Hale
Alabama

What stands out

Three things set Hale County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the property tax rate is in the bottom 2% of American counties (0.32%), the median household income is in the bottom 4% of American counties ($35,851), and the overdose death rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0 per 100,000). Within Alabama it ranks 30th of 67 counties for the property tax rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Hale County, Alabama. 14,742 people live here with you. The population grew 2.0% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +327).

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 $35,851 a year, lower than 96% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $49,126. Unemployment runs 3.9%, higher than 67% of American counties. 2% of workers work from home.

Alabama takes 4.9% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,753 a year.

Home

The median home costs $177K, cheaper than 73% of American counties, about 1.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $673 a month. Property tax is 0.32% of home value, roughly $353 a year on that median home, lower than 98% of American counties. 77% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.9 per 1,000 residents, higher than 93% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 70.2 years, shorter than 96% of American counties. There are 9 active physicians in the county, about 6.1 per 10,000 people. 10.2% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.68 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 90% of American counties. 81% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 19 points. 70% 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 65°F, highs near 77 and lows near 53, warmer than 83% of American counties. About 52 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 33 out of 100, safer than 67% of American counties; the county has had 23 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 161 Mbps down, slower than 66% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.4 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.