countyscore
52.2
County Score
Property Tax 97.7Cost of Living 86Water Quality 54.8

County Report Card

About Monroe County, Alabama

Monroe meets but doesn't exceed national livability norms

Monroe County's composite score of 52.2 sits just above the national median of 50.0, placing it near the middle of the national livability spectrum. The county achieves a near-average standing despite significant variation across its dimensions.

Right at Alabama's statewide average

Monroe's score of 52.2 closely mirrors Alabama's state average of 52.9, making it a quintessential mid-range Alabama county. This positioning suggests neither standout strengths nor critical weaknesses relative to state peers.

Affordability and low taxes lead the way

Monroe excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 86.0 and a median home value of just $114,900—among the most affordable in the state. Its tax score of 97.7 (effective rate 0.315%) ranks among Alabama's best, reducing the burden on household budgets.

Income and health gaps need attention

Monroe faces critical income challenges with a score of just 3.0 and median household income of only $40,225—well below state norms. Health outcomes also lag significantly (18.5 score), suggesting limited access to quality healthcare and preventive services.

Ideal for budget-minded, self-reliant households

Monroe suits retirees or remote workers with established income who prioritize affordability and low taxes over robust local job markets or healthcare infrastructure. Families seeking upward income mobility or quality health services should consider stronger-performing counties.

Score breakdown

Tax97.7Cost86Safety32.7Health18.5Schools39.3Income3Risk51.4Water54.8Weather42.7
🏛97.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡32.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤18.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓39.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡51.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧54.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤42.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨15.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱24
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Clarke County
Alabama
48.1
Conecuh County
Alabama
58.7
Escambia County
Alabama
46.3
Wilcox County
Alabama
58.3
Washington County
Alabama
65.4
Butler County
Alabama
45
Baldwin County
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48.6
Marengo County
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48.3

Deep Dives

Monroe County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Monroe County

via TaxByCounty

Monroe offers minimal property tax burden

Monroe County's effective tax rate of 0.315% ranks in the lowest 5% nationally, leaving homeowners with minimal tax obligations. The median annual property tax of $362 is just 13% of the national median bill of $2,690.

Second-lowest taxes statewide

Monroe County ranks second-lowest among Alabama's 67 counties, with an effective rate of 0.315% compared to the state average of 0.339%. Only Randolph County at 0.224% offers a lower rate in the state.

Among the region's most affordable

Monroe County's $362 median tax bill is the lowest in its region, significantly undercutting Pike County ($403) and Pickens County ($356). Despite lower home values ($114,900 median), Monroe's tax rate ensures minimal burden for property owners.

Your annual Monroe County bill

On a median home valued at $114,900, Monroe County homeowners pay approximately $362 per year in property taxes. Even with mortgage escrow, the total typically remains under $400 annually.

Still worth reviewing your assessment

Even in low-tax counties, assessments can be inflated—roughly one in four homeowners nationally are overcharged. A free appeal to Monroe County's assessor could identify whether your home's valuation needs correction.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Monroe County

via CostByCounty

Monroe's affordability crisis outpaces nation

Monroe County's 21.5% rent-to-income ratio mirrors national averages, but with a median household income of just $40,225—46% below the national median of $74,755—housing costs consume a disproportionate share of already-tight budgets. This income gap makes Monroe one of Alabama's most financially strained counties.

Monroe ranks among state's toughest affordability

Monroe's 21.5% rent-to-income ratio trails only Montgomery and Mobile among Alabama counties, placing it third-most burdened. At $721 monthly rent, Monroe actually offers slightly below the state average of $799, yet the burden remains acute due to low median incomes.

Cheapest rents in survey area

Monroe's $721 median rent is among the lowest across this eight-county sample, beating rural peers like Perry ($610) only marginally. However, Monroe's disadvantage lies in income: residents earn roughly $6,000 less annually than neighboring counties with similar rents.

Housing dominance in Monroe budgets

Monroe renters allocate 21.5% of their $40,225 annual income—roughly $8,640 yearly—to rent alone, straining households already managing limited resources. Homeowners fare slightly better at $552 monthly, though on properties valued at $114,900, suggesting limited wealth accumulation.

Monroe suits ultra-budget conscious movers

Monroe's low rents make it attractive for remote workers or retirees with outside income sources, but local job opportunities remain limited. Relocators should verify employment prospects before committing, as low housing costs cannot offset insufficient local wages.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Monroe County

via IncomeByCounty

Monroe trails the nation significantly

Monroe County's median household income of $40,225 falls 46% below the U.S. median of $74,755, a gap of nearly $35,000 per year. This places Monroe among the lowest-income counties nationally, reflecting economic challenges common to rural Alabama.

Ranking in Alabama's lower tier

Monroe County earns 26% below Alabama's state median of $54,196, placing it in the bottom third of Alabama counties by household income. Per capita income of $23,470 also lags the state average of $29,701, indicating limited earning opportunities across the workforce.

Monroe is the region's lowest earner

Monroe's $40,225 median income is substantially lower than every comparable county in the group, with nearby Pike County at $47,961 and Pickens County at $47,014 both earning 18%+ more. Even Perry County, the second-lowest in this cohort, earns $34,368—still above Monroe's baseline.

Housing costs strain budgets

Monroe's rent-to-income ratio of 21.5% means the typical renter dedicates over one-fifth of limited income to housing. With median home values at $114,900, homeownership requires significant financial discipline given the median income of just $40,225.

Prioritize emergency savings first

Given tight household budgets, Monroe residents should focus on building a small emergency fund before other investments. Even modest monthly contributions to savings—automated from paychecks—create financial resilience and reduce reliance on costly debt.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Monroe County

via CrimeByCounty

Monroe County Outperforms National Safety Norms

Monroe County shows a total crime rate of 1579.5 per 100K, keeping it well below the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a strong safety score of 97.5.

Leading the Way in Alabama Safety

The county's safety score of 97.5 slightly exceeds the Alabama state average of 97.3. Its total crime rate is also lower than the state average of 1731.0, signaling a safer environment than many surrounding areas.

Local Comparisons Favor Monroe County

Monroe County is significantly safer than Mobile County to the south, which has a much higher crime rate of 3105.3. Residents here enjoy a quieter landscape compared to the busier Gulf Coast region.

The Local Crime Environment Analyzed

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 413.8 per 100K, while property crime is more frequent at 1165.7. Most reported incidents involve property, which is typical for rural Alabama jurisdictions.

Proactive Home Defense in Monroe

Even with favorable safety stats, property crime remains the primary concern for local families. Strengthening entry points and using motion-activated lights are effective ways to deter potential intruders.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Monroe County

via HealthByCounty

Monroe's health lags national average

Monroe County residents live to 70.8 years, nearly a year below the U.S. average of 71.5 years, signaling persistent health challenges in this rural county. Over one in four residents (26.1%) report poor or fair health, exceeding the national prevalence and suggesting chronic disease burdens. With only 46 primary care providers per 100,000, Monroe has significantly fewer doctors than the national benchmark, limiting preventive care access.

Monroe ranks among Alabama's sickest

Monroe County's 70.8-year life expectancy falls 1.3 years below Alabama's state average of 72.1 years, placing it in the lower tier of state health rankings. The county's 26.1% poor/fair health rate stands well above the state median, reflecting higher rates of preventable chronic illness. Monroe's 11.5% uninsured rate matches the state average, but sparse provider availability (46 primary care per 100K) compounds coverage barriers.

Monroe's health crisis stands out locally

Monroe's 70.8-year life expectancy is nearly two years below neighboring Mobile County (72.6), a striking gap that underscores the county's health disadvantage. The 26.1% poor/fair health rate represents the highest burden among surveyed neighbors, with Pike County (21.7%) and Morgan County (21.9%) showing substantially better population health. Monroe's just 46 primary care providers per 100K—the lowest density among peers—forces residents to travel for routine care.

Rural crisis: few doctors, aging population

Monroe County's 46 primary care providers per 100,000 residents means a shortage so acute that routine care often requires long drives and extended wait times. The 26.1% poor/fair health rate and 11.5% uninsured rate (roughly 3,400 residents) combine to create a public health crisis in a county of 24,000. Mental health providers (120 per 100K) offer some support, but limited primary care acts as a bottleneck for all healthcare, from preventive screenings to chronic disease management.

Monroe residents: coverage helps overcome distance

For Monroe's 3,400 uninsured residents, Medicaid expansion and ACA marketplace plans offer pathways to coverage—visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore options. Securing insurance is crucial in Monroe, where provider scarcity forces many to travel; coverage determines whether distant care is financially feasible. Community health centers across Alabama offer sliding-scale care regardless of insurance—ask your county health department for locations.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Monroe County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Town Focus in Monroe County

Monroe County maintains a compact school system featuring 9 public schools and a total enrollment of 3,077 students. The infrastructure consists of 2 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 2 high schools, all managed by a single unified district. This centralized structure ensures consistent oversight for the county's student body.

Competitive Scores and Rural Investment

With a 90.0% graduation rate, Monroe County outperforms the national average and closely trails the state's 90.7% benchmark. The county invests $6,578 per pupil, which is higher than the state average of $6,270. These investments translate to a school score of 52.6, slightly besting the state average of 52.3.

A Unified County District

The Monroe County school district operates all 9 schools in the region, providing a streamlined experience for families. There are currently no charter schools in the county, emphasizing the role of traditional public education. Largest institutions like Excel High School serve over 1,000 students, acting as major community anchors.

Quiet Rural and Town Schools

Seven of the county's nine schools are located in rural areas, creating a close-knit educational atmosphere. The average school size is 440 students, though enrollment varies significantly between the 1,031 students at Excel High and 322 at Monroe County High. Attending school here feels like being part of a small, connected community.

Rural Charm for Growing Families

Homebuyers seeking a quieter pace of life will find Monroe County's rural school settings very appealing. With strong graduation rates and higher-than-average state spending per student, the area offers a quality environment for education. Consider exploring homes near Excel or Monroeville to stay close to the county's primary schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Monroe County

via RiskByCounty

Monroe County sits below national risk

Monroe County's composite risk score of 48.66 earns a 'Relatively Low' rating and falls well below both the state average (61.54) and typical national risk benchmarks. This makes Monroe one of Alabama's safer counties for most disaster types.

Middle of the pack in Alabama

Monroe County ranks in the lower half of Alabama counties by disaster risk, with its 48.66 score sitting 13 points below state average. It avoids the extreme exposure that challenges counties like Mobile, Montgomery, and Morgan.

Safer than nearby Pike and Montgomery

Monroe County's 48.66 score mirrors Pike County (43.99) and Pickens County (44.69), creating a cluster of relatively lower-risk counties in south-central Alabama. All three score substantially below the state average and nearby Montgomery County's 91.83.

Hurricane risk still warrants attention

Although Monroe ranks low overall, its hurricane risk of 87.94 stands notably elevated—a reflection of its proximity to the Gulf and coastal weather systems. Tornado risk (60.59) is moderate, while flood, wildfire, and earthquake risks all remain below 60.

Basic coverage likely adequate here

Monroe County's low composite risk suggests standard homeowner insurance may suffice for most residents, though hurricane preparedness and a flood insurance policy are wise given the 87.94 hurricane score. Review your coverage annually and consider a wind rider if rebuilding costs have increased.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Monroe County

via WeatherByCounty

A rainy subtropical pocket

Monroe County receives 54.6 inches of rain annually, which is significantly higher than the national median. While specific average temperature data is unavailable, its climate profile remains consistent with the humid, warm conditions found across the Deep South.

Drier than the state average

The county's 54.6 inches of annual rainfall is slightly below the Alabama average of 57.4 inches. While local temperature data is limited, Monroe typically aligns with the warmer trends seen in the southern half of the state.

Matching the coastal plain neighbors

Monroe shares its high-humidity profile with adjacent counties like Clarke and Conecuh. Like most of its neighbors in southern Alabama, it records 0.0 inches of annual snowfall.

Long summers and snowless winters

Winters are exceptionally mild, resulting in an average of 0.0 inches of snowfall annually. Though summer temperature data is missing, the 54.6 inches of rain supports a long, lush growing season.

Manage moisture and heat

Property owners should prioritize robust drainage and gutter systems to handle 54.6 inches of annual rain. Because snow is non-existent, residents can focus their maintenance budgets on humidity control and cooling.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Monroe County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Southern Acidic Soils

Monroe County has an average soil pH of 5.14, falling just under the state average of 5.21. This acidic profile is much lower than the national median of 6.5, a common trait for the soils of the Alabama coastal plain.

The Sand and Silt Balance

The soil composition is 56.2% sand and 26.8% silt, with 14.3% clay providing some structural stability. This mix allows for decent drainage while the silt and clay components help hold onto minerals better than purely sandy areas.

Building Up the Soil Base

Organic matter sits at 1.44%, which is lower than the state average of 1.74% and the national 2.0% benchmark. Available water capacity is also slightly below the state norm at 0.134 in/in, indicating a need for consistent irrigation.

Moderate Drainage for Forested Land

While specific drainage classes are not provided in the data, the 56.2% sand content usually offers moderate to good drainage. The overall soil score of 15.9 suggests that consistent amendments are necessary to maximize agricultural productivity.

Heat-Tolerant Varieties Thrive Here

Gardeners in hardiness zone 8b can find success with heat-tolerant crops like peppers, tomatoes, and blueberries. Supplementing with compost will help improve the low organic matter and keep your plants thriving through the summer.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Monroe County

via LawnByCounty

Demanding Maintenance in Monroe

Monroe County's lawn difficulty score of 24.0 indicates a challenging environment that sits below the Alabama state average of 29.5. Homeowners in this Zone 8b region face steeper hurdles than the typical American lawn, which scores 50.0 for ease of care.

Abundant Rainfall for Turf

Annual precipitation of 54.6 inches is slightly higher than the national ideal 50-inch ceiling, keeping the ground consistently moist. While specific heat data is limited, the sub-tropical climate generally requires homeowners to be vigilant about fungal management during humid months.

Lime is Essential Here

The soil is notably acidic at 5.14 pH, requiring regular lime applications to reach the 6.0-7.0 range that most grasses prefer. A composition of 56.2% sand helps with drainage but may require more frequent, light fertilization to maintain lawn vigor throughout the year.

Battling Severe Dry Conditions

Severe drought currently impacts 78.2% of the county, following a difficult year where residents endured 33 weeks of dry conditions. Implementing a smart irrigation system or using rain barrels can help manage water resources while maintaining turf health during these extended dry periods.

Warm-Season Success in 8b

Warm-season varieties like Bermuda or Zoysia are excellent choices for the local Zone 8b climate. Although specific frost dates vary, late spring is typically the prime window to seed or sod once soil temperatures consistently rise.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Monroe County's county score?
Monroe County, Alabama has a composite county score of 52.2 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 Monroe County rank among counties in Alabama?
Monroe County ranks #37 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 Monroe County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Monroe County is $362, with an effective tax rate of 0.32%. This earns Monroe County a tax score of 97.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Monroe County?
The median household income in Monroe County, Alabama is $40,225 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Monroe County earns an income score of 3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Monroe County, Alabama a good place to live?
Monroe County scores 52.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #37 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Monroe 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 Monroe County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.