countyscore
53.7
County Score
Property Tax 98.3Water Quality 70.4Safety 70.3

County Report Card

About Houston County, Alabama

Houston County meets national livability standard

Houston County's composite score of 53.7 sits just above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the solid middle range of U.S. counties. The county's strength in safety and tax efficiency partially offsets challenges in housing affordability and health.

Slightly above Alabama average, steady performer

With a score 0.8 points above Alabama's state average of 52.9, Houston County ranks in the middle tier of the state's 67 counties. It represents a typical Alabama community without the pronounced advantages or challenges of neighboring peers.

Safety and tax burden are genuine assets

Houston County delivers an excellent safety score of 70.3—among the highest in this group—and the lowest effective tax rate at 0.300%, putting money back in residents' pockets. These strengths appeal to security-conscious, cost-aware families.

Housing costs and health outcomes lag badly

The county's cost score of 43.9 is the weakest in this peer group, with median gross rents of $905 and home values of $178,000, limiting affordability for first-time buyers. Health outcomes score just 30.9, reflecting limited healthcare access or quality in the county.

Best for secure families who can afford it

Houston County works well for safety-focused families and retirees with moderate incomes who want security and low taxes but can handle higher housing costs. Job seekers and young families watching their budgets should consider more affordable neighboring counties.

Score breakdown

Tax98.3Cost43.9Safety70.3Health30.9Schools43.9Income31.7Risk12.2Water70.4Weather24.6
🏛98.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠43.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡70.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤30.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡12.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧70.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤24.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨14.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱23.1
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Houston County

Whether buying or refinancing in Houston County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

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
Compare Houston County with Madison County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Madison County
Idaho
Median income: $58,259
53.7
Greeley County
Kansas
Median income: $78,819
53.7
Rankin County
Mississippi
Median income: $77,454
53.7
Morgan County
Missouri
Median income: $49,663
53.7
Knox County
Ohio
Median income: $73,988
53.7
McMullen County
Texas
Median income: $45,833
53.7
Goshen County
Wyoming
Median income: $64,882
53.7
Lauderdale County
Alabama
Median income: $59,082
53.8

Nearby counties

Early County
Georgia
43.5
Jackson County
Florida
53.9
Seminole County
Georgia
45.5
Henry County
Alabama
55.9
Dale County
Alabama
45.9
Miller County
Georgia
54.3
Holmes County
Florida
51.4
Clay County
Georgia
56

Deep Dives

Houston County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Houston County

via TaxByCounty

Houston County offers remarkable tax relief

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Houston County

via CostByCounty

Houston County housing slightly strained

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Houston County

via IncomeByCounty

Houston County approaches the national average

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Houston County

via CrimeByCounty

Impressive Safety for an Active Hub

Houston County boasts a high safety score of 98.9, far exceeding the national norm. Its total crime rate of 700.7 per 100,000 is less than one-third of the national average of 2,385.5. This performance is especially notable for a county supported by nine reporting agencies.

Leading the Way in Alabama Safety

With a safety score of 98.9, Houston County ranks well above the Alabama state average of 97.3. Its total crime rate of 700.7 is impressively lower than the state's average of 1,731.0. This indicates that local law enforcement is highly effective at keeping crime suppressed.

Outpacing Its Neighbor Henry County

Houston County is twice as safe as neighboring Henry County, which has a crime rate of 1,568.1. It also maintains a significant lead over Lauderdale County's rate of 2,096.9. These numbers establish Houston County as a regional leader in public security.

Low Rates Across All Categories

The violent crime rate is remarkably low at 130.8, while property crime stands at 569.9 per 100,000 residents. In practical terms, crime is a rare occurrence for the average citizen in this area. The breakdown shows a controlled environment where serious offenses are kept to a minimum.

Keeping Your Houston County Home Safe

Strong safety scores are built on a partnership between police and the community. Keeping your property well-lit and your vehicles locked are easy ways to contribute to these low crime statistics. Stay proactive to ensure these high safety rankings continue into the future.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Houston County

via HealthByCounty

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Houston County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Regional Education Hub

Houston County features 33 public schools serving a large population of 14,904 students. The landscape includes 16 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 10 high schools across two distinct districts.

Strong Investment and Academic Success

The county's 91.4% graduation rate surpasses both state and national averages. Education is a priority here, with per-pupil spending at $6,537, which is higher than the $6,270 Alabama state average.

Two Major Districts Drive Growth

Dothan City is the largest district with 18 schools and 8,021 students, followed by Houston County with 15 schools and 6,883 students. Traditional public schools make up 100% of the educational options here.

Diverse City and Rural Locales

Students attend a mix of 19 city and 14 rural schools with an average enrollment of 514. Dothan High is the largest facility with 1,454 students, while many smaller rural campuses offer a different feel.

Find Your Home Near Dothan Schools

With high graduation rates and strong per-pupil funding, Houston County is a top choice for families. Explore neighborhoods within the Dothan City or Houston County districts to find your ideal fit.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Houston County

via RiskByCounty

Houston County faces moderately elevated risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Houston County

via WeatherByCounty

A rain-heavy subtropical climate

Houston County receives 57.6 inches of rain annually, slightly exceeding the Alabama state average. While specific local temperature data is unavailable, the region typically follows the warm patterns of the humid South.

Tracking state rainfall trends

The county's 57.6 inches of precipitation closely aligns with the state average of 57.4 inches. This consistency makes it a prototypical example of Alabama's wet climate.

Driest among its immediate neighbors

Houston records slightly more annual precipitation than neighboring Henry County's 57.2 inches. This consistent rainfall supports the region's productive agricultural landscape.

Wet days and humid nights

While seasonal temperature specifics are not recorded for this station, the area mirrors the broader region's wet patterns. Annual rainfall of 57.6 inches defines the local environment.

Manage moisture and high humidity

Focus on moisture management and drainage, as the county sees heavy annual rainfall. Residents should prepare for humid conditions typical of the Wiregrass region.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Houston County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Sands of Deep Alabama

Houston County's soil is notably acidic with a pH of 5.07, falling below the Alabama state average of 5.21. This level is far more acidic than the national median of 6.5, creating a specialized environment for acid-loving flora.

Dominantly Sandy Texture

The soil contains 71.2% sand, 15.8% silt, and only 10.0% clay. This gritty mix offers effortless tilling and digging but lacks the natural structure found in clay-rich soils.

Strong Organic Matter for Sands

At 1.86%, the organic matter content is surprisingly high, beating the state average of 1.74%. However, the low available water capacity of 0.101 in/in reflects the difficulty this sandy soil has in holding onto moisture during dry spells.

Rapid Water Movement

Specific hydrologic group data is limited for this area, but the 71.2% sand composition implies high permeability. These soils generally drain quickly after heavy rainfall, which is a major advantage for building foundations.

Tropical Vibes in Zone 9a

As one of Alabama's warmest regions in zone 9a, Houston County supports citrus and long-season crops. With a soil score of 14.9, the key to a great garden here is consistent watering and frequent organic amendments.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Houston County

via LawnByCounty

Tending Turf in the Tropical Zone 9a

Houston County's lawn difficulty score of 23.1 reflects the struggle of maintaining turf in a Zone 9a environment. This is significantly more difficult than the national average of 50.0, requiring specialized southern lawn care strategies.

Ample Rainfall Meets High Humidity

The county receives 57.6 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly higher than the state average. This moisture supports growth, but the lack of localized heat data suggests residents should watch for fungal issues common in humid climates.

Correcting Highly Acidic Sandy Foundations

At 71.2% sand, the soil drains quickly but struggles to hold onto essential nutrients. The pH of 5.07 is nearly a full point below the 6.0 ideal, making regular soil testing and lime application a necessity.

Severe Drought Challenges Local Landscaping

With 100% of the area currently in severe drought and 29 weeks of drought last year, water conservation is critical. Focus on irrigation during early morning hours to minimize evaporation while meeting the needs of your turf.

Select Heat-Tolerant Varieties for Success

Bahia or Bermuda grass varieties are excellent choices for the warm 9a hardiness zone found here. While frost dates are unavailable, typical regional patterns suggest planting in early spring to establish roots before the summer peak.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Houston County's county score?
Houston County, Alabama has a composite county score of 53.7 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 Houston County rank among counties in Alabama?
Houston County ranks #34 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 Houston County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Houston County is $534, with an effective tax rate of 0.30%. This earns Houston County a tax score of 98.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Houston County?
The median household income in Houston County, Alabama is $57,531 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Houston County earns an income score of 31.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Houston County, Alabama a good place to live?
Houston County scores 53.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #34 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Houston 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 Houston County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.