countyscore
47
County Score
Property Tax 99.1Cost of Living 80.5Weather & Climate 60.9

County Report Card

About Walker County, Alabama

Walker County near the national livability median

Walker County's composite score of 47.0 sits just below the national median of 50.0, reflecting a below-average position in the U.S. livability ranking. The county offers an ordinary American experience with notable trade-offs.

Below Alabama's average performance

At 47.0, Walker County falls below Alabama's state average of 52.9, placing it in the lower-middle tier of Alabama communities. The county lags behind many stronger Alabama peers in overall livability.

Lowest taxes and exceptional affordability

Walker County boasts the lowest effective tax rate in this group at 0.272% with a tax score of 99.1, paired with a cost score of 80.5. Median rent of $743/month and home values around $131,100 make it one of Alabama's most affordable counties.

Safety and health outcomes severely underperform

Walker County's safety score of 16.7 and health score of 15.3 represent critical livability weaknesses, among the lowest in this survey. Limited water quality (56.4) and weak school performance (33.1) compound these challenges.

Suitable mainly for self-reliant cost-minimizers

Walker County appeals to individuals and couples with stable outside income who prioritize absolute lowest living costs and can manage independent healthcare and safety strategies. It's not recommended for families with children or those dependent on local public services.

Score breakdown

Tax99.1Cost80.5Safety16.7Health15.3Schools33.1Income24Risk17.4Water56.4Weather60.9
🏛99.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡16.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤15.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓33.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡17.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧56.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨15.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱27.5
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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Nearby counties

Fayette County
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54.2
Jefferson County
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Winston County
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Tuscaloosa County
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Deep Dives

Walker County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Walker County

via TaxByCounty

Walker has Alabama's lowest property tax rate

Walker County's effective tax rate of 0.272% ranks in the 29th percentile nationally, well below the national median of 0.309%. Homeowners pay just $357 annually on a median home valued at $131,100—79% below the national median tax of $2,690. Walker offers one of the nation's most tax-friendly environments for property owners.

Walker ranks lowest in taxes among all Alabama

At 0.272%, Walker County has Alabama's lowest effective property tax rate among all 67 counties. The median annual tax of $357 is 30% below Alabama's state average of $511. Walker stands as the clear tax leader across the entire state.

Walker taxes lower than all nearby counties

Walker's 0.272% rate is substantially lower than neighboring Tuscaloosa County (0.323%), Tallapoosa County (0.311%), and all eastern neighbors. Only St. Clair County (0.305%) comes close, but still exceeds Walker. Walker represents central Alabama's most tax-advantaged county.

A $131,100 home costs $357 yearly in tax

The median Walker County homeowner with a property valued at $131,100 pays just $357 annually in property taxes. With mortgage provisions, the amount rises to $430; without a mortgage, it drops to $277. Over 30 years, Walker homeowners pay roughly $10,700 in cumulative property taxes.

Even in Walker, appeals can yield savings

Walker County's low baseline taxes mean even modest overassessments represent meaningful savings. If your home's assessed value seems high relative to recent neighborhood sales, file a free assessment appeal. Small reductions translate to annual savings of $20–40 or more.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Walker County

via CostByCounty

Walker delivers rural affordability gains

Walker County households earn $54,509—27% below the national median of $74,755—and spend 16.4% of income on rent, maintaining excellent affordability despite limited incomes. This rural northwest Alabama county achieves housing security through genuinely low absolute costs.

Well below state affordability threshold

Walker County's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio beats Alabama's 18.0% state average, performing better than its income levels would suggest. Median rents of $743 remain just $56 above the state median of $799, sustaining affordability across the rental market.

Competitive with the region's bargains

Walker's $743 rent nearly matches Talladega ($772) and trails only Tallapoosa ($734), positioning it among the region's most affordable rentals. Owner costs of $593 monthly tie for lowest in the group, shared only with Tallapoosa at $646.

Minimal housing strain on modest budgets

Walker County renters allocate $743 monthly—16.4% of the $54,509 median income—to housing, maintaining comfortable financial flexibility. Homeowners commit just $593 monthly at a median home value of $131,100, building equity with genuine accessibility for working families.

Walker County welcomes working families

Walker County is ideal for households earning $50,000–$65,000 seeking maximum affordability with community stability. If you're relocating from higher-cost markets or facing income reduction, Walker's low absolute housing costs provide crucial financial breathing room for family stability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Walker County

via IncomeByCounty

Walker County Below National Median

Walker County's median household income of $54,509 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 27%, placing it in the lower-middle income tier nationally. The county reflects economic challenges common to rural Alabama communities.

Just At Alabama Average Income

Walker County's median household income of $54,509 nearly matches Alabama's state average of $54,196, ranking it in the middle of state counties. The county performs at parity with statewide economic conditions.

Walker Among Moderate-Income Peers

Walker County's $54,509 income sits between Sumter County ($37,981) and Tuscaloosa County ($63,947), positioning it as a moderate earner in northwest Alabama. The county mirrors broader regional income patterns.

Healthy Housing Affordability Ratio

Walker County's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio maintains solid housing affordability, keeping household budgets manageable and preserving savings capacity. A median home value of $131,100 remains accessible for most local earners.

Grow Your Wealth With Consistency

Walker County residents earning $54,509 should commit to consistent savings habits and take full advantage of employer retirement benefits. Even modest, steady investments compound over decades to build meaningful long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Walker County

via CrimeByCounty

Walker County Safety Score Overview

Walker County has a crime rate of 2,263.8 per 100K, which is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This data contributes to its safety score of 96.4.

Below State Averages for Total Safety

Walker's safety score of 96.4 is nearly a point lower than the Alabama state average of 97.3. Seven agencies report a total crime rate that exceeds the state average of 1,731.0.

Local Comparisons in Central Alabama

The county's crime rate of 2,263.8 per 100K is higher than St. Clair County's 1,264.7. It aligns closely with the crime levels seen in nearby Tuscaloosa County.

Property Crimes Dominant Local Incidents

Violent crime is relatively low at 257.0 per 100K, well below the national average. However, property crime is high, accounting for 2,006.8 incidents per 100K.

Secure Your Valuables Outdoors

Focusing on property security is essential, as theft and burglary make up the vast majority of local crime. Simple habits like securing outdoor valuables can make a big difference.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Walker County

via HealthByCounty

Walker County faces alarming health disparities

At 67.8 years, Walker County's life expectancy ranks among the lowest in the nation, trailing the U.S. average of 77.2 years by 9.4 years. A quarter of residents (25.0%) report poor or fair health, signaling a population burdened by chronic disease and limited access to preventive and specialty care.

Second-lowest life expectancy in Alabama

Walker County's 67.8-year life expectancy is the second-lowest in this eight-county group and a troubling 4.3 years below Alabama's 72.1-year state average. Only Sumter County performs worse, underscoring Walker's exceptional health crisis.

Walker's health crisis stands apart regionally

Walker's 67.8-year life expectancy lags all neighboring counties—Talladega (70.5), St. Clair (72.8), and Tuscaloosa (74.5)—by 2.7 to 6.7 years, marking a clear outlier. The county's 46 primary care providers per 100K and 119 mental health providers provide decent capacity but fail to reverse mounting health crises.

High uninsured rate compounds mortality risk

Walker County's 12.3% uninsured rate—tied with Tallapoosa for the highest in the region—leaves 1 in 8 residents without continuous coverage, blocking access to preventive care. Combined with economic hardship and historical underinvestment, this coverage gap drives excess mortality from preventable and treatable diseases.

Get covered immediately—it could save your life

Walker County residents facing the nation's lowest life expectancy must prioritize health coverage; visit healthcare.gov or call Alabama Medicaid at 1-800-362-1504 to enroll. Community health centers throughout Walker County provide emergency care, screenings, and chronic disease management on sliding-fee scales for the uninsured.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Walker County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Traditional Educational Foundation

Walker County operates 23 public schools for 9,958 students across two districts. This includes 10 elementary, five middle, and seven high schools providing comprehensive coverage for the area.

Efficient Academic Results in Jasper

The county reports an 89.8% graduation rate, which is slightly above the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil spending of $6,175 supports a 51.6 composite school score, keeping the county in line with regional trends.

Jasper City and Walker County Districts

The Walker County district is the primary provider for 7,188 students, while Jasper City serves 2,770. There are no charter schools in the county, maintaining a focus on traditional public school districts.

Small Town Feel in Rural Campuses

With 14 rural and nine town schools, the average school size is a manageable 474 students. Jasper High School is the largest campus with 814 students, while Sumiton Elementary serves 714 younger learners.

Discover Walker County’s Community Schools

Walker County offers a classic small-town school experience with graduation rates that remain competitive. Look for homes in Jasper or the surrounding rural areas to benefit from these well-established local districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Walker County

via RiskByCounty

Walker County Above-Average Risk Level

Walker County scores 82.60, placing it in the relatively moderate risk category and about 21 points above Alabama's state average of 61.54. This composite reflects significant exposure to tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes across a diverse landscape.

High-Risk County Statewide

Walker County ranks as the fourth-highest-risk county in this analysis, after Tuscaloosa (90.81), Shelby (90.27), and Talladega (84.67). Its score indicates residents face considerably more natural disaster threats than typical Alabamians.

Riskier Than Nearby Russell County

Walker County's 82.60 score substantially exceeds Russell (54.74) and Sumter (53.02) but trails Tuscaloosa (90.81) and Shelby (90.27). Compared to St. Clair (72.14) and Tallapoosa (67.46), Walker presents elevated composite risk.

Tornado and Flood Risks Peak

Tornado risk scores 93.92 and flood risk scores 85.78, positioning these as the county's most pressing natural disaster threats. Earthquake risk (83.49) and wildfire risk (62.47) add additional but secondary hazard exposure.

Bundle Tornado and Flood Coverage

With tornado risk at 93.92 and flood risk at 85.78, Walker County residents must maintain both homeowners insurance with wind coverage and a separate flood policy. Building a safe room or storm shelter should be a priority—it's the single most effective protection when severe weather strikes.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Walker County

via WeatherByCounty

Walker County is Both Warm and Wet

Walker County averages 61.1°F annually, which is warmer than the national median but cooler than most of Alabama. It receives a staggering 61.8 inches of rain, far exceeding national averages.

Cooler and Wetter Than the Alabama Average

The county is significantly cooler than the Alabama state average of 63.2°F. However, it receives 4.4 inches more rain than the state average of 57.4 inches.

Walker Leads the Region in Precipitation

Walker is much cooler than neighboring Tuscaloosa at 64.6°F. It is the wettest county in the region, receiving 61.8 inches of rain compared to Talladega's 55.5 inches.

A More Moderate Summer Climate

Walker sees 58 days of extreme heat over 90°F, which is lower than many neighboring counties. January is the coldest in the group at 41.3°F, with 0.6 inches of average snowfall.

Focus on Moisture Control and Drainage

With 61.8 inches of annual rain, moisture barriers and high-capacity gutters are essential for home maintenance. Residents should also prepare for cooler January nights that average 41.3°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Walker County

via SoilByCounty

Walker soils follow regional acidic trends

Walker County soil has a pH of 5.14, which is slightly more acidic than the state average of 5.21. Like much of the region, it remains far below the national median pH of 6.5.

Medium-textured soils are easy to till

The soil composition is nearly half sand at 48.5%, supported by 36.5% silt and 15.1% clay. This mix creates a medium-textured soil that is generally easy to till but may be prone to erosion on slopes.

Moisture retention matches state averages

Organic matter levels are low at 1.32%, trailing the Alabama average of 1.74%. However, the available water capacity is exactly 0.138 in/in, which perfectly matches the statewide average for moisture retention.

Moderate clay content provides soil stability

The 15.1% clay content is sufficient to provide some moisture stability without causing major drainage issues. The overall soil score of 15.1 reflects some challenges in productivity compared to the state average of 22.5.

Mulch heavily for better garden results

Zone 8a offers a great climate for growing berries and native shrubs. Since organic matter is currently below the national average of 2.0%, mulching heavily will help improve the soil over time and keep your garden productive.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Walker County

via LawnByCounty

A Wetter Path to Green

Walker County earns a 27.5 on the difficulty scale, making it slightly more challenging than the Alabama average. Located in hardiness zone 8a, it offers a marginally cooler summer than its southern neighbors.

The Region's Highest Rainfall

This is the wettest county in the set, receiving a whopping 61.8 inches of rain annually. With only 58 extreme heat days—the lowest in this group—managing excess moisture and drainage is a bigger task than fighting heat.

Balanced Texture, Low pH

The soil pH of 5.14 is significantly below the ideal range, requiring corrective lime applications every season. With a sand content of 48.5%, the soil generally drains well, but it needs supplemental organic matter to improve nutrient retention.

Handling High Rainfall Variability

Walker County recorded 22 weeks of drought last year, though it currently remains free of Severe+ conditions. Focus on building organic matter in your soil to help the lawn better withstand the inevitable dry spells between heavy rains.

Spring Start in Walker

Mark your calendar for March 30 to start your spring lawn care routine after the final frost. Bermuda and Tall Fescue are popular choices here, given the high rainfall and the relatively shorter periods of intense heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Walker County's county score?
Walker County, Alabama has a composite county score of 47 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 Walker County rank among counties in Alabama?
Walker County ranks #52 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 Walker County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Walker County is $357, with an effective tax rate of 0.27%. This earns Walker County a tax score of 99.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Walker County?
The median household income in Walker County, Alabama is $54,509 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Walker County earns an income score of 24/100 on CountyScore.
Is Walker County, Alabama a good place to live?
Walker County scores 47/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #52 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Walker 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 Walker 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.