Russell
Alabama

What stands out

Three things set Russell County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the property tax rate is in the bottom 7% of American counties (0.44%), the school test score is in the bottom 7% of American counties (2.53 where 3.0 is grade level), and homeownership is in the bottom 9% of American counties (61%). Within Alabama it ranks 61st of 67 counties for the property tax rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Russell County, Alabama. 58,849 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.3% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +149).

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 $47,420 a year, lower than 84% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $47,497. Unemployment runs 2.6%, lower than 80% of American counties. 6% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 24 minutes each way.

Alabama takes 4.9% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,331 a year.

Home

The median home costs $200K, cheaper than 63% of American counties, about 2.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $881 a month. Property tax is 0.44% of home value, roughly $619 a year on that median home, lower than 93% of American counties. 61% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.5 per 1,000 residents, higher than 83% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 22 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 71.5 years, shorter than 90% of American counties. There are 48 active physicians in the county, about 8.2 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 10.5% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.62 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 93% of American counties. 85% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 6 points. 49% 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 66°F, highs near 77 and lows near 54, warmer than 84% of American counties. About 43 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 39 out of 100, safer than 61% of American counties; the county has had 24 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 250 Mbps down, faster than 74% 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.