countyscore
55
County Score
Property Tax 92.9Safety 85.4Water Quality 69

County Report Card

About Russell County, Alabama

Russell County tops the national median

Russell County's composite score of 55.0 outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. This 10% advantage signals above-average livability compared to most American communities.

Slightly above average in Alabama

Russell County ranks above Alabama's state average composite score of 52.9, positioning it among the better-performing counties statewide. Within the state's competitive landscape, it holds its ground as a moderately strong community.

Tax advantages and public safety shine

Russell County excels with an exceptional tax score of 92.9 and an effective tax rate of just 0.414%, one of Alabama's lowest burdens. Safety is also a clear strength with a score of 85.4, making it an attractive destination for those prioritizing low taxes and secure neighborhoods.

Health and income require attention

The county's income score of 14.5 reflects a median household income of $50,046, substantially below the state and national averages. Health outcomes also lag with a score of 18.0, signaling opportunities for improved public health initiatives and economic development.

Ideal for budget-conscious professionals

Russell County suits individuals and families seeking low-cost living and strong safety records without demanding high income levels. It's particularly appealing to retirees, remote workers, or those prioritizing tax efficiency over urban amenities or higher-income opportunities.

2040608010092.948.185.41839.314.545.36939.3Tax92.9Cost48.1Safety85.4Health18Schools39.3Income14.5Risk45.3Water69Weather39.355/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Russell County DNA

Foverall

How Russell County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Russell County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (92.9/100) but notably weak in Income (14.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
92.9+40.900000000000006
Cost
48.1
Safety
85.4+30.400000000000006
Health
18-32
Schools
39.3-14.700000000000003
Income
14.5-36.5
Risk
45.3
Water
69+11
Weather
39.3-16.700000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$152,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$898/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$152,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $50,046/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

17.0

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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
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Counties with similar scores

Franklin County
Florida
Median income: $62,734
55
Walker County
Georgia
Median income: $55,887
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Calloway County
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Median income: $51,854
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Greene County
Mississippi
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York County
Nebraska
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Tyrrell County
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Union County
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Dooly County
Georgia
Median income: $56,545
54.9

Nearby counties

Chattahoochee County
Georgia
54.6
Muscogee County
Georgia
29.4
Stewart County
Georgia
58.6
Lee County
Alabama
42.1
Quitman County
Georgia
60
Barbour County
Alabama
46
Harris County
Georgia
55.8
Marion County
Georgia
53.1

Deep Dives

Russell County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Russell County

via TaxByCounty

Russell's tax rate tops national median

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Russell County

via CostByCounty

Russell's rent burden runs high

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Russell County

via IncomeByCounty

Russell County Lags National Income

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Russell County

via CrimeByCounty

Russell County Boasts Exceptional National Safety Rankings

Russell County reports a remarkably low crime rate of 329.7 per 100K residents, far below the national average of 2,385.5. This exceptional data earns the county a near-perfect safety score of 99.5.

A Safety Leader in the State of Alabama

With a 99.5 safety score, Russell County significantly outperforms the Alabama state average of 97.3. It ranks as one of the safest jurisdictions in the state based on 2022 law enforcement data.

Russell County Outpaces Nearby Regions in Safety

Its total crime rate of 329.7 per 100K is significantly lower than neighboring Sumter County at 664.2. Russell stands out as a high-performing outlier for public safety in East Alabama.

Very Low Rates for All Crime Categories

Property crime accounts for only 243.0 incidents per 100K, while violent crime sits at a low 86.7. Both figures remain substantially lower than the national violent crime average of 369.8.

Maintain Your Safety with Simple Precautions

Despite high safety scores, residents should remain vigilant by locking all doors and windows. Basic home security measures help maintain these impressive community standards.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Russell County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse School Infrastructure in Russell County

Russell County operates 18 public schools across two primary districts, serving 9,885 total students. The landscape includes 10 elementary, three middle, and three high schools to support the growing region.

Graduation Rates Outpace State and National Averages

The county boasts a 91.4% graduation rate, exceeding both the state average of 90.7% and the national mark of 87.0%. Despite per-pupil spending of $6,157 being less than half the national average, the 52.4 composite school score remains competitive with the state norm.

Phenix City Leads Local School Districts

Phenix City is the largest district, managing 12 schools and 7,218 students. The Russell County district oversees the remaining eight schools, and there are currently no charter schools in operation within the county.

Suburban Learning with a Rural Edge

Schools here offer a mix of 11 suburban and seven rural campuses with an average enrollment of 618 students. Central High School is the largest campus with 1,495 students, while Ridgecrest Elementary provides a smaller environment with 796 pupils.

Investing in Your Family's Future

Explore homes in Russell County to take advantage of graduation rates that outperform national benchmarks. School quality remains a vital factor for families considering a move to this suburban-rural blend.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Russell County

via RiskByCounty

Russell County's Risk Below National Average

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Russell County

via WaterByCounty

Solid Drinking Water Compliance in Russell County

Russell County earns a Grade B for drinking water quality, recording only one health violation over the last five years. Its violation rate of 1.4 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the Alabama state average of 14.1.

Low Watershed Impairment for Local Streams

In the 2022 reporting cycle, 19.0% of assessed water bodies in the county are classified as impaired. These failing sites struggle primarily with E. Coli, mercury, and sedimentation issues, though the rate remains below the state average of 27.7%.

Monitoring Records Focus on Nutrients and Metals

Local water quality is tracked across 11 monitoring sites that have recorded 4,831 measurements in the last five years. Physical characteristics, nutrients, and inorganics represent the most frequent focus of these environmental tests.

Uchee Creek Flow Below Historical Means

The USGS gauge at Uchee Creek near Fort Mitchell currently reports a discharge of 148 cubic feet per second. This flow is only 35% of its long-term mean of 418 cfs, indicating drier than normal conditions.

Managing Runoff and Recreational Risks

Since E. Coli and mercury are the top local watershed impairments, residents should remain aware of advisory notices for recreational water use. The low current streamflow in Uchee Creek may also increase the concentration of these contaminants.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Russell County

via WeatherByCounty

A wet and humid climate

Russell County receives 52.7 inches of rain annually, placing it well above the national median for precipitation. It features a humid subtropical climate with very little annual snowfall.

Slightly drier than average

Russell's 52.7 inches of rain is lower than the Alabama state average of 57.4 inches. While specific temperature data is missing, it shares the generally warm profile of the Georgia-Alabama border.

Occasional winter surprises

The county sees a trace of snow at 0.3 inches, which is slightly more than its southern neighbors. Its 52.7 inches of rainfall makes it one of the drier counties in a very wet state.

Rainy seasons and trace snow

Snow is a rare event in Russell County, averaging only 0.3 inches per year. Without specific temperature data, the high rainfall suggests long, humid summers and short, mild winters.

Focus on water management

Residents should prepare for 52.7 inches of rain by maintaining proper yard drainage and moisture barriers. Although snow only averages 0.3 inches, basic winter supplies are still helpful for rare cold snaps.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Russell County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic soils define the Russell County landscape

Russell County's soil is notably acidic with a pH of 5.33, though this sits slightly above the state average of 5.21. While taxonomic data is limited for this region, the pH remains well below the national median of 6.5.

High sand content ensures rapid drainage

A high sand content of 60.4% dominates the landscape, coupled with 23.1% silt and 15.1% clay. This gritty texture ensures rapid water movement but may struggle with nutrient retention compared to heavier soils.

Lower water capacity impacts growing potential

Organic matter levels of 1.56% trail behind the Alabama average of 1.74%. With an available water capacity of 0.117 in/in, the soil holds less moisture for plants than the state average of 0.138 in/in.

Naturally fast-draining soil requires frequent irrigation

The 60.4% sand profile suggests naturally fast-draining conditions even though specific drainage class data is unavailable for this area. These characteristics generally facilitate easier tilling but require more frequent watering during dry spells.

Plant heat-tolerant crops in Zone 8b

Hardiness Zone 8b allows for a long growing season for heat-tolerant crops like peppers and sweet potatoes. Consider amending the soil with compost to boost its water-holding potential and improve its overall fertility.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Russell County

via LawnByCounty

A Moderate Challenge in East Alabama

Russell County earns a lawn difficulty score of 37.5, which is tougher than the national median of 50.0 but easier than the Alabama average of 29.5. Situated in hardiness zone 8b, homeowners here navigate a climate that favors warm-season turf despite regional challenges.

Wet Conditions Meet High Humidity

Annual precipitation reaches 52.7 inches, which is slightly above the ideal range for most lawns and can lead to runoff issues. While specific heat data is limited, this high rainfall ensures you spend more time managing moisture than fighting total dryness.

Sandy Soil Needs Nutrient Support

The soil is predominantly sandy at 60.4%, which promotes quick drainage but requires frequent nutrient monitoring. With a pH level of 5.33, you need to apply lime to bring the soil closer to the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for healthy grass.

Battling Severe Drought Stresses

Last year, the county suffered through 25 weeks of drought, and currently, the entire area is classified as being in Severe+ drought. Deep, infrequent watering is essential to sustain roots and keep the turf alive through these extended dry spells.

Thriving in the 8b Zone

Warm-season varieties like Centipede or Bermuda grass thrive in zone 8b’s mild winters and hot summers. Aim to establish your lawn in late spring to capitalize on the rising temperatures before the peak summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Russell County's county score?
Russell County, Alabama has a composite county score of 55 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 Russell County rank among counties in Alabama?
Russell County ranks #29 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 Russell County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Russell County is $631, with an effective tax rate of 0.41%. This earns Russell County a tax score of 92.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Russell County?
The median household income in Russell County, Alabama is $50,046 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Russell County earns an income score of 14.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Russell County, Alabama a good place to live?
Russell County scores 55/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #29 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Russell 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 Russell County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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