countyscore
56.9
County Score
Property Tax 99.6Cost of Living 90.2Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Randolph County, Alabama

Randolph outperforms the national livability baseline

Randolph County's composite score of 56.9 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 7 points, placing it in the upper-middle tier nationally. The county demonstrates solid, well-rounded livability across most dimensions.

Above Alabama's average, solidly performing county

Randolph's 56.9 score ranks above Alabama's state average of 52.9, making it one of the better-performing counties statewide. The county reflects how exceptional tax incentives and affordability can elevate overall performance.

Taxes and housing affordability lead the way

Randolph achieves the state's best tax score of 99.6 with a 0.224% effective rate—the lowest among all eight counties. The county pairs this with strong cost affordability (90.2 score), median rent of $646/month, and median home value of $184,000.

Income and safety warrant improvement

Randolph's income score of 17.8 with median household income of $51,551 indicates limited wage-growth opportunity. The safety score of 26.6 also suggests room for enhanced public safety investments.

Ideal for budget-conscious homebuyers and retirees

Randolph appeals to retirees, remote workers, and homebuyers seeking maximum tax savings and housing affordability without premium income requirements. Families prioritizing school quality or dynamic job markets should consider higher-ranking counties like Morgan or Pickens.

Score breakdown

Tax99.6Cost90.2Safety26.6Health25.3Schools46Income17.8Risk69.4Water86Weather56.2
🏛99.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠90.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼17.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡26.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤25.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡69.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨9.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱29.3
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Randolph County

Whether buying or refinancing in Randolph County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

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
Compare Randolph County with Marshall County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Marshall County
Indiana
Median income: $68,041
56.9
Talbot County
Maryland
Median income: $84,378
56.9
Huron County
Ohio
Median income: $65,972
56.9
Hudspeth County
Texas
Median income: $39,336
56.9
Greensville County
Virginia
Median income: $56,759
56.9
Jefferson County
Florida
Median income: $56,984
57
Washington County
Idaho
Median income: $53,608
56.8
Saline County
Illinois
Median income: $54,945
56.8

Nearby counties

Heard County
Georgia
51.1
Cleburne County
Alabama
57.6
Clay County
Alabama
60.4
Troup County
Georgia
26.4
Chambers County
Alabama
44.7
Carroll County
Georgia
42
Haralson County
Georgia
46.6
Coweta County
Georgia
41.6

Deep Dives

Randolph County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Randolph County

via TaxByCounty

Randolph offers lowest taxes nationwide

Randolph County's effective tax rate of 0.224% places it in the lowest 2% nationally, roughly one-quarter the national median rate of 0.9%. The median property tax of $412 is just 15% of the national median bill of $2,690.

Alabama's lowest-tax county

Randolph County's 0.224% effective rate is the lowest among all 67 Alabama counties, 34% below the state average of 0.339%. The county delivers exceptional tax savings for residents with modest or moderate home values.

Regional tax champion by far

Randolph County's 0.224% rate substantially undercuts all neighboring counties, including Pike County at 0.271%. Despite a median home value of $184,000—among the region's highest—the county's rate ensures minimal tax exposure.

Your annual Randolph County bill

On a median home valued at $184,000, Randolph County homeowners pay approximately $412 per year in property taxes. With mortgage escrow, the total climbs to around $513 annually.

Even best rates benefit from review

Randolph County's exceptional tax rates don't guarantee individual assessments are accurate—roughly one-quarter of homeowners discover overpayment during appeals. Contact the county assessor to verify your home's valuation is correct.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Randolph County

via CostByCounty

Randolph achieves balanced housing affordability

Randolph County's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio—the lowest in this survey—falls well below national and state averages of roughly 18%, offering genuine affordability relief. With median household income of $51,551 and monthly rent of $646, Randolph residents enjoy manageable housing burdens.

Randolph leads state in rental affordability

Randolph's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio is Alabama's best, outperforming the state average of 18% by a significant margin, while median rent of $646 stays below state average of $799. This dual advantage makes Randolph the state's most affordable county for renters.

Strong affordability among rural peers

Randolph's $646 median rent falls between rural affordability leaders Pickens ($600) and Pickens ($610), while its 15.0% burden ratio surpasses even Morgan County's 15.4%. Randolph combines low costs with reasonable incomes, a rare combination among rural Alabama counties.

Randolph budgets provide real financial breathing room

Randolph renters allocate just 15.0% of their $51,551 annual income—approximately $7,730 yearly—to rent, leaving roughly $43,800 for other expenses and savings. Homeowners benefit at $570 monthly toward properties valued at $184,000, the highest home value relative to income in this survey.

Randolph offers rare affordability-wealth blend

Randolph County combines low rents, reasonable incomes, and high home values, creating pathways to genuine wealth-building through homeownership. Relocators prioritizing financial stability and community roots will find Randolph's balance of affordability and opportunity hard to match across Alabama.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Randolph County

via IncomeByCounty

Randolph earns 31% below the nation

Randolph County's median household income of $51,551 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $23,204 annually. While this gap is substantial, Randolph performs better than the majority of rural Alabama counties, with per capita income of $29,488 approaching state levels.

Near Alabama's state average

Randolph's median household income of $51,551 falls just below Alabama's state median of $54,196 by approximately 5%, placing it near the state center. Per capita income of $29,488 essentially matches the state average of $29,701, indicating typical earning patterns for Alabama.

Randolph ranks middle-upper in peers

Randolph's $51,551 income exceeds Pickens ($47,014), Pike ($47,961), Monroe ($40,225), and Perry ($34,368), but trails Mobile ($58,119), Montgomery ($58,153), and Morgan ($64,858). Randolph occupies the middle tier of this eight-county regional group.

Excellent housing balance

Randolph's rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% is among the lowest in the peer group, allowing households to spend just 15% of income on housing. With median home values at $184,000, Randolph residents enjoy strong homeownership potential while preserving income for other goals.

Randolph's formula works for stability

Randolph households earn just above state median but benefit from controlled housing costs that free up significant income for savings and investment. Directing even 10-15% of the $51,551 median income to retirement accounts, home equity, and emergency reserves creates paths to long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Randolph County

via CrimeByCounty

Randolph County Maintains Solid Safety

Randolph County has a total crime rate of 1785.5 per 100K, making it safer than the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a safety score of 97.2.

Aligned with Alabama Safety Averages

The county's safety score of 97.2 is nearly identical to the Alabama state average of 97.3. Its total crime rate of 1785.5 also closely follows the state average of 1731.0.

How Randolph Compares to Peers

Randolph County is safer than Mobile County but more active than nearby Montgomery. These numbers across 6 reporting agencies reflect a typical safety profile for East Alabama.

Understanding the Local Crime Mix

Property crime occurs at a rate of 1546.5 per 100K, while violent crime is lower at 239.0. Residents are much less likely to experience violent crime here than in many other parts of the country.

Home Protection for Randolph Residents

Property crime remains the biggest statistical threat in Randolph County. We recommend installing visible security cameras and keeping entryways clear of overgrown shrubs to deter intruders.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Randolph County

via HealthByCounty

Randolph boasts Alabama's best life expectancy

Randolph County residents live to 73.1 years, outpacing the U.S. average of 71.5 years by 1.6 years—among the strongest life expectancies in the region. Nearly one in four residents (23.5%) report poor or fair health, below the national prevalence, indicating excellent disease prevention and management. Despite robust health outcomes, Randolph's 27 primary care providers per 100,000 rank among the nation's lowest, raising questions about whether favorable demographics mask provider scarcity.

Randolph leads Alabama in longevity

Randolph County's 73.1-year life expectancy ranks as Alabama's highest, exceeding the state average of 72.1 years by a full year. The 23.5% poor/fair health rate sits below the state median, reflecting strong population health despite the county's rural character. Randolph's 12.7% uninsured rate exceeds the state average, and the county's sparse provider network (27 primary care, 31 mental health per 100K) is the thinnest in Alabama—yet residents still live longer, suggesting exceptional health factors.

Randolph's longevity advantage stands strongest

Randolph's 73.1-year life expectancy ties with Morgan County (72.8) as the region's highest, outpacing all other surveyed counties—a longevity advantage rooted in unknown factors beyond healthcare access. The 23.5% poor/fair health rate ranks among the best regionally, beaten only by Pike County (21.7%) and Morgan County (21.9%). Randolph's 27 primary care and 31 mental health providers per 100K represent the sparsest network of all surveyed counties, yet residents achieve exceptional outcomes.

Outstanding health despite severe provider scarcity

Randolph County's 73.1-year life expectancy is remarkable given just 27 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the state's lowest density—suggesting favorable health demographics or exceptionally efficient care utilization. The 12.7% uninsured rate (roughly 4,400 residents) and sparse mental health providers (31 per 100K) create barriers despite strong population health outcomes. The 23.5% poor/fair health rate indicates many residents manage chronic disease with minimal provider support, likely through informal networks or self-management.

Randolph residents: strengthen your health system

For Randolph's 4,400 uninsured residents, securing coverage at healthcare.gov or by calling 1-800-318-2596 is vital to deepening the county's exceptional health outcomes. Randolph's 27 primary care providers serve an entire county; insurance status determines whether you can access the limited available care. Advocate for rural health infrastructure expansion—your county's longevity advantage deserves provider capacity to match; coverage enrollment supports the case for increased healthcare investment in Randolph.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Randolph County

via SchoolsByCounty

Randolph County’s Educational Network

Randolph County supports 12 public schools across 2 districts, providing education for 3,537 students. The landscape includes a balanced mix of 4 elementary, 2 middle, and 5 high schools, plus one multi-grade facility. This distribution ensures that students in both Roanoke and rural areas have local access to learning.

Exceptional Funding and Solid Results

The county spends $6,797 per pupil, one of the higher rates in the state and well above the Alabama average of $6,270. This investment supports a 91.1% graduation rate and a school score of 53.7, both exceeding state and national averages. Residents here benefit from a system that is well-funded relative to its peers.

Divided Between County and City Districts

The Randolph County district operates 8 schools with 2,090 students, while the Roanoke City district manages 4 schools for 1,447 students. There are no charter schools, as the traditional districts remain the primary focus for the community. Handley Middle School in Roanoke is the largest single campus with 503 students.

Small-Scale Rural Learning

Randolph County features an average school size of just 354 students, fostering an environment where teachers know their students well. Ten of the twelve schools are in rural settings, while two serve the local town. This small-scale approach is a hallmark of the county's educational character, even in its larger high schools.

A Close-Knit Community for Your Family

For those seeking small class sizes and high per-pupil investment, Randolph County is a standout choice in Eastern Alabama. The combination of rural charm and strong academic funding makes it a hidden gem for homebuyers. Look for homes in Roanoke or near Wedowee to be part of these thriving local school districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Randolph County

via RiskByCounty

Randolph County ranks among nation's safest

Randolph County's composite risk score of just 30.60 earns a 'Very Low' rating and sits 31 points below Alabama's state average of 61.54. This places Randolph among America's lowest-risk counties for natural disasters.

Second-safest county in Alabama

Randolph County ranks second only to Perry County (18.83) in safety, with a 30.60 composite score that sits well below state average. This exceptionally low risk profile protects residents from multiple concurrent hazard types.

Much safer than regional neighbors

Randolph's 30.60 score is roughly two-thirds the risk of Pickens (44.69) and Pike (43.99) counties, and a tiny fraction of Montgomery's 91.83. Randolph occupies a fortunate position of low hazard exposure within its region.

Wildfire risk slightly elevated overall

Randolph County's highest risk is wildfire at 63.77, which exceeds state average but remains the county's only notable concern. Tornado risk (62.60) is moderate, while hurricane (71.92), earthquake (46.56), and flood (41.98) risks all rank below or near state average.

Minimal insurance concerns in Randolph

Randolph County's very low composite risk means residents typically need only basic homeowner insurance without specialized riders or separate policies. Focus on maintaining adequate coverage limits and reviewing your policy annually to account for home value changes.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Randolph County

via WeatherByCounty

Above the national temperature median

Randolph County’s 61.9°F average temperature is higher than the national median but cooler than much of the Deep South. It receives 55.4 inches of rain, typical for its humid subtropical classification.

Cooler than the state norm

Randolph is cooler than the Alabama average of 63.2°F, likely due to its east-central elevation. Its 55.4 inches of rain is slightly below the state average of 57.4 inches.

Milder summers than neighbors

With 63 extreme heat days, Randolph is more moderate than southern counties like Pike. Its summer average of 77.4°F is one of the milder figures in the region.

Four distinct southern seasons

Summers are warm but not oppressive, averaging 77.4°F with 63 days of extreme heat. Winters are chilly for the region, featuring a January average of 43.2°F.

Prepare for heat and rain

Plan for 63 days of extreme heat by ensuring indoor spaces are well-ventilated and cooled. The 55.4 inches of annual rain makes roof and gutter maintenance a priority for every homeowner.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Randolph County

via SoilByCounty

Gravelly Acidic Soils of Randolph

Randolph County features gravelly clay loam Ultisols with an average pH of 5.09, one of the most acidic in the state. This level is far below the national median of 6.5, requiring significant attention to soil pH management.

A Rugged, Gravelly Texture

The soil composition includes 54.9% sand and 16.4% clay, but its gravelly nature makes it distinct from typical coastal soils. This texture can be difficult for traditional tillage but provides a unique environment for specialized crops.

Opportunity for Soil Improvement

Organic matter is currently 1.27%, trailing the Alabama state average of 1.74%. With an available water capacity of 0.120 in/in, this soil holds less moisture than the state average, requiring gardeners to plan for dry spells.

Well-Drained Rugged Terrain

This soil is officially classified as well-drained and belongs to hydrologic group B, allowing for moderate water infiltration. These traits help prevent standing water but contribute to a low overall soil score of 9.3.

Best for Acid-Loving Ornamentals

Hardiness zone 8a is perfect for acid-loving shrubs like hydrangeas and blueberries. With regular additions of lime and organic matter, you can transform this gravelly soil into a beautiful and productive landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Randolph County

via LawnByCounty

A Standard Alabama Lawn

Randolph County's lawn difficulty score of 29.3 mirrors the Alabama state average of 29.5 almost exactly. This Zone 8a county offers a typical Southern lawn experience that is more difficult than the national median of 50.0 but manageable with a clear plan.

Moderate Heat and Generous Rain

Residents deal with 63 extreme heat days, aligning closely with the state average of 64. The 55.4 inches of annual precipitation provides a generous water supply, though it is slightly higher than the 50-inch ideal for most turf grass types.

Well-Drained Clay Loam

The soil is quite acidic with a pH of 5.09 and features a gravelly clay loam texture that is well-drained. This drainage helps prevent root rot, but the high acidity requires regular lime applications to help the grass access essential nutrients.

Building Moisture Retention

The county experienced 25 weeks of drought last year, and 6.1% of the area currently remains in severe drought. Allow your grass to grow slightly taller to shade the roots and help the soil retain its moisture through the 16.4% clay content.

Seeding After the Frost

Bermuda and Tall Fescue are reliable choices for the local climate and well-drained soil. Wait until after the final spring frost on April 2 to begin seeding or sodding to ensure your new grass isn't damaged by a late cold snap.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Randolph County's county score?
Randolph County, Alabama has a composite county score of 56.9 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 Randolph County rank among counties in Alabama?
Randolph County ranks #20 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 Randolph County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Randolph County is $412, with an effective tax rate of 0.22%. This earns Randolph County a tax score of 99.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Randolph County?
The median household income in Randolph County, Alabama is $51,551 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Randolph County earns an income score of 17.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Randolph County, Alabama a good place to live?
Randolph County scores 56.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Randolph 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 Randolph 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.