CountyScore

Coffee County

Alabama · AL

#48 in Alabama
68.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Coffee County, Alabama

Coffee County holds steady above national average

Coffee County's composite score of 68.9 ranks in the 68th percentile nationally, above the U.S. median of 50.0, though the lowest in this eight-county group. This positioning reflects solid fundamentals in taxes and health, offset by higher housing costs and lower risk resilience.

Slightly trails Alabama's county average

Coffee County scores 68.9 compared to Alabama's state average of 70.8, placing it just below the state midpoint among 67 counties. This slight underperformance suggests typical to slightly-below-average livability conditions for rural Alabama.

Income and health lead the county's profile

Coffee County boasts the highest median household income ($64,672, score: 25.6) and strong health outcomes (65.2) among this group, indicating robust healthcare access and solid economic opportunity. These strengths appeal to working families and health-conscious residents seeking active employment options.

Risk exposure and housing costs lag peers

The county's risk score of 16.6 ranks lowest in this comparison, signaling elevated exposure to natural hazards or economic disruption. Median rent of $970/month and home values of $180,300 are the highest in the group, substantially limiting affordability advantage.

Best for working families prioritizing income

Coffee County suits working families and professionals seeking higher wages and strong healthcare access over minimal housing costs. The county's income and health advantages make it the strongest choice for wage earners, though those prioritizing affordability or risk minimization may find better fits elsewhere.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax92.7Cost77.6SafetyComing SoonHealth65.2SchoolsComing SoonIncome25.6Risk16.6WaterComing Soon
🏛92.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤65.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡16.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Coffee County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Walker County
Alabama
68.9
Median income: $54,509
Arkansas County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $60,831
Jackson County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $41,215
Sevier County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $51,641
Hamilton County
Florida
68.9
Median income: $47,696

Deep Dives

Coffee County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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