Washington
Alabama

What stands out

Three things set Washington County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the property tax rate is among the lowest in America (0.24%), homeownership is among the highest in America (88%), and the restaurant count per person is in the bottom 2% of American counties (0.3 per 1,000). Within Alabama it ranks 5th of 67 counties for the property tax rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Washington County, Alabama. 15,434 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.5% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -29).

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 $51,184 a year, lower than 76% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $86,857. Unemployment runs 3.6%, higher than 59% of American counties. 6% of workers work from home.

Alabama takes 4.9% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,519 a year.

Home

The median home costs $174K, cheaper than 74% of American counties, about 1.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $532 a month. Property tax is 0.24% of home value, roughly $329 a year on that median home, lower than almost every county in America. 88% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.8 per 1,000 residents, higher than 91% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 16 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 73.7 years, shorter than 74% of American counties. There are 5 active physicians in the county, about 3.2 per 10,000 people. 7.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.81 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 82% of American counties. 88% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 49 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 69% 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 78 and lows near 55, warmer than 87% of American counties. About 52 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 58 out of 100, riskier than 58% of American counties; the county has had 27 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 57 Mbps down, slower than 97% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.3 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.