Best counties to raise a family in Alabama
Written by:
March 5, 2021
realtor.com
Best counties to raise a family in Alabama
Known in other parts of the world as shires, provinces, or territories, the United States’ counties (also known in certain states as boroughs or parishes) date back to the 1600s, when settlers first came to find freedom from British rule. Today, those counties remain, with the 50 states divided into several, each with its own unique makeup.
For people looking to find a home to raise a family in, choosing a county is an important decision. Most families place affordable homes, safe neighborhoods, a quality school system, and family-friendly activities at the top of their wishlists.
Stacker compiled a list of the best counties to raise a family in Alabama using data from Niche. Niche ranks counties based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, healthcare, recreation and weather. Listings and images are from realtor.com.
The list features counties that boast some of the top schools and fun, family-friendly activities for every season. Keep reading to explore the best counties to raise a family. Maybe you’ll find one that suits your brood.
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#25. Etowah County
- Population: 102,748
- Median home value: $113,700 (73% own)
- Median rent: $669 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $44,637
- Top public schools: Eura Brown Elementary School (A-), Mitchell Elementary School (A-), Glencoe Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Westbrook Christian School (B+), Coosa Christian School (B-), St. James Catholic School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Rainbow City (A-), Southside (B+), Gadsden (B+)
- Pictured: 315 Penny Cir, Gadsden ($84,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $113,700 (73% own)
- Median rent: $669 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $44,637
- Top public schools: Eura Brown Elementary School (A-), Mitchell Elementary School (A-), Glencoe Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Westbrook Christian School (B+), Coosa Christian School (B-), St. James Catholic School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Rainbow City (A-), Southside (B+), Gadsden (B+)
- Pictured: 315 Penny Cir, Gadsden ($84,900, 3 bedrooms)
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#24. Pike County
- Population: 33,333
- Median home value: $120,000 (62% own)
- Median rent: $669 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $37,446
- Top public schools: Banks School (B), Troy Elementary School (B), Charles Henderson Middle School (B-)
- Top private schools: Pike Liberal Arts School (B), New Life Christian Academy (unavailable), Covenant Christian School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Troy (B-), Goshen (B), Brundidge (B)
- Pictured: 3058 County Road 201, Troy ($699,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $120,000 (62% own)
- Median rent: $669 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $37,446
- Top public schools: Banks School (B), Troy Elementary School (B), Charles Henderson Middle School (B-)
- Top private schools: Pike Liberal Arts School (B), New Life Christian Academy (unavailable), Covenant Christian School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Troy (B-), Goshen (B), Brundidge (B)
- Pictured: 3058 County Road 201, Troy ($699,900, 3 bedrooms)
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#23. Colbert County
- Population: 54,771
- Median home value: $120,800 (72% own)
- Median rent: $697 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $48,065
- Top public schools: Muscle Shoals Middle School (A), McBride Elementary School (A), Muscle Shoals High School (A)
- Top private schools: Covenant Christian School (A-)
- Top places to live: Muscle Shoals (A), Tuscumbia (A-), Sheffield (B+)
- Pictured: 295 Lee Dr, Muscle Shoals ($999,900, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $120,800 (72% own)
- Median rent: $697 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $48,065
- Top public schools: Muscle Shoals Middle School (A), McBride Elementary School (A), Muscle Shoals High School (A)
- Top private schools: Covenant Christian School (A-)
- Top places to live: Muscle Shoals (A), Tuscumbia (A-), Sheffield (B+)
- Pictured: 295 Lee Dr, Muscle Shoals ($999,900, 5 bedrooms)
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#22. Chilton County
- Population: 44,055
- Median home value: $107,300 (74% own)
- Median rent: $726 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $47,468
- Top public schools: Jemison Elementary School (B+), Isabella High School (B), Clanton Intermediate School (B)
- Top private schools: Chilton Christian Academy (B)
- Top places to live: Thorsby (B+), Clanton (B), Jemison (B)
- Pictured: 305 Frank St, Thorsby ($399,000, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $107,300 (74% own)
- Median rent: $726 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $47,468
- Top public schools: Jemison Elementary School (B+), Isabella High School (B), Clanton Intermediate School (B)
- Top private schools: Chilton Christian Academy (B)
- Top places to live: Thorsby (B+), Clanton (B), Jemison (B)
- Pictured: 305 Frank St, Thorsby ($399,000, 5 bedrooms)
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#21. Crenshaw County
- Population: 13,844
- Median home value: $81,000 (75% own)
- Median rent: $537 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $43,163
- Top public schools: Brantley High School (B), Highland Home High School (B-), Luverne High School (B-)
- Top private schools: Crenshaw Christian Academy (C+)
- Top places to live: Luverne (B), Glenwood (B), Brantley (B-)
- Pictured: 170 E First St, Luverne ($350,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $81,000 (75% own)
- Median rent: $537 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $43,163
- Top public schools: Brantley High School (B), Highland Home High School (B-), Luverne High School (B-)
- Top private schools: Crenshaw Christian Academy (C+)
- Top places to live: Luverne (B), Glenwood (B), Brantley (B-)
- Pictured: 170 E First St, Luverne ($350,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#20. St. Clair County
- Population: 87,989
- Median home value: $154,900 (80% own)
- Median rent: $819 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $58,308
- Top public schools: Walter M. Kennedy Elementary School (B+), Coosa Valley Elementary School (B+), Springville High School (B+)
- Top private schools: Victory Christian School (B+), Bible Methodist Christian School (B+), First Baptist Church Kindergarten & Daycare (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Springville (B+), Argo (B), Moody (B)
- Pictured: 554 Huff Ln, Springville ($1.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $154,900 (80% own)
- Median rent: $819 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $58,308
- Top public schools: Walter M. Kennedy Elementary School (B+), Coosa Valley Elementary School (B+), Springville High School (B+)
- Top private schools: Victory Christian School (B+), Bible Methodist Christian School (B+), First Baptist Church Kindergarten & Daycare (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Springville (B+), Argo (B), Moody (B)
- Pictured: 554 Huff Ln, Springville ($1.2 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#19. Dale County
- Population: 49,277
- Median home value: $112,000 (60% own)
- Median rent: $730 (40% rent)
- Median household income: $47,214
- Top public schools: GW Long Elementary School (B+), George W. Long High School (B+), Newton Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Harvest Christian School (A)
- Top places to live: Daleville (B), Newton (B), Level Plains (B)
- Pictured: 253 Grantham Way, Daleville ($264,500, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $112,000 (60% own)
- Median rent: $730 (40% rent)
- Median household income: $47,214
- Top public schools: GW Long Elementary School (B+), George W. Long High School (B+), Newton Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Harvest Christian School (A)
- Top places to live: Daleville (B), Newton (B), Level Plains (B)
- Pictured: 253 Grantham Way, Daleville ($264,500, 3 bedrooms)
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#18. Jefferson County
- Population: 659,680
- Median home value: $159,100 (63% own)
- Median rent: $900 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $53,901
- Top public schools: Homewood High School (A+), Mt. Brook High School (A+), Vestavia Hills High School (A+)
- Top private schools: The Altamont School (A+), Briarwood Christian School (A), John Carroll Catholic High School (A)
- Top places to live: Homewood (A+), Hoover (A+), Vestavia Hills (A+)
- Pictured: 1506 Grove Pl, Homewood ($1.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $159,100 (63% own)
- Median rent: $900 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $53,901
- Top public schools: Homewood High School (A+), Mt. Brook High School (A+), Vestavia Hills High School (A+)
- Top private schools: The Altamont School (A+), Briarwood Christian School (A), John Carroll Catholic High School (A)
- Top places to live: Homewood (A+), Hoover (A+), Vestavia Hills (A+)
- Pictured: 1506 Grove Pl, Homewood ($1.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#17. Morgan County
- Population: 119,213
- Median home value: $137,000 (73% own)
- Median rent: $658 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $52,156
- Top public schools: Hartselle High School (A), Barkley Bridge Elementary School (A), Hartselle Junior High School (A)
- Top private schools: Decatur Heritage Christian Academy (B+), Cornerstone Christian School (A-), St. Ann School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Hartselle (A-), Priceville (A-), Decatur (B+)
- Pictured: 3090 Celestial Dr SW, Hartselle ($2.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $137,000 (73% own)
- Median rent: $658 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $52,156
- Top public schools: Hartselle High School (A), Barkley Bridge Elementary School (A), Hartselle Junior High School (A)
- Top private schools: Decatur Heritage Christian Academy (B+), Cornerstone Christian School (A-), St. Ann School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Hartselle (A-), Priceville (A-), Decatur (B+)
- Pictured: 3090 Celestial Dr SW, Hartselle ($2.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#16. DeKalb County
- Population: 71,310
- Median home value: $106,100 (72% own)
- Median rent: $628 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $40,440
- Top public schools: Fort Payne High School (B+), Moon Lake School (B+), Fyffe High School (B+)
- Top private schools: Cornerstone Christian Academy (B)
- Top places to live: Fort Payne (B), Sylvania (B), Pine Ridge (B)
- Pictured: 7003 Portobello Rd NW, Fort Payne ($849,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $106,100 (72% own)
- Median rent: $628 (28% rent)
- Median household income: $40,440
- Top public schools: Fort Payne High School (B+), Moon Lake School (B+), Fyffe High School (B+)
- Top private schools: Cornerstone Christian Academy (B)
- Top places to live: Fort Payne (B), Sylvania (B), Pine Ridge (B)
- Pictured: 7003 Portobello Rd NW, Fort Payne ($849,900, 3 bedrooms)
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#15. Marshall County
- Population: 95,643
- Median home value: $128,800 (70% own)
- Median rent: $649 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $45,983
- Top public schools: Arab Elementary School (A), Arab Junior High School (A), Union Grove Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Marshall Christian Academy (C+)
- Top places to live: Guntersville (B+), Albertville (B), Arab (B)
- Pictured: 3014 Buck Island Dr, Guntersville ($3.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $128,800 (70% own)
- Median rent: $649 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $45,983
- Top public schools: Arab Elementary School (A), Arab Junior High School (A), Union Grove Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Marshall Christian Academy (C+)
- Top places to live: Guntersville (B+), Albertville (B), Arab (B)
- Pictured: 3014 Buck Island Dr, Guntersville ($3.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#14. Covington County
- Population: 37,200
- Median home value: $97,600 (74% own)
- Median rent: $612 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $42,189
- Top public schools: Andalusia High School (A-), Straughn Elementary School (A-), Straughn High School (A-)
- Top places to live: Andalusia (B+), Opp (B), Sanford (B+)
- Pictured: 29519 Gunter Dr, Andalusia ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $97,600 (74% own)
- Median rent: $612 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $42,189
- Top public schools: Andalusia High School (A-), Straughn Elementary School (A-), Straughn High School (A-)
- Top places to live: Andalusia (B+), Opp (B), Sanford (B+)
- Pictured: 29519 Gunter Dr, Andalusia ($1.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#13. Mobile County
- Population: 414,114
- Median home value: $130,200 (65% own)
- Median rent: $853 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $47,583
- Top public schools: Saraland Elementary School (A), Saraland Middle/Nelson Adams (A), Saraland High School (A)
- Top private schools: UMS-Wright Preparatory School (A+), St. Paul's Episcopal School (A+), McGill-Toolen Catholic High School (A)
- Top places to live: Saraland (B+), Mobile (B+), Satsuma (B+)
- Pictured: 1610 Oakleigh Cir, Saraland ($795,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $130,200 (65% own)
- Median rent: $853 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $47,583
- Top public schools: Saraland Elementary School (A), Saraland Middle/Nelson Adams (A), Saraland High School (A)
- Top private schools: UMS-Wright Preparatory School (A+), St. Paul's Episcopal School (A+), McGill-Toolen Catholic High School (A)
- Top places to live: Saraland (B+), Mobile (B+), Satsuma (B+)
- Pictured: 1610 Oakleigh Cir, Saraland ($795,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#12. Coffee County
- Population: 51,662
- Median home value: $147,400 (66% own)
- Median rent: $803 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $55,637
- Top public schools: Enterprise High School (A-), Dauphin Junior High School (A-), Holly Hill Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Wiregrass Christian Academy (unavailable), Enterprise Preparatory Academy (unavailable), Mt. Calvary Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Enterprise (A-), New Brockton (B), Elba (B)
- Pictured: 2731 Plantation Pl, Enterprise ($899,900, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $147,400 (66% own)
- Median rent: $803 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $55,637
- Top public schools: Enterprise High School (A-), Dauphin Junior High School (A-), Holly Hill Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Wiregrass Christian Academy (unavailable), Enterprise Preparatory Academy (unavailable), Mt. Calvary Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Enterprise (A-), New Brockton (B), Elba (B)
- Pictured: 2731 Plantation Pl, Enterprise ($899,900, 4 bedrooms)
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#11. Baldwin County
- Population: 212,830
- Median home value: $197,900 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,020 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $58,320
- Top public schools: Fairhope High School (A), Gulf Shores Middle School (A), Fairhope Primary School (A)
- Top private schools: Bayside Academy (A+), Bayshore Christian School (A-), Central Christian School (B)
- Top places to live: Fairhope (A+), Daphne (A), Spanish Fort (A)
- Pictured: 17747 Scenic Highway 98, Fairhope ($7.5 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $197,900 (75% own)
- Median rent: $1,020 (25% rent)
- Median household income: $58,320
- Top public schools: Fairhope High School (A), Gulf Shores Middle School (A), Fairhope Primary School (A)
- Top private schools: Bayside Academy (A+), Bayshore Christian School (A-), Central Christian School (B)
- Top places to live: Fairhope (A+), Daphne (A), Spanish Fort (A)
- Pictured: 17747 Scenic Highway 98, Fairhope ($7.5 million, 8 bedrooms)
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#10. Autauga County
- Population: 55,380
- Median home value: $154,500 (73% own)
- Median rent: $986 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $58,731
- Top public schools: Prattville Junior High School (A-), Daniel Pratt Elementary School (A-), Prattville Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Autauga Academy (C+), Camellia Baptist Weekday Education Ministry (WEM) (unavailable), First Baptist Kindergarten (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Prattville (A-), Pine Level (B+), Marbury (B-)
- Pictured: 507 Fiveash Oak, Prattville ($990,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $154,500 (73% own)
- Median rent: $986 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $58,731
- Top public schools: Prattville Junior High School (A-), Daniel Pratt Elementary School (A-), Prattville Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Autauga Academy (C+), Camellia Baptist Weekday Education Ministry (WEM) (unavailable), First Baptist Kindergarten (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Prattville (A-), Pine Level (B+), Marbury (B-)
- Pictured: 507 Fiveash Oak, Prattville ($990,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#9. Houston County
- Population: 104,702
- Median home value: $137,600 (66% own)
- Median rent: $754 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $47,580
- Top public schools: Carver Magnet School for Math, Science & Tech (A-), Montana Street Acadc Magnet School (A-), Rehobeth Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Houston Academy (A), Providence Christian School (A-), Emmanuel Christian School (B-)
- Top places to live: Taylor (B+), Rehobeth (B+), Dothan (B+)
- Pictured: 1380 Battles Rd, Taylor ($204,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $137,600 (66% own)
- Median rent: $754 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $47,580
- Top public schools: Carver Magnet School for Math, Science & Tech (A-), Montana Street Acadc Magnet School (A-), Rehobeth Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Houston Academy (A), Providence Christian School (A-), Emmanuel Christian School (B-)
- Top places to live: Taylor (B+), Rehobeth (B+), Dothan (B+)
- Pictured: 1380 Battles Rd, Taylor ($204,900, 3 bedrooms)
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#8. Calhoun County
- Population: 114,618
- Median home value: $118,000 (70% own)
- Median rent: $716 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $47,255
- Top public schools: Coldwater Elementary School (A), Kitty Stone Elementary School (A-), Oxford Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: The Donoho School (A), Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School - Anniston (A-), Faith Christian School (B+)
- Top places to live: Jacksonville (A-), Oxford (A-), Alexandria (B+)
- Pictured: 309 Englewood Dr NE, Jacksonville ($640,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $118,000 (70% own)
- Median rent: $716 (30% rent)
- Median household income: $47,255
- Top public schools: Coldwater Elementary School (A), Kitty Stone Elementary School (A-), Oxford Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: The Donoho School (A), Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School - Anniston (A-), Faith Christian School (B+)
- Top places to live: Jacksonville (A-), Oxford (A-), Alexandria (B+)
- Pictured: 309 Englewood Dr NE, Jacksonville ($640,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#7. Elmore County
- Population: 81,144
- Median home value: $166,600 (73% own)
- Median rent: $892 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $60,891
- Top public schools: Holtville Elementary School (A-), Eclectic Elementary School (B+), Redland Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Prattville Christian Academy (A-), Edgewood Academy (B), Victory Baptist School (B)
- Top places to live: Millbrook (A-), Blue Ridge (B+), Wetumpka (B+)
- Pictured: 2810 Tanglewood Dr, Millbrook ($929,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $166,600 (73% own)
- Median rent: $892 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $60,891
- Top public schools: Holtville Elementary School (A-), Eclectic Elementary School (B+), Redland Elementary School (B+)
- Top private schools: Prattville Christian Academy (A-), Edgewood Academy (B), Victory Baptist School (B)
- Top places to live: Millbrook (A-), Blue Ridge (B+), Wetumpka (B+)
- Pictured: 2810 Tanglewood Dr, Millbrook ($929,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#6. Lauderdale County
- Population: 92,556
- Median home value: $145,000 (68% own)
- Median rent: $663 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $48,094
- Top public schools: Forest Hills School (A), Kilby Laboratory School (A), Florence High School (A)
- Top private schools: Shoals Christian School (A), Mars Hill Bible School (B+), St. Joseph Regional Catholic School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Florence (A), Killen (A-), St. Florian (A-)
- Pictured: 109 Longleaf Way, Florence ($1.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $145,000 (68% own)
- Median rent: $663 (32% rent)
- Median household income: $48,094
- Top public schools: Forest Hills School (A), Kilby Laboratory School (A), Florence High School (A)
- Top private schools: Shoals Christian School (A), Mars Hill Bible School (B+), St. Joseph Regional Catholic School (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Florence (A), Killen (A-), St. Florian (A-)
- Pictured: 109 Longleaf Way, Florence ($1.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#5. Tuscaloosa County
- Population: 207,305
- Median home value: $170,400 (64% own)
- Median rent: $846 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $53,326
- Top public schools: Tuscaloosa Magnet School - Middle School (A-), Northridge High School (A-), Tuscaloosa Magnet School - Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Tuscaloosa Academy (A+), Holy Spirit Catholic School (A), American Christian Academy (B+)
- Top places to live: Northport (A), Tuscaloosa (A-), Holt (B+)
- Pictured: 15139 Waters Edge Dr, Northport ($3.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $170,400 (64% own)
- Median rent: $846 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $53,326
- Top public schools: Tuscaloosa Magnet School - Middle School (A-), Northridge High School (A-), Tuscaloosa Magnet School - Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Tuscaloosa Academy (A+), Holy Spirit Catholic School (A), American Christian Academy (B+)
- Top places to live: Northport (A), Tuscaloosa (A-), Holt (B+)
- Pictured: 15139 Waters Edge Dr, Northport ($3.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#4. Limestone County
- Population: 94,727
- Median home value: $158,800 (78% own)
- Median rent: $691 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $59,686
- Top public schools: Athens High School (A), Brookhill Elementary School (A-), Julian Newman Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Athens Bible School (B)
- Top places to live: Athens (A), Elkmont (B), Ardmore (C+)
- Pictured: 13422 Hatchie Ln, Athens ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $158,800 (78% own)
- Median rent: $691 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $59,686
- Top public schools: Athens High School (A), Brookhill Elementary School (A-), Julian Newman Elementary School (A-)
- Top private schools: Athens Bible School (B)
- Top places to live: Athens (A), Elkmont (B), Ardmore (C+)
- Pictured: 13422 Hatchie Ln, Athens ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#3. Lee County
- Population: 161,152
- Median home value: $169,300 (62% own)
- Median rent: $856 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $51,463
- Top public schools: Cary Woods Elementary School (A+), Dean Road Elementary School (A+), Richland Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Lee-Scott Academy (A-), Glenwood School (B+), Childcare Network Opelika (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Auburn (A+), Opelika (A-), Smiths Station (B)
- Pictured: 2133 E Lake Blvd, Auburn ($3.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $169,300 (62% own)
- Median rent: $856 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $51,463
- Top public schools: Cary Woods Elementary School (A+), Dean Road Elementary School (A+), Richland Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Lee-Scott Academy (A-), Glenwood School (B+), Childcare Network Opelika (unavailable)
- Top places to live: Auburn (A+), Opelika (A-), Smiths Station (B)
- Pictured: 2133 E Lake Blvd, Auburn ($3.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#2. Shelby County
- Population: 213,432
- Median home value: $211,900 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,047 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $77,799
- Top public schools: Oak Mt. High School (A), Calera Elementary School (A), Helena High School (A)
- Top private schools: Indian Springs School (A+), The Westminster School at Oak Mountain (A+), Evangel Classical Christian School (A-)
- Top places to live: Indian Springs Village (A+), Helena (A+), Meadowbrook (A+)
- Pictured: 2723 Cahaba Valley Rd, Indian Springs Village ($2.4 million, 7 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $211,900 (81% own)
- Median rent: $1,047 (19% rent)
- Median household income: $77,799
- Top public schools: Oak Mt. High School (A), Calera Elementary School (A), Helena High School (A)
- Top private schools: Indian Springs School (A+), The Westminster School at Oak Mountain (A+), Evangel Classical Christian School (A-)
- Top places to live: Indian Springs Village (A+), Helena (A+), Meadowbrook (A+)
- Pictured: 2723 Cahaba Valley Rd, Indian Springs Village ($2.4 million, 7 bedrooms)
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#1. Madison County
- Population: 362,276
- Median home value: $186,100 (67% own)
- Median rent: $857 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $65,449
- Top public schools: Bob Jones High School (A+), James Clemens High School (A+), Madison Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Randolph School (A+), St. John Paul II Catholic High School (A+), Madison Baptist Academy (A)
- Top places to live: Madison (A+), Huntsville (A), Harvest (A)
- Pictured: 114 Grand Cove Pl, Madison ($2.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $186,100 (67% own)
- Median rent: $857 (33% rent)
- Median household income: $65,449
- Top public schools: Bob Jones High School (A+), James Clemens High School (A+), Madison Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Randolph School (A+), St. John Paul II Catholic High School (A+), Madison Baptist Academy (A)
- Top places to live: Madison (A+), Huntsville (A), Harvest (A)
- Pictured: 114 Grand Cove Pl, Madison ($2.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
