countyscore
62.9
County Score
Property Tax 96.2Safety 89.9Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Morgan County, Alabama

Morgan emerges as a national livability standout

Morgan County's composite score of 62.9 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top third nationally. This 13-point advantage reflects balanced strength across multiple livability dimensions.

Among Alabama's highest-performing counties

Morgan's 62.9 score ranks well above Alabama's state average of 52.9, making it one of the state's most livable counties. The county demonstrates how strategic investments in safety and education can drive overall performance.

Safety and schools fuel Morgan's success

Morgan excels with a safety score of 89.9 and school score of 52.6, providing families both secure neighborhoods and educational opportunity. The county also balances affordability (cost score 53.3, median rent $835/month) with solid median household income of $64,858.

Health outcomes present the main concern

Morgan's health score of 28.3 lags its other strengths, suggesting room for improvement in healthcare access and preventive services. This remains the county's weakest dimension relative to its national-caliber safety and education metrics.

Perfect for families seeking safety and schools

Morgan is ideal for young families and school-age households valuing safe neighborhoods, decent schools, and balanced housing costs without premium pricing. Its combination of safety, education, and income stability makes it Alabama's most family-friendly option among these eight counties.

Score breakdown

Tax96.2Cost53.3Safety89.9Health28.3Schools52.6Income53.8Risk11.2Water86Weather65.8
🏛96.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠53.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼53.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡89.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤28.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡11.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤65.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨26.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱38.7
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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Counties with similar scores

Lafayette County
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Morgan County
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Wayne County
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Redwood County
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Putnam County
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Nearby counties

Madison County
Alabama
61.9
Limestone County
Alabama
42.9
Marshall County
Alabama
54.8
Cullman County
Alabama
49.7
Lawrence County
Alabama
59
Blount County
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52.9
Winston County
Alabama
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Jackson County
Alabama
61.9

Deep Dives

Morgan County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Morgan County

via TaxByCounty

Morgan County taxes well below national norms

Morgan County's effective tax rate of 0.349% falls in the lowest 15% nationally, far below the national median rate of roughly 0.9%. The median property tax of $674 represents just 25% of the national median bill of $2,690.

Slightly above Alabama average

Morgan County's 0.349% effective rate sits 3% above Alabama's state average of 0.339%, ranking 35th among the state's 67 counties. The median tax bill of $674 exceeds the state median of $511 by $163.

Regional tax leader with higher home values

Morgan County's $674 median bill exceeds all nearby counties except Mobile County, reflecting higher median home values of $193,000. The county's rate of 0.349% remains competitive within its region despite higher assessments.

Your annual Morgan County bill

On a median home valued at $193,000, Morgan County homeowners pay approximately $674 per year in property taxes. With mortgage escrow included, the total rises to approximately $746 annually.

Higher valuations mean appeal opportunities

Morgan County's elevated home values increase the potential savings from a successful assessment appeal. Homeowners should verify their assessed values match current market conditions by contacting the county assessor.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Morgan County

via CostByCounty

Morgan County achieves rare affordability balance

Morgan County's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in this survey and well below both national and state averages of roughly 18%, offering genuine housing affordability. With median household income of $64,858—closer to the national median than most Alabama peers—Morgan residents enjoy breathing room in their budgets.

Morgan leads Alabama in housing affordability

Morgan's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks best statewide, roughly 3.4 percentage points better than Alabama's 18% average, and monthly rent of $835 matches the state average closely. This combination makes Morgan an outlier in affordable Alabama housing.

Balanced costs across region

Morgan's $835 median rent falls between affordable rural counties and pricier urban centers, reflecting its hybrid identity as a suburban-industrial zone anchored by Decatur. Compared to rural Perry ($610) and urban Mobile ($1,021), Morgan strikes a practical middle ground.

Housing remains manageable in Morgan County

Morgan renters allocate just 15.4% of their $64,858 annual income—approximately $9,975 yearly—to rent, leaving substantial room for other expenses. Homeowners benefit similarly, paying $822 monthly on homes valued at $193,000, supporting genuine wealth-building opportunities.

Morgan offers rare affordability-opportunity blend

Morgan County combines reasonable housing costs with proximity to Huntsville's growing tech economy and aerospace industry, making it ideal for families seeking affordability without job-market sacrifice. Relocators will find breathing room in budgets while accessing regional employment networks.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Morgan County

via IncomeByCounty

Morgan approaches the national average

Morgan County's median household income of $64,858 is 13% below the U.S. median of $74,755, a narrower gap than most Alabama counties. With per capita income at $34,510, Morgan demonstrates stronger earning capacity than regional and state peers.

Alabama's income standout

Morgan County ranks significantly above Alabama's state median of $54,196, earning $10,662 more per household annually. This 20% advantage places Morgan among Alabama's highest-income counties, well ahead of the state average in per capita earnings at $34,510.

Morgan leads the region clearly

Morgan's $64,858 median income tops every comparable county in the group—Mobile ($58,119), Montgomery ($58,153), and Randolph ($51,551) all trail significantly. Morgan's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio is also the region's lowest, indicating the strongest balance between earning and housing costs.

Balanced housing costs unlock savings

Morgan's rent-to-income ratio of 15.4% is the healthiest in this peer group, allowing households to spend less on housing and redirect funds to other goals. With median home values at $193,000, the typical Morgan family can afford homeownership while maintaining healthy financial reserves.

Morgan households can build aggressively

With strong income and controlled housing costs, Morgan residents can allocate 15-20% of household earnings to retirement, education savings, and investment accounts. This financial flexibility creates opportunities for wealth-building through home equity, diversified portfolios, and long-term asset accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Morgan County

via CrimeByCounty

Morgan County Ranks Among the Safest

With a total crime rate of just 208.0 per 100K, Morgan County is far safer than the national average of 2,385.5. It boasts a nearly perfect safety score of 99.7.

A Top Tier Safety Ranking in Alabama

Morgan County's safety score of 99.7 far outpaces the state average of 97.3. This highlights the county as one of the most secure regions in all of Alabama.

Comparing Morgan to Northern Neighbors

The county maintains a crime rate of 208.0, which is significantly lower than the state-wide average of 1731.0. Its 7 reporting agencies maintain high standards of public safety for residents.

Rare Instances of Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime is extremely low at 31.7 per 100K, while property crime sits at 176.3. These numbers mean that residents face very little risk in their daily lives compared to other Alabama counties.

Preserving the Peace in Morgan County

Safety this high is rare, but property protection still matters to keep rates low. Simple habits like locking vehicles and using smart locks help maintain this county's excellent reputation.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Morgan County

via HealthByCounty

Morgan's health metrics exceed national norms

Morgan County residents live to 72.8 years, outpacing the U.S. average of 71.5 years by 1.3 years—a substantial advantage in a county known for industrial heritage. Only 21.9% report poor or fair health, well below the national 24% prevalence, indicating strong disease prevention and management. Morgan's 173 mental health providers per 100,000 exceed national benchmarks, though primary care at 51 per 100K remains below the national median.

Morgan ranks among Alabama's healthiest

Morgan County's 72.8-year life expectancy ranks among Alabama's best, outpacing the state average of 72.1 years, with only Randolph County matching it. The 21.9% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's lowest, reflecting effective chronic disease management. Morgan's uninsured rate of 12.3% exceeds the state average, though available providers (51 primary care, 173 mental health per 100K) offer reasonable access for the insured.

Morgan's low disease burden stands out

Morgan's 72.8-year life expectancy ties with Randolph County's as the highest among peers, substantially ahead of Pike County (71.6) and Mobile County (72.6). The 21.9% poor/fair health rate ranks among the lowest, beaten only by Pike County (21.7%), indicating Morgan residents enjoy better overall population health than regional averages. Morgan's balanced provider availability (51 primary care, 173 mental health) falls behind Montgomery and Mobile but exceeds most rural neighbors.

Low disease burden masks coverage gaps

Morgan's 21.9% poor/fair health rate and strong life expectancy suggest effective disease management, yet 12.3% of residents lack insurance—roughly 19,000 people without coverage. The 51 primary care providers per 100,000 and 173 mental health specialists represent reasonable access, particularly for insured residents in this industrial county. The higher-than-average uninsured rate means many Morgan residents cannot fully access the care available to them, limiting preventive services that maintain the county's health advantage.

Morgan residents: bridge the coverage gap

Morgan's 19,000 uninsured residents should explore coverage options at healthcare.gov or by calling 1-800-318-2596 to unlock access to the county's solid provider network. With 173 mental health providers per 100K, insurance ensures you can seek specialized mental health care—critical for population health. Morgan's strong health metrics depend on insured residents staying current on preventive care; coverage is the gateway to the care that keeps your county healthy.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Morgan County

via SchoolsByCounty

Strong Infrastructure in Northern Alabama

Morgan County features 45 public schools across 3 districts, providing education for 20,074 students. The county’s facilities include 24 elementary schools and 12 high schools, ensuring comprehensive coverage from early childhood through graduation. This robust system serves a mix of industrial hubs and residential communities.

High Achievement and Solid Investment

The county boasts an impressive 92.9% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87%. Local districts invest $6,714 per pupil, surpassing the state average of $6,270. This investment is reflected in a school score of 54.4, which stands well above both the state and national medians.

Decatur and Hartselle City Districts

Decatur City is the largest district with 20 schools and 8,745 students, followed closely by the Morgan County district. Hartselle City also maintains a strong presence with 6 schools serving 3,638 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, as traditional districts drive the region's high performance.

A Blend of City and Rural Schools

Morgan County offers a balanced mix of 20 city schools and 18 rural schools, giving families varied options for their child's environment. The average school size is 490 students, with the largest high schools in Decatur and Hartselle each enrolling over 1,000 students. This variety ensures that students can find both bustling city campuses and smaller country schools.

Invest in a Home Near Top Districts

High graduation rates and strong school scores make Morgan County an attractive destination for families. Homes in the Decatur and Hartselle areas offer direct access to some of the county's largest and most successful schools. When researching your next move, consider how these high-performing districts add value to local real estate.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Morgan County

via RiskByCounty

Morgan County ranks among nation's riskiest

Morgan County's 88.84 composite score places it solidly in the high-risk category nationally and 27 points above Alabama's state average of 61.54. This combination of hazards elevates Morgan to the ranks of America's most disaster-prone counties.

Third-highest risk in Alabama

Morgan County ranks third in Alabama's disaster risk hierarchy, behind only Mobile (98.03) and Montgomery (91.83), with a score of 88.84. This consistently elevated risk reflects the county's exposure to multiple concurrent hazard types.

Notably riskier than surrounding counties

Morgan's 88.84 score significantly exceeds Pickens County (44.69) and Randolph County (30.60), despite their geographic proximity. Morgan's higher risk stems from extreme tornado and earthquake exposure that its neighbors don't share to the same degree.

Tornado risk poses the gravest threat

Tornado risk dominates at 98.35—the highest in the state—followed by earthquake risk (92.27) and flood risk (86.74). Morgan residents face a particularly acute tornado threat; this county experiences some of Alabama's most violent spring storm activity.

Storm shelters and full coverage essential

With a 98.35 tornado risk, Morgan County residents should invest in a safe room or basement shelter and carry comprehensive homeowner insurance with elevated limits. Flood insurance and earthquake coverage are also strongly recommended given the 86.74 and 92.27 scores.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Morgan County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler but wetter than average

Morgan County maintains an average temperature of 61.4°F, which is cooler than its southern peers but above the national median. The county receives 58.0 inches of annual rain, far exceeding the U.S. average.

Cooler than the Alabama average

The county's 61.4°F average temperature sits below the state average of 63.2°F. This makes it one of the more temperate locations in North Alabama.

Milder summers than central Alabama

Morgan sees only 41 extreme heat days annually, less than half of what central counties like Montgomery endure. Its 58.0 inches of rain is slightly higher than the state average of 57.4 inches.

Crisp winters and moderate summers

January is the coldest month with an average of 41.8°F, while July averages a manageable 79.3°F. Extreme heat is relatively infrequent here, occurring on just 41 days each year.

Plan for high rainfall

With 58.0 inches of annual rain, homeowners must ensure proper foundation drainage and roof maintenance. The moderate summer average of 78.1°F makes this county ideal for year-round outdoor activities.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Morgan County

via SoilByCounty

Stable pH Levels in Morgan

Morgan County features an average pH of 5.26, which is slightly more alkaline than the state average of 5.21. It remains acidic compared to the national 6.5 median, reflecting the region's long-term weathering patterns.

Silty Soils with Great Workability

The composition is a balanced 43.6% sand, 36.4% silt, and 20.0% clay. This high silt percentage makes the soil easier to till and work with than the heavier clay-dominated regions of the state.

Superior Water Storage Potential

With an available water capacity of 0.160 in/in, Morgan County significantly outperforms the state average of 0.138 in/in. Organic matter is 1.50%, which is slightly below the state average but sufficient for many agricultural uses.

Drought-Resistant Soil Qualities

Although specific drainage classes aren't listed, the 20.0% clay and high water capacity suggest the soil stays hydrated longer than average. This makes it an excellent location for farming during periods of low rainfall.

Vibrant Orchards and Root Crops

Hardiness zone 8a supports productive orchards of apples and peaches, as well as hearty root vegetables. The excellent water retention in your soil will keep your garden lush even when the summer sun is at its peak.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Morgan County

via LawnByCounty

A More Forgiving Climate

Morgan County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 38.7, making it much easier to maintain than the Alabama state average of 29.5. Though it still trails the national median of 50.0, the Zone 8a environment offers a more temperate setting for local gardeners.

Cooler Days, Extra Rain

The county experiences only 41 extreme heat days, which is significantly lower than the state average of 64. However, the 58.0 inches of annual rain is above the ideal 50-inch threshold, requiring attentive drainage to prevent waterlogged roots during wet months.

Balanced Soil Texture

With a pH of 5.26, the soil is acidic and will likely need regular lime treatments to reach the 6.0-7.0 nutrient sweet spot. The earth is a balanced mix of 20.0% clay and 43.6% sand, providing a stable foundation for healthy root development.

Resilient Drought Performance

Morgan County enjoyed a relatively resilient year with only 13 weeks in drought, though 100% of the area is currently abnormally dry. Maintaining a consistent watering schedule during dry weeks will help preserve the turf's health without excessive water waste.

Seeding for Success in 8a

This Zone 8a region is perfect for Tall Fescue in shady areas or Bermuda grass in full sun. Aim to seed or sod after the last frost on March 26 to capitalize on the 5,071 growing degree days available this season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Morgan County's county score?
Morgan County, Alabama has a composite county score of 62.9 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 Morgan County rank among counties in Alabama?
Morgan County ranks #6 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 Morgan County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Morgan County is $674, with an effective tax rate of 0.35%. This earns Morgan County a tax score of 96.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Morgan County?
The median household income in Morgan County, Alabama is $64,858 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Morgan County earns an income score of 53.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Morgan County, Alabama a good place to live?
Morgan County scores 62.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Morgan 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 Morgan County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.