countyscore
58.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 93.2Property Tax 90.7Health 81.1

County Report Card

About Shelby County, Alabama

Shelby County leads Alabama's livability

Shelby County's composite score of 58.5 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking it among the top-performing counties nationwide. This 17% premium reflects a genuinely competitive livability profile.

Clear state champion

With a score of 58.5 compared to Alabama's average of 52.9, Shelby County ranks among the state's elite counties for overall livability. It stands as one of Alabama's most desirable places to live.

Affluent, healthy, and well-educated

Shelby County dominates with an income score of 93.2 backed by a median household income of $93,543, nearly double the national average. Health (81.1) and school performance (58.5) further cement its status as an affluent, health-conscious community.

Housing costs demand significant investment

The county's cost score of 11.8 reflects high housing expenses, with median home values of $298,700 and rents at $1,348/month. Affordability is the primary barrier for middle- and lower-income households considering relocation here.

Perfect for affluent, career-focused families

Shelby County appeals to high-income professionals and established families who value excellent schools, robust health systems, and upscale neighborhoods. It's Alabama's premier choice for those seeking suburban prosperity and strong community infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax90.7Cost11.8Safety65.4Health81.1Schools58.5Income93.2Risk9.7Water71.1Weather44.8
🏛90.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠11.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼93.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡65.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤81.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓58.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡9.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧71.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨23.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱25.7
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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Belmont County
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Stewart County
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Nearby counties

Jefferson County
Alabama
34.7
Chilton County
Alabama
45.9
Coosa County
Alabama
55.8
Talladega County
Alabama
46.9
Bibb County
Alabama
49.2
St. Clair County
Alabama
49.4
Clay County
Alabama
60.4
Tuscaloosa County
Alabama
39.7

Deep Dives

Shelby County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Shelby County

via TaxByCounty

Shelby leads Alabama in property tax rate

Shelby County's effective tax rate of 0.450% is the highest in Alabama and ranks in the 78th percentile nationally. The median Shelby homeowner pays $1,343 annually—nearly half the national median of $2,690—because median home values here are lower. Despite higher rates statewide, Shelby's overall tax burden remains below the national average in dollar terms.

Shelby's tax rate leads all Alabama counties

At 0.450%, Shelby County has Alabama's highest effective property tax rate among all 67 counties. The median annual tax of $1,343 is 163% above Alabama's state average of $511. Shelby's higher median home value of $298,700 compounds this effect, making it distinctly the state's highest-taxing county.

Shelby outpaces St. Clair and Talladega nearby

Shelby's 0.450% rate significantly exceeds neighboring St. Clair County (0.305%) and Talladega County (0.369%). Among the central Alabama region, Shelby stands as the clear tax leader. The gap reflects both Shelby's higher property values and its more aggressive tax structure.

A $298,700 home costs $1,343 yearly in tax

The median Shelby County homeowner with a property valued at $298,700 pays $1,343 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, tax obligations rise to $1,358; without one, they settle at $1,299. Over 30 years, Shelby homeowners commit approximately $40,300 to property taxes on a median-value home.

Shelby homeowners should verify their assessments

Shelby County's high tax rate means overassessments carry significant financial consequences. Homeowners should request a professional appraisal if they suspect their assessed value exceeds the current market price. A successful appeal in Shelby can recover hundreds of dollars annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Shelby County

via CostByCounty

Shelby's prosperity beats national odds

Shelby County residents earn $93,543—25% more than the national median of $74,755—and spend just 17.3% of income on rent, well below the 30% affordability threshold. This affluent suburban county near Birmingham demonstrates how strong incomes transform housing into a manageable expense.

Alabama's affordability leader

Shelby County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's best, outperforming Alabama's 18.0% average. Despite median rents of $1,348—69% above the state median of $799—high household incomes make housing sustainably affordable.

Clearly the premium market

Shelby County's $1,348 rent towers above St. Clair ($1,077) and Tuscaloosa ($997), reflecting its role as Alabama's wealthiest county. Owner costs reach $1,321 monthly, nearly double those in rural Tallapoosa ($646), matching a median home value of $298,700.

High costs, higher earning power

Shelby County homeowners invest $1,321 monthly—17.4% of the $93,543 median household income—toward ownership, remaining comfortably affordable. Renters allocate $1,348 monthly, or 17.3% of income, proving that strong paychecks make even premium housing manageable.

Move to Shelby if incomes align

Shelby County delivers superior schools, amenities, and economic stability—but demands incomes near or above the $93,543 county median to feel comfortable. If your household reaches six figures, Shelby offers exceptional affordability; below $75,000, budget tightly or explore more rural alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Shelby County

via IncomeByCounty

Shelby County Exceeds National Prosperity

Shelby County's median household income of $93,543 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by 25%, placing it among the most affluent counties in Alabama. This strong income advantage reflects a thriving local economy and higher-earning workforce.

Alabama's Wealthiest County

Shelby County ranks as the most prosperous county in Alabama, with a median household income 72% above the state average of $54,196. The county's economic strength far outpaces its peers across the state.

Shelby Leads Regional Income Leaders

Shelby County's $93,543 median household income vastly exceeds neighboring St. Clair County ($78,993) and Tuscaloosa County ($63,947). This premium reflects Shelby's status as Alabama's economic powerhouse, driven by suburban Birmingham prosperity and affluent residential communities.

Strong Income Supports Premium Housing

Shelby County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Alabama's best, ensuring comfortable housing affordability for most households. A median home value of $298,700 remains achievable for the county's well-compensated workforce.

Shelby Residents Can Build Wealth Fast

With median household income of $93,543, Shelby County residents are well-positioned to maximize retirement contributions, diversify investments, and build substantial long-term wealth. Investing aggressively in index funds, real estate, and tax-advantaged accounts accelerates path to financial independence.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Shelby County

via CrimeByCounty

Shelby County Safety Far Exceeds National Averages

Shelby County maintains a high safety score of 98.7, reflecting a total crime rate of 811.4 per 100K. This rate is nearly three times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding Alabama Safety Norms

Shelby's safety score exceeds the state average of 97.3, marking it as a secure Alabama community. Seven reporting agencies contribute data that consistently ranks the county well above state norms.

Local Leader in Metropolitan Safety

Shelby's total crime rate of 811.4 is significantly lower than its neighbor St. Clair County, which reports 1,264.7 incidents per 100K. It serves as a safety leader in the Birmingham metropolitan corridor.

Extremely Low Violent Crime Incidents

The county sees very low violent crime at 46.4 per 100K, compared to a national average of 369.8. Property crime makes up the bulk of local reports at 765.0 per 100K.

Deter Property Crime with Home Security

With property crime as the primary concern, installing motion-sensor lighting can be an effective deterrent. Small steps in home security help preserve the county's reputation for safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Shelby County

via HealthByCounty

Shelby County leads Alabama in health outcomes

At 79.4 years, Shelby County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 77.2 years and ranks among the nation's stronger performers. Just 14.6% of residents report poor or fair health—a mark well below national and state averages—reflecting a county-wide culture of wellness.

Best-in-state health metrics and longevity

Shelby County's 79.4-year life expectancy surpasses Alabama's 72.1-year state average by 7.3 years, placing it at the very top of Alabama's counties. The 14.6% poor/fair health rate also ranks among the state's lowest, underscoring robust population health.

Shelby's healthcare infrastructure stands out

Shelby County offers 77 primary care providers per 100K—more than four times Russell County's density—and 132 mental health providers, the highest in the region. This robust provider supply supports proactive, accessible health management across the population.

Lowest uninsured rate enables broad healthcare access

Shelby County's 7.6% uninsured rate is the lowest among its peers and well below Alabama's 11.1% average, meaning most residents maintain continuous coverage. High provider density and strong insurance uptake create a healthcare environment where preventive care, mental health support, and specialty services are readily available.

Maintain your coverage and thrive

Shelby County's high health outcomes reflect strong insurance enrollment; continue reviewing your coverage annually at healthcare.gov to ensure it meets your family's needs. If you're uninsured or changing jobs, local employers and the Alabama Marketplace offer multiple plan options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Shelby County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Educational Network

Shelby County supports a massive infrastructure of 46 public schools serving 35,800 students. This extensive system includes 22 elementary, 10 middle, and 13 high schools spread across three distinct districts.

Top-Tier Graduation and Performance Scores

The county achieves an impressive 95.6% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national 87.0% average. Its 55.4 school score leads the state average, backed by $6,510 in per-pupil spending.

Shelby County and Alabaster City Lead

The Shelby County district is the largest with 21,179 students, followed by Alabaster City with 6,425 students and Pelham City with 3,425. No charter schools operate in these districts, focusing resources on traditional public institutions.

Large Suburban Campuses Define the Experience

The county features 22 suburban and 18 rural schools, with an average school size of 833 students. Thompson High School stands as the largest campus with 2,203 students, offering a large-scale, comprehensive high school environment.

Home Buying for Educational Excellence

With some of the highest graduation rates in Alabama, Shelby County is a premier destination for families. Consider the proximity to top-performing districts like Alabaster City and Pelham City when choosing your next home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Shelby County

via RiskByCounty

Shelby County Faces Moderate Natural Disaster Risk

Shelby County scores 90.27, placing it in the relatively moderate risk category and nearly 30 points above Alabama's state average of 61.54. This composite score reflects elevated exposure across multiple hazard types, especially tornadoes and earthquakes.

Among Alabama's Higher-Risk Counties

Shelby County ranks near the top for disaster risk in this analysis, with a score second only to Tuscaloosa (90.81) among the eight counties examined. Its tornado and earthquake risks substantially exceed state norms.

One of the State's Riskier Communities

Shelby County's 90.27 composite score exceeds all peers in this group except Tuscaloosa (90.81), making it a notably hazard-prone region of Alabama. Nearby Russell County (54.74) and Sumter County (53.02) face considerably lower combined risk.

Tornado Risk Dominates Shelby County

Tornado risk scores 98.25—the highest among all eight counties—followed by flood risk at 91.57 and earthquake risk at 84.48. Shelby residents face severe convective weather exposure and should prioritize storm-resistant building practices and emergency preparedness.

Strengthen Tornado and Flood Defenses

With tornado risk at 98.25 and flood risk at 91.57, homeowners insurance alone is insufficient—Shelby County residents need both flood insurance and a verified storm shelter or safe room. Consider retrofitting your home with impact-resistant doors and windows to withstand high winds.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Shelby County

via WeatherByCounty

Shelby County Stays Warmer Than U.S. Median

Shelby County maintains an annual average temperature of 64.2°F, which is significantly higher than the national median of roughly 54°F. It also receives 57.4 inches of rain annually, nearly 20 inches more than the typical American county.

Warmer Temperatures Than the Alabama Average

The county's 64.2°F average temperature exceeds the Alabama state average of 63.2°F. This makes it one of the warmer hubs in the central portion of the state.

Comparing Shelby to Its Central Alabama Neighbors

Shelby is warmer than neighboring Talladega County, which averages 62.5°F, and Tallapoosa County at 62.0°F. It matches the state average for precipitation at 57.4 inches per year.

High Heat Days and Mild Shelby Winters

Summers are intense with 75 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 81.5°F. While specific snowfall data is unavailable, January remains mild with an average temperature of 45.2°F.

Planning for Humidity and Extreme Summer Heat

Residents should invest in high-efficiency cooling to manage the 75 annual extreme heat days. Clear gutters and robust drainage are essential to handle the high 57.4-inch annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Shelby County

via SoilByCounty

Shelby's acidic profile typical of Alabama

Shelby County features an acidic soil profile with a pH of 5.16, falling just below the Alabama state average of 5.21. This measurement is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5.

Silt-heavy mix provides smooth workability

The soil is a balanced mix of 45.0% silt, 35.6% sand, and 19.4% clay. This high silt percentage provides smoother workability and better nutrient storage than sandier neighboring counties.

Excellent water capacity offsets low organic matter

The county records 1.45% organic matter, which is lower than the statewide average of 1.74%. However, an available water capacity of 0.160 in/in exceeds the state average of 0.138, providing a sturdy moisture buffer for crops.

Moderate clay levels help retain vital moisture

Formal drainage classifications are limited, but the 19.4% clay content suggests moderate permeability. This composition helps retain moisture while still allowing for adequate root aeration in most agricultural settings.

Acid-loving plants thrive in Shelby gardens

Located in Hardiness Zone 8b, the county is perfect for growing blueberries and azaleas that love acidic conditions. Gardeners should monitor pH levels regularly and add lime to balance the acidity for sensitive vegetables.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Shelby County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming the Shelby Soil Hurdle

Shelby County presents a significant challenge for lawn enthusiasts with a difficulty score of 25.7, trailing both the state and national averages. Residents in this 8b hardiness zone must contend with intense heat and acidic soil conditions year-round.

Sizzling Summers and Heavy Rain

Lawns face 75 extreme heat days above 90°F annually, which is significantly higher than the state average of 64 days. With 57.4 inches of annual rain and 5,801 growing degree days, grass grows rapidly, demanding a rigorous mowing schedule.

Acidic Mix Requires Amending

The soil foundation is quite acidic with a pH of 5.16, requiring regular testing to support healthy turf. A mix of 19.4% clay and 35.6% sand creates a complex texture that often needs aeration to prevent compaction and improve water flow.

Managing Dry Spells with Care

The county experienced 20 weeks in drought over the past year, though current conditions show no areas in Severe+ drought levels. Practice water conservation by watering only in the early morning to minimize evaporation during those 75 scorching days.

Planting Around the Frost Window

Wait until after the final spring frost around March 19 to begin your seeding or sodding projects. Bermuda and Zoysia are top picks for this climate, providing the resilience needed before the first frost arrives in mid-November.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shelby County's county score?
Shelby County, Alabama has a composite county score of 58.5 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 Shelby County rank among counties in Alabama?
Shelby County ranks #16 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 Shelby County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Shelby County is $1,343, with an effective tax rate of 0.45%. This earns Shelby County a tax score of 90.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Shelby County?
The median household income in Shelby County, Alabama is $93,543 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Shelby County earns an income score of 93.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Shelby County, Alabama a good place to live?
Shelby County scores 58.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Shelby 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 Shelby County with other counties side by side.

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