countyscore
54.8
County Score
Property Tax 95Water Quality 67.5Cost of Living 64.1

County Report Card

About Marshall County, Alabama

Marshall County slightly above national baseline

Marshall County's composite score of 54.8 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 60th percentile. This modest advantage reflects balanced strengths in tax efficiency and safety rather than exceptional performance in any single area.

Aligned with Alabama's county average

Marshall County scores 54.8 versus the state average of 52.9, placing it at Alabama's midpoint. The 1.9-point margin indicates it represents a typical Alabama county with mixed strengths and weaknesses.

Solid tax policy and reasonable safety

Marshall County delivers a tax score of 95.0 with an effective rate of 0.381%, providing meaningful relief for residents. Safety scores 60.1, indicating moderate security conditions and lower crime risk than many peers.

Health outcomes and school quality need improvement

Health scores only 28.2, reflecting limited healthcare access and preventive care gaps. Schools score 33.3, signaling below-average academic quality and resource constraints.

Good fit for middle-income families seeking balance

Marshall County works well for middle-income families and early retirees seeking reasonable safety, tax relief, and moderate housing costs without expecting premium schools or healthcare. Young professionals should verify job availability before committing long-term.

204060801009564.160.128.233.341.812.767.561.6Tax95Cost64.1Safety60.1Health28.2Schools33.3Income41.8Risk12.7Water67.5Weather61.654.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Marshall County DNA

Foverall

How Marshall County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Marshall County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (95/100) but notably weak in Disaster Risk (12.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
95+43
Cost
64.1+16.099999999999994
Safety
60.1
Health
28.2-21.8
Schools
33.3-20.700000000000003
Income
41.8-9.200000000000003
Risk
12.7-34.3
Water
67.5+9.5
Weather
61.6
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$183,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$765/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$183,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $60,946/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

24.3

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

Madison County
Alabama
61.9
Morgan County
Alabama
62.9
Etowah County
Alabama
47.7
Jackson County
Alabama
61.9
DeKalb County
Alabama
62
Cullman County
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49.7
Blount County
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52.9
Cherokee County
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49.9

Deep Dives

Marshall County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Marshall County

via TaxByCounty

Marshall County taxes sit slightly below national median

Marshall County's effective tax rate of 0.381% exceeds the national median of 0.339%, but its median home value of $183,400 keeps annual taxes at $699—just 26% of the national median. Residents enjoy Alabama's characteristic tax advantages alongside moderate home values.

Lower-middle tax rate in Alabama

At 0.381%, Marshall County ranks in Alabama's lower-to-middle range by effective tax rate, sitting slightly above the state average of 0.339%. The county offers a balanced approach to property taxation compared to peers.

Marshall taxes competitively with region

Marshall County's 0.381% rate mirrors Marengo County (0.384%) closely, but both exceed Marion County (0.295%) and undercut Lee County (0.496%). Regional variation is modest, making Marshall a stable choice relative to neighbors.

Your median annual tax bill

Marshall County's median home value of $183,400 at an effective rate of 0.381% yields approximately $699 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages should budget roughly $749, including escrow.

Appeal overassessments at any price point

Whether your home is modest or substantial, overassessment reduces your financial advantage. If your assessed value significantly exceeds comparable recent sales in Marshall County, filing an appeal can recover hundreds in annual tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Marshall County

via CostByCounty

Marshall County maintains balance

Marshall County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio sits well below both the national average (18.0%) and Alabama's state average, reflecting solid affordability. With median household income of $60,946 and $765 monthly rent, the county offers balanced economics.

Above-average Alabama affordability

Marshall County ranks in Alabama's upper tier for housing affordability, with renters spending significantly less of their income on housing than the state average. The 15.1% rent-to-income ratio positions the county as an attractive regional option.

Solid middle ground regionally

Marshall County's $765 rent falls between lower-cost Marion/Marengo counties and pricier Lee/Madison options, while income levels rank mid-tier among peers. This positioning makes Marshall a balanced choice for relocators seeking equilibrium between cost and earnings.

Balanced renting and owning costs

Renters spend $765 monthly while homeowners pay $792 on a $60,946 income, consuming roughly 15% either way. The tight parity suggests healthy housing market competition and reasonable options for both rental and ownership seekers.

Marshall County: reliable middle path

Relocators seeking balanced affordability without extremes will find Marshall County appealing—moderate rents, solid incomes, and a healthy homeownership path. The county represents Alabama's dependable option for pragmatic movers valuing stability over bargain hunting.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marshall County

via IncomeByCounty

Marshall County Earns Below National Median

Marshall County's median household income of $60,946 falls 19% short of the national median of $74,755. While not matching the wealthiest counties nationally, Marshall's income profile reflects above-average earning power for rural Alabama.

Outpaces Alabama's State Average

At $60,946, Marshall County's median household income exceeds Alabama's state average of $54,196 by $6,750—a 12% premium. This positions Marshall among the state's stronger performers, reflecting a more diversified local economy than many neighboring counties.

Marshall Competes with Lee County

Marshall County's $60,946 income trails Lee County ($61,123) by just $177, placing both counties in a narrow band of regional economic strength. Together, they form the upper tier of northern Alabama's income profile outside the Limestone-Madison corridor.

Housing Costs Well-Balanced

Marshall County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% sits nearly at the recommended 15% threshold, indicating solid housing affordability. The median home value of $183,400 is achievable for households at the county median, though requires disciplined saving for a substantial down payment.

Marshall Households Build on Stability

Marshall County families earning near the county median should prioritize building a down payment fund for homeownership while contributing to retirement savings. Consider starting with automatic transfers to a dedicated savings account, then exploring investment opportunities once housing is secured.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Marshall County

via CrimeByCounty

Marshall County Ranks Highly for Safety

Marshall County reports a low total crime rate of 917.0 per 100,000, earning a high safety score of 98.6. This rate is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Safety Score Beats the Alabama Average

Marshall performs well above the Alabama safety average of 97.3. The local crime rate is nearly half of the statewide average of 1,731.0 per 100,000 residents.

Regional Safety Leader Compared to Neighbors

Marshall County is considerably safer than Limestone County, which reports a much higher crime rate of 8,723.6. Seven reporting agencies contribute to the public safety data in Marshall.

Exceptionally Low Violent Crime Rates

The violent crime rate is low at 97.0 per 100,000. Property crime is also well contained at 820.0, compared to the national property crime average of 2,015.7.

Simple Prevention for Ongoing Security

With such low rates, simple prevention remains the best tool for local residents. Installing motion-activated lights and participating in neighborhood watch programs helps keep these numbers low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Marshall County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large and Diverse Five-District System

Marshall County manages 34 public schools and a large enrollment of 18,826 students across five different districts. The county features a broad range of facilities, including 16 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, and 9 high schools. This high number of districts allows for localized control and community-specific school identities.

Strong Graduation Outcomes and Efficient Funding

The graduation rate stands at a solid 90.1%, which is well above the national average of 87.0%. While the per-pupil expenditure of $5,944 is below the state average, the county still maintains a school score of 51.3. This demonstrates a system that successfully moves students toward graduation while operating with tight budgets.

A Competitive Mix of County and City Districts

Marshall County and Albertville City are the primary districts, each serving roughly 5,900 students. Boaz City, Guntersville City, and Arab City districts also serve the county's families with specialized local schools. No charter schools are currently in operation, leaving the five established public districts as the sole providers.

A Blend of Town Hubs and Rural Outposts

The county is evenly split with 18 rural schools and 16 town-based campuses, reflecting its diverse geography. Albertville High School is the largest in the county, hosting 1,712 students, while average school sizes across the county sit at 607. This variety allows families to choose between high-capacity town schools and smaller rural elementary campuses.

Find a Home in a Multi-District Hub

With five different school districts to choose from, Marshall County offers incredible variety for prospective homebuyers. Areas like Albertville and Guntersville provide access to large, high-performing schools with strong community support. Explore local homes to find the perfect fit within this diverse and successful educational landscape.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marshall County

via RiskByCounty

Marshall County faces elevated national risk

Marshall County's composite risk score of 87.31 substantially exceeds the national average, placing it in the relatively moderate risk category. This score reflects considerable vulnerability across multiple hazard types, particularly tornadoes and flooding that demand active preparation.

Second-highest risk in Alabama

Marshall County ranks second statewide in disaster risk with a composite score of 87.31, trailing only Madison County's 94.56. This places Marshall County among Alabama's most vulnerable counties, requiring residents to treat disaster preparedness seriously.

Among the region's riskiest counties

Marshall County's 87.31 score exceeds all neighboring counties except Madison County (94.56), significantly outpacing Limestone County (79.96), Marion County (69.15), and Marengo County (52.16). The county's elevated position reflects exceptional exposure to tornadoes and floods.

Tornadoes and floods drive highest risks

Tornado risk reaches 97.81, placing Marshall County among America's most tornado-prone areas, while flood risk (85.27) poses nearly equivalent danger. Earthquake risk (87.72) and wildfire risk (63.17) complete a formidable hazard portfolio demanding comprehensive preparation.

Critical coverage for multiple hazards

Marshall County residents must establish safe rooms or identify accessible community shelters before tornado season begins each year. Maintain current NFIP flood insurance given the 85.27 flood score, ensure homeowners coverage includes wind damage, and develop detailed family emergency plans for tornadoes, floods, and other hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Marshall County

via WaterByCounty

Marshall County Maintains a Strong 'B' Grade

Marshall County reports three health violations over the last five years, resulting in a 'B' grade for drinking water quality. Its violation rate of 2.2 per 100,000 residents remains far better than the Alabama average of 14.1. This indicates generally reliable performance with only occasional compliance lapses.

Over 40% of Assessed Waters Face Challenges

In the 2022 assessment, 42.9% of the 35 assessed water bodies in Marshall County were found to be impaired. Top issues include high biochemical oxygen demand, sedimentation, and nutrient runoff. This impairment rate is significantly higher than the Alabama average of 27.7%, pointing to ecosystem stress.

Extensive Monitoring Network Produces Rich Data

Marshall County benefits from 63 monitoring sites that have recorded 26,213 measurements over the past five years. Testing is comprehensive, spanning physical traits, metals, and organic compounds. This high level of scrutiny helps officials track the impact of the county's significant watershed impairments.

No Real-Time USGS Gauge Data Available

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage data available for the primary drainage areas in Marshall County. While this limits the live flow signal, the county's drinking water compliance remains the most immediate available data for residents. Monitoring efforts continue to rely on manual sampling rather than live gauges.

Monitor for Nutrient Runoff Near Shorelines

While public water is largely safe, the high percentage of impaired waterways suggests residents should be cautious of nutrient and sediment runoff. If you live near the water, avoid using excess fertilizers which can exacerbate biochemical oxygen demand issues. The 'B' grade suggests that while the water is safe, staying informed about local utility reports is still a best practice.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Marshall County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate warmth for the South

Marshall County's average annual temperature of 61.7°F is higher than the national median. It receives a healthy 56.8 inches of precipitation throughout the year.

Below the Alabama temperature mean

The county is 1.5 degrees cooler than the state average of 63.2°F. Its rainfall levels are very close to the Alabama state average of 57.4 inches.

The region's most moderate summers

Marshall has only 49 extreme heat days, the lowest in this group and far fewer than Marengo's 74. It is slightly warmer than Limestone but sees less snow.

Fewer extreme heat days annually

July averages 80.1°F, yet the county only records 49 days over 90°F. Winters are typical for the region at 43.7°F with less than an inch of snow.

Enjoy more manageable summer weather

While still hot, Marshall's 49 extreme heat days are fewer than surrounding counties, offering a slightly milder summer. Plan for consistent rainfall throughout the year totaling nearly 57 inches.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Marshall County

via SoilByCounty

Consistent Soils of the Appalachian Plateau

Marshall County soil reports a pH of 5.23, which aligns almost perfectly with the Alabama state average. While taxanomic data is unavailable, this acidity level is standard for the forested plateaus of the region.

A Balanced Mix of Earthy Components

The soil features a nearly even split between 39.9% sand and 38.5% silt, with 20.7% clay rounding it out. This triple-threat composition provides a stable structure that balances drainage with nutrient retention.

Strong Water Storage for Gardening

With an available water capacity of 0.156 in/in, Marshall County soil holds more moisture than the state average of 0.138. This helps it achieve a soil score of 26.7, marking it as high-quality land for diverse uses.

Reliable Moisture for Plateau Living

The balanced silt and clay content indicates that the ground retains water effectively without becoming a swamp. This reliable hydrology makes it excellent for landscaping and maintaining healthy lawns year-round.

Hardiness Zone 8a Gardening Success

This soil is well-suited for a variety of fruit trees and ornamental shrubs. Your land's above-average water capacity means your plants will be much more resilient during dry Alabama summers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marshall County

via LawnByCounty

Marshall County's Strong Lawn Score

Marshall County earns a 36.5 for lawn ease, outperforming the Alabama state average of 29.5. This 8a hardiness zone provides a relatively stable environment for homeowners compared to other parts of the Deep South.

Favorable Heat and Ample Rain

With only 49 extreme heat days per year, local grass avoids the worst of the Alabama summer. The 56.8 inches of annual rain provides plenty of moisture, though it exceeds the national ideal of 30-50 inches.

Managing Soil Texture and Acidity

The soil contains 39.9% sand and 20.7% clay, creating a balanced but acidic foundation with a pH of 5.23. You will likely need to apply lime to reach the 6.0-7.0 pH range required for optimal grass health.

Relatively Low Drought Pressure

The county has experienced only 14 weeks of drought over the past year and currently avoids any severe drought classifications. Even so, smart irrigation will protect your investment during the dry spells that do occur.

Optimal Planting Times in Marshall

Warm-season grasses should be established between the last frost on March 19th and the first frost on November 19th. This long 8a growing season is perfect for developing a thick, resilient lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marshall County's county score?
Marshall County, Alabama has a composite county score of 54.8 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 Marshall County rank among counties in Alabama?
Marshall County ranks #30 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 Marshall County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Marshall County is $699, with an effective tax rate of 0.38%. This earns Marshall County a tax score of 95/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marshall County?
The median household income in Marshall County, Alabama is $60,946 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marshall County earns an income score of 41.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marshall County, Alabama a good place to live?
Marshall County scores 54.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Marshall 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 Marshall 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.