Lowndes County's composite score of 71.1 places it in the 71st percentile nationally, well above the national median of 50.0. The county's strength lies in exceptional housing cost efficiency, with a median home value of $80,600 and rent of $663/month—among the most affordable in the region.
2 / 5
Matches Alabama's overall profile
Lowndes County scores 71.1, matching Limestone County and edging just above Alabama's state average of 70.8. The county's positioning reflects its role as an affordable housing alternative within Alabama's rural economy.
3 / 5
Rock-bottom housing and tax rates
Lowndes County shines with a cost score of 86.2 and tax score of 90.8, delivering some of Alabama's lowest effective tax rates at 0.408%. This affordability formula makes homeownership and renting extremely accessible compared to national standards, where median home prices exceed $350,000 in many regions.
4 / 5
Income and health disparities
The county faces significant headwinds with an income score of just 6.4 and median household income of only $35,160—less than half the state median. Health outcomes score 52.7, indicating healthcare access challenges that require attention to quality of life and workforce development.
5 / 5
Perfect for ultra-affordable living seekers
Lowndes County suits individuals and families with limited budgets or retirees living on fixed incomes, where housing costs devour minimal resources. However, prospective residents should understand the trade-off: exceptional affordability comes paired with limited income opportunities and healthcare access challenges.
Lowndes County's composite score of 71.1 places it in the 71st percentile nationally, well above the national median of 50.0. The county's strength lies in exceptional housing cost efficiency, with a median home value of $80,600 and rent of $663/month—among the most affordable in the region.
Matches Alabama's overall profile
Lowndes County scores 71.1, matching Limestone County and edging just above Alabama's state average of 70.8. The county's positioning reflects its role as an affordable housing alternative within Alabama's rural economy.
Rock-bottom housing and tax rates
Lowndes County shines with a cost score of 86.2 and tax score of 90.8, delivering some of Alabama's lowest effective tax rates at 0.408%. This affordability formula makes homeownership and renting extremely accessible compared to national standards, where median home prices exceed $350,000 in many regions.
Income and health disparities
The county faces significant headwinds with an income score of just 6.4 and median household income of only $35,160—less than half the state median. Health outcomes score 52.7, indicating healthcare access challenges that require attention to quality of life and workforce development.
Perfect for ultra-affordable living seekers
Lowndes County suits individuals and families with limited budgets or retirees living on fixed incomes, where housing costs devour minimal resources. However, prospective residents should understand the trade-off: exceptional affordability comes paired with limited income opportunities and healthcare access challenges.
Score breakdown
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🏛90.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
At 67.6 years, Lowndes County's life expectancy is nearly 9 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years—among the lowest in the nation. A striking 30% of residents report poor or fair health, versus 21% nationally, signaling widespread chronic disease and health disparities.
Struggling compared to other Alabama counties
Lowndes County's 67.6-year life expectancy ranks among the lowest in Alabama, falling 4.5 years below the state average of 72.1 years. The county's 30% poor/fair health rate is the highest among peers, reflecting accumulated health inequities.
Health disparities widen the gap
Lowndes County's 67.6-year life expectancy lags far behind neighboring Macon County (71.4 years) and state leaders like Lee County (77.2 years). Rural isolation compounds the challenge: only 10 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and just 10 mental health providers per 100,000 create severe access barriers.
Provider shortage limits care options
Lowndes County has just 10 primary care providers and 10 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—critically low figures that force many to travel far for basic care. With a 9.1% uninsured rate, some residents also lack the insurance foundation needed to afford care even if providers were available.
Getting insured is a critical first step
About 1,100 Lowndes residents are uninsured and may qualify for low-cost coverage or Medicaid. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore options; coverage removes financial barriers when healthcare access is already limited by geography.
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.