countyscore
41.9
County Score
Property Tax 98.8Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 66

County Report Card

About Autauga County, Alabama

Below national average, but tax-friendly

Autauga County scores 41.9 out of 100 on livability, trailing the national median of 50.0 by 8.1 points. However, its exceptional tax score of 98.8 places it in the top tier nationally for tax burden, with an effective rate of just 0.285%.

Middle performer in Alabama

Autauga ranks in the middle of Alabama's county livability landscape, scoring just below the state average of 52.9. It's a county of mixed strengths rather than standout advantage or disadvantage.

Taxes and income stability shine

Autauga excels in tax burden (98.8) and water quality (86.0), offering residents both financial relief and reliable utilities. Median household income of $69,841 is solid and above many rural Alabama counties, providing a stable economic foundation.

Safety and schools need attention

The county's safety score of just 7.4 is among the lowest in the state, and school quality (20.9) lags significantly behind state averages. Housing affordability is also a concern at 25.3, with median home values of $197,900 stretching many local budgets.

Best for tax-conscious, established families

Autauga works best for households already financially stable and attracted by low taxes—think retirees or remote workers. Families prioritizing schools or those seeking a vibrant, safe community should look elsewhere in Alabama.

Score breakdown

Tax98.8Cost25.3Safety7.4Health54.9Schools20.9Income66Risk42.4Water86Weather54.7
🏛98.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠25.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼66
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡7.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤54.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓20.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
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⚡42.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤54.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Chilton County
Alabama
45.9
Lowndes County
Alabama
55.6
Dallas County
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Elmore County
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Montgomery County
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Coosa County
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Perry County
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Deep Dives

Autauga County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Autauga County

via TaxByCounty

Autauga's taxes are far below national norms

Autauga County homeowners pay an effective tax rate of 0.285%, less than one-third the national median property tax burden. With a median home value of $197,900, this county ranks in the lowest quartile nationally for tax burden, meaning most American homeowners pay significantly more.

Among Alabama's most affordable for taxes

Autauga's 0.285% effective rate sits well below Alabama's state average of 0.339%, placing it in the lower half of the state's 67 counties. The county's median tax of $564 is higher than the state median of $511, but that's because home values here are substantially stronger than statewide.

Favorable compared to nearby counties

Autauga's rate of 0.285% is competitive with neighboring Elmore and Tallapoosa counties, though slightly higher than Bibb County's notably low 0.204% rate. The county's $197,900 median home value positions it as a moderate-value area in the central Alabama region.

Expect roughly $564 annually on median home

A homeowner with a $197,900 property in Autauga pays approximately $564 per year in property taxes. Mortgage-paying residents typically see this amount folded into escrow at about $615 annually, while those owning free-and-clear pay roughly $475.

Many Autauga homeowners are overassessed

If your assessed value seems high or your home hasn't appreciated as much as the county claims, you have the right to appeal. Consider requesting a reassessment—many Alabama homeowners successfully reduce their tax burden by challenging inflated valuations.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Autauga County

via CostByCounty

Autauga's rent burden slightly above national norm

Renters in Autauga County spend 20.6% of their income on housing, outpacing the national average of 18% and the Alabama state average of 18%. While Autauga's median household income of $69,841 falls short of the national median of $74,755, housing costs here are measurably higher than what most Americans face.

Moderate affordability within Alabama

Autauga ranks in the middle range of Alabama counties for housing affordability, neither particularly strained nor exceptionally affordable. The county's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio places it above the state average, reflecting higher costs but also proximity to economic centers.

Pricier than rural peers, cheaper than Baldwin

Autauga's median rent of $1,200 significantly exceeds nearby Calhoun County ($804) and Bibb County ($802), though it runs $11 below coastal Baldwin County's $1,211. This positions Autauga as a moderate-cost option between rural Alabama and the state's most expensive coastal markets.

Rent and mortgage split the housing bill

Monthly rent averages $1,200 while homeowners pay $953 toward mortgages, both drawing from the county's $69,841 median annual income. Together, these costs consume roughly 32% of household budgets when both expenses are combined, making housing a significant but manageable portion of family finances.

Consider Autauga if seeking suburban balance

Autauga offers higher incomes and moderately higher rents than rural Alabama counties, making it ideal for families prioritizing job access over rock-bottom housing costs. Compare its $1,200 rent to your current housing expenses and evaluate whether the county's median home value of $197,900 fits your budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Autauga County

via IncomeByCounty

Autauga earns above the national average

Autauga County's median household income of $69,841 falls just shy of the national median of $74,755, positioning it in the upper half of U.S. counties. Though $4,914 below the national benchmark, Autauga ranks solidly as a moderate-income county with earnings power comparable to many suburban metros across the country.

Among Alabama's strongest income earners

At $69,841, Autauga's median household income towers 29% above Alabama's state average of $54,196, making it one of the state's top performers. The county consistently ranks in Alabama's upper tier for household earnings, reflecting a more affluent demographic profile than most peer counties statewide.

Outpaces nearby Baldwin, leads region

Autauga's $69,841 median sits below neighboring Baldwin County's $75,019 but substantially above other Alabama counties like Blount ($61,096) and Calhoun ($55,826). Within its regional cluster, Autauga serves as a solid middle-class anchor, bridging higher-income coastal areas with lower-income rural counties inland.

Rent remains affordable for most households

Autauga's rent-to-income ratio of 20.6% sits slightly above the recommended 20% threshold, meaning housing costs consume about one-fifth of typical household earnings. With a median home value of $197,900, homeownership remains accessible for middle-income earners, though rental affordability warrants attention for lower-wage workers.

Build wealth with intentional savings strategy

Autauga households earning $69,841 annually have meaningful capacity to invest beyond basic housing and living costs. Consider automating retirement contributions, diversifying into index funds, and consulting a financial advisor to convert stable income into long-term wealth—small disciplined steps compound significantly over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Autauga County

via CrimeByCounty

Autauga County Crime Exceeds National Average

Autauga County reports a total crime rate of 3058.2 per 100K residents, which is significantly higher than the national rate of 2,385.5. Despite this volume, the county maintains a high safety score of 95.2 out of 100.

Trailing Alabama's Safety Benchmarks

The county's safety score of 95.2 falls below the Alabama state average of 97.3. Total crime here also surpasses the state average of 1731.0 per 100K, indicating higher local incident reports than many Alabama peers.

Crime Levels Outpace Neighboring Baldwin

Compared to Baldwin County’s rate of 1306.2, Autauga County sees more than double the total crime per 100K residents. This disparity highlights a more active criminal landscape within Autauga's borders compared to its southern neighbor.

Property Crimes Drive Local Numbers

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local incidents at 2709.3 per 100K, while violent crime sits at 348.9. While violent crime remains just below the national average of 369.8, property crime is significantly more frequent here.

Prioritize Your Home Security

With property crime rates exceeding 2,700 per 100K, securing your residence is a vital precaution. Installing smart locks and motion-sensor lighting can effectively deter potential intruders and protect your assets.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Autauga County

via HealthByCounty

Autauga's life expectancy edges above U.S. average

At 74.8 years, Autauga residents live 1.4 years longer than the U.S. average of 73.4 years, suggesting better overall health outcomes in this county. Just 17.7% of adults report poor or fair health, tracking close to national norms and indicating generally resilient wellness across the population.

Well ahead of Alabama's health baseline

Autauga's 74.8-year life expectancy outpaces Alabama's state average of 72.1 years by 2.7 years, ranking the county among the healthier areas statewide. The 8.2% uninsured rate also beats the state average of 11.1%, meaning more residents have stable healthcare coverage.

Leading the region in longevity and access

Autauga's life expectancy of 74.8 years leads nearby counties—beating Elmore, Tallapoosa, and Montgomery by meaningful margins. With 44 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and strong mental health coverage at 37 per 100K, the county offers solid access to both preventive and behavioral care.

Most residents have healthcare coverage

Autauga's 8.2% uninsured rate is notably lower than the state average, meaning nearly 92% of residents carry some form of health insurance. With 44 primary care physicians per 100K and 37 mental health providers per 100K, residents typically can find routine care and mental health support without excessive travel.

Ensure your family stays covered

Even in Autauga, where coverage rates are above average, 8.2% of residents still lack insurance—leaving thousands vulnerable to medical debt. Check Healthcare.gov or Alabama Medicaid to explore plans that fit your family's needs and protect your health today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Autauga County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Unified View of Autauga Education

Autauga County operates a streamlined education infrastructure consisting of 15 public schools under a single county-wide district. The system supports 9,202 students across five elementary, three middle, and four high schools. Specialized facilities, including one alternative and one special education school, ensure diverse learning needs are met.

Balancing Achievement with Lean Budgets

The county achieves an 87.0% graduation rate, matching the national average but trailing the Alabama state average of 90.7%. Local investment stands at $5,707 per pupil, which is lower than both the state average of $6,270 and the national benchmark of $13,000. Despite tighter funding, the county maintains a school score of 49.2, nearly reaching the national median.

Prattville Leads the Autauga District

The Autauga County School District serves all 9,202 students in the area, with no charter schools currently operating. Most of the largest campuses are concentrated in the Prattville area, where significant student populations attend centralized facilities. This single-district model allows for coordinated resources across the entire county.

Suburban Reach and Large Campus Life

Education here feels balanced between eight suburban schools and seven rural settings, reflecting the county’s growth around Prattville. Average enrollment is 767 students, though Prattville High School is notably larger with 1,929 students. Families can choose between these massive high schools or smaller elementary environments like Prattville Primary's 714-student campus.

Establish Roots in a Growing Community

Homebuyers often look to Autauga County for its consistent school system and strong community ties in the Prattville area. Whether you prefer a suburban neighborhood or a rural homestead, the centralized district provides stability for growing families. Explore local listings to find your place near these established educational hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Autauga County

via RiskByCounty

Autauga scores below national average

With a composite risk score of 57.57, Autauga County ranks as Relatively Low compared to the national average. This means the county faces fewer natural disaster threats than most U.S. counties, though residents should remain prepared for localized hazards.

Safer than most Alabama counties

Autauga's 57.57 score sits well below Alabama's state average of 61.54, placing it in the lower half of natural disaster risk across the state. The county benefits from its central location, away from the hurricane-prone coast and severe earthquake zones.

Autauga's risk profile among neighbors

Autauga (57.57) faces less risk than nearby Blount County (68.48) to the north but slightly more than Bibb County (39.12) to the west. The variation reflects differences in tornado exposure and flood vulnerability across the region's geography.

Tornadoes and hurricanes pose top threats

Tornado risk ranks highest at 74.11, reflecting Alabama's position in tornado alley—residents should have a safe room plan. Hurricane risk of 72.09 also matters: while not coastal, tropical systems can bring heavy rains and strong winds inland to Autauga.

Get covered for wind and water damage

Autauga homeowners should prioritize wind and hail coverage to protect against tornadoes and storm damage. Consider flood insurance as well, especially if your property lies near streams or low-lying areas, since these events can occur multiple times per year.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Autauga County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Foundations in Autauga

While specific county-wide pH data is limited, Autauga likely aligns with the Alabama state average of 5.21. This acidic profile is much lower than the national median of 6.5, necessitating regular lime applications for most garden crops.

Varying Textures Near the Alabama River

Specific sand and clay percentages are not currently mapped for this county. Local growers generally encounter a mix of river-plain sediments and upland clays that require site-specific testing for drainage planning.

Boosting Organic Matter for Success

Alabama's average organic matter of 1.74% sits below the national 2.0% benchmark, suggesting Autauga soils benefit from regular composting. Improving these levels helps increase the state's average water capacity of 0.138 in/in.

Managing Water in the River Region

No dominant drainage class is currently recorded for the county, though central Alabama often faces runoff challenges. Homeowners should perform percolation tests before installing septic systems or building foundations.

Prime Growth in Zone 8b

Falling in Hardiness Zone 8b, Autauga provides a long growing season perfect for peaches and pecans. Start a summer garden with heat-tolerant varieties to make the most of the warm, humid climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Autauga County

via LawnByCounty

Adapting to Autauga County's Zone 8b Climate

While specific lawn difficulty scores are unavailable for Autauga County, its USDA Hardiness Zone 8b classification indicates a warm, long growing season. Residents manage lawns in a climate that typically demands heat-tolerant grass species to thrive. This environment requires consistent monitoring compared to more temperate national regions.

Managing a Warm Growing Season

Localized precipitation and heat day data are currently limited for the county. However, the warm-temperate climate of Central Alabama generally requires a focus on moisture retention and heat resilience. You should monitor local weather patterns to adjust your mowing frequency as the season shifts.

Preparing Your Autauga County Soil

Specific data on soil pH and drainage class is not available for this area. To ensure success, you should conduct a local soil test to determine if your lawn needs lime or specific nutrients. Proper soil preparation remains the most effective way to establish a healthy root system.

Mitigating Effects of Recurring Drought

Autauga County experienced 26 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the area currently faces abnormally dry conditions. You can protect your turf by watering deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. This strategy helps the lawn survive extended dry spells common to the region.

Top Grass Choices for Autauga County

Bermuda and Centipede grasses are excellent choices for the heat of Zone 8b. You should aim to seed or sod in the late spring after the final frost to take advantage of the full growing season. Starting early allows your lawn to establish itself before the peak summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Autauga County's county score?
Autauga County, Alabama has a composite county score of 41.9 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Autauga County rank among counties in Alabama?
Autauga County ranks #64 among all counties in Alabama on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Autauga County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Autauga County is $564, with an effective tax rate of 0.28%. This earns Autauga County a tax score of 98.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Autauga County?
The median household income in Autauga County, Alabama is $69,841 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Autauga County earns an income score of 66/100 on CountyScore.
Is Autauga County, Alabama a good place to live?
Autauga County scores 41.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #64 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Autauga County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Autauga County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.