countyscore
48.3
County Score
Property Tax 94.7Cost of Living 85.2Disaster Risk 47.9

County Report Card

About Marengo County, Alabama

Marengo County falls slightly below national median

Marengo County's composite score of 48.3 trails the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 45th percentile. While not critically weak, this performance indicates modest livability gaps requiring strategic improvement.

Below Alabama's county average

Marengo County scores 48.3 versus the state average of 52.9, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of Alabama's counties. The 4.6-point deficit is primarily driven by weak economic conditions and health outcomes.

Exceptional tax relief and affordability

Marengo County offers one of Alabama's lowest tax burdens with a tax score of 94.7 and effective rate of 0.384%, plus exceptional housing affordability with a cost score of 85.2 and median home price of just $103,400. These factors deliver substantial financial breathing room for residents.

Poverty and health access require priority attention

Median household income of $44,205 creates an income score of just 6.3, reflecting persistent economic hardship. Health outcomes score only 21.6, indicating severe gaps in healthcare access and community wellness.

Suitable for frugal retirees, not growth-seeking families

Marengo County works well for fixed-income seniors seeking minimal tax burden and rock-bottom housing costs, provided they have stable pensions or outside income. Working-age families should avoid it due to limited job markets, low incomes, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.

2040608010094.785.221.821.633.16.347.929.544.9Tax94.7Cost85.2Safety21.8Health21.6Schools33.1Income6.3Risk47.9Water29.5Weather44.948.3/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Marengo County DNA

Foverall

How Marengo County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Marengo County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (94.7/100) but notably weak in Income (6.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
94.7+42.7
Cost
85.2+37.2
Safety
21.8-33.2
Health
21.6-28.4
Schools
33.1-20.9
Income
6.3-44.7
Risk
47.9
Water
29.5-28.5
Weather
44.9-11.100000000000001
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$103,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$722/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$103,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $44,205/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

36.8

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
Compare Marengo County with Marion County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Marion County
Arkansas
Median income: $46,953
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Madison County
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Essex County
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Humphreys County
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Stutsman County
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McKean County
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Median income: $61,705
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Cleburne County
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Median income: $55,979
48.2

Nearby counties

Wilcox County
Alabama
58.3
Hale County
Alabama
66.4
Choctaw County
Alabama
54.7
Sumter County
Alabama
59.1
Perry County
Alabama
67.4
Greene County
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56.6
Dallas County
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Clarke County
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48.1

Deep Dives

Marengo County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Marengo County

via TaxByCounty

Marengo County taxes remain below national average

Marengo County's effective tax rate of 0.384% exceeds the national median of 0.339% by a slim margin, but its median home value of $103,400 keeps annual taxes low at just $397. That's less than 15% of the national median property tax.

Below average rate for Alabama

At 0.384%, Marengo County taxes at a rate slightly above Alabama's state average of 0.339%, ranking in the lower-to-middle tier of the state's 67 counties. This favorable positioning helps residents retain more income than those in higher-taxing areas.

Marengo compares favorably regionally

Marengo County's 0.384% rate is lower than Macon County (0.489%) and Lowndes County (0.408%), though comparable to Marshall County (0.381%). Rural neighbors face similar modest tax burdens overall.

Your median annual tax bill

Marengo County's median home value of $103,400 combined with its 0.384% effective rate yields approximately $397 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, homeowners typically pay around $501, including escrow protections.

Even modest bills deserve verification

Small annual tax bills make appeals seem unnecessary—but a $397 tax on a $103,000 home might hide an inflated assessment. If comparable homes nearby sell for less than your assessed value, filing an appeal is straightforward and often successful.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Marengo County

via CostByCounty

Marengo County matches national norms

Marengo County's 19.6% rent-to-income ratio mirrors Lee County and exceeds the national average by about 1.7 percentage points. With median household income of $44,205 and rent of $722, the county offers modest housing costs offset by constrained wages.

Slightly above Alabama average

Marengo County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% exceeds Alabama's state average of 18.0%, positioning it in the lower-affordability tier statewide. The $722 median rent undercuts the state median, but modest income creates relative pressure.

Affordable rents, tight budgets

Marengo County's $722 rent is among the lowest in this group, yet median income of $44,205 ranks below most peers, creating proportional strain. Compared to Limestone and Madison counties, Marengo residents face tighter housing-to-income ratios despite lower absolute rents.

Homeowning offers modest savings

Renters spend $722 monthly while homeowners pay $563 on a $44,205 income, making ownership substantially cheaper if affordable financing exists. Either way, housing consumes 15-19% of income, leaving limited cushion for savings or unexpected expenses.

Marengo County suits patient investors

Relocators with home-buying power will find Marengo County particularly attractive—low ownership costs ($563/month) combined with modest income requirements. Renters should explore neighboring Macon County, which offers better income-to-rent balance.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marengo County

via IncomeByCounty

Marengo County Lags Nationally

Marengo County's median household income of $44,205 falls 41% below the national median of $74,755, placing it among America's lower-income counties. This substantial gap reflects limited employment diversity and lower wage scales throughout the local economy.

Below Alabama's State Average

At $44,205, Marengo County's median household income trails Alabama's state average of $54,196 by nearly $10,000—an 18% shortfall. This positions Marengo among the state's economically challenged counties, earning significantly less than the typical Alabama family.

Marengo Underperforms Regional Peers

Marengo County's $44,205 income exceeds Lowndes County ($35,160) but trails Marion County ($50,714) and Macon County ($45,951). This lower-middle ranking suggests Marengo faces stronger economic headwinds than most neighboring counties.

Housing Costs Consume Income Readily

Marengo County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.6% significantly exceeds the recommended 15% threshold, stretching household budgets considerably. While the median home value of $103,400 offers theoretical affordability, low incomes make saving for homeownership a prolonged financial challenge.

Prioritize Stable, Accessible Savings

Marengo County households should emphasize emergency funds and accessible savings tools like credit union accounts before pursuing investment strategies. Look into local workforce development programs and community college opportunities that could increase earning potential over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Marengo County

via CrimeByCounty

Marengo County Beats National Crime Average

Marengo County reports 2,012.6 crimes per 100,000 residents, staying below the national average of 2,385.5. It earns a solid safety score of 96.8 out of 100.

Slightly More Activity Than State Average

The county's safety score of 96.8 is just slightly lower than the Alabama state average of 97.3. The total crime rate is somewhat higher than the state average of 1,731.0.

Safety Profile Compared to Regional Peers

Marengo's crime rate is higher than that of Marion County, which reports 1,338.9 incidents per 100,000. Seven agencies collaborate to provide public safety services across the region.

Violent Crime Slightly Exceeds National Figures

Property crime sits at 1,611.1 per 100,000, while violent crime reaches 401.5. The violent crime rate is slightly higher than the national average of 369.8.

Securing Your Home Perimeter

Residents should focus on perimeter security, such as trimmed shrubbery and well-lit entryways, to reduce hiding spots. These steps are effective against the property crimes that make up the bulk of local reports.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Marengo County

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Stability in the Black Belt

Marengo County operates 10 public schools across three school districts, educating a total of 3,451 students. The landscape is primarily composed of elementary and high schools, with additional specialized campuses serving diverse age ranges. The system maintains an average school size of 345 students, offering a community-oriented environment.

Solid Performance and Local Investment

The county's 88.1% graduation rate is above the national average of 87.0%, reflecting a steady academic pipeline. Spending is prioritized at $6,522 per pupil, which is higher than the state average of $6,270. These numbers result in a school score of 51.5, showing competitive outcomes for a rural Alabama county.

Three Districts Serving Local Communities

Demopolis City is the largest district, serving 2,064 students across 4 schools, while Linden City and Marengo County manage the remaining student body. There are no charter schools in the area, keeping the focus on established local city and county systems. Demopolis High remains the primary large-scale high school in the region.

Primarily Rural with Strong Town Hubs

Seven of the ten schools are located in rural settings, while three serve the primary town centers. Demopolis High School is the largest campus with 630 students, whereas Sweet Water High offers a PK-12 model for 561 students. This mix provides students with a blend of classic town school spirit and quiet, rural learning environments.

Find Your Home in a Community-Focused County

With graduation rates that beat the national average, Marengo County offers a stable environment for families. Neighborhoods in the Demopolis area provide convenient access to the county's largest schools and most diverse curriculum options. Browse local listings to find a home where community and education go hand-in-hand.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marengo County

via RiskByCounty

Marengo County's risk falls below average

Marengo County's composite risk score of 52.16 falls short of the national average, placing it in the relatively low risk category. This favorable position reflects moderate exposure across most hazard types, though certain risks deserve attention during seasonal threats.

Mid-range risk among Alabama counties

Marengo County ranks in the middle-to-lower portion of Alabama's risk distribution, with a composite score of 52.16 against the state average of 61.54. This places the county below the state median, offering residents somewhat lower disaster exposure than average Alabamians.

Lower risk than most adjacent counties

Marengo County's 52.16 score is notably lower than neighboring Marion County (69.15) and significantly safer than Marshall County (87.31). Only Lowndes County (29.07) and Macon County (23.86) offer substantially better risk profiles in this region.

Tornado and hurricane are primary concerns

Tornado risk scores 78.94 for Marengo County, making severe spring and fall weather a genuine hazard, while hurricane risk (77.43) poses secondary but meaningful exposure. Flood risk (50.64) and earthquake risk (73.47) round out a balanced portfolio of moderate threats.

Seasonal preparedness and standard coverage

Marengo County residents should develop tornado response plans and ensure homeowners insurance includes wind coverage before severe weather seasons. Evaluate your property's flood vulnerability and consider NFIP coverage if in a flood-prone area, and maintain home condition through regular maintenance.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Marengo County

via WaterByCounty

Severe Compliance Issues Found in Marengo

Marengo County receives an 'F' grade for drinking water quality, with 18 health violations recorded in the last five years. The violation rate of 69.3 per 100,000 people is nearly five times higher than the Alabama average of 14.1. This data indicates a critical need for infrastructure improvements and closer oversight of local utilities.

Mercury and E. Coli Impact Local Watersheds

The 2022 assessment shows that 19.2% of Marengo's 26 water bodies are impaired, which is better than the state average of 27.7%. However, the presence of mercury and E. coli in these waters remains a significant environmental concern. These contaminants suggest both historical industrial impacts and modern biological runoff issues.

Limited Monitoring Footprint Across the County

Only 6 monitoring sites are currently active in the county, providing 3,620 measurements over the last five years. The data primarily tracks physical attributes, metals, and nutrients. With so few sites, significant portions of Marengo's water systems may not be receiving adequate environmental screening.

Tombigbee River Running at 31% of Normal

The Tombigbee River near Nanafalia is currently flowing at 9,710 cfs, well below its long-term mean of 30,924 cfs. This 31% flow level reflects regional drought conditions that can concentrate pollutants in the river. Reduced flow also limits the dilution of contaminants like mercury and E. coli in the watershed.

Urgent Need for Filtration and Testing

Given the 'F' grade for drinking water, residents should consider high-quality home filtration systems to mitigate health violation risks. Be especially cautious of local fish consumption due to mercury impairments in the watershed. Low river flows further increase the concentration of these risks, making personal water awareness vital.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Marengo County

via WeatherByCounty

Significant heat in the South

Marengo County averages 64.2°F annually, which is well above the national median temperature. It experiences a wet humid subtropical climate with 56.2 inches of rain.

Warmer than the state average

The county is 1 degree warmer than the Alabama average of 63.2°F. Its 56.2 inches of annual precipitation is nearly identical to the state's typical rainfall.

The heat leader of the region

Marengo records 74 extreme heat days per year, significantly more than Madison's 55. It is also 3 degrees warmer on average than Marion County to its north.

Intense summers and short winters

July averages a sweltering 81.4°F, contributing to 74 days of 90°F+ heat annually. Winters are very mild at 47.3°F with almost no snow at all.

Prepare for relentless summer heat

High-efficiency cooling is critical here given the 74 days of extreme heat. With 56.2 inches of rain and high humidity, moisture barriers are essential for home maintenance.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Marengo County

via SoilByCounty

High-Quality Soils of the Black Belt

Marengo County soil features a pH of 5.57, making it one of the more neutral soils in the state of Alabama. This provides a welcoming chemical environment for a wider variety of plants without the need for constant liming.

Complex Texture with High Clay Content

At 21.5% clay and 29.8% silt, this soil offers significant structural strength and mineral wealth. The 48.8% sand content ensures it isn't too heavy to work, creating a balanced and versatile loam-like texture.

Excellent Organic Matter and Water Storage

With 1.96% organic matter, Marengo is nearly on par with the national average of 2.0% and well above the Alabama norm. Its soil score of 33.2 is one of the highest in the region, reflecting its superior growing potential.

Consistent Moisture for Reliable Farming

The county's available water capacity of 0.139 in/in slightly exceeds the state average, providing a stable moisture supply. This consistency supports healthy root systems even when the Alabama heat becomes intense.

Versatile Growing in Zone 8b

From lush pastures to vibrant vegetable gardens, Marengo’s high-quality soil supports it all. This is a gardener's paradise, so take advantage of some of the best soil the state has to offer.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marengo County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Marengo's Difficult Lawn Score

Marengo County presents a significant challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 23.9, which is lower than the state average of 29.5. Maintaining a healthy green space here requires more effort and resources than in most other Alabama counties.

Intense Heat and High Precipitation

Lawns endure a staggering 74 extreme heat days per year, far exceeding the state average of 64. Combined with 56.2 inches of annual rain, these tropical conditions can lead to high disease and fungal pressure.

Sandy Soil and Acidic Conditions

The soil contains 48.8% sand and 21.5% clay with a pH of 5.57. This acidity is below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, meaning turf may struggle to absorb nutrients without regular soil pH adjustments.

Extended Drought Vulnerability in the South

The county has faced 36 weeks of drought over the last year, and 11.6% of the area is currently in severe drought. Utilizing drought-tolerant cultivars is a smart strategy to survive these long dry periods.

Maximized Growing Window in Zone 8b

Marengo features a long growing season that starts after the early frost on March 16th. Plant heat-hardy grasses like Bermuda to take advantage of the 5,813 growing degree days before the November 14th frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marengo County's county score?
Marengo County, Alabama has a composite county score of 48.3 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 Marengo County rank among counties in Alabama?
Marengo County ranks #48 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 Marengo County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Marengo County is $397, with an effective tax rate of 0.38%. This earns Marengo County a tax score of 94.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marengo County?
The median household income in Marengo County, Alabama is $44,205 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marengo County earns an income score of 6.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marengo County, Alabama a good place to live?
Marengo County scores 48.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #48 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Marengo 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 Marengo County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.