Shelby
Alabama

What stands out

Against every county in America, Shelby County is unusual in three ways: unemployment is among the lowest in America (1.8%), the median household income is in the top 6% of American counties ($90,618), and the property tax rate is in the bottom 9% of American counties (0.46%). Within Alabama it ranks 1st of 67 counties for unemployment, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Shelby County, Alabama. 223,916 people live here with you. The population grew 1.3% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +2,078).

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 $90,618 a year, higher than 94% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $66,772. Unemployment runs 1.8%, lower than almost every county in America. 13% of workers work from home.

Alabama takes 5.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $4,491 a year.

Home

The median home costs $361K, pricier than 81% of American counties, about 2.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,239 a month. Property tax is 0.46% of home value, roughly $1,279 a year on that median home, lower than 91% of American counties. 81% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.1 per 1,000 residents, lower than 90% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 21 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 79.6 years, longer than 88% of American counties. There are 625 active physicians in the county, about 27.9 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.0 of 5 stars. 7.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.07 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 57% of American counties. 94% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 40 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 72% 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 76 and lows near 52, warmer than 79% of American counties. About 53 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 87 out of 100, riskier than 87% of American counties; the county has had 26 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 273 Mbps down, faster than 85% of American counties. There are 6 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery, 3 museums.