countyscore
43.8
County Score
Property Tax 95.5Income & Jobs 58.1Schools 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.

2040608010095.536.81439.848.358.116.646.937.5Tax95.5Cost36.8Safety14Health39.8Schools48.3Income58.1Risk16.6Water46.9Weather37.543.8/100
This county
National avg
1 above average6 below average

Coffee County DNA

Foverall

How Coffee County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Coffee County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (14/100), though Property Tax (95.5/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
95.5+43.5
Cost
36.8-11.200000000000003
Safety
14-41
Health
39.8-10.200000000000003
Schools
48.3
Income
58.1
Risk
16.6-30.4
Water
46.9-11.100000000000001
Weather
37.5-18.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$188,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,018/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$188,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$40,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $68,353/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

House Price Index

219.6

Primary Care

14.8

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

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Scioto County
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Lackawanna County
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Putnam County
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Childress County
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Nearby counties

Crenshaw County
Alabama
55.8
Covington County
Alabama
55.9
Geneva County
Alabama
61.5
Dale County
Alabama
45.5
Pike County
Alabama
47.1
Holmes County
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50.6
Butler County
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44.8
Conecuh County
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57.6

Deep Dives

Coffee County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 43.8 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 $677, with an effective tax rate of 0.36%. This earns Coffee County a tax score of 95.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Coffee County?
The median household income in Coffee County, Alabama is $68,353 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Coffee County earns an income score of 58.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Coffee County, Alabama a good place to live?
Coffee County scores 43.8/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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