CountyScore

Wilcox County

Alabama · AL

#42 in Alabama
70.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Wilcox County, Alabama

Wilcox County well above national median

At 70.4, Wilcox County's composite score is 41% higher than the national median of 50.0, demonstrating solid livability fundamentals despite economic challenges. The county ranks in the upper-middle tier nationally, driven by exceptional tax efficiency and affordable housing.

Right at Alabama's average

Wilcox County scores 70.4 compared to Alabama's state average of 70.8, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's livability rankings. The county keeps pace with peer Alabama counties despite lower median incomes.

Affordability and tax advantage

Wilcox County shines with a tax score of 91.9 and an effective rate of 0.367%, among Alabama's most business-friendly rates. Housing remains exceptionally affordable with median home values of just $84,200 and median rents of $699/month, plus a strong cost score of 88.1 that reflects genuine purchasing power.

Income inequality and health gaps

The income score of 11.0 reflects a median household income of only $42,236, the lowest among these three counties and well below state opportunity. Health outcomes (47.3) lag most Alabama benchmarks, signaling potential healthcare access or lifestyle factors that deserve community attention.

Best for ultra-budget-conscious settlers

Wilcox County appeals to those seeking the absolute lowest cost of living and minimal tax liability, willing to trade income opportunities for affordability. It suits fixed-income retirees, artists, and entrepreneurs comfortable in a rural setting with limited wage employment.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax91.9Cost88.1SafetyComing SoonHealth47.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome11Risk63.3WaterComing Soon
🏛91.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠88.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼11
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤47.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡63.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Wilcox County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Chambers County
Alabama
70.4
Median income: $49,295
Ashley County
Arkansas
70.4
Median income: $44,481
Dixie County
Florida
70.4
Median income: $47,655
Morgan County
Indiana
70.4
Median income: $79,088
Lincoln County
Kansas
70.4
Median income: $53,546

Deep Dives

Wilcox County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wilcox County

via TaxByCounty

Wilcox County taxes remain well below national norm

Wilcox County's effective tax rate of 0.367% is still substantially lower than the national median of 0.47%, placing it in the bottom 30% of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $309 pales against the national median of $2,690, reflecting both lower regional home values and lighter overall tax pressure.

Slightly above Alabama's state average

Wilcox County's effective rate of 0.367% edges above Alabama's state average of 0.339%, making it a moderate-tax county within the state. However, its median property tax of $309 remains below the state median of $511, thanks to the county's lower median home values of $84,200.

Wilcox County has the highest effective rate locally

Wilcox County's 0.367% effective tax rate is the highest among the three counties studied, exceeding Washington County (0.234%) and Winston County (0.329%). Despite having the lowest median home value at $84,200, the elevated rate results in a median tax bill of $309—competitive with the regional average.

Median homeowner pays $309 annually

On Wilcox County's median home value of $84,200, typical homeowners pay about $309 per year in property taxes. Those with mortgages often see their bills rise to around $445 due to lender escrow, while outright owners typically pay closer to $247.

Assessment appeals may help Wilcox homeowners

With the county's higher effective rate compared to neighbors, it's worth reviewing whether your property assessment is fair relative to similar homes in the area. County assessor records are public—comparing your assessed value to recent sales of similar properties can reveal grounds for a successful appeal.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wilcox County

via CostByCounty

Wilcox County's Affordability Squeeze

At 19.9%, Wilcox County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national comfort zone, meaning renters here stretch farther to cover housing costs. With a median household income of just $42,236—43% below the national average—Wilcox residents face tighter financial constraints than typical American households.

Among Alabama's Most Strained

Wilcox County's 19.9% rent-to-income ratio edges above Alabama's 18% average, placing it among the state's least affordable counties. The combination of low income ($42,236) and modest rents ($699) reveals an earnings challenge more than a housing-cost problem.

Neighbors Face Similar Pressures

Wilcox County's rent ($699) falls between Washington County ($628) and Winston County ($744), but its notably lower median income ($42,236) makes housing costs feel heavier. Compared to Washington County's more robust income levels, Wilcox residents face tighter affordability even with moderate rents.

Income vs. Housing Reality

Renters pay $699 monthly while homeowners budget $516—both manageable individually, but they consume 19.9% and 14.7% of the $42,236 median household income respectively. Wilcox residents dedicate a larger share of earnings to housing than peers in surrounding counties, limiting discretionary spending.

Wilcox: Ultra-Low Home Prices

For buyers able to relocate with stable remote income, Wilcox County offers Alabama's lowest median home value ($84,200) and affordable rents. Those moving here should factor that low wages are the real affordability challenge; housing costs themselves rank among the region's lowest.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wilcox County

via IncomeByCounty

Wilcox County faces significant income gap

Wilcox County's median household income of $42,236 falls $32,519 short of the national median of $74,755—a 43.5% deficit that underscores deep economic challenges. The county also lags Alabama's state average of $54,196 by nearly 22%, indicating that local earnings trail both state and national norms significantly.

Among Alabama's lowest-income counties

Wilcox County ranks in the lowest quartile statewide for household income, placing it among Alabama's most economically stressed communities. This ranking reflects structural employment and opportunity gaps that require targeted investment and policy attention.

Lowest earners in the region

Wilcox County households earn $18,267 less annually than Washington County ($60,503) and $5,796 less than Winston County ($48,032). These income disparities highlight why economic development initiatives and workforce training programs are critical in Wilcox County.

Housing costs strain household budgets

At 19.9%, Wilcox County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds HUD's affordability threshold of 15%, meaning housing consumes nearly one-fifth of median income. This burden leaves less money for food, transportation, healthcare, and emergency savings—a pattern common in lower-income rural counties.

Seek resources to build financial resilience

Given tight budgets, Wilcox County residents should explore free and low-cost financial literacy programs, credit counseling services, and assistance programs offered through nonprofits and local government. Even modest savings and debt reduction strategies can create pathways to greater economic stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Wilcox County

via HealthByCounty

Wilcox County faces significant health challenges

Life expectancy in Wilcox County stands at 68.7 years—nearly 3 years below the U.S. average of 71.4 years—signaling serious population health concerns. More than one in three residents (33.9%) report poor or fair health, far exceeding the national average of 21%.

Among Alabama's lowest life expectancy counties

Wilcox County's 68.7-year life expectancy falls 3.4 years below Alabama's state average of 72.1 years, placing it among the state's most challenged health communities. The county's 12.1% uninsured rate slightly exceeds Alabama's 11.1% average, compounding healthcare access barriers.

Significantly behind regional health peers

Wilcox County lags both Washington County (72.6 years) and Winston County (72.7 years) by roughly 4 years in life expectancy. At 33.9% reporting poor/fair health, the county faces a health burden nearly 60% higher than Washington County's 25.1%.

Uninsured gaps meet limited provider access

One in eight Wilcox County residents (12.1%) remain uninsured, restricting their access to regular checkups and chronic disease management. The county has 10 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—less than half the national average—though 30 mental health providers per 100,000 offer some behavioral health support.

Coverage changes your health story

If you're uninsured in Wilcox County, enrollment in Medicaid or marketplace plans is essential to addressing the county's health crisis. Visit healthcare.gov, call 1-800-318-2596, or connect with a local health department to explore options that could save your life.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wilcox County

via RiskByCounty

Wilcox County faces very low national risk

Wilcox County scores 36.70 on the composite risk scale, earning a "Very Low" rating that ranks it among the safest counties in the nation. This indicates substantially reduced exposure to combined natural hazards relative to the national average.

Alabama's safest county by comparison

Wilcox County's composite score of 36.70 sits dramatically below Alabama's state average of 61.54—a 40% improvement that makes it one of the lowest-risk counties statewide. This significant advantage reflects below-average vulnerability across nearly all hazard categories.

Lowest risk in the three-county region

Wilcox County edges out Washington County (45.64) and Winston County (59.19) as the safest among the three, with notably reduced exposure across most hazard types. This lower-risk profile makes Wilcox County a statistically safer location within its immediate region.

Hurricane risk outpaces other hazards

Hurricane risk registers at 76.43, the highest individual threat, though flood risk at 53.09 adds secondary concern. Tornado, earthquake, and wildfire risks all score below 55, indicating relatively contained exposure to these hazards.

Hurricane coverage remains essential

Despite Wilcox County's overall low-risk standing, a hurricane risk score of 76.43 means homeowners should confirm wind and hail coverage on their policies. Standard homeowners insurance often excludes hurricane and wind damage, making supplemental or specialty coverage worth discussing with your agent.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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