Russell County scores well above the national median
Russell County's composite score of 68.5 significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 69th percentile nationally. This means the county offers livability advantages that exceed most American counties overall.
2 / 5
Just below Alabama's county average
Russell County ranks slightly below the state average composite score of 70.8, placing it in the middle tier of Alabama's 67 counties. The 2.3-point gap reflects a livable county that performs consistently with state expectations.
3 / 5
Tax burden and housing affordability lead
Russell County excels in tax friendliness with a score of 90.6 and an effective tax rate of just 0.414%, paired with strong housing affordability (80.0) and median rent of $898/month. These low-cost fundamentals make the county attractive for budget-conscious families and retirees.
4 / 5
Income and environmental resilience need attention
Income levels present the largest gap, with a score of just 16.1 and median household income of $50,046—well below state and national averages. Environmental risk (45.3) also warrants monitoring, though health outcomes (56.2) are moderate.
5 / 5
Best for cost-conscious families seeking affordability
Russell County suits families prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high incomes and urban amenities. Retirees on fixed incomes and first-time homebuyers will find solid value here, though job seekers in high-wage sectors may need to look elsewhere.
Russell County scores well above the national median
Russell County's composite score of 68.5 significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 69th percentile nationally. This means the county offers livability advantages that exceed most American counties overall.
Just below Alabama's county average
Russell County ranks slightly below the state average composite score of 70.8, placing it in the middle tier of Alabama's 67 counties. The 2.3-point gap reflects a livable county that performs consistently with state expectations.
Tax burden and housing affordability lead
Russell County excels in tax friendliness with a score of 90.6 and an effective tax rate of just 0.414%, paired with strong housing affordability (80.0) and median rent of $898/month. These low-cost fundamentals make the county attractive for budget-conscious families and retirees.
Income and environmental resilience need attention
Income levels present the largest gap, with a score of just 16.1 and median household income of $50,046—well below state and national averages. Environmental risk (45.3) also warrants monitoring, though health outcomes (56.2) are moderate.
Best for cost-conscious families seeking affordability
Russell County suits families prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high incomes and urban amenities. Retirees on fixed incomes and first-time homebuyers will find solid value here, though job seekers in high-wage sectors may need to look elsewhere.
Score breakdown
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🏛90.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Russell County's effective tax rate of 0.414% exceeds the national median of 0.309%, placing it in the 72nd percentile nationally. Homeowners here pay $631 annually on a median home valued at $152,300, compared to the national median tax bill of $2,690. This higher rate reflects Alabama's overall tax structure, which leans more heavily on property taxes than many states.
Russell ranks eighth among Alabama counties
Russell County's effective tax rate of 0.414% places it eighth highest among Alabama's 67 counties. At $631 in median annual property tax, Russell homeowners pay 24% more than Alabama's state average of $511. This positions Russell as a higher-tax county within Alabama's landscape.
Russell taxing steeper than neighboring counties
Russell's 0.414% effective rate substantially exceeds nearby Talladega County (0.369%) and Chambers County (data unavailable). Among comparable mid-sized Alabama counties in the region, Russell ranks as one of the highest tax burdens. Only Shelby County, further south, carries a notably higher rate at 0.450%.
A $152,300 home costs $631 yearly in tax
The median Russell County homeowner with a property valued at $152,300 pays $631 annually in property taxes. Mortgage-inclusive tax assessments rise to $752, while those without mortgages typically pay $455. Over a 30-year mortgage, that $631 annual tax amounts to nearly $19,000 in total property tax payments.
Many Russell homeowners may be overassessed
Research shows significant percentages of homeowners across Alabama counties are assessed above market value. Russell County residents can request a formal property assessment appeal if they believe their home is overvalued. Filing an appeal costs nothing and could lower your annual tax bill if evidence supports a reduction.
Russell County renters spend 21.5% of income on rent, outpacing the national standard of 30% being unaffordable but still above where most Americans should be. Household incomes of $50,046 fall 33% below the national median of $74,755, putting pressure on every housing dollar spent.
Above Alabama's affordability line
Russell County's 21.5% rent-to-income ratio sits notably higher than Alabama's state average of 18.0%, placing it in the less-affordable half of Alabama counties. At $898 monthly rent, the county exceeds the state median of $799 by $99, reflecting regional housing cost pressures.
Among the pricier corners
Russell County's $898 rent ranks it above neighboring Talladega ($772) and Walker County ($743), though below the more affluent Shelby County ($1,348). Owner costs similarly run higher here—$805 monthly—than in rural Tallapoosa ($646) and Walker ($593).
Where every dollar stretches thin
Renters here allocate roughly $898 of $50,046 annual income to rent, while homeowners commit $805 monthly toward ownership. The median home value of $152,300 remains accessible compared to state growth corridors, but tight incomes limit purchase power for many households.
Consider Russell if affordability matters most
Russell County offers lower absolute housing costs than many Alabama alternatives, though income levels mean careful budgeting is essential. If you're relocating for work in the region, compare your expected salary against the $50,046 county median to gauge true affordability before committing.
Russell County's median household income of $50,046 falls 33% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower income tier nationally. This gap reflects broader economic challenges in the region compared to more affluent American communities.
Mid-Range Earnings in Alabama
Russell County ranks in the lower-middle tier of Alabama counties, with a median household income about 8% below the state average of $54,196. While not the most economically challenged county in Alabama, the county trails more prosperous regions by a meaningful margin.
Russell Among Moderate-Income Peers
Russell County's $50,046 income sits between Sumter County ($37,981) and Talladega County ($56,249), positioning it as a moderate-income community in east-central Alabama. Neighboring counties show wide variation in household earnings, from significantly lower to noticeably higher.
Affordable Housing Supports Stability
Russell County's 21.5% rent-to-income ratio indicates a manageable housing cost burden, keeping households below the problematic 30% threshold. A median home value of $152,300 remains accessible for many local earners, supporting residential stability.
Build Savings Despite Income Constraints
Russell County residents earning $50,046 annually can prioritize building emergency funds and exploring employer-sponsored retirement plans to accelerate wealth growth. Even modest contributions to savings and low-cost index funds compound significantly over time, narrowing the gap to national income levels.
At 71.0 years, Russell County's life expectancy falls 6.2 years below the U.S. average of 77.2 years, signaling persistent health challenges. More than one in four residents report poor or fair health—a 26.4% rate that exceeds national norms and reflects higher burdens of chronic disease.
Below average in statewide health rankings
Russell County's 71.0-year life expectancy sits 1.1 years below Alabama's state average of 72.1 years, placing it among the state's lower-performing counties. The county's poor/fair health rate of 26.4% also exceeds the state average.
Russell County lags regional health peers
Neighboring Talladega County achieves a 70.5-year life expectancy while Tallapoosa County reaches 72.8 years, bracketing Russell's performance. Russell's primary care provider density of 17 per 100K is the lowest among its regional peers, constraining immediate access to preventive care.
Healthcare access gaps drive daily struggles
An 11.8% uninsured rate—above Alabama's 11.1% state average—means roughly 1 in 8 residents navigate healthcare without coverage. With only 17 primary care providers per 100,000 people and 56 mental health providers, residents often travel far for routine or behavioral health visits.
Take action: explore health coverage options
If you're among Russell County's uninsured or underinsured, visit healthcare.gov or Alabama's Medicaid office to check eligibility for affordable plans. Local health departments and federally qualified health centers also offer care on a sliding-fee basis regardless of insurance status.
Russell County scores 54.74 on the composite risk index, earning a relatively low risk rating and placing it well below Alabama's state average of 61.54. This means residents face fewer combined natural disaster threats than most Alabamians, though some individual hazard types still warrant attention.
Safest County Among These Eight
Russell County ranks among the lower-risk counties in this analysis, with a composite score significantly below the state average. Its relatively low exposure positions it favorably compared to peers like Tuscaloosa and Shelby counties, which score above 90.
Lower Risk Than Surrounding Counties
Russell County's 54.74 score edges below nearby Tallapoosa (67.46) and substantially below St. Clair (72.14), making it one of the safer communities in east-central Alabama. Only Sumter County (53.02) ranks lower among this peer group.
Hurricane and Tornado Top Threats
Hurricane risk scores highest at 75.18, followed by flood risk at 66.86 and tornado risk at 58.65. While these scores remain moderate, hurricane preparedness and seasonal storm awareness are essential for Russell County residents.
Secure Your Home Against Storms
With hurricane risk at 75.18, comprehensive wind and storm coverage through homeowners insurance is critical. Russell County residents should review flood coverage separately, as standard policies don't cover flood damage—a layer of protection worth evaluating given the 66.86 flood risk score.