Winston County's composite score of 72.1 is 44% higher than the national median of 50.0, placing it among the better-performing U.S. counties. This above-average standing reflects balanced strengths in taxes, housing, and health.
2 / 5
Outperforms Alabama average
At 72.1, Winston County exceeds Alabama's state average of 70.8, making it one of the state's more livable counties. The county sits slightly ahead of Washington County and above Wilcox, reflecting consistent quality across multiple livability dimensions.
3 / 5
Low taxes and solid health outcomes
Winston County boasts a tax score of 93.0 with an effective rate of 0.329%, supporting rural business formation and retiree finances. The health score of 62.1 ranks highest among these three counties, paired with a cost score of 86.1 and median home values of $110,500—balancing affordability with quality of life.
4 / 5
Income remains limited
The income score of 14.7 reflects a median household income of $48,032, above Wilcox but below Washington County. Environmental risk (40.8) is the county's lowest dimension, suggesting hazard exposure or climate factors that residents should understand.
5 / 5
Sweet spot for health-conscious rural seekers
Winston County suits families and retirees who value health outcomes and community stability alongside affordable living, with less extreme minimalism than Wilcox. It's ideal for those seeking small-town character with reasonable tax rates and health infrastructure, willing to accept modest incomes.
Winston County's composite score of 72.1 is 44% higher than the national median of 50.0, placing it among the better-performing U.S. counties. This above-average standing reflects balanced strengths in taxes, housing, and health.
Outperforms Alabama average
At 72.1, Winston County exceeds Alabama's state average of 70.8, making it one of the state's more livable counties. The county sits slightly ahead of Washington County and above Wilcox, reflecting consistent quality across multiple livability dimensions.
Low taxes and solid health outcomes
Winston County boasts a tax score of 93.0 with an effective rate of 0.329%, supporting rural business formation and retiree finances. The health score of 62.1 ranks highest among these three counties, paired with a cost score of 86.1 and median home values of $110,500—balancing affordability with quality of life.
Income remains limited
The income score of 14.7 reflects a median household income of $48,032, above Wilcox but below Washington County. Environmental risk (40.8) is the county's lowest dimension, suggesting hazard exposure or climate factors that residents should understand.
Sweet spot for health-conscious rural seekers
Winston County suits families and retirees who value health outcomes and community stability alongside affordable living, with less extreme minimalism than Wilcox. It's ideal for those seeking small-town character with reasonable tax rates and health infrastructure, willing to accept modest incomes.
Score breakdown
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🏛93
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
At 72.7 years, Winston County's life expectancy outpaces both Alabama (72.1) and the U.S. average (71.4 years), a genuine health achievement. Just 21.4% of residents report poor or fair health—well below the national average of 21%—indicating a relatively robust population health profile.
Best health outcomes in Alabama's sample
Winston County's 72.7-year life expectancy ranks among Alabama's healthiest counties, exceeding the state average by 0.6 years. Its 11.7% uninsured rate sits only slightly above the state average of 11.1%, suggesting strong coverage relative to peers.
Strongest health metrics in the region
Winston County's 72.7-year life expectancy and 21.4% poor/fair health rate significantly outpace both Washington County (72.6, 25.1%) and Wilcox County (68.7, 33.9%). The county demonstrates that focused health investments and provider access can drive measurable population gains.
Excellent providers sustain strong health outcomes
Winston County boasts 38 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—nearly double the national average of 28—enabling accessible routine care. Though 11.7% lack insurance and mental health provider density (21 per 100,000) lags other services, the robust primary care network underpins the county's health leadership.
Complete Winston County's health advantage
Even in Alabama's healthiest county, 1 in 9 residents remain uninsured; closing that gap strengthens individual outcomes and community resilience. Check your eligibility at healthcare.gov or your local health department to ensure you're accessing the providers that make Winston County a health success story.
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.