Marshall County's composite score of 68.8 places it in the 69th percentile nationally, well above the national median of 50.0. The county demonstrates balanced performance across cost, tax, and economic stability metrics typical of stable rural communities.
2 / 5
Just below Alabama's state average
Marshall County scores 68.8, falling 2.0 points short of Alabama's state average of 70.8. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier of Alabama's county profile, reflecting modest but consistent livability foundations.
3 / 5
Balanced cost and tax efficiency
Marshall County offers a tax score of 91.6 with an effective tax rate of 0.381%, and a cost score of 82.7 with median home value of $183,400 and rent of $765/month. This balanced affordability position accommodates middle-income families seeking reasonable housing costs.
4 / 5
Income limits and low economic risk
The county's income score of 23.2 and median household income of $60,946 lag state and national standards, while a risk score of 12.7 suggests limited economic dynamism. These metrics indicate a stable but slowly-growing economy with constrained wage growth.
5 / 5
Suited for middle-income working families
Marshall County appeals to working families and small-business owners seeking reasonable housing costs and moderate taxes within a stable community. The county works best for those with local employment or commuting tolerance, rather than those seeking rapid income growth.
Marshall County's composite score of 68.8 places it in the 69th percentile nationally, well above the national median of 50.0. The county demonstrates balanced performance across cost, tax, and economic stability metrics typical of stable rural communities.
Just below Alabama's state average
Marshall County scores 68.8, falling 2.0 points short of Alabama's state average of 70.8. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier of Alabama's county profile, reflecting modest but consistent livability foundations.
Balanced cost and tax efficiency
Marshall County offers a tax score of 91.6 with an effective tax rate of 0.381%, and a cost score of 82.7 with median home value of $183,400 and rent of $765/month. This balanced affordability position accommodates middle-income families seeking reasonable housing costs.
Income limits and low economic risk
The county's income score of 23.2 and median household income of $60,946 lag state and national standards, while a risk score of 12.7 suggests limited economic dynamism. These metrics indicate a stable but slowly-growing economy with constrained wage growth.
Suited for middle-income working families
Marshall County appeals to working families and small-business owners seeking reasonable housing costs and moderate taxes within a stable community. The county works best for those with local employment or commuting tolerance, rather than those seeking rapid income growth.
Score breakdown
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🏛91.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
Marshall County's life expectancy of 71.9 years is 4.5 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. At 20.7% reporting poor or fair health versus 21% nationally, the county is roughly on par with typical American health status—a small silver lining amid modest outcomes.
Near Alabama's health average, higher uninsured
Marshall County's 71.9-year life expectancy is just below Alabama's 72.1-year average, but its 12.4% uninsured rate is the highest in our survey, exceeding the state's 11.1%. This coverage gap complicates health outcomes despite being close to state average longevity.
Provider access varies across the region
Marshall County's 71.9-year life expectancy ranks below nearby Madison (76.5 years) but ahead of Marengo (70.8 years). With 55 primary care providers and 288 mental health providers per 100,000, Marshall has solid behavioral health access but moderate primary care availability.
High uninsured rate limits care access
Marshall County's 12.4% uninsured rate is the highest in our data, affecting roughly 3,500 residents who cannot afford routine care. While 55 primary care providers per 100,000 is respectable, uninsured residents often delay or skip preventive visits due to costs.
Marshall County: time to enroll
With the state's highest uninsured rate, Marshall residents have the most to gain from coverage: roughly 3,500 people could access affordable plans. Visit healthcare.gov or your state marketplace now to explore subsidies and Medicaid options that match your family's needs.
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.