the county's $57,531 median income spend $905 monthly on rent—higher than nearby counties despite comparable wages.
Moderate affordability for Alabama households
At 18.9%, Houston County sits nearly at Alabama's 18.0% state average, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's affordability spectrum. This signals a balanced market without severe pressure, though incomes remain below national levels.
Higher rents than nearby Henry County
Houston County renters face $905 monthly rents—$135 more than Henry County—even with similar household incomes around $57,000–$60,000. Compared to Jackson County ($762), Houston's rental market carries notably steeper costs.
Housing takes nearly one-fifth of income
Houston County households earning $57,531 annually ($4,794 monthly) dedicate $905 to gross rent, consuming 18.9% of income. Homeownership costs $854 monthly on average, with median home values of $178,000 representing a stronger buyer premium than other counties here.
Consider Houston if seeking rural diversity
Houston County suits professionals earning $55,000+ who value slightly higher amenities and employment diversity tied to its larger population base. However, renters should budget carefully, as rents here run 10–15% above comparable rural Alabama counties.
Houston County's median household income of $57,531 sits 23% below the U.S. median of $74,755, but represents solid middle-class earnings for its region. The $17,224 gap reflects ongoing rural-urban income disparities.
Above-average earner among Alabama counties
Houston County ranks in the upper half of Alabama's counties with a median income $3,335 above the state average of $54,196. Strong military and defense sector presence in the region supports these earnings.
Leads the local income pack
Houston County's $57,531 median exceeds Jackson ($49,454) and Lawrence ($60,040), placing it among the region's economic leaders. Its higher per-capita income of $33,053 signals wage growth across the workforce.
Housing fits comfortably in budgets
A rent-to-income ratio of 18.9% leaves Houston households spending less than one-fifth of earnings on rent, well below stress thresholds. The median home value of $178,000 remains within reach for dual-earner families.
Build wealth while maintaining stability
Houston County's moderate housing burden frees up $600–$800 monthly for investing and saving compared to national averages. Max out tax-advantaged savings accounts and consider real estate investment as home equity compounds.
Houston County approaches national health standards
Houston County residents live to an average of 73.5 years, just 2.6 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years. Only 22.3% report poor or fair health, the lowest rate among Alabama's rural counties.
Alabama's health leader stands out
At 73.5 years, Houston County's life expectancy exceeds Alabama's state average of 72.1 years. The county consistently ranks among the state's healthiest, driven by robust provider networks and healthcare access.
Robust healthcare infrastructure
Houston County has 82 primary care providers and 192 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—significantly more than Hale County's 20 and 47, respectively. This resource advantage directly supports better health outcomes across the community.
Accessible care within reach
About 11.7% of Houston County residents lack health insurance, only 0.6 percentage points above the state average. Strong provider density means residents can access preventive and emergency care without lengthy travel.
Maintain coverage, protect progress
Houston County's health leadership depends on keeping care accessible and affordable. Use healthcare.gov to compare plans annually and ensure your coverage matches your family's needs.
Houston County scores 87.79 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Moderate rating that exceeds the national average. This southeastern county experiences natural disaster threats significantly more often than most American communities.
Among Alabama's highest-risk counties
Houston County ranks as one of Alabama's riskiest regions with a composite score 26.25 points above the state average of 61.54. Only a few Alabama counties face comparable natural disaster exposure.
Riskiest in its immediate region
Houston County's 87.79 risk score dramatically exceeds neighboring Henry County (42.05) and nearby Hale County (39.09). This southeastern position places it in the state's most hazard-prone tier, particularly for tornadoes and hurricanes.
Tornado and hurricane risks are severe
Tornado risk reaches 95.93 and hurricane risk hits 93.83—both among Alabama's highest scores—making violent storms Houston County's defining natural disaster threat. Flood risk (87.15) rounds out the county's triple threat, requiring comprehensive emergency preparation.
Multiple insurance layers essential
Homeowners must secure comprehensive coverage including wind, hail, flood, and water damage protection—this is not optional given the 87.79 composite risk score. Additionally, invest in storm-resistant upgrades like reinforced roofing and consider a safe room or basement shelter for tornado protection.