Jefferson
Alabama

What stands out

Three things set Jefferson County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the overdose death rate is in the top 4% of American counties (44 per 100,000), natural-hazard risk is in the top 4% of American counties (96 of 100), and the school test score is in the bottom 11% of American counties (2.60 where 3.0 is grade level). Within Alabama it ranks 3rd of 67 counties for the overdose death rate.

Where you are

You live in Jefferson County, Alabama. 672,265 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.3% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -3,417).

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 $63,595 a year, higher than 59% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $71,562. Unemployment runs 2.6%, lower than 80% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home.

Alabama takes 4.9% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,140 a year.

Home

The median home costs $218K, cheaper than 56% of American counties, about 2.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,067 a month. Property tax is 0.61% of home value, roughly $1,282 a year on that median home, lower than 75% of American counties. 64% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.9 per 1,000 residents, higher than 52% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 44 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 72.9 years, shorter than 81% of American counties. There are 5,003 active physicians in the county, about 74.4 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 10.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.69 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 89% of American counties. 91% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 13 points. 66% 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 64°F, highs near 75 and lows near 52, warmer than 80% of American counties. About 50 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 96 out of 100, riskier than 96% of American counties; the county has had 39 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 268 Mbps down, faster than 82% of American counties. There are 4 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 10 breweries, 12 museums, 1 National Park Service site.