Lawrence County ranks solidly above national median
Lawrence County's composite score of 71.1 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 21.1 points, placing it among America's more livable counties. The score reflects balanced strengths in taxes, housing affordability, and income opportunities.
2 / 5
Marginally above Alabama's livability average
At 71.1, Lawrence County slightly edges Alabama's state average of 70.8 by 0.3 points, making it essentially representative of statewide livability. The county performs at parity with typical Alabama communities across its composite dimensions.
3 / 5
Tax and housing efficiency dominate
Lawrence County scores 93.7 on taxes (effective rate 0.305%) and 86.2 on cost, with median rents of just $708/month and home values of $150,700. Income at 22.6 and median household income of $60,040 also rank competitively, offering solid economic fundamentals.
4 / 5
Risk and health metrics need strengthening
Lawrence County's risk score of 30.7 and health score of 58.0 represent its softer dimensions relative to its tax and housing strengths. These areas suggest community vulnerabilities that deserve attention and investment.
5 / 5
Suited for pragmatic, budget-aware households
Lawrence County works well for families seeking low taxes, reasonable housing costs, and acceptable incomes who are less concerned about premium health infrastructure or amenities. It's a practical, no-frills choice for people prioritizing fiscal efficiency and stability.
Lawrence County ranks solidly above national median
Lawrence County's composite score of 71.1 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 21.1 points, placing it among America's more livable counties. The score reflects balanced strengths in taxes, housing affordability, and income opportunities.
Marginally above Alabama's livability average
At 71.1, Lawrence County slightly edges Alabama's state average of 70.8 by 0.3 points, making it essentially representative of statewide livability. The county performs at parity with typical Alabama communities across its composite dimensions.
Tax and housing efficiency dominate
Lawrence County scores 93.7 on taxes (effective rate 0.305%) and 86.2 on cost, with median rents of just $708/month and home values of $150,700. Income at 22.6 and median household income of $60,040 also rank competitively, offering solid economic fundamentals.
Risk and health metrics need strengthening
Lawrence County's risk score of 30.7 and health score of 58.0 represent its softer dimensions relative to its tax and housing strengths. These areas suggest community vulnerabilities that deserve attention and investment.
Suited for pragmatic, budget-aware households
Lawrence County works well for families seeking low taxes, reasonable housing costs, and acceptable incomes who are less concerned about premium health infrastructure or amenities. It's a practical, no-frills choice for people prioritizing fiscal efficiency and stability.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛93.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Lawrence County's 0.305% effective tax rate places it among the nation's lowest-tax jurisdictions, with a median property tax of just $459. This represents only 17% of the national median property tax of $2,690.
Below average in Alabama
Lawrence County's 0.305% rate sits slightly below Alabama's state average of 0.339%, providing residents a modest tax advantage. The median tax of $459 falls short of Alabama's state median of $511.
Competitive with regional peers
Lawrence County's 0.305% rate closely matches Houston County (0.300%) and Jackson County (0.308%), while undercutting Henry County (0.342%) and Lauderdale County (0.375%). Only Lamar County (0.217%) offers meaningfully lower rates in the region.
What $151K home costs yearly
A median Lawrence County home valued at $150,700 results in an estimated annual property tax of $459. Including mortgage-related assessments, the total reaches approximately $496 per year.
Don't overpay on your assessment
Lawrence County homeowners often overlook assessment errors that quietly inflate their annual tax bills by hundreds of dollars. A professional appraisal and formal appeal can confirm your property is valued fairly.
Lawrence County offers strong rental affordability
Lawrence County's 14.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the lowest affordability stress levels, well below national averages and Alabama's state mean. Renters earning $60,040 pay just $708 monthly—demonstrating that reasonable wages plus modest rents create genuine housing security.
Well above-average affordability statewide
Lawrence County's 14.2% rent-to-income ratio significantly beats Alabama's 18.0% state average, placing it among the state's most affordable counties. This advantage combines solid incomes with below-average rental costs.
Second-lowest rents, strong income balance
Lawrence County renters pay $708 monthly—only Lamar County's $548 beats this—while earning $60,040, higher than most rural peers. This combination of low rents and relatively strong incomes creates the county's 14.2% ratio advantage.
Lawrence County housing expense reality
Households earning $60,040 annually ($5,003 monthly) dedicate just $708 to gross rent—14.2% of income, leaving substantial cushion. Homeowners pay $628 monthly on average, with median property values of $150,700 offering accessible entry to ownership.
Smart choice for value-conscious families
Lawrence County combines low rents, reasonable incomes, and solid homeownership opportunities—ideal for families earning $55,000–$65,000. If you want true affordability plus meaningful community and employment options, Lawrence delivers on both fronts.
Lawrence County's median household income of $60,040 sits 20% below the U.S. median of $74,755, but represents solid earnings for rural Alabama. The $14,715 gap is manageable compared to peers.
Well above Alabama's state average
Lawrence County earns $5,844 more than Alabama's state average of $54,196, ranking in the upper third of the state's 67 counties. Strong workforce participation supports above-average household incomes.
Economic peer to regional leaders
Lawrence County's $60,040 closely matches Henry ($60,135) and competes with Houston ($57,531), placing it among the region's economic anchors. Per-capita income of $31,189 reflects a productive workforce.
Affordable housing fuels financial flexibility
At 14.2%, Lawrence County's rent-to-income ratio is the best in its cohort, freeing substantial income for savings and investment. A median home value of $150,700 remains within reach for most working families.
Turn affordability into long-term wealth
Lawrence County residents with stable $60,000 household incomes can afford to max out retirement accounts while building taxable investment portfolios. The county's affordable housing market creates an ideal foundation for homeownership and real estate wealth accumulation.
Lawrence County residents have a life expectancy of 71.1 years, about 5 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years. One in four residents report poor or fair health, signaling persistent health challenges.
Below Alabama's health average
At 71.1 years, Lawrence County's life expectancy falls short of Alabama's state average of 72.1 years by 1.0 year. The county ranks in the lower half of Alabama counties for overall health outcomes.
Sparse primary care, stronger mental health resources
Lawrence County has just 18 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in this group, including Hale County's 20. The county does have 122 mental health providers per 100K, better than Hale's 47 but below Houston's 192.
Uninsured rate above state average
About 12.2% of Lawrence County residents lack health insurance, 1.1 percentage points above the state average of 11.1%. Limited primary care access combined with higher uninsurance creates barriers to preventive care.
Find coverage and close the gap
Lawrence County's health outcomes depend on expanding insurance access. Visit healthcare.gov today or contact Alabama's Medicaid program to explore options that fit your budget.
Lawrence County scores 69.31 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating while still exceeding the national average. North-central Alabama residents face above-average natural disaster exposure compared to the typical American county.
Above-average risk for Alabama
Lawrence County's 69.31 composite score sits 7.77 points above Alabama's state average of 61.54, placing it in the state's elevated-risk tier. It represents mid-to-upper range vulnerability among Alabama's 67 counties.
Moderate-risk position in north-central region
Lawrence County (69.31) sits between lower-risk Lamar County (31.39) and higher-risk Lauderdale County (85.50), while exceeding Jackson County's (79.04) risk in certain hazards. Its north-central position creates a transitional risk profile.
Tornadoes and earthquakes lead threats
Tornado risk reaches 90.30 and earthquake risk hits 83.40, establishing these as Lawrence County's primary natural disaster concerns. Flood risk (63.71) poses moderate secondary threat, while wildfire risk remains minimal at 33.14.
Comprehensive coverage with earthquake option
Lawrence County residents should secure homeowners insurance with strong wind, hail, and flood protection, given tornado and flood exposure. Adding earthquake insurance warrants serious consideration at 83.40 risk—discuss structural reinforcement options and emergency preparedness plans with your insurer.