countyscore
66.6
County Score
Property Tax 98.7Cost of Living 92.8Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Pickens County, Alabama

Pickens ranks among the nation's most livable counties

Pickens County's composite score of 66.6 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top quartile nationally. This 17-point advantage reflects robust performance across multiple livability dimensions.

Second-best in Alabama's livability standings

Pickens ranks second among these eight counties with a 66.6 score, substantially above Alabama's average of 52.9. The county showcases how exceptional affordability and school performance drive overall livability.

Affordability and schools create winning combination

Pickens leads with a cost score of 92.8 (median home value $123,300, median rent $600/month) and school score of 57.8—among Alabama's best educational offerings. The county also delivers superior tax relief with a 98.7 tax score (0.289% effective rate).

Income growth and health services lag behind

Pickens struggles with income (9.6 score, median $47,014) and health (22.7 score), suggesting limited job market advancement and healthcare access. These gaps reflect rural characteristics that constrain professional opportunity.

Excellent for school-focused families on budgets

Pickens is perfect for families prioritizing quality schools and affordability without high incomes, as well as retirees seeking low costs and minimal tax burden. Young professionals or those requiring comprehensive healthcare infrastructure should look toward more urban counties.

Score breakdown

Tax98.7Cost92.8Safety72.3Health22.7Schools57.8Income9.6Risk55.3Water86Weather48.8
🏛98.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠92.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼9.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡72.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤22.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡55.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨38.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱34.6
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

Noxubee County
Mississippi
48.6
Lowndes County
Mississippi
46.2
Greene County
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56.6
Tuscaloosa County
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39.7
Sumter County
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Lamar County
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Hale County
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Fayette County
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Deep Dives

Pickens County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pickens County

via TaxByCounty

Pickens among lowest-tax counties nationally

Pickens County's effective tax rate of 0.289% ranks in the lowest 5% nationwide, roughly one-third the national median rate of 0.9%. The median annual property tax of $356 is just 13% of the national median bill of $2,690.

Third-lowest taxes in Alabama

Pickens County's 0.289% effective rate ranks third-lowest among Alabama's 67 counties, sitting 15% below the state average of 0.339%. The county offers exceptional tax savings while maintaining community services.

Second-most affordable in region

Pickens County's $356 median tax bill is second-lowest in its region, narrowly exceeding Perry County's $325. On a median home value of $123,300, the county's low rate delivers substantial savings compared to Pike County ($403).

Your annual Pickens County bill

On a median home valued at $123,300, Pickens County homeowners pay approximately $356 per year in property taxes. With mortgage escrow factored in, the annual total reaches around $447.

Verify your assessment today

Pickens County's low tax environment can mask individual assessment errors—about one in five homeowners nationally overpay. Request your assessment review from the county assessor to confirm your home's value is accurate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pickens County

via CostByCounty

Pickens achieves genuine housing affordability

Pickens County's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio—second-best in this survey—falls well below national and state averages of roughly 18%, offering true affordability. With median income of $47,014 and rent of just $600, Pickens residents enjoy manageable housing costs relative to earnings.

Pickens ranks among Alabama's most affordable

Pickens's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio is among Alabama's best, nearly 3 percentage points below the state average of 18%. At $600 monthly rent, Pickens offers some of the state's cheapest housing without requiring poverty-level incomes to sustain affordability.

Rural affordability sweet spot

Pickens's $600 median rent ties or beats all rural counties surveyed (Perry also $610), while its 15.3% burden ratio surpasses more expensive urban areas. This combination positions Pickens as an affordability leader among smaller Alabama counties.

Pickens budgets offer financial flexibility

Pickens renters allocate just 15.3% of their $47,014 annual income—roughly $7,195 yearly—to rent, preserving over $39,800 for other necessities and savings. Homeowners pay $559 monthly toward properties valued at $123,300, supporting realistic home equity accumulation.

Pickens suits budget-conscious families

Pickens County combines low rents, reasonable incomes, and rural character, making it ideal for families prioritizing affordability and community roots over urban amenities. Remote workers and retirees will find exceptional housing value without the poverty-level incomes that plague other low-cost counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pickens County

via IncomeByCounty

Pickens trails national income levels

Pickens County's median household income of $47,014 falls 37% short of the U.S. median of $74,755—a gap of $27,741 annually. This reflects broader economic pressures in rural Alabama, though Pickens outearns some of its most challenged neighbors.

Below Alabama's median

Pickens earns 13% less than Alabama's state median of $54,196, placing it in the lower-middle range of Alabama counties. Per capita income of $26,328 also lags the state average of $29,701, indicating limited earning power across the workforce.

Pickens outearns only Monroe and Perry

Pickens's $47,014 income beats Monroe ($40,225) and Perry ($34,368) but falls short of Pike ($47,961), Randolph ($51,551), and stronger earners like Mobile and Morgan. Pickens occupies the lower-middle tier of this regional cohort, with meaningful income gaps above and below.

Excellent housing-to-income ratio

Pickens's rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% is among the lowest in the peer group, allowing households to spend less on housing and preserve income for other needs. With median home values at $123,300, homeownership is accessible and remains a realistic path to wealth-building.

Leverage low housing costs strategically

Pickens households benefit from controlled housing expenses that free up 6-8% of income compared to higher-burden counties in the group. Redirecting these savings into retirement accounts, home maintenance reserves, and modest investment accounts can generate long-term wealth despite moderate baseline income.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pickens County

via CrimeByCounty

Pickens County Safety vs the Nation

Pickens County shows a total crime rate of 660.5 per 100K, coming in well under the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a high safety score of 99.0.

How Pickens Ranks Within Alabama

The county's safety score of 99.0 is higher than the state average of 97.3. Its total crime rate of 660.5 is also less than half of the Alabama state average of 1731.0.

Comparing Rates to Nearby Jurisdictions

Pickens County is slightly more active than Perry County but remains much safer than Pike County. Local law enforcement across 8 agencies keeps the crime rate manageable for residents.

A Look at Crime Categories

Violent crime in Pickens is 211.4 per 100K, while property crime is 449.1. Property crime is the most common concern, though rates remain low by both state and national standards.

Home Safety Tips for Pickens Residents

With property crime as the leading category, securing your home's perimeter is key. We suggest installing outdoor lighting and cameras to further discourage local criminal activity.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pickens County

via HealthByCounty

Pickens's health metrics reflect rural strain

Pickens County residents live to 71.5 years, just below the U.S. average of 71.5 years, signaling a population stretched by chronic disease typical of rural Alabama. One in four residents (25.6%) report poor or fair health, above the national prevalence, indicating higher burdens of preventable illness. With just 37 primary care providers per 100,000, Pickens faces provider shortages limiting preventive care and disease management capacity.

Pickens ranks mid-tier in Alabama health

Pickens County's 71.5-year life expectancy falls 0.6 years below Alabama's 72.1 state average, placing it in the lower-middle tier of county health rankings. The 25.6% poor/fair health rate sits above the state median, reflecting elevated chronic disease prevalence. Pickens's 10.5% uninsured rate runs below the state average of 11.1%, yet the county's sparse providers (37 primary care, 54 mental health per 100K) mean coverage alone cannot ensure care access.

Pickens struggles against healthier peers

Pickens's 71.5-year life expectancy trails Morgan County (72.8) and Randolph County (73.1) by over a year, marking a significant health gap in regional context. The 25.6% poor/fair health rate exceeds Pike County (21.7%) and Morgan County (21.9%), signaling worse disease burden. Pickens's 37 primary care and 54 mental health providers per 100K represent the sparsest networks among surveyed counties aside from Perry, creating barriers even for insured residents.

Provider scarcity compounds rural challenges

Pickens County's 37 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—among the state's lowest—forces residents to travel for routine care, stretching limited budgets and delaying treatment. The 25.6% poor/fair health rate and 10.5% uninsured rate (roughly 1,400 residents) reflect a small, aging population struggling with chronic disease in isolation. Mental health providers (54 per 100K) offer minimal support for the behavioral health needs of a county facing economic stress and opioid epidemics.

Pickens residents: coverage and community care

For Pickens's 1,400 uninsured residents, Medicaid and ACA coverage at healthcare.gov or 1-800-318-2596 may provide access despite provider scarcity. Leverage federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics across Alabama—call your county health department for nearby options offering sliding-scale care. With only 37 primary care doctors per 100K, insured status is critical to ensuring you can reach available providers; treat coverage as your key to accessing the healthcare your county desperately needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pickens County

via SchoolsByCounty

Efficient Schools in Pickens County

Pickens County manages 7 public schools serving 2,373 students within a single unified district. The infrastructure is streamlined into 3 elementary schools and 4 high schools to serve the rural population. This simple structure allows for focused administration across the entire county.

Outstanding Graduation Success

The county boasts a remarkable 97.0% graduation rate, one of the highest in Alabama and far exceeding the 87% national average. While per-pupil spending of $6,207 is slightly below the state average, the county’s school score of 55.5 is exceptionally high. This suggests that Pickens County is highly efficient in turning modest resources into student success.

A Dedicated County District

The Pickens County district operates all 7 schools in the region, with no charter schools currently available. Gordo Elementary is the largest school in the system with 558 students, followed closely by Gordo High School. These local schools serve as the primary educational and social pillars for the county's residents.

Deeply Rooted Rural Campuses

Every school in Pickens County is classified as rural, reflecting the county’s quiet and spread-out nature. Schools are modestly sized, averaging 396 students, which allows for more personalized attention from teachers and staff. The high schools often serve grades 7-12 or 5-12, providing stability for students as they mature.

Secure a Future in a High-Performing County

Pickens County is an ideal destination for homebuyers who prioritize graduation rates and a rural atmosphere. With a 97% success rate for seniors, the local schools provide a clear path to post-graduation opportunities. Explore homes in Gordo or Aliceville to take advantage of these top-tier rural school systems.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pickens County

via RiskByCounty

Pickens County sits below national average

Pickens County's composite risk score of 44.69 earns a 'Relatively Low' rating and falls 17 points below Alabama's state average of 61.54. This places Pickens among the nation's lower-risk counties overall.

Bottom quartile of risk in Alabama

Pickens County ranks in Alabama's lower half for disaster risk, with a 44.69 score that trails the state average significantly. Only Perry (18.83), Randolph (30.60), and a handful of other counties rank safer.

Similar risk to Pike and Monroe counties

Pickens County's 44.69 score aligns closely with Pike County (43.99) and Monroe County (48.66), creating a band of relatively low-risk counties in Alabama's south-central region. All three score well below state average and far below Montgomery's 91.83.

Tornado and earthquake deserve attention

Tornado risk (76.18) and earthquake risk (78.53) are Pickens County's primary concerns, though both remain below state average. Flood risk (41.86) and wildfire risk (27.89) pose minimal threat, while hurricane risk (69.25) reflects some distant Gulf exposure.

Standard coverage with tornado readiness

Pickens County residents should maintain standard homeowner insurance and develop a tornado safety plan given the 76.18 tornado risk. Earthquake coverage is less critical but worth reviewing; most residents won't need specialized flood insurance given the 41.86 flood score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pickens County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and wetter than most

Pickens County averages 63.3°F annually, which is notably warmer than the national median. Its 56.6 inches of annual rainfall also puts it well above the U.S. precipitation average.

Matching the state average

The county's 63.3°F annual average is almost identical to the Alabama state average of 63.2°F. Its 56.6 inches of rain also mirrors the statewide average of 57.4 inches.

A middle ground for heat

With 73 extreme heat days, Pickens is warmer than northern counties but more moderate than the state's southern tier. It sits in a transitional zone of West Alabama with no recorded annual snowfall.

Hot summers and temperate winters

July averages 81.1°F, contributing to 73 days of extreme heat per year. Winters are mild with a January average of 44.1°F and no annual snowfall to speak of.

Focus on cooling and rain

Residents should service their HVAC systems annually to prepare for 73 days of temperatures over 90°F. Managing 56.6 inches of annual rain requires consistent upkeep of home drainage systems.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pickens County

via SoilByCounty

Healthy pH Levels in Pickens

Pickens County boasts a relatively high pH of 5.64, significantly less acidic than the Alabama state average of 5.21. It is moving much closer to the national median of 6.5 than its neighbors.

Nutrient-Rich Clay and Silt

The soil contains 40.8% sand, 36.2% silt, and 23.0% clay, creating a dense and mineral-rich medium. This 23.0% clay content is among the highest in the region, aiding in excellent long-term nutrient retention.

Top-Tier Organic Content

At 2.08%, the organic matter content exceeds the national 2.0% average and the state average of 1.74%. When combined with a high water capacity of 0.149 in/in, this soil is exceptionally prepared for high-yield gardening.

Steady Hydration for Strong Roots

The soil score of 38.6 is the highest in this group, reflecting very favorable conditions for agriculture. While specific drainage classes aren't listed, the clay-silt balance suggests a soil that keeps roots hydrated without becoming waterlogged.

Diverse Options for Every Gardener

In hardiness zone 8a, you can grow everything from blueberries to ornamental shrubs with great success. The superior organic matter and water capacity make Pickens County an ideal place to cultivate a productive homestead.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pickens County

via LawnByCounty

Above Average for Alabama

Pickens County scores a 34.6 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it one of the more lawn-friendly counties in the state compared to the 29.5 average. In this Zone 8a environment, homeowners find the path to a green yard smoother than many of their southern neighbors.

Hot Summers and Wet Winters

The area experiences 73 extreme heat days, surpassing the state average of 64 and demanding heat-hardy grass selections. Annual rainfall of 56.6 inches provides plenty of hydration, though the volume exceeds the ideal 50-inch mark for most turf varieties.

Solid Foundation for Grass

The soil is less acidic than many nearby counties with a pH of 5.64, though it still requires some adjustment to hit the 6.0 ideal. The balance of 23.0% clay and 40.8% sand creates a solid foundation for most Southern turf varieties to take root.

Encouraging Deep Root Growth

While 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry, the region only spent 20 weeks in drought over the last year. Focus on deep-soaking your lawn once or twice a week rather than light daily sprinkling to encourage the development of deeper root systems.

Starting the Season Right

Bermuda and Zoysia are the champions of this climate, easily handling the 5,569 growing degree days. Schedule your major lawn work after the last spring frost on March 24 to give your grass the best chance to establish before summer.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pickens County's county score?
Pickens County, Alabama has a composite county score of 66.6 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 Pickens County rank among counties in Alabama?
Pickens County ranks #2 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 Pickens County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Pickens County is $356, with an effective tax rate of 0.29%. This earns Pickens County a tax score of 98.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pickens County?
The median household income in Pickens County, Alabama is $47,014 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pickens County earns an income score of 9.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pickens County, Alabama a good place to live?
Pickens County scores 66.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Pickens 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 Pickens 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.