55.8
County Score
Property Tax 99.2Cost of Living 87.7Disaster Risk 85.5

County Report Card

About Coosa County, Alabama

Coosa County outperforms national median

Coosa's composite score of 55.8 surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 56th percentile nationally. The county demonstrates solid livability metrics compared to typical U.S. counties.

Ranks comfortably above Alabama average

Coosa's 55.8 score exceeds Alabama's state average of 52.9, establishing it as an above-average performer within the state. The county ranks in the upper half of Alabama's 67 counties.

Ultra-low taxes and exceptional affordability shine

Coosa County boasts the lowest effective tax rate in this group at 0.271%, with a tax score of 99.2 that's virtually unmatched. Housing remains highly affordable at $682/month rent and $111,800 median home value, with a cost score of 87.7 and exceptional disaster resilience (85.5).

Schools and health outcomes need reinforcement

Coosa's school score of just 16.4 is among the lowest, indicating significant education system challenges. Health outcomes (29.8) and safety concerns (41.5) also lag behind stronger-performing counties.

Perfect for budget-minded families valuing security

Coosa County suits families and individuals seeking minimal tax burden, rock-bottom housing costs, and strong natural disaster protection. However, parents prioritizing school quality or those requiring substantial healthcare services should carefully weigh alternatives.

Score breakdown

Tax99.2Cost87.7Safety41.5Health29.8Schools16.4Income30.6Risk85.5Water47.4Weather59.7
🏛99.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠87.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼30.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡41.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
29.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓16.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
85.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧47.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤59.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱34.1
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

Coosa County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Coosa County

via TaxByCounty

Coosa has the nation's lowest tax rates

At 0.271%, Coosa County's effective property tax rate ranks among the absolute lowest in America, well below the 0.89% national average. The median annual tax of just $303 represents only 11% of the national median of $2,690.

Significantly below Alabama average

Coosa County's 0.271% rate is notably lower than Alabama's statewide average of 0.339%, making it one of the state's most tax-friendly counties. Its median tax of $303 is roughly 41% lower than Alabama's median of $511.

The lowest-taxed county in this group

Among the eight counties analyzed, Coosa has the lowest effective tax rate and the lowest median tax bill. Its 0.271% rate provides a significant advantage for budget-conscious homeowners compared to peers like Colbert (0.374%) and Dallas (0.424%).

What homeowners pay annually

A homeowner with Coosa County's median-valued property ($111,800) pays approximately $303 per year in property taxes. With mortgage-related adjustments, that can reach around $343 for financed homes.

Verify your property's assessed value

Even with low rates, incorrect assessments can result in overpayment—review your latest assessment notice and compare it to recent comparable home sales. Filing a property tax appeal is usually free and can prevent years of overpayment.

Cost of Living in Coosa County

via CostByCounty

Coosa delivers Alabama's best rent affordability

Coosa County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio is exceptional—among the lowest in the nation and significantly better than the U.S. average. Residents here enjoy genuine housing affordability, with median rents of just $682 and household incomes of $57,063 creating substantial breathing room.

Coosa beats Alabama average by wide margin

At 14.3%, Coosa's rent burden falls well below Alabama's 18.0% state average, ranking the county among the state's most affordable for renters. The $682 median rent is notably lower than the state's $799 average, offering genuine relief for budget-conscious households.

The county's affordability standout

Coosa's $682 rent is substantially cheaper than neighbors Colbert ($838) and Cullman ($883), making it the region's rent bargain. Its 14.3% rent-to-income ratio outperforms nearly all adjacent counties, positioning Coosa as the affordability leader.

Breathing room on every income

At $57,063 median household income, renters paying $682 monthly dedicate just 14.3% to housing costs—well below the affordability threshold. Ownership costs $578 monthly, and the median home value of $111,800 presents an attractive entry point for would-be homeowners.

Coosa is the affordability choice

If housing affordability is your priority, Coosa County delivers exceptional value across both rental and ownership markets. The 14.3% rent burden and $111,800 median home prices make it an outstanding comparison point for anyone relocating to Alabama.

Income & Jobs in Coosa County

via IncomeByCounty

Coosa income holds steady above state average

Coosa County's median household income of $57,063 exceeds Alabama's state average of $54,196 but remains $17,692 below the U.S. median of $74,755. The county performs solidly within state rankings despite the national income gap.

Coosa ranks in Alabama's upper-middle tier

Coosa County ranks above the state median among Alabama's 67 counties with household income of $57,063. This positions the county in the better-earning half, outperforming the majority of rural and smaller Alabama communities.

Coosa competes well in regional income rankings

Coosa County's $57,063 median household income stands above most neighboring east-central Alabama counties. Its per capita income of $29,035 reflects a community with reasonably diverse employment opportunities and stable wage growth.

Housing costs remain very manageable here

Coosa County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio among these eight counties at 14.3%, well below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $111,800 aligns well with local income levels, making homeownership accessible for working families.

Coosa residents in strong position to invest

With favorable housing costs and above-average state income, Coosa households can redirect savings toward wealth-building goals like home equity and retirement accounts. A financial plan focused on consistent investing can compound gains over time in this economically stable county.

Safety in Coosa County

via CrimeByCounty

Coosa County Remains Safer Than National Average

Coosa County features a total crime rate of 1,326.4 per 100,000 residents, well below the national mark of 2,385.5. This translates to a safety score of 97.9, reflecting a generally secure community.

Strong Performance Relative to Alabama Averages

The county’s safety score of 97.9 beats the Alabama state average of 97.3. Local total crime rates sit 400 points lower than the state average, demonstrating effective local public safety efforts.

Competitive Safety Stats Among Peers

Coosa County tracks closely with its neighbors, maintaining a property crime rate of 997.2 per 100,000 people. Although violent crime is slightly higher than the state average at 329.2, overall safety remains a regional highlight.

Analyzing Violent vs Property Crime Trends

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 329.2 per 100,000, while property crime is more common at 997.2. These figures suggest that while physical safety is high, residents should prioritize securing their personal belongings.

Proactive Strategies for Home Security

Protecting your property is essential since property crime represents the majority of local offenses. Experts recommend using timed lighting and reinforced door frames to deter potential intruders.

Health in Coosa County

via HealthByCounty

Coosa's Health Metrics Near National Average

Coosa County's 72.2-year life expectancy closely matches the U.S. average of 72.6 years, placing residents in line with typical American health outcomes. The county's 23.7% poor/fair health rate is slightly higher than the national average of 21.8%, indicating a modest health disadvantage. Overall, Coosa represents a middle-ground county facing some but not severe national health pressures.

Coosa Slightly Above State Average

At 72.2 years, Coosa's life expectancy edges above Alabama's state average of 72.1 years, though the margin is minimal. The county's 9.5% uninsured rate is notably better than Alabama's 11.1%, suggesting slightly better insurance coverage among residents. Coosa performs just barely above the state line on key health measures.

Coosa in the Middle of Regional Health Range

Coosa's 72.2-year life expectancy sits between lower-performing neighbors like Covington (70.6 years) and stronger performers like Colbert (73.0 years). The county's 9.5% uninsured rate is among the best in its region, suggesting relatively good insurance access. Coosa represents a middle point in regional health outcomes.

Data Gaps Limit Healthcare Visibility

Primary care provider data is unavailable for Coosa County, limiting our ability to assess routine care access in the community. The county maintains 20 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, which is notably low and suggests potential gaps in behavioral health services. Limited data availability makes it difficult to fully assess healthcare infrastructure needs in Coosa.

Secure Coverage for Better Health

With 9.5% of Coosa residents uninsured, you may be among those without coverage protections. Explore health insurance options through the Alabama Health Insurance Marketplace or your local health department to ensure you have access to necessary care. Making coverage a priority today protects your health tomorrow.

Schools in Coosa County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Learning in a Rural County

Coosa County provides a highly focused educational infrastructure with just two public schools serving 805 students. This includes one elementary school for early childhood and one high school for older students. Both facilities operate under a single unified district to serve the entire county population.

Navigating Challenges with Local Focus

The county faces hurdles with an 82.0% graduation rate, which trails both the 90.7% state average and the 87.0% national benchmark. Spending stands at $6,199 per student, slightly below the Alabama average of $6,270. With a school score of 47.6, the district is working to improve outcomes while managing limited resources.

A Single Hub for All Students

The Coosa County School District is the sole provider of public education, managing all 805 students in the region. There are no charter schools available, making Central Elementary and Central High the primary centers of student life. Central Elementary is the largest facility, hosting 443 students in a close-knit environment.

Purely Rural Education

Every student in Coosa County attends school in a rural setting, emphasizing the county's quiet, agrarian character. The average school size is 403 students, meaning every child is part of a significant portion of the total county enrollment. This structure creates a shared community identity where everyone knows their neighbors and classmates.

Rooted in Community-Centric Living

If you value a small-town atmosphere where the entire student body gathers on just two campuses, Coosa County is worth a look. Real estate near the Central school complex allows for a short commute and deep community integration. This area is ideal for buyers looking for the simplicity of a single-district system.

Disaster Risk in Coosa County

via RiskByCounty

Coosa Is Among America's Safest Counties

Coosa County scores just 14.57 on composite risk, the lowest among these eight counties and far below the national average. This exceptional safety profile means residents face significantly less multi-hazard exposure than most Americans.

Alabama's Lowest-Risk County in This Group

Coosa's 14.57 score ranks dramatically below Alabama's 61.54 state average, making it one of the safest counties in the state. The exceptional gap reflects minimal earthquake, tornado, and hurricane exposure compared to peers statewide.

Dramatically Safer Than Surrounding Counties

Coosa (14.57) offers substantially lower risk than adjacent Cullman (81.93) and Crenshaw (34.38), creating a notable safety pocket in central Alabama. Even compared to modest-risk neighbors, Coosa's exposure is remarkably contained.

Wildfire and Flood Are Minor Concerns

Wildfire risk scores highest at 64.44, driven by forested areas and seasonal dry conditions, but remains moderate in absolute terms. Flood (34.26) and tornado (37.28) risks rank well below state averages, creating a genuinely low-hazard environment.

Standard Coverage Likely Sufficient Here

Coosa's exceptional safety profile means a standard homeowners policy adequately covers most residents, though wildfire insurance becomes valuable if you live near forested areas. Review flood coverage if you're in a mapped flood zone, but this remains among Alabama's lowest-risk counties overall.

Weather & Climate in Coosa County

via WeatherByCounty

Consistent Warmth in the Heart of Alabama

Coosa County records an annual average temperature of 62.5°F, staying consistently warmer than the national median. This climate is defined by high humidity and significant year-round precipitation.

Aligned with Alabama State Norms

The county's 62.5°F average sits just below the Alabama state average of 63.2°F. This makes Coosa a reliable benchmark for the state's interior climate patterns.

Middle Ground Between North and South

Coosa is notably warmer than northern Cullman County's 60.0°F but remains cooler than southern Dallas County at 64.6°F. It receives a robust 60.2 inches of rain, which is higher than many of its immediate neighbors.

Moderate Winters and Humid Summers

The summer average reaches 77.6°F with 46 days of extreme heat peaking over 90°F. Winter remains temperate at 46.7°F, though local snowfall data is currently limited for this area.

Prepare for Heavy Rainfall Events

Because Coosa receives over 60 inches of annual rain, residents should ensure proper site drainage around all structures. Cooling costs remain the primary utility concern given the 46 days of extreme heat.

Soil Quality in Coosa County

via SoilByCounty

Coosa County's Piedmont Soil Identity

Specific soil taxonomy and pH levels for Coosa County are currently unrecorded. Local growers usually navigate the acidic tendencies of Alabama soil, which averages a pH of 5.21 compared to the national 6.5 median.

Understanding the Local Soil Mix

Measurements for sand, silt, and clay are not provided for this county. Residents typically encounter the red clays and loams of the Piedmont, which provide strong structural support but can be difficult to work when dry.

Fertility Trends in Coosa County

Organic matter and water capacity data are currently missing for this area. Improving your soil to exceed the state average of 1.74% organic matter will significantly boost your garden's productivity and resilience.

Water Movement Across the Landscape

Drainage classifications are not listed for Coosa County in this dataset. Because this region features rolling hills, managing drainage is essential for preventing erosion and ensuring healthy plant roots.

Gardening Success in Zone 8a

Coosa County falls within Hardiness Zone 8a, supporting a diverse range of crops from tomatoes to fruit trees. With a little soil preparation and mulch, your home garden can thrive throughout the long Alabama growing season.

Lawn Care in Coosa County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Maintenance in Coosa County

Coosa County scores a 34.1 for lawn difficulty, making it one of the more manageable areas in Alabama compared to the 29.5 state average. This Zone 8a region offers a balance between traditional southern heat and manageable growing cycles.

High Rainfall and Manageable Heat

The county receives a generous 60.2 inches of rain annually, which is well above the 50-inch ideal threshold. However, with only 46 extreme heat days—fewer than the state average of 64—lawns here face less midday wilting than their southern neighbors.

Addressing Foundation Soil Needs

Specific soil metrics for Coosa are unavailable, but the high rainfall often results in naturally acidic conditions. Experts recommend adding organic matter to improve the structure of local soils before the peak 5,212 growing degree days begin.

Navigating Abnormally Dry Spells

The county spent 21 weeks in drought last year, and 100% of the area is currently classified as Abnormally Dry. Using mulch around lawn edges and maintaining a higher mowing height helps preserve soil moisture during these dry stretches.

Seeding for Success in Coosa

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda perform best here, provided they are established between the March 25 last frost and November 11 first frost. This roughly 230-day window provides ample time for a thick, healthy turf to take hold.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Coosa County's county score?
Coosa County, Alabama has a composite county score of 55.8 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 Coosa County rank among counties in Alabama?
Coosa County ranks #25 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 Coosa County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Coosa County is $303, with an effective tax rate of 0.27%. This earns Coosa County a tax score of 99.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Coosa County?
The median household income in Coosa County, Alabama is $57,063 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Coosa County earns an income score of 30.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Coosa County, Alabama a good place to live?
Coosa County scores 55.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #25 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Coosa 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 Coosa County with other counties side by side.