Limestone County's composite score of 71.1 ranks it in the 71st percentile nationally, significantly above the national median of 50.0. The county stands out among Alabama peers for combining low tax burden, housing affordability, and stronger household incomes than most comparable regions.
2 / 5
Tops Alabama's average performance
Limestone County scores 71.1, edging out Alabama's state average of 70.8 to rank in the upper tier of the state's 67 counties. The county benefits from a diversified economy and strategic proximity to regional employment centers.
3 / 5
Tax advantage and income leadership
Limestone County leads the comparison group with a tax score of 93.6 and an effective tax rate of just 0.306%, the lowest among these eight counties. Median household income reaches $83,534—placing residents among the better-compensated in rural Alabama—while median rent stays reasonable at $908/month.
4 / 5
Health and resilience gaps
The county's health score of 70.0 and risk score of 20.0 suggest moderate room for improvement in healthcare accessibility and economic stability. While not alarming, these metrics indicate that expanding preventive health services and diversifying employment could strengthen community outcomes.
5 / 5
Ideal for working families seeking balance
Limestone County attracts working families and professionals valuing competitive incomes, low taxes, and reasonable housing costs without sacrificing livability. This county delivers on the promise of rural Alabama prosperity, supported by manufacturing and professional employment opportunities.
Limestone County's composite score of 71.1 ranks it in the 71st percentile nationally, significantly above the national median of 50.0. The county stands out among Alabama peers for combining low tax burden, housing affordability, and stronger household incomes than most comparable regions.
Tops Alabama's average performance
Limestone County scores 71.1, edging out Alabama's state average of 70.8 to rank in the upper tier of the state's 67 counties. The county benefits from a diversified economy and strategic proximity to regional employment centers.
Tax advantage and income leadership
Limestone County leads the comparison group with a tax score of 93.6 and an effective tax rate of just 0.306%, the lowest among these eight counties. Median household income reaches $83,534—placing residents among the better-compensated in rural Alabama—while median rent stays reasonable at $908/month.
Health and resilience gaps
The county's health score of 70.0 and risk score of 20.0 suggest moderate room for improvement in healthcare accessibility and economic stability. While not alarming, these metrics indicate that expanding preventive health services and diversifying employment could strengthen community outcomes.
Ideal for working families seeking balance
Limestone County attracts working families and professionals valuing competitive incomes, low taxes, and reasonable housing costs without sacrificing livability. This county delivers on the promise of rural Alabama prosperity, supported by manufacturing and professional employment opportunities.
Score breakdown
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🏛93.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Limestone County's effective tax rate of 0.306% falls below both the national median (0.339%) and Alabama's state average (0.339%), placing it in the bottom half nationally. Despite a healthy median home value of $255,100, residents pay only $782 annually in property taxes—less than a third of the national median.
Among Alabama's lowest-taxing counties
Limestone County ranks in the lower half of Alabama's 67 counties by effective tax rate, at 0.306%. This favorable rate means property owners keep more of their income compared to those in higher-taxing Alabama counties.
Limestone offers tax relief versus peers
At 0.306%, Limestone County taxes significantly less than neighboring Lee County (0.496%) and Madison County (0.404%). A homeowner with a $255,000 home saves roughly $400–$450 annually in Limestone compared to Lee, all else equal.
Your median annual tax bill
Limestone County's median home value of $255,100 combined with its 0.306% rate yields approximately $782 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to about $838, including escrow for insurance and other protections.
Appeal if you're overassessed
Even in lower-taxing Limestone County, homeowners sometimes face inflated assessments relative to true market value. Filing an appeal with the county assessor's office is free and can result in meaningful tax savings if your home's assessed value exceeds comparable sales in your area.
Limestone County's 13.0% rent-to-income ratio sits well below both the state average (18.0%) and the national norm, making it one of Alabama's most affordable counties. Residents earn $83,534 annually—12% above the national median—while paying just $908 in monthly rent.
Best affordability in Alabama
Limestone County ranks among Alabama's top counties for housing affordability, with renters spending significantly less of their income on rent than the state average. At 13.0%, the rent-to-income ratio reflects strong local wages relative to housing costs.
More affordable than peer counties
Limestone County's $908 rent is lower than Madison County ($1,116) and comparable to Marshall County ($765), while household incomes here are substantially higher. This combination gives Limestone residents the best affordability ratio among its regional neighbors.
Renters and buyers find relief here
At $908 monthly rent and $1,052 for homeowners on a $83,534 median income, housing consumes roughly 13-15% of household earnings. This leaves Limestone County residents with more disposable income than their neighbors, making the county attractive for budget-conscious movers.
Limestone County rewards relocating families
If affordability matters, Limestone County delivers—strong wages combined with moderate housing costs create breathing room in household budgets. The county offers the rare combination of economic opportunity and reasonable housing expenses among Alabama's options.
Limestone County's median household income of $83,534 surpasses the national median of $74,755 by nearly $9,000—an 11% gain. This places Limestone among the stronger counties economically across the United States, reflecting significant wage-earning power.
Alabama's Income Elite
Limestone County's $83,534 median household income towers 54% above Alabama's state average of $54,196, making it one of the state's wealthiest counties. This exceptional performance reflects the presence of major employers and a skilled workforce concentrated in the region.
Limestone Dominates Northern Alabama
Limestone County's $83,534 income nearly matches Madison County ($83,528) and vastly exceeds the regional average of surrounding counties. Together, these two counties form a corridor of economic strength in northern Alabama that stands apart from the rest of the state.
Housing Costs Stay Well-Managed
Limestone County's rent-to-income ratio of just 13.0% sits comfortably below the recommended 15% threshold, indicating robust housing affordability. Combined with a median home value of $255,100, households here enjoy significant flexibility in balancing housing costs with other financial priorities.
Limestone's Households Can Invest Aggressively
With above-average incomes and manageable housing costs, Limestone County families have substantial opportunity to build wealth through diversified investments and retirement planning. Consider maximizing contributions to 401(k)s, IRAs, and taxable investment accounts to capitalize on these income advantages.
Limestone County's life expectancy of 76.1 years is close to the national average of 76.4 years, putting residents on par with typical American outcomes. With only 18.2% reporting poor or fair health versus 21% nationally, Limestone residents report notably better health status.
Alabama's healthier counties include Limestone
At 76.1 years, Limestone County's life expectancy exceeds Alabama's state average of 72.1 years by 4 years. Its uninsured rate of 9.2% is also better than the state's 11.1%, meaning fewer barriers to healthcare access.
Limestone keeps pace with peers
Limestone County's 76.1-year life expectancy is competitive with neighboring Morgan and Jackson counties. Its 34 primary care providers per 100,000 residents provides adequate access, though mental health resources at 65 per 100,000 lag behind wealthier neighbors like Madison County.
Most residents have health coverage
Limestone's 9.2% uninsured rate means about 9 in 10 residents have insurance—above the state average. With 34 primary care providers per 100,000, residents can access preventive care, though rural pockets may travel 30+ minutes for specialists.
Close the remaining coverage gap
Though most Limestone residents are insured, 9.2% remain uninsured—roughly 5,000 people who could qualify for affordable coverage. Explore your options at healthcare.gov during open enrollment or check if you qualify for Alabama Medicaid year-round.
Limestone County's composite risk score of 79.96 exceeds typical U.S. disaster exposure, earning a relatively low overall rating but reflecting real hazards. The score masks significant variation across hazard types, with some risks far above and others well below national norms.
Second-highest risk county in Alabama
Limestone County ranks near the top of Alabama's risk distribution, with a composite score of 79.96 compared to the state average of 61.54. Only Madison County carries higher composite risk statewide, putting Limestone County in an elevated tier of vulnerability.
Higher risk than most regional peers
Limestone County's 79.96 score substantially exceeds adjacent Marengo County (52.16) and Marion County (69.15), though it trails Marshall County's 87.31. The county's tornado and earthquake risks are particularly elevated compared to surrounding counties.
Tornado and earthquake dominate exposure
Tornado risk stands extremely high at 88.17, making spring and fall severe weather seasons particularly dangerous for Limestone County residents. Earthquake risk follows at 89.89, reflecting the county's position near seismic activity zones, while flood risk (76.69) rounds out major concerns.
Prioritize tornado and earthquake preparedness
Limestone County residents should ensure they have a safe room or shelter plan before tornado season, plus verify their homeowners insurance covers wind damage. Consider adding earthquake coverage to standard policies, and document your home's condition with photos for insurance claims.