countyscore
34.7
County Score
Property Tax 75Water Quality 71.1Income & Jobs 52.5

County Report Card

About Jefferson County, Alabama

Jefferson County lags significantly behind nation

Jefferson County's composite score of 34.7 trails the national median of 50.0 by 15.3 points, placing it in the bottom quartile of U.S. counties by livability. Multiple challenges across safety, cost, and risk dimensions drive this low ranking despite higher incomes.

Alabama's weakest livability profile

Jefferson County ranks at the bottom of Alabama's 67 counties, scoring 18.2 points below the state average of 52.9. As the state's largest and most urbanized county, it faces concentrated challenges in crime, housing costs, and overall livability.

Higher incomes and health services lead

Jefferson County's income score of 52.5 reflects a median household income of $64,589, the highest in this peer group and above state average, supported by a diverse urban economy. Health outcomes score 38.0, the best among these eight counties, benefiting from access to major medical centers.

Safety and housing costs are critical barriers

The county's safety score of just 4.5 is by far the lowest in this group, reflecting significant crime challenges, while a cost score of 20.8 means median home values of $224,900 and rents of $1,132—far exceeding affordability for most residents. Risk exposure also scores critically low at 2.4.

For urban professionals willing to navigate tradeoffs

Jefferson County suits working professionals and families seeking urban amenities, higher wages, and good healthcare who can afford premium housing and manage personal safety carefully. Those prioritizing affordability and safety should strongly consider adjacent counties.

204060801007520.84.53842.352.52.471.150.5Tax75Cost20.8Safety4.5Health38Schools42.3Income52.5Risk2.4Water71.1Weather50.534.7/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Jefferson County DNA

Foverall

How Jefferson County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Jefferson County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (75/100) but notably weak in Safety (4.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
75+23
Cost
20.8-27.2
Safety
4.5-50.5
Health
38-12
Schools
42.3-11.700000000000003
Income
52.5
Risk
2.4-44.6
Water
71.1+13.099999999999994
Weather
50.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$224,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,132/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$224,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$45,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,589/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

27.2

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

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Riley County
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Harnett County
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Kay County
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Median income: $56,673
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Yuma County
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Median income: $60,417
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Mitchell County
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Grenada County
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Median income: $47,998
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Nearby counties

Walker County
Alabama
47
Shelby County
Alabama
58.5
Tuscaloosa County
Alabama
39.7
Blount County
Alabama
52.9
Bibb County
Alabama
49.2
St. Clair County
Alabama
49.4
Cullman County
Alabama
49.7
Fayette County
Alabama
54.2

Deep Dives

Jefferson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Jefferson County

via TaxByCounty

Jefferson County carries Alabama's highest tax rate

Jefferson County's effective tax rate of 0.596% nearly doubles Alabama's state average of 0.339%, reflecting elevated municipal services in the Birmingham metro area. The median property tax of $1,340 is significant, though still half the national median of $2,690.

Highest taxed county in Alabama

Jefferson County's 0.596% rate exceeds every other Alabama county, more than 75% higher than the state average. The median tax bill of $1,340 is nearly triple Alabama's state median of $511, the steepest burden in the state.

Significantly higher than surrounding counties

Jefferson County's 0.596% rate towers over all regional competitors: Lauderdale County (0.375%), Henry County (0.342%), Jackson County (0.308%), and Houston County (0.300%). This reflects Birmingham's urban tax base and municipal infrastructure needs.

What $225K home costs yearly

A median Jefferson County home valued at $224,900 generates an estimated annual property tax of $1,340—the largest annual burden of any Alabama county. With mortgage-related assessments included, the total reaches $1,448 per year.

High-value homes warrant assessment review

Jefferson County's elevated rates make overassessment particularly costly; a 10% valuation error costs homeowners $134 annually. Professional appraisals and formal appeals are especially valuable in this high-tax county.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jefferson County

via CostByCounty

Jefferson County rents strain household budgets

At 21.0%, Jefferson County's rent-to-income ratio equals Hale County's—among the highest affordability stress in this group and well above healthful thresholds. Renters earning $64,589 spend $1,132 monthly on housing, a premium tied to Alabama's largest urban center.

Most expensive housing in Alabama sample

Jefferson County's 21.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among Alabama's least affordable counties despite having the highest median household income here. This reflects the cost premium of living in metropolitan Birmingham—home to the state's most robust job market.

Urban premium versus rural counties

Jefferson County renters face $1,132 monthly costs—57% higher than Lamar County ($548) and 36% above Henry County ($770). This urban-rural divide reflects Birmingham's concentration of jobs, services, and housing demand.

Where Birmingham-area paychecks go

Renters earning Jefferson's $64,589 median ($5,382 monthly) dedicate $1,132 to gross rent—a substantial 21% of income. Homeowners shoulder even greater burden, averaging $1,110 monthly on properties worth $224,900, the highest median home value in this county sample.

Jefferson County: urban opportunity with costs

Jefferson County suits professionals earning $65,000+ seeking urban amenities, diverse employment, and cultural attractions unavailable in rural Alabama. However, renters should budget realistically—at 21% of income, housing remains tight even for above-average earners.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jefferson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jefferson County narrowing the income gap

Jefferson County's median household income of $64,589 sits 14% below the U.S. median of $74,755, making it one of Alabama's stronger earners. The $10,166 gap is smaller than most rural counties in the state.

Second-highest earner in Alabama

Jefferson County ranks near the top of Alabama's 67 counties, earning $10,393 above the state average of $54,196. Only a handful of Alabama counties—primarily those with major metro areas—surpass Jefferson's income levels.

Clear economic leader of the region

Jefferson County's $64,589 median substantially exceeds Henry ($60,135), Houston ($57,531), and Lawrence ($60,040), reflecting its role as Alabama's economic hub. Per-capita income of $39,826 is the highest among its peers.

Housing costs strain top earners

Despite strong earnings, Jefferson County's rent-to-income ratio of 21% matches the national affordability ceiling, signaling that urban housing costs consume a larger share of income. A median home value of $224,900 requires substantial down payments or dual incomes.

Leverage metropolitan income advantages

Jefferson County residents earning $64,000+ are well-positioned to max out retirement contributions and diversify into real estate or taxable investment accounts. Urban proximity means access to higher-yield financial services—work with a fee-only advisor to optimize your portfolio.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jefferson County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Challenges in Alabama's Urban Core

Jefferson County faces higher activity than the national average, with a total crime rate of 3,654.3 per 100,000 residents. This exceeds the national rate of 2,385.5, resulting in a safety score of 94.2. Residents should stay informed about the varying safety levels across this large urban area.

Ranked Below the State Safety Average

With a safety score of 94.2, Jefferson County sits below the state average of 97.3. Its total crime rate is more than double the Alabama state average of 1,731.0 per 100,000. Managing crime is a major focus for the 37 reporting agencies operating within the county.

Comparing Jefferson to Surrounding Areas

Jefferson County has a higher crime rate than Lauderdale County (2,096.9) and is nearly six times more active than Lamar County (633.8). As a major population center, it experiences higher volumes of reported incidents than its more rural neighbors. Safety is a critical conversation for this metropolitan region.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crime

Property crime is the most frequent issue, occurring at a rate of 2,854.5 per 100,000. Violent crime is also significant at 799.8, which is more than double the national average of 369.8. This indicates that residents need to be vigilant about both their property and personal safety.

Take Active Steps to Protect Your Home

In a more active environment, home security systems and surveillance cameras are essential tools. Join local neighborhood watch programs to stay connected and alert to unusual activity on your street. Proactive measures can significantly reduce your risk and help local police.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Jefferson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Alabama's Largest Educational Network

Jefferson County hosts 176 public schools serving 97,562 students across 17 different districts. The massive infrastructure includes 98 elementary, 31 middle, and 38 high schools to meet every student's needs.

High Investment in Student Success

The graduation rate of 89.8% exceeds the 87.0% national average. Jefferson County invests $6,920 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the $6,270 Alabama state average.

A Landscape of Diverse Districts

Jefferson County (35,951 students) and Birmingham City (21,130) are the largest of the 17 districts. Six charter schools operate here, providing specialized options for approximately 3.4% of the student population.

Suburban and Urban Learning Environments

The county features 85 suburban and 63 city schools with an average size of 602 students. Hoover High is the largest in the state with 2,841 students, while Paine Elementary serves 1,350.

Endless Options for Home Buyers

From small suburban districts to major city systems, Jefferson County offers unmatched educational variety. Explore homes near top-rated schools to find the perfect environment for your family.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jefferson County

via RiskByCounty

Jefferson County faces the highest risk statewide

Jefferson County scores 97.61 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively High rating and ranking among the most hazard-exposed counties nationally. This major urban county experiences natural disaster threats far exceeding the typical American community.

Alabama's riskiest county by far

Jefferson County's 97.61 composite score towers 36.07 points above Alabama's state average of 61.54, making it decisively the state's highest-risk county. No other Alabama county faces comparable natural disaster exposure across all hazard types.

Dramatically riskier than surrounding counties

Jefferson County (97.61) vastly exceeds the risk profiles of surrounding Lauderdale County (85.50), Jackson County (79.04), and Lawrence County (69.31). Its position as Alabama's industrial heartland correlates with concentrated infrastructure vulnerability.

All hazards rank exceptionally high

Tornado risk reaches 99.55, flood risk hits 98.09, and earthquake risk scores 96.06—Jefferson County faces extraordinary exposure across nearly every natural disaster category. This convergence of hazards creates compounding vulnerability requiring serious preparedness.

Comprehensive insurance is absolutely critical

Homeowners and business owners must obtain full-coverage policies including wind, hail, flood, and earthquake protection—this is non-negotiable at 97.61 composite risk. Invest in structural reinforcement, maintain emergency supplies for 72+ hours, and know multiple evacuation routes for both tornadoes and floods.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Jefferson County

via WaterByCounty

High Compliance in Alabama's Most Populous County

Jefferson County earns an A grade for drinking water, with only 4 health violations in five years. Its violation rate of 0.5 per 100,000 residents is significantly better than the state average of 14.1.

Serious Challenges for Urban Watersheds

Nearly half of the county's assessed water bodies—48.1%—are classified as impaired. The 2022 cycle highlights phosphorus, sedimentation, and E. coli as the top threats to Jefferson's 52 assessed sites.

Largest Monitoring Dataset in the Region

With 41 monitoring sites recording 29,116 measurements, Jefferson has a robust data footprint. The focus remains on nutrients and inorganics, which are critical for managing urban runoff and industrial impacts.

Locust Fork Flow Drops to One-Third

The Locust Fork at Sayre is currently flowing at 478 cfs, which is 33% of its typical mean. This level is significantly lower than the historical discharge average of 1,464 cfs.

Target Phosphorus and Sedimentation Issues

While tap water is secure, the high impairment rate suggests residents should support local erosion control and nutrient management. Low streamflow on the Locust Fork can also lead to higher concentrations of pollutants in the watershed.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jefferson County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic southern heat and humidity

Jefferson County’s 63.0°F average temperature almost perfectly mirrors the Alabama state average. It sits well above the national median, reflecting a standard humid subtropical environment.

The benchmark for Alabama weather

This central county represents the Alabama middle ground, nearly matching the state's thermal and precipitation averages. Annual rainfall of 57.7 inches closely follows the 57.4-inch state norm.

Warmer than its northern neighbors

It is slightly cooler than Lamar County to the west but sees significantly more extreme heat days than Jackson County to the north. Precipitation levels remain consistent across this central Alabama corridor.

Intense summers and mild winters

Summers are intense with 70 days hitting 90°F or higher and a July average of 80.7°F. Winters are mild at 46.1°F, though the county still sees about 0.8 inches of snow.

Budget for peak summer cooling

Expect high electricity bills in mid-summer to combat over two full months of extreme heat. Seasonal wardrobe transitions are necessary as winter temperatures regularly drop into the low 40s.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jefferson County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Industrial Heartlands

Jefferson County features very acidic soil with a pH of 5.01, which is notably lower than the Alabama average of 5.21. This acidity level is nearly 1.5 points below the national median of 6.5, requiring significant amendment for traditional gardens.

Loamy Texture with Low Clay

The mineral makeup is 38.7% sand, 37.2% silt, and 18.1% clay. This composition offers a relatively loose soil structure that is easy to dig but may struggle with nutrient leaching over time.

Solid Water Holding, Low Organic Content

Organic matter is low at 1.37%, trailing the state average of 1.74%. However, the available water capacity of 0.143 in/in is better than the state benchmark, ensuring plants have access to moisture during the hot Alabama summer.

Managing Runoff in Urban Spaces

While specific drainage classes are not provided, the soil's moderate water capacity suggests it can handle typical rainfall without immediate saturation. Managing the low organic matter is essential for improving the soil's overall health and structure.

Versatile Growing in Zone 8a

In USDA hardiness zone 8a, Jefferson County gardeners can grow everything from azaleas to zucchini. A soil score of 15.7 indicates that adding lime and compost will yield the best results for your home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jefferson County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Birmingham's Unique Growing Conditions

Jefferson County presents a lawn difficulty score of 26.5, which is tougher than the national median but slightly better than some neighbors. Homeowners in this Zone 8a region must balance high rainfall with significant summer heat.

Managing 70 Days of Intense Alabama Heat

The county averages 70 extreme heat days per year, 6 days more than the Alabama state average. This heat, combined with 57.7 inches of rain, creates a humid environment where grass grows rapidly during the long summer.

Amending Very Acidic Soil Conditions

The soil pH in Jefferson County sits at a low 5.01, significantly below the 6.0 to 7.0 range needed for healthy turf. With limited data on drainage, residents should focus on aerating and adding lime to boost soil performance.

Preparing for Frequent Dry Spells

The region spent 21 weeks in drought over the last year, and currently, the entire county is abnormally dry. Residents should implement smart irrigation systems to manage water use during these extended dry periods.

Spring Planting After the March Frost

Target late March or early April for planting, once the typical last frost passes around March 23. Bermuda and Zoysia are resilient choices for Zone 8a and can handle the 80.7°F average July temperatures.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jefferson County's county score?
Jefferson County, Alabama has a composite county score of 34.7 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 Jefferson County rank among counties in Alabama?
Jefferson County ranks #66 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 Jefferson County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Jefferson County is $1,340, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Jefferson County a tax score of 75/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jefferson County?
The median household income in Jefferson County, Alabama is $64,589 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jefferson County earns an income score of 52.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jefferson County, Alabama a good place to live?
Jefferson County scores 34.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #66 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Jefferson 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 Jefferson County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.