Covington
Alabama

What stands out

Against every county in America, Covington County is unusual in three ways: the property tax rate is among the lowest in America (0.27%), home internet speed is in the top 3% of American counties (313 Mbps), and the share working from home is in the bottom 5% of American counties (2%). Within Alabama it ranks 8th of 67 counties for the property tax rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Covington County, Alabama. 37,542 people live here with you. The population grew 0.9% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +589).

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 $48,772 a year, lower than 81% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $47,800. Unemployment runs 2.6%, lower than 78% of American counties. 2% of workers work from home.

Alabama takes 4.9% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,399 a year.

Home

The median home costs $158K, cheaper than 81% of American counties, about 1.9 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $652 a month. Property tax is 0.27% of home value, roughly $329 a year on that median home, lower than almost every county in America. 75% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.5 per 1,000 residents, higher than 81% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 13 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 71.3 years, shorter than 91% of American counties. There are 42 active physicians in the county, about 11.2 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 1.5 of 5 stars. 11.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.80 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 84% of American counties. 86% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 68 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 60% 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 67°F, highs near 80 and lows near 54, warmer than 90% of American counties. About 48 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 89 out of 100, riskier than 89% of American counties; the county has had 33 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 313 Mbps down, faster than 97% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.