Marengo County's composite score of 71.3 ranks it in the 71st percentile nationally, significantly surpassing the national median of 50.0. The county delivers solid fundamentals across affordability, taxation, and resilience metrics.
2 / 5
Performs above Alabama average
Marengo County scores 71.3, narrowly exceeding Alabama's state average of 70.8 to rank in the upper half of state counties. The county's consistent performance across multiple dimensions reflects sound community investment and fiscal management.
3 / 5
Exceptional affordability and low taxes
Marengo County leads with a cost score of 87.0 and tax score of 91.5, offering median home values of $103,400 and rent of just $722/month. The effective tax rate of 0.384% ranks among the state's most favorable, preserving household purchasing power.
4 / 5
Income and health disparities persist
The county's income score of 12.3 and median household income of $44,205 reveal limited earning opportunities compared to state and national peers. Health score of 57.8 indicates moderate healthcare access challenges requiring community investment.
5 / 5
Perfect for retirees and remote workers
Marengo County suits retirees, remote workers, and budget-focused families seeking ultra-low living costs with stable, predictable communities. The county offers exceptional value for those with external income sources but limited prospects for wage-dependent workers.
Marengo County's composite score of 71.3 ranks it in the 71st percentile nationally, significantly surpassing the national median of 50.0. The county delivers solid fundamentals across affordability, taxation, and resilience metrics.
Performs above Alabama average
Marengo County scores 71.3, narrowly exceeding Alabama's state average of 70.8 to rank in the upper half of state counties. The county's consistent performance across multiple dimensions reflects sound community investment and fiscal management.
Exceptional affordability and low taxes
Marengo County leads with a cost score of 87.0 and tax score of 91.5, offering median home values of $103,400 and rent of just $722/month. The effective tax rate of 0.384% ranks among the state's most favorable, preserving household purchasing power.
Income and health disparities persist
The county's income score of 12.3 and median household income of $44,205 reveal limited earning opportunities compared to state and national peers. Health score of 57.8 indicates moderate healthcare access challenges requiring community investment.
Perfect for retirees and remote workers
Marengo County suits retirees, remote workers, and budget-focused families seeking ultra-low living costs with stable, predictable communities. The county offers exceptional value for those with external income sources but limited prospects for wage-dependent workers.
Score breakdown
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🏛91.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
At 70.8 years, Marengo County's life expectancy falls 5.6 years short of the U.S. average of 76.4 years. With 26% of residents reporting poor or fair health versus 21% nationally, the county shows signs of chronic disease burden exceeding national norms.
Below Alabama's average on key measures
Marengo County's life expectancy of 70.8 years is 1.3 years below Alabama's 72.1-year average, and its 26% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state norm. The 10.2% uninsured rate matches state average, indicating coverage is available but outcomes still lag.
Rural isolation compounds health gaps
Marengo County's 70.8-year life expectancy trails Madison County (76.5 years) by 5.7 years and lags ahead of only Lowndes (67.6). With only 42 primary care providers and 43 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, rural geography limits care access for a dispersed population.
Limited providers in a rural county
Marengo's 10.2% uninsured rate means about 2,000 residents lack insurance coverage and face cost barriers to the few providers available. The 42 primary care and 43 mental health providers per 100,000 are sparse for a rural county, often requiring 30+ mile drives to clinics.
Get covered to access limited resources
For Marengo's 2,000 uninsured residents, coverage is essential when local healthcare is scarce; it removes cost barriers and enables preventive care that could reduce the county's high poor/fair health rate. Check healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore your options today.
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.