Baldwin
Alabama

What stands out

If you had to describe Baldwin County in numbers, start here: the property tax rate is in the bottom 2% of American counties (0.30%), natural-hazard risk is in the top 2% of American counties (98 of 100), and population growth is in the top 3% of American counties (+2.8% a year). Within Alabama it ranks 19th of 67 counties for the property tax rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Baldwin County, Alabama. 233,420 people live here with you. The population grew 2.8% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +6,804).

Alabama's property taxes are among the lowest in the country because assessments are capped at a fraction of market value, but the state makes it up with one of the highest combined sales-tax rates, and groceries are taxed. Huntsville's aerospace and defense payroll sets it apart from the rest of the state; the Gulf coast around Mobile and Baldwin County carries real hurricane exposure and insurance costs to match.

Money

The typical household here brings in $71,039 a year, higher than 76% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $51,157. Unemployment runs 2.4%, lower than 88% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home.

Alabama takes 4.9% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,512 a year.

Home

The median home costs $373K, pricier than 82% of American counties, about 3.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,098 a month. Property tax is 0.30% of home value, roughly $796 a year on that median home, lower than 98% of American counties. 78% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.7 per 1,000 residents, lower than 59% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 21 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 76.7 years, longer than 61% of American counties. There are 605 active physicians in the county, about 25.9 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 9.5% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.12 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 56% of American counties. 92% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 54 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 65% of eligible voters turned out. Under Alabama law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 68°F, highs near 79 and lows near 58, warmer than 93% of American counties. About 56 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 98 out of 100, riskier than 98% of American counties; the county has had 38 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 246 Mbps down, faster than 72% of American counties. There are 24 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.1 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 3 breweries, 4 museums.