countyscore
60.4
County Score
Property Tax 97.3Cost of Living 80.4Weather & Climate 72.6

County Report Card

About Winston County, Alabama

Winston surpasses national livability benchmark

Winston County's composite score of 60.4 sits above the national median of 50.0, putting it in the top 40% of U.S. counties overall. This above-average standing reflects a balanced mix of tax relief, affordability, and safety.

Solid performer among Alabama peers

Winston County scores 60.4 compared to Alabama's average of 52.9, earning a respectable 7-point premium that places it in the state's upper tier. It trails Washington County but outpaces Wilcox County by a meaningful margin.

Tax advantages and safer communities

Winston County boasts strong tax efficiency with a 97.3 tax score and just 0.329% effective rate, plus a solid safety score of 70.9 that exceeds the state average. Its cost score of 80.4 keeps housing affordable with a median home value of $110,500.

Income and education need development

Income opportunities are severely limited, with a score of just 11.0 and median household income of $48,032—the lowest of the three counties. Schools score only 34.9, and health outcomes at 30.2 indicate residents lack access to quality healthcare and wellness resources.

Good choice for budget-focused seekers

Winston County works best for cost-conscious individuals and families who can source income remotely or accept limited local job markets. It's a solid fit for retirees seeking safety and low taxes, though education quality remains a concern for families with school-age children.

2040608010097.380.470.930.234.91140.845.972.6Tax97.3Cost80.4Safety70.9Health30.2Schools34.9Income11Risk40.8Water45.9Weather72.660.4/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Winston County DNA

Doverall

How Winston County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Winston County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (97.3/100) but notably weak in Income (11/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
97.3+45.3
Cost
80.4+32.400000000000006
Safety
70.9+15.900000000000006
Health
30.2-19.8
Schools
34.9-19.1
Income
11-40
Risk
40.8
Water
45.9-12.100000000000001
Weather
72.6+16.599999999999994
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$110,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$744/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$110,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $48,032/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

42.3

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

Clay County
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Iron County
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Emmons County
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Towner County
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Sullivan County
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Nearby counties

Walker County
Alabama
47
Cullman County
Alabama
49.7
Lawrence County
Alabama
59
Fayette County
Alabama
54.2
Marion County
Alabama
58.2
Franklin County
Alabama
55.5
Morgan County
Alabama
62.9
Blount County
Alabama
52.9

Deep Dives

Winston County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Winston County

via TaxByCounty

Winston County taxes remain low nationally

Winston County's effective tax rate of 0.329% falls well below the national median of 0.47%, placing it in the bottom 25% of U.S. counties for tax burden. The median property tax of $363 is just 13.5% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's more modest home values and regional tax climate.

Right at Alabama's statewide average

Winston County's effective rate of 0.329% closely mirrors Alabama's state average of 0.339%, positioning it as a typical tax county within the state. The median property tax of $363 sits comfortably below the state median of $511, benefiting from a median home value of $110,500.

Winston County taxes fall between regional peers

Winston County's 0.329% effective rate sits between Washington County's lower 0.234% and Wilcox County's higher 0.367%, making it the regional middle ground. The median home value of $110,500 and resulting tax of $363 position Winston as a moderate-cost county for property tax purposes.

Typical homeowner pays $363 annually

On a median home valued at $110,500, Winston County homeowners pay approximately $363 per year in property taxes. Those with mortgages typically see bills around $461 after escrow adds up, while outright owners usually pay closer to $282.

Challenge your assessment if it seems high

Even though Winston County taxes are moderate statewide, overassessments do occur and can be contested. If your home's assessed value is significantly higher than comparable recent sales in your neighborhood, filing an appeal with the county assessor could reduce your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Winston County

via CostByCounty

Winston County's Tight Fit

At 18.6%, Winston County's rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above the national comfort threshold, indicating renters here stretch a bit harder to cover housing. With a median household income of $48,032—35% below the national average of $74,755—residents face income pressures that outweigh housing-cost issues.

Right at State Average

Winston County's 18.6% rent-to-income ratio essentially matches Alabama's 18% state average, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's affordability spectrum. The county's median income of $48,032 explains why housing feels less accessible here than in wealthier Alabama communities.

Highest Rents in the Group

Winston County's $744 median rent tops both Washington County ($628) and Wilcox County ($699), yet its income ($48,032) falls between them. This combination makes Winston less affordable than Washington County for renters, despite modestly lower housing costs than some state peers.

Where Income Meets Costs

Renters dedicate $744 monthly to housing while homeowners budget $591, consuming 18.6% and 14.8% of the $48,032 median household income. Winston residents allocate a substantial—though not extreme—share of earnings to housing, leaving moderate cushion for other expenses.

Winston: Middle-Ground Option

Winston County appeals to those seeking rural Alabama living with mid-range affordability: $744 rents and a $110,500 median home value offer reasonable costs. Relocating families should compare Winston directly with Washington County's superior income levels and rental affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Winston County

via IncomeByCounty

Winston County lags national income trends

Winston County's median household income of $48,032 is $26,723 below the national median of $74,755—a gap of 35.7%. While the county edges past Wilcox County, it still runs $6,164 short of Alabama's state average of $54,196, reflecting regional economic constraints.

Lower-income standing statewide

Winston County ranks in the lower third of Alabama's 67 counties for household income. The county's position signals fewer high-wage job opportunities compared to more affluent regions of the state.

Between Wilcox and Washington in earnings

Winston County households earn $12,471 more annually than Wilcox County ($42,236) but $12,471 less than Washington County ($60,503). This middle position reflects Winston County's intermediate economic status within the region.

Moderate housing cost burden

Winston County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.6% exceeds the 15% affordability standard, though it remains lower than Wilcox County's 19.9%. Families still carry meaningful housing costs that limit discretionary spending and savings capacity.

Maximize Winston County's median income

Winston County residents can strengthen financial positions by pursuing skills training and higher-wage employment opportunities within and outside the county. Building an emergency fund and exploring first-time homebuyer programs may also improve long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Winston County

via CrimeByCounty

Winston County Safely Below National Averages

Winston County maintains a total crime rate of 693.3 per 100,000, less than a third of the national average of 2,385.5. This data translates to a strong safety score of 98.9 out of 100.

Solid Standing Within Alabama

Ranking above the state safety average of 97.3, Winston County demonstrates a consistent commitment to public safety. Reporting from five local agencies confirms that the county is safer than many of its Alabama counterparts.

Winston Compared to Regional Peers

Winston's crime rate of 693.3 is lower than Washington County's 926.6, though it faces more incidents than Wilcox County's 373.5. It occupies a middle ground among its rural peers while remaining far safer than the state average.

Understanding the Crime Breakdown

The county reports a very low violent crime rate of 84.5 per 100,000 residents. Property crimes account for 608.8 per 100,000, which is still remarkably low compared to the national property crime average of 2,015.7.

Simple Steps for Continued Security

A 98.9 safety score indicates a secure community, but residents should still invest in basic home security features. Lighting and lock maintenance are simple steps that preserve the high quality of life in Winston County.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Winston County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Two-District Educational System

Winston County supports 3,946 students across 14 public schools, ranging from elementary to high school levels. The county's educational network is split between two distinct districts, offering more variety than many neighboring rural areas.

Competitive Performance and Strategic Spending

The graduation rate of 88.9% surpasses the national average of 87.0%, demonstrating strong student persistence. With per-pupil spending at $6,514 and a school score of 51.9, the county closely aligns with state-level performance benchmarks.

County and City District Options

The Winston County district is the larger of the two with 2,302 students, while Haleyville City serves 1,644 students. There are no charter schools in the county, as the two traditional districts manage all 14 campuses.

A Mix of Town and Rural Learning

While 13 schools are in rural settings, one is located in a town locale, providing a rare variety for the region. Haleyville Elementary is the county's largest school with 808 students, whereas most other campuses average around 329 students.

Find Your Home in Winston County

From the larger town schools in Haleyville to the quiet rural campuses in the county district, families have diverse options here. Take a look at available homes near these solid performing districts to find your perfect fit.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Winston County

via RiskByCounty

Winston County's moderate national risk

Winston County scores 59.19 on the composite risk scale, earning a "Relatively Low" rating that approaches but remains below the national average. This suggests moderate exposure to combined natural hazards compared to typical U.S. counties.

Close to Alabama's average risk level

At 59.19, Winston County's composite risk sits just 3% below Alabama's state average of 61.54, placing it near the middle of statewide risk distribution. This proximity to the state mean reflects fairly typical hazard exposure for the region.

Highest risk of the three-county group

Winston County scores higher than both Washington County (45.64) and Wilcox County (36.70), making it the most hazard-exposed of the three neighboring counties. Yet it still remains comparable to the state average, indicating moderate rather than elevated overall risk.

Earthquake and tornado risks elevated

Earthquake risk tops Winston County's profile at 81.42, while tornado risk follows closely at 79.23—both well above the state average. Flood risk at 64.73 and hurricane risk at 62.79 add secondary concerns across the county.

Prepare for multiple hazards comprehensively

With earthquake risk at 81.42 and tornado risk at 79.23, Winston County homeowners should ensure policies cover both wind/hail damage and ground shaking—often requiring separate earthquake coverage. Flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program should also be reviewed, especially for properties in flood-prone areas identified in county maps.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Winston County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Violations Exceed State Average

Winston County holds a Grade D for drinking water, with seven health violations reported over five years. The county's violation rate of 22.5 per 100,000 people exceeds the Alabama state average of 14.1.

Watershed Health Outperforms State Baseline

Only 11.8% of the 76 assessed water bodies are listed as impaired, which is well below the statewide average of 27.7%. Mercury and E. coli remain the primary causes of concern for these local streams.

Extensive Monitoring Coverage in Winston County

With 24 monitoring sites and 38,428 measurements recorded recently, Winston County has a robust data footprint. Nutrient and physical measurements are among the most frequently tracked metrics.

Clear Creek Experiencing Significant Low Flow

Flow at Clear C at New Hope Church currently measures 54 cfs, representing only 26% of its historical mean. This low flow suggests a significant departure from typical conditions for this 101 square mile drainage area.

Prioritizing Filtration and Source Awareness

Residents should be aware that drinking water violations occur more frequently here than in neighboring counties. Low streamflow levels may also impact water quality, so pay close attention to local advisories regarding mercury and E. coli.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Winston County

via WeatherByCounty

Winston County’s Humid Subtropical Climate

At an average annual temperature of 59.6°F, Winston County is noticeably warmer than the national median of approximately 55°F. The region receives 60.8 inches of annual precipitation, a figure that significantly exceeds the average for most U.S. counties.

A Cooler Pocket in the Heart of Alabama

Winston County’s 59.6°F average temperature sits nearly four degrees below the Alabama state average of 63.2°F. Despite the cooler air, it is wetter than most of the state, out-pacing the average Alabama precipitation of 57.4 inches by over three inches.

Northern Alabama’s Temperate Hill Country

Winston County maintains a more temperate profile than its southern neighbors, with a July average of 77.8°F. Its high annual rainfall of 60.8 inches distinguishes it from flatter neighbors in the Tennessee Valley, which often see slightly drier conditions.

Sizzling Summers and Crisp, Quiet Winters

Residents face 34 days of extreme heat over 90°F annually, though summer averages stay manageable at 76.3°F. Winters are cool but rarely white, with an average January temperature of 39.9°F and only 0.2 inches of annual snowfall.

Managing High Rainfall and Humidity

The primary challenge for residents is managing 60.8 inches of rain, requiring robust drainage systems and moisture control in homes. While the 34 extreme heat days demand reliable air conditioning, the mild 42.0°F winter average means heavy snow gear is rarely necessary.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Winston County

via SoilByCounty

Challenging Acidity in North Alabama

Winston County records a pH of 5.09, which is considerably more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This low pH contributes to a soil score of 14.6, indicating significant management needs for most garden plants.

Sand and Silt Dominance

The local profile is 52.3% sand and 34.5% silt, with a relatively small 13.2% clay component. This mix provides excellent aeration for roots but may require more frequent fertilization due to the low clay content.

Strong Water Retention Despite Low Organic Matter

Organic matter is quite low at 1.27%, trailing far behind the state average of 1.74%. Remarkably, the available water capacity of 0.140 in/in still beats the Alabama average, ensuring roots stay hydrated.

Predictable Water Movement for Gardeners

Specific drainage classifications are not listed, but the high sand and silt levels suggest water moves through the profile effectively. This rapid drainage helps prevent root rot but can lead to nutrient leaching.

Cooler Seasons in Zone 7b

Winston County sits in hardiness zone 7b, making it a great spot for summer beans and tomatoes. Using heavy mulch will help compensate for the low 1.27% organic matter and protect the soil's moisture.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Winston County

via LawnByCounty

Winston County Offers Better Growing Success

Winston County stands out with a lawn difficulty score of 38.5, making it easier to maintain than the average Alabama county. This Zone 7b region offers a more temperate environment than the state average score of 29.5 might suggest.

Cooler Summers and Ample Annual Rain

The county enjoys a wetter climate with 60.8 inches of annual rain, exceeding the state average of 57.4 inches. With only 34 extreme heat days per year—nearly half the state average—turfgrass faces significantly less sun-scorch than in southern Alabama.

Improving Nutrients in Sandy Silt Soil

Local soil is acidic with a pH of 5.09, suggesting a need for lime applications to reach the preferred 6.0-7.0 window. The ground consists of 52.3% sand and 13.2% clay, providing a decent base that benefits from organic matter to improve nutrient retention.

Resilient Landscapes with Minimal Water Stress

Winston County experienced only 16 weeks of drought over the past year, and currently, no part of the county is in severe drought. This relative moisture stability reduces the need for constant irrigation compared to harder-hit neighbors.

Selecting Grasses for Zone 7b Seasons

The 7b hardiness zone allows for a mix of warm-season grasses or even tall fescue in shaded areas. Wait until early April to seed, as the final frost typically occurs around April 4, ensuring your new lawn escapes the late winter chill.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Winston County's county score?
Winston County, Alabama has a composite county score of 60.4 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 Winston County rank among counties in Alabama?
Winston County ranks #12 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 Winston County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Winston County is $363, with an effective tax rate of 0.33%. This earns Winston County a tax score of 97.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Winston County?
The median household income in Winston County, Alabama is $48,032 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Winston County earns an income score of 11/100 on CountyScore.
Is Winston County, Alabama a good place to live?
Winston County scores 60.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #12 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Winston 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 Winston 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.