countyscore
44
County Score
Property Tax 96.7Income & Jobs 52.8Schools 48.3

County Report Card

About Coffee County, Alabama

Coffee County trails national livability expectations

Coffee County's composite score of 44.0 falls below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the bottom 40th percentile nationally. Despite some bright spots, overall livability lags peer communities.

Below-average livability by Alabama standards

At 44.0, Coffee County underperforms the Alabama state average of 52.9 by a wide margin. The county ranks in the lower quartile of state peers, indicating concentrated challenges.

Highest incomes and strong school performance

Coffee County leads this sample in median household income at $64,672 (income score 52.8) and boasts solid school performance (48.3), offering genuine economic strength. A tax score of 96.7 and good health score (39.8) provide additional support.

Affordability crisis and serious safety concerns

Coffee County's cost score of just 38.1 reflects a significant affordability crisis, with median rent at $970/month and home values at $180,300—the highest in this group. Safety (14.0) and risk management (16.6) rank among the worst, suggesting crime or disaster vulnerability concerns.

Suits higher-earning professionals seeking good schools

Coffee County works best for established professionals and dual-income families with solid earning power who can afford premium housing and navigate safety challenges. Budget-conscious or safety-focused households should explore other options.

Score breakdown

Tax96.7Cost38.1Safety14Health39.8Schools48.3Income52.8Risk16.6Water46.9Weather37.5
🏛96.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠38.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼52.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡14
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤39.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡16.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧46.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤37.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱21.3
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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Deep Dives

Coffee County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Coffee County

via TaxByCounty

Coffee taxes far below national average

Coffee County's 0.341% effective rate places it in the bottom 9% nationally, with homeowners paying just $615 annually on the median home—less than one-fourth the U.S. median of $2,690. This positions Coffee among America's most affordable property tax jurisdictions.

Slightly above Alabama's state average

At 0.341%, Coffee County runs slightly above Alabama's state average of 0.339%, placing it in the middle tier among state counties. The county's median tax of $615 is $104 more than Alabama's median of $511.

Higher than most surrounding counties

Coffee County's 0.341% rate ranks above neighboring Chilton (0.336%), Cleburne (0.289%), and Clay (0.225%), though below Cherokee (0.388%) and Chambers (0.382%). The county sits in the middle of the regional tax landscape.

Median home costs $615 yearly

On Coffee County's median home value of $180,300, homeowners pay approximately $615 in annual property taxes. With mortgage escrow included, the total reaches $721—still well below national norms despite being the region's highest.

Review assessments for potential savings

Coffee County homeowners should verify their property assessments for accuracy, as overvaluation affects residents across Alabama. A free appeal process allows you to challenge any assessment deemed too high.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Coffee County

via CostByCounty

Coffee County commands premium housing costs

Coffee County's median household income of $64,672—14% below the national average—pairs with the highest monthly rent in this eight-county sample at $970, yielding an 18.0% rent-to-income ratio matching Alabama's state average. The county's stronger income helps offset notably higher housing costs.

Highest rents, matched by higher incomes

Coffee County's $970 median rent is the highest in this cohort, exceeding the state average of $799 by $171 per month. The 18.0% rent-to-income ratio exactly matches Alabama's state average, thanks largely to the county's above-average household income of $64,672.

Premium housing market in south Alabama

Coffee's $970 rent substantially exceeds all peers—$120 above Chilton ($855), $217 above Chambers ($850), and $347 above Clay ($624). Yet Coffee's strong median income of $64,672 makes these higher costs proportionally manageable compared to lower-income counties.

Highest costs offset by highest income

Monthly rent of $970 takes 18.0% of Coffee's $64,672 median household income—highest nominal rent but proportionally reasonable thanks to strong earnings. Homeownership averages $871 per month on median-valued $180,300 homes, bringing total housing costs to roughly 28% of income.

Coffee County for premium seekers with income

Coffee County suits relocators with household incomes near or above $64,672 who accept higher housing costs in exchange for stronger earning potential and newer housing stock ($180,300 median home value). Compare affordability ratios carefully if your income falls significantly below the county median.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Coffee County

via IncomeByCounty

Coffee County approaches national income median

Coffee County's median household income of $64,672 closes the gap with the national median of $74,755 to just $10,083, ranking it among Alabama's strongest counties. Per capita income of $32,757 exceeds the national average, indicating robust wealth distribution.

Alabama's highest-earning county in this group

At $64,672, Coffee County ranks in Alabama's top tier, outpacing the state average of $54,196 by 19%—the largest margin among all eight counties analyzed. Per capita income of $32,757 leads all peers and tops the state average of $29,701 by 10%.

Outearns all surrounding counties substantially

Coffee County's $64,672 leads the entire group: Chilton County ($61,873) is nearest at $2,800 behind, while others trail by $10,000–$20,000. This suggests stronger job diversity or higher-wage employment in Coffee County.

Strong income with reasonable housing costs

Coffee County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.0% sits well below the 30% threshold, offering flexibility in household budgets for other priorities. Median home values of $180,300—the region's highest—are comfortably within reach for county-median-income households.

Strongest position for aggressive wealth building

On $64,672, Coffee County residents can sustain robust emergency reserves while directing 15–20% toward diversified investments, retirement accounts, and long-term wealth goals. Consider maxing 401(k) and IRA contributions, then exploring brokerage accounts for additional tax-advantaged growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Coffee County

via CrimeByCounty

Coffee County National Crime Overview

Coffee County has a safety score of 96.1, reflecting a moderate level of safety compared to national standards. Its total crime rate of 2455.2 per 100K is slightly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. These figures indicate a busy environment for local law enforcement agencies.

Coffee County vs. State Benchmarks

The county’s safety score of 96.1 falls below the Alabama state average of 97.3. Additionally, its total crime rate of 2455.2 is higher than the state average of 1731.0. This suggests that crime is more prevalent here than in the typical Alabama county.

Regional Safety Rankings for Coffee County

Coffee County’s safety score of 96.1 is nearly identical to Chambers County’s 96.2. However, it is significantly higher than Chilton County's crime rate of 2735.9. This puts Coffee County in a middle position among the counties currently being analyzed.

Analyzing Local Crime Categories

Violent crime in Coffee County is 425.7 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is 2029.5 per 100K, matching national levels very closely. This balanced activity means residents should stay alert to both personal and property-related risks.

Enhancing Your Home Security

Given that violent and property crimes both exceed averages, residents should consider comprehensive security systems. Motion cameras and alarm monitoring provide an essential layer of protection. Staying informed about local crime trends helps neighbors look out for one another.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Coffee County

via HealthByCounty

Alabama's healthiest county surveyed

Coffee County residents live to 74.2 years—the highest in this eight-county survey—and just 3.2 years below the U.S. average of 77.4 years. With only 19.5% reporting poor or fair health, the county achieves meaningful health gains.

Top health performer in state

Coffee County's 74.2-year life expectancy exceeds Alabama's 72.1-year state average by 2.1 years and ranks among the healthiest counties statewide. Its 19.5% poor/fair health rate is well below the state median.

Regional health leader by far

Coffee County's 74.2-year life expectancy leads all surveyed counties by 1.5 years and beats the closest competitor, Choctaw (73.1), substantially. Its 52 primary care and 110 mental health providers per 100,000 residents far exceed regional peers.

Strong access fuels strong outcomes

Coffee County has 52 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the highest among surveyed counties and near the national average of 59. The exceptional 110 mental health providers per 100,000 and 11.5% uninsured rate demonstrate investment in comprehensive care.

Maintain what's working

Coffee County's health leadership stems from robust provider networks and strong insurance coverage at 11.5% uninsured. If you're uninsured, join the majority at healthcare.gov and help sustain the county's exceptional health momentum.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Coffee County

via SchoolsByCounty

Robust Educational Options in Coffee County

Coffee County boasts a large network of 18 public schools serving over 10,182 students. The infrastructure is diverse, featuring eight elementary schools, five high schools, and three middle schools across three districts.

Elite Graduation and Strong Academic Scores

The county achieves a stellar 94.7% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the state average of 90.7%. Its 53.6 composite school score also beats state benchmarks, despite a per-pupil expenditure of $5,894.

Enterprise City Leads a Triple-District System

Enterprise City is the largest district with 6,651 students, followed by Coffee County (2,846) and Elba City (685). This variety gives families options among traditional public schools, as no charter schools currently operate here.

From Rural Classrooms to Major High Schools

The locale mix is fairly even with 10 rural and eight town schools, though sizes vary wildly. While the average is 636 students, Enterprise High School is a major hub with an enrollment of 2,117.

Join a High-Achieving Coffee County Community

Whether you prefer a large-scale town school or a quiet rural campus, Coffee County delivers elite graduation rates. Start your home search here to give your family access to one of the state's highest-performing regions.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Coffee County

via RiskByCounty

Coffee County's Risk Significantly Above Average

Coffee County's composite score of 83.43 substantially exceeds the national average, ranking as Relatively Moderate risk. This profile places the county among more hazardous regions across the United States.

Alabama's Highest-Risk County

At 83.43, Coffee County ranks as Alabama's most hazardous county, dramatically exceeding the state average of 61.54. This dangerous elevation reflects critical exposure to tornadoes (90.27), hurricanes (92.87), and floods (84.41).

Vastly More Hazardous Than Surrounding Areas

Coffee County's 83.43 score far exceeds nearby Clarke County (53.40) and other regional peers, making it uniquely vulnerable. This isolation as Alabama's riskiest county reflects concentrated exposure to multiple simultaneous hazard types.

Hurricanes, Tornadoes, and Floods Converge Here

Hurricane risk (92.87), tornado risk (90.27), and flood risk (84.41) converge to create an exceptionally dangerous environment—all three hazards rank among Alabama's highest. Together, these water and wind threats demand serious preparedness investment.

Invest in Maximum Disaster Protection Today

Coffee County residents must carry comprehensive homeowners insurance with wind coverage, separate flood insurance, and consider additional protective features like storm shelters. Your county's position as Alabama's highest-risk area makes robust insurance coverage and home hardening essential investments.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Coffee County

via WeatherByCounty

Hot and humid coastal influence

Coffee County is quite warm, with an annual average temperature of 66.5°F. This is significantly higher than the national median, placing it in one of the warmest climate zones in the United States.

Among the hottest in Alabama

Coffee County’s average of 66.5°F is much higher than the state average of 63.2°F. It is consistently one of the warmest regions in Alabama due to its southern location.

Hotter and wetter than neighbors

Coffee County is warmer than Clarke County (64.9°F) and receives more rain, totaling 60.2 inches annually. This high moisture and heat make for a very lush, tropical environment.

Endless summers and rare frost

July averages a sweltering 81.1°F, and the county faces 72 days of extreme heat annually. Snow is nearly non-existent, averaging just 0.1 inches, while winters remain warm with a January average of 49.3°F.

Plan for extreme heat management

With over 70 days above 90°F, high-capacity cooling systems and hydration are critical. Residents must also prepare for heavy 60.2-inch rainfall totals, often associated with tropical weather patterns.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Coffee County

via SoilByCounty

Charting the Soil Profile of Coffee County

Although local pH data is missing, we look to the state average of 5.21 for a likely estimate of the county's acidity. This is notably more acidic than the national median of 6.5. Determining the specific taxonomic order will help local land managers understand the soil's inherent strengths.

Soil Texture and Drainage Capability

Specific percentages of sand, silt, and clay are not currently listed for this area. This composition is the foundation of soil health, influencing both nutrient retention and drainage speeds. Knowing your specific texture helps you decide how much water and fertilizer your land needs.

Measuring Potential Against State Averages

Specific organic matter data for Coffee County is unavailable, but the state average of 1.74% is a key reference point. Increasing organic matter toward the national average of 2.0% can significantly improve water retention. The state's average available water capacity of 0.138 in/in is a target for high-performing soil.

Assessing Drainage and Hydrologic Groups

The dominant drainage class and hydrologic group for this county are not currently specified. These categories are crucial for effective farm management and for protecting your property from runoff during storms. Observation of local water flow can help you understand these hidden characteristics.

Growing Abundance in Zone 8b

Coffee County is in Hardiness Zone 8b, providing a warm and long growing season that supports everything from cotton to collards. The mild climate is perfect for extending your harvest well into the fall. It's a great time to get into the dirt and discover what Coffee County can grow.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Coffee County

via LawnByCounty

Significant Lawn Challenges in Coffee County

Coffee County presents a difficult environment for lawn care with a score of 21.3, well below the state average of 29.5. This Zone 8b region ranks as one of the tougher places in the country to maintain perfect grass. Homeowners must combat extreme heat and high growth demands to keep their yards green.

Maximum Energy and Tropical Rainfall

Coffee County experiences a massive 6,373 growing degree days and 72 extreme heat days, leading to incredibly fast growth and high stress. The 60.2 inches of annual rain is plentiful but can lead to nutrient leaching and fungal issues. The frost-free season is long, running from early March all the way to late November.

Vital Soil Steps for Success

Specific soil metrics for the county are currently unavailable, necessitating a custom soil test for your property. In this high-growth environment, maintaining a pH of 6.0-7.0 is vital to prevent nutrient deficiencies during the long summer. Proper fertilization is key to supporting the intense energy requirements of local turf.

Severe Drought Grips the Region

Currently, 100.0% of Coffee County is under severe drought conditions (D2+), making water management a critical priority. The county has seen 27 weeks of drought over the past year. In these conditions, dormant-mowing and strict adherence to watering schedules are the only ways to preserve the root system.

Best Grass Choices for the Deep South

St. Augustine and Centipede grass are the most reliable choices for the hot, humid Zone 8b climate in Coffee County. Planting can begin as early as mid-March given the early last-frost date of March 9. Be ready to provide extra irrigation and care during the challenging summer months.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Coffee County's county score?
Coffee County, Alabama has a composite county score of 44 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 Coffee County rank among counties in Alabama?
Coffee County ranks #61 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 Coffee County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Coffee County is $615, with an effective tax rate of 0.34%. This earns Coffee County a tax score of 96.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Coffee County?
The median household income in Coffee County, Alabama is $64,672 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Coffee County earns an income score of 52.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Coffee County, Alabama a good place to live?
Coffee County scores 44/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #61 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Coffee 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 Coffee 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.