Lauderdale County delivers above-average livability
Lauderdale County's composite score of 70.5 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 20.5 points, marking it as a notably livable American community. The score reflects strength in health outcomes and solid performance across tax and housing dimensions.
2 / 5
Right at Alabama's state average
At 70.5, Lauderdale County essentially matches Alabama's state average composite score of 70.8, placing it directly in the middle tier of state livability. The county represents a balanced, mainstream Alabama community profile.
3 / 5
Health outcomes and moderate incomes excel
Lauderdale County earns its best score of 67.2 on health—highest in this group—and a solid 22.0 on income, backed by median household income of $59,082. Tax efficiency at 91.7 and affordable housing at 83.2 round out a well-rounded profile.
4 / 5
Risk and cost pressures warrant monitoring
Lauderdale County's risk score of 14.5 indicates some vulnerability, and housing costs are rising with median rents at $799/month and home values of $185,800—higher than several rural peers. These factors create modest headwinds for affordability-focused households.
5 / 5
Good choice for health-conscious families
Lauderdale County appeals to families valuing strong health infrastructure and reasonable incomes who can manage moderate housing costs. This is an especially good fit for people seeking both healthcare quality and economic stability without extreme affordability demands.
Lauderdale County delivers above-average livability
Lauderdale County's composite score of 70.5 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 20.5 points, marking it as a notably livable American community. The score reflects strength in health outcomes and solid performance across tax and housing dimensions.
Right at Alabama's state average
At 70.5, Lauderdale County essentially matches Alabama's state average composite score of 70.8, placing it directly in the middle tier of state livability. The county represents a balanced, mainstream Alabama community profile.
Health outcomes and moderate incomes excel
Lauderdale County earns its best score of 67.2 on health—highest in this group—and a solid 22.0 on income, backed by median household income of $59,082. Tax efficiency at 91.7 and affordable housing at 83.2 round out a well-rounded profile.
Risk and cost pressures warrant monitoring
Lauderdale County's risk score of 14.5 indicates some vulnerability, and housing costs are rising with median rents at $799/month and home values of $185,800—higher than several rural peers. These factors create modest headwinds for affordability-focused households.
Good choice for health-conscious families
Lauderdale County appeals to families valuing strong health infrastructure and reasonable incomes who can manage moderate housing costs. This is an especially good fit for people seeking both healthcare quality and economic stability without extreme affordability demands.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛91.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Lauderdale County taxes remain well below US median
Lauderdale County's 0.375% effective tax rate delivers savings compared to most of America, with a median property tax of $697. This is roughly 26% of the national median property tax of $2,690.
Above average for Alabama
Lauderdale County's 0.375% rate exceeds Alabama's state average of 0.339%, placing it among the higher-tax counties statewide. The median tax of $697 is 36% above Alabama's state median of $511.
Second-highest in the region
Lauderdale County's 0.375% rate ranks second-highest among regional peers, trailing only Jefferson County (0.596%) but exceeding Henry County (0.342%), Jackson County (0.308%), Lawrence County (0.305%), Houston County (0.300%), and Lamar County (0.217%).
What $186K home costs yearly
A median Lauderdale County home valued at $185,800 generates an estimated annual property tax of $697. Adding mortgage-related assessments brings the total to approximately $736 per year.
Assessment appeals can pay off here
At Lauderdale County's higher-than-average rate, even modest assessment reductions deliver meaningful savings—every 1% reduction saves roughly $7 annually. Filing an appeal is straightforward and often recovers overassessments quickly.
At 16.2%, Lauderdale County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national stress threshold and Alabama's state average. Renters earning $59,082 spend $799 monthly—exactly Alabama's state median rent—leaving reasonable budget space for other expenses.
Above-average affordability for Alabama
Lauderdale County's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio beats Alabama's 18.0% state average, positioning it as a relatively affordable option statewide. This advantage stems from incomes slightly above state norms combined with rental costs that meet, not exceed, Alabama benchmarks.
Strong value compared to regional peers
Lauderdale County's 16.2% ratio outperforms Houston County (18.9%), Jackson County (18.5%), and significantly beats Jefferson County (21.0%). At $799 rent on a $59,082 income, Lauderdale delivers solid middle-ground affordability.
Lauderdale County household budget snapshot
Renters earning $59,082 annually ($4,924 monthly) allocate $799 to gross rent, consuming just 16.2% of income. Homeowners pay $713 monthly on average for properties worth $185,800—a higher home value tier reflecting Lauderdale's economic stability.
Balanced living in North Alabama
Lauderdale County suits families earning $55,000–$65,000 who want solid affordability plus slightly higher property values and regional stability. The combination of reasonable rents and accessible homeownership costs makes this an excellent middle-ground choice.
Lauderdale County approaches national income levels
Lauderdale County's median household income of $59,082 sits 21% below the U.S. median of $74,755, but ranks among Alabama's stronger-earning regions. The $15,673 gap is smaller than most rural Alabama counties.
Upper-middle tier earner statewide
Lauderdale County ranks solidly above Alabama's state average of $54,196, earning $4,886 more per household. Roughly 40% of Alabama counties earn less than Lauderdale's residents.
Competitive with surrounding counties
Lauderdale's $59,082 sits between Henry ($60,135) and Houston ($57,531), positioning it as an economic peer in its region. Per-capita income of $33,595 reflects a balanced workforce structure.
Housing costs remain reasonable
Lauderdale County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.2% is among the region's most affordable, consuming less than one-sixth of median earnings. A median home value of $185,800 is accessible for working families with modest down payments.
Stable earnings create investment opportunity
Lauderdale County households earning $59,000+ can consistently contribute to retirement and investment accounts while maintaining housing stability. Consider a Roth conversion ladder or taxable brokerage account to build multi-decade wealth streams.
Lauderdale County residents live to an average of 74.9 years, just 1.2 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years. Only 18.8% report poor or fair health, the second-best rate in this group.
Alabama's top-performing county
At 74.9 years, Lauderdale County's life expectancy exceeds Alabama's state average of 72.1 years by nearly 3 years. The county ranks at the top of Alabama for overall health outcomes.
Strong primary and mental health networks
Lauderdale County has 54 primary care providers and 196 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. This robust infrastructure rivals Houston County's capacity and far exceeds rural counties like Hale at 20 primary care providers per 100K.
Second-lowest uninsured rate statewide
About 10.6% of Lauderdale County residents lack health insurance, the second-lowest rate in this group and 0.5 percentage points below the state average. High insurance coverage supports consistent access to preventive and routine care.
Protect your health leadership role
Lauderdale County's health success depends on sustained, affordable coverage. Check your plan at healthcare.gov and ensure your family stays protected year-round.
Lauderdale County scores 85.50 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Moderate rating and exceeding the national average significantly. Northern Alabama residents experience natural disaster threats well above the typical U.S. county.
Among Alabama's highest-risk counties
Lauderdale County's 85.50 composite score sits 23.96 points above Alabama's state average of 61.54, placing it among the state's most hazard-exposed regions. Only Jefferson County (97.61) and Houston County (87.79) face comparable statewide risk levels.
High-risk anchor in north Alabama
Lauderdale County (85.50) exceeds neighboring Jackson County (79.04) and Lawrence County (69.31), establishing it as the region's riskiest county. Its northern position contributes to elevated earthquake risk compared to southern Alabama counties.
Tornadoes and earthquakes dominate
Tornado risk scores 91.98 and earthquake risk reaches 92.49, making these Lauderdale County's defining hazards—both exceptionally elevated. Flood risk (84.22) follows as a significant secondary threat, while wildfire risk remains manageable at 23.79.
Earthquake and tornado coverage essential
Homeowners must prioritize comprehensive coverage including wind, hail, flood, and seriously consider earthquake insurance given the 92.49 risk score. Structural reinforcement such as foundation bolting and storm-resistant roofing provides additional protection against this county's dual earthquake-tornado threat.