countyscore
58.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 94.2Property Tax 90.6Health 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.

2040608010090.61265.481.158.594.29.771.144.8Tax90.6Cost12Safety65.4Health81.1Schools58.5Income94.2Risk9.7Water71.1Weather44.858.6/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Shelby County DNA

Foverall

How Shelby County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Shelby County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (94.2/100) but notably weak in Disaster Risk (9.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
90.6+38.599999999999994
Cost
12-36
Safety
65.4+10.400000000000006
Health
81.1+31.099999999999994
Schools
58.5
Income
94.2+43.2
Risk
9.7-37.3
Water
71.1+13.099999999999994
Weather
44.8-11.200000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$326,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,401/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$326,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$56,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $97,961/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

22.5

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

Carroll County
Kentucky
Median income: $56,466
58.6
Greenup County
Kentucky
Median income: $60,751
58.6
Mercer County
Kentucky
Median income: $64,824
58.6
Pulaski County
Kentucky
Median income: $51,898
58.6
Quitman County
Mississippi
Median income: $32,412
58.6
Sharkey County
Mississippi
Median income: $40,000
58.6
Worth County
Missouri
Median income: $47,847
58.6
Powell County
Montana
Median income: $66,923
58.6

Nearby counties

Jefferson County
Alabama
34.6
Chilton County
Alabama
46.2
Coosa County
Alabama
56.4
Talladega County
Alabama
47.3
Bibb County
Alabama
51.2
St. Clair County
Alabama
49.9
Clay County
Alabama
60.8
Tuscaloosa County
Alabama
39.8

Deep Dives

Shelby County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 58.6 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 Shelby County rank among counties in Alabama?
Shelby County ranks #15 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 $1,423, with an effective tax rate of 0.44%. This earns Shelby County a tax score of 90.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Shelby County?
The median household income in Shelby County, Alabama is $97,961 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Shelby County earns an income score of 94.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Shelby County, Alabama a good place to live?
Shelby County scores 58.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.