countyscore
55.6
County Score
Property Tax 93.4Water Quality 86Cost of Living 81.4

County Report Card

About Lowndes County, Alabama

Lowndes County meets national livability baseline

Lowndes County's composite score of 55.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it above the 60th percentile nationally. This above-average performance is driven by exceptional affordability and low environmental risk.

Above Alabama's county average

Lowndes County ranks above the state average of 52.9, positioning it in the upper-middle tier of Alabama's counties. The 2.7-point advantage reflects its distinct affordability strength relative to state peers.

Affordability and low risk are exceptional

Lowndes County offers remarkable housing affordability with a cost score of 81.4, median rent of just $663 monthly, and homes averaging $80,600. A risk score of 71.0 signals minimal environmental and climate hazards, making it a safe long-term investment.

Income inequality and health need urgent attention

Median household income of only $35,160 generates an income score of just 1.0—indicating severe economic hardship and the lowest incomes in this county group. Health outcomes are also concerning, with a health score of 18.9 reflecting limited access to quality medical care.

Ideal for budget-conscious, health-aware residents

Lowndes County suits retirees or low-income families seeking rock-bottom housing costs and protection from environmental risks, provided they can access healthcare elsewhere or accept limited local options. Young professionals and families should weigh severe income limitations against exceptional affordability.

2040608010093.481.441.718.951.71718629.4Tax93.4Cost81.4Safety41.7Health18.9Schools51.7Income1Risk71Water86Weather29.455.6/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Lowndes County DNA

Foverall

How Lowndes County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Lowndes County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (93.4/100) but notably weak in Income (1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
93.4+41.400000000000006
Cost
81.4+33.400000000000006
Safety
41.7-13.299999999999997
Health
18.9-31.1
Schools
51.7
Income
1-50
Risk
71+24
Water
86+28
Weather
29.4-26.6
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$80,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$663/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$80,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$26,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $35,160/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

20.0

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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Nearby counties

Autauga County
Alabama
41.9
Montgomery County
Alabama
48.6
Dallas County
Alabama
49.1
Butler County
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45
Wilcox County
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58.3
Elmore County
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Crenshaw County
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Chilton County
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45.9

Deep Dives

Lowndes County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lowndes County

via TaxByCounty

Lowndes taxes moderate despite low property values

Lowndes County's effective tax rate of 0.408% sits above the national median of 0.339%, but the county's median home value of just $80,600 keeps actual tax bills modest. The typical Lowndes homeowner pays only $329 annually—less than 12% of the national median tax.

Mid-range tax rate for Alabama

At 0.408%, Lowndes County's effective tax rate exceeds Alabama's state average of 0.339% but remains moderate compared to high-taxing counties like Lee. The county ranks near the middle of Alabama's property tax distribution.

Lowndes taxes similar to regional peers

Lowndes County's 0.408% rate is comparable to nearby Macon County (0.489%) and Marengo County (0.384%), though lower home values across all three keep annual bills relatively low. These rural counties share similar economic profiles and tax burdens.

Your median annual tax bill

With a median home value of $80,600 and effective rate of 0.408%, Lowndes County homeowners pay approximately $329 in annual property taxes. Those with mortgages should budget an additional $14 in escrow, bringing the total to roughly $343.

Small assessments warrant close review

Even when tax bills are small, a disproportionate assessment can sting. If your home's assessed value seems high relative to recent sales of comparable homes in Lowndes County, an appeal costs nothing and could reduce your burden further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lowndes County

via CostByCounty

Lowndes County faces affordability crisis

Lowndes County residents dedicate 22.6% of income to rent—the highest ratio among these eight counties and well above the national average of 18.0%. With a median household income of just $35,160, renters here struggle disproportionately with housing costs.

Most stressed in Alabama

Lowndes County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.6% significantly exceeds Alabama's state average of 18.0%, placing it among the least affordable counties statewide. The county's low median income exacerbates the affordability challenge despite relatively modest rents.

Lowest income, highest burden

While Lowndes County's $663 rent is the lowest among peer counties, the median income of $35,160 is also the lowest—creating a disproportionate burden. Neighboring Macon and Marengo counties offer higher incomes with similar rents, making them relatively better options.

Over one-fifth of income to housing

Renters spend $663 monthly while homeowners pay $686 on a median income of just $35,160, leaving limited resources for other necessities. This tight squeeze means housing affordability requires urgent attention in Lowndes County.

Lowndes County: affordability with caveats

Lowest rents sound appealing, but Lowndes County's severely constrained median income creates real affordability challenges for residents and relocators alike. Job seekers should prioritize income opportunities here—otherwise, nearby Macon County offers better balance.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lowndes County

via IncomeByCounty

Lowndes Faces Significant Income Gap

Lowndes County's median household income of $35,160 falls 53% below the national median of $74,755, placing it among the lowest-earning counties in America. This substantial shortfall reflects limited job opportunities and lower wage scales across the local economy.

Struggling Even by Alabama Standards

At $35,160, Lowndes County's median household income is 35% below Alabama's already modest state average of $54,196. This marks Lowndes as one of Alabama's most economically challenged counties, with households earning roughly two-thirds what the typical Alabama family makes.

Lowndes Lags Surrounding Counties

Lowndes County's $35,160 income trails all nearby counties, with Macon County ($45,951) earning 31% more and Marengo County ($44,205) earning 26% more. This economic isolation suggests limited regional job networks and fewer pathways to higher-wage employment.

Housing Costs Strain Local Budgets

Lowndes County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.6% significantly exceeds the recommended 15% threshold, meaning many households dedicate over one-fifth of earnings just to rent. While median home values of $80,600 offer some ownership affordability, the low median income makes even these prices challenging to reach.

Focus on Skills and Opportunity

Lowndes County families should prioritize education, job training, and career mobility as pathways to income growth. Even modest savings—even $50 per month—into a high-yield savings account can begin building financial stability and opportunity for future advancement.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lowndes County

via CrimeByCounty

Lowndes County Outperforms National Safety Trends

Lowndes County maintains a total crime rate of 1,319.8 per 100,000, which is nearly 45% lower than the national average. This performance earns the county a high safety score of 97.9.

Safety Score Exceeds Alabama Average

Lowndes outperforms the Alabama state average safety score of 97.3. The local crime rate is also notably lower than the statewide average of 1,731.0 per 100,000 people.

Consistent Safety Levels Across the Region

Lowndes remains safer than nearby Macon County, which reports a slightly higher rate of 1,468.9 per 100,000. Four reporting agencies provide the data that supports the county's public safety profile.

Low Violent Crime Rates Protect Residents

Violent crime remains low at 226.5 per 100,000, while property crime accounts for 1,093.3. Both metrics are substantially lower than the national averages reported in 2022.

Simple Measures Deter Local Property Crime

While the county is generally very safe, property crime still represents the majority of incidents. Simple deterrents like exterior lighting and smart doorbells help maintain this secure environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Lowndes County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in a Rural Setting

Lowndes County operates a focused network of 9 public schools all housed within a single county district. The system serves 1,176 students across 3 elementary, 2 middle, and 4 high schools. This smaller footprint allows for a uniquely intimate educational environment with an average of just 168 students per school.

High Investment and Solid School Scores

The county spends $8,377 per pupil, which is notably higher than the state average of $6,270. This investment reflects in a school score of 54.9, which actually outperforms the state median of 52.3. The 87.0% graduation rate perfectly matches the national average, showing consistency in student outcomes.

A Unified County District Model

The Lowndes County School District manages every public school in the area, providing a streamlined approach for its 1,176 students. There are no charter schools present, meaning the local district remains the primary source of public education. This central management ensures consistent policy and funding across all nine rural campuses.

The Feeling of a Close-Knit Community

All nine schools in the county are classified as rural, creating a consistent community feel across the district. Fort Deposit Elementary is the largest school with 194 students, while Hayneville Middle serves 173 children. This small-scale environment means students and teachers often know each other by name from kindergarten through graduation.

Discover Rural Living with Personalized Schools

If you value small class sizes and a unified community, Lowndes County offers a distinctive residential and educational experience. The high per-pupil investment makes this an interesting area for families seeking a more attentive school environment. Explore local properties to find your home in this quiet, dedicated school district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lowndes County

via RiskByCounty

Lowndes County enjoys well-below-average risk

Lowndes County's composite risk score of 29.07 places it in the very low risk category, well below the national average. This favorable position reflects relatively modest hazard exposure across most disaster types, though some specific risks warrant attention.

Among Alabama's safest counties

Lowndes County ranks in the bottom tier of Alabama's risk distribution, with a composite score of 29.07 versus the state average of 61.54. This 32-point gap puts Lowndes County among the state's least disaster-prone counties overall.

Significantly safer than adjacent counties

Lowndes County's 29.07 score is remarkably low compared to neighboring Marengo County (52.16) and Marion County (69.15). This geographic advantage makes Lowndes County one of the region's safer options for disaster exposure.

Hurricane and tornado warrant attention

While Lowndes County's overall risk is very low, hurricane risk (71.42) and tornado risk (67.08) remain moderate concerns during severe weather seasons. Flood risk (31.87) and earthquake risk (49.52) pose lesser threats relative to the state average.

Standard coverage typically sufficient

Lowndes County's low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance provides solid baseline protection for most residents. However, evaluate your specific property location for flood and wind exposure, and ensure you maintain good home maintenance to minimize vulnerability.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Lowndes County

via WaterByCounty

Flawless Drinking Water Compliance in Lowndes

Lowndes County maintains an 'A' grade with zero health-based violations recorded in the last five years of federal oversight. This 0.0 violation rate outshines the state average of 14.1 per 100,000 residents. The data reflects a stable and compliant public drinking water infrastructure.

Clean Bill of Health for Assessed Watersheds

In a rare result for the 2022 reporting cycle, none of the 18 assessed water bodies in Lowndes County are listed as impaired. This 0% impairment rate is significantly better than the Alabama average of 27.7%. The assessed portions of the county currently meet all Clean Water Act standards for their designated uses.

Sparse Monitoring Leaves Potential Data Gaps

Only 4 monitoring sites exist in the federal database for Lowndes County, though they have generated 2,734 measurements over five years. The monitoring focuses on physical and nutrient characteristics, but the low number of sites means large portions of the county lack active tracking. Increased site density would provide a more comprehensive picture of regional water health.

Minimal Flow Detected at Big Swamp Creek

The USGS gauge at Big Swamp Creek near Hayneville currently records a minimal discharge of 2 cfs. Because long-term mean data is not established for this station, it is difficult to quantify the current deficit. However, such low flow levels indicate a highly fragile aquatic environment during the current season.

Trust Compliance but Consider Personal Testing

With perfect compliance and no recorded impairments, the primary risk in Lowndes is the lack of extensive monitoring data. Residents on private wells should conduct their own testing, as the sparse network of 4 sites may miss localized changes. Protecting your water starts with maintaining septic systems to preserve the county's clean watershed status.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lowndes County

via WeatherByCounty

High precipitation in the Deep South

Lowndes County receives 55.5 inches of rain annually, significantly exceeding the national average. While specific temperature averages are unavailable, it maintains a classic humid subtropical profile.

Aligning with state rainfall patterns

The county's 55.5 inches of annual rain closely tracks the Alabama state average of 57.4 inches. It sits in a region typically warmer than the northern counties like Limestone.

Similar to the Black Belt region

Lowndes experiences 0.0 inches of annual snowfall, a trait it shares with most southern Alabama neighbors. Its rainfall levels are nearly identical to nearby Macon County.

Rainy winters without the ice

Snow is virtually non-existent here with a 0.0-inch annual average. Most of the 55.5 inches of annual precipitation falls as rain during the humid summer and mild winter months.

Prepare for a wet climate

Residents should prioritize drainage and moisture control to manage the 55.5 inches of annual rain. Because snow is not a factor, winterizing focuses on rain-ready gear rather than ice removal.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lowndes County

via SoilByCounty

Balancing Acidity in the Black Belt

Lowndes County soil has a pH of 5.57, which is notably more neutral than the Alabama average of 5.21. While taxonomic details are sparse, this level of acidity is much easier for local gardeners to manage than the state's typical soils.

A Balanced Blend of Sand and Silt

The soil consists of 48.9% sand and 29.3% silt, creating a versatile medium for root growth. This mixture provides a solid structural foundation that avoids the extreme drainage issues of purely sandy regions.

Rich Organic Matter Near National Standards

At 1.82%, the organic matter content here beats the Alabama average and approaches the national 2.0% benchmark. This richness contributes to a healthy soil score of 29.9, reflecting strong agricultural potential.

Predictable Moisture for Diverse Land Use

The soil maintains an available water capacity of 0.132 in/in, sitting right near the state norm. Even without specific drainage class data, the balanced composition suggests a moderate drainage speed suitable for both grazing and row crops.

Lush Growth in Zone 8b

The longer growing season and superior organic matter make this a prime spot for summer vegetables. Your soil is already more fertile than average, so dive in and start planting peppers or tomatoes today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lowndes County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Lowndes County's Unique Growing Conditions

Lowndes County's lawn difficulty score of 39.0 makes it one of the more manageable areas for Alabama turf, beating the state average of 29.5. This Hardiness Zone 8b area still requires active management compared to the national median of 50.0.

Heavy Rainfall and Localized Weather Data

Lawns here receive 55.5 inches of annual precipitation, which is nearly identical to the state average of 57.4 inches. While local temperature records are sparse, the high rainfall necessitates excellent drainage for healthy root systems.

Sandy Profiles and pH Challenges

Soil here contains 48.9% sand and 18.7% clay, creating a texture that generally drains well but may lose nutrients. The pH of 5.57 is below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, so testing your soil for lime needs is a priority.

Preparing for Significant Dry Periods

Roughly 48.0% of the county currently faces severe drought, and residents have managed 26 weeks of drought over the past year. Reducing mowing height during these dry periods can help reduce stress on your turf.

Choose Heat-Tolerant Turf for Success

Given the 8b hardiness zone, heat-loving grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia are the top recommendations. Ensure you monitor local conditions carefully for frost dates since specific county-wide frost data is limited.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lowndes County's county score?
Lowndes County, Alabama has a composite county score of 55.6 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 Lowndes County rank among counties in Alabama?
Lowndes County ranks #27 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 Lowndes County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Lowndes County is $329, with an effective tax rate of 0.41%. This earns Lowndes County a tax score of 93.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lowndes County?
The median household income in Lowndes County, Alabama is $35,160 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lowndes County earns an income score of 1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lowndes County, Alabama a good place to live?
Lowndes County scores 55.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Lowndes 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 Lowndes County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.