CountyScore

Elmore County

Alabama · AL

#37 in Alabama
70.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Elmore County, Alabama

Elmore ranks in top third nationally

Elmore County's composite score of 70.9 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 42%, placing it solidly in the upper third of American counties. This strong performance reflects balanced livability across multiple dimensions, from tax efficiency to health outcomes.

Essentially at Alabama's state average

Elmore's score of 70.9 matches Alabama's state average of 70.8 almost exactly, positioning it as a representative mid-tier county within the state. This alignment suggests Elmore captures the typical livability profile for a solid Alabama community.

Strong income and health outcomes lead way

Elmore stands out with an income score of 32.7 paired with a median household income of $75,553—substantially above county peers and the state average. The county also scores well on health (68.5), signaling accessible healthcare and wellness resources that support quality of life.

Cost and risk scores lag growth

Elmore's cost score of 75.1 reflects higher housing expenses, with median home values at $213,600 and rents at $1,014 per month—the priciest among these counties. The risk score of 27.8 also indicates moderate concerns that prospective residents should investigate.

Ideal for moderate-to-high income households

Elmore County appeals to families with solid incomes seeking better healthcare access and healthier communities, even at higher housing costs. The county balances affordability with prosperity, though buyers should budget for premium home prices.

Score breakdown

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

Tax94.9Cost75.1SafetyComing SoonHealth68.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome32.7Risk27.8WaterComing Soon
🏛94.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤68.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡27.8
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 Elmore County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Randolph County
Arkansas
70.9
Median income: $52,838
Wilcox County
Georgia
70.9
Median income: $48,036
Putnam County
Illinois
70.9
Median income: $77,526
Greene County
Iowa
70.9
Median income: $59,159
Taylor County
Iowa
70.9
Median income: $67,279

Deep Dives

Elmore County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Elmore County

via TaxByCounty

Elmore ranks among America's lowest tax rates

Elmore County's effective tax rate of 0.264% is significantly below the national median, making it among the most tax-friendly counties in the country. Though the national median property tax is $2,690 annually, Elmore residents pay just $563—a difference amplified by the county's lower median home value of $213,600.

Elmore's rate is Alabama's lowest in this group

At 0.264%, Elmore County boasts the lowest effective tax rate among Alabama's 67 counties in this analysis, falling well below the state average of 0.339%. The median property tax of $563 slightly exceeds the state median, reflecting Elmore's higher median home values relative to its low rate.

Elmore stands out as the region's tax bargain

Elmore's 0.264% rate is substantially lower than all surveyed nearby counties: DeKalb (0.338%), Fayette (0.286%), Franklin (0.338%), and Geneva (0.318%). For cost-conscious homebuyers in central Alabama, Elmore's tax advantage is a meaningful draw.

Median Elmore home costs $563 yearly

On a median home value of $213,600, Elmore property owners pay approximately $563 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $598 when including county fees, while those owning outright pay around $467.

Even low-tax Elmore homeowners may benefit from appeals

A low rate doesn't guarantee accurate assessments—many Elmore homeowners are still overassessed relative to market value. Filing an appeal with the county assessor is free and can result in meaningful savings on your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Elmore County

via CostByCounty

Elmore stretches incomes further than average

Despite a median household income nearly matching the national average ($75,553 vs. $74,755 nationally), Elmore's rent-to-income ratio of 16.1% remains impressively low for renters. At $1,014/month, rents are notably higher than surrounding counties, yet median household income supports affordability across rental and ownership markets.

Second-best affordability among Alabama counties

Elmore's rent-to-income ratio of 16.1% beats Alabama's state average of 18.0%, reflecting both higher local incomes and manageable housing costs. This combination—stronger earnings plus controlled rent burden—makes Elmore one of Alabama's standout counties for housing security.

Higher rents, but income supports it

Elmore's $1,014 monthly rent significantly exceeds neighboring DeKalb ($683) and Etowah ($807), reflecting Elmore's stronger median household income of $75,553. Even with higher housing costs, Elmore residents maintain a better rent-to-income ratio than Etowah (18.3%), proving that higher earnings absorb regional price differences.

Balanced housing costs across tenants and owners

Renters dedicate $1,014/month (16.1% of income) while homeowners pay $982/month on properties valued at $213,600. Housing costs consume roughly one-third of household income, the lowest burden among its Northeast Alabama peers.

Strong incomes make Elmore's higher rents viable

Elmore suits relocating professionals earning $70,000+ who value modern housing and manageable affordability ratios over bargain-basement rents. Compare Elmore's median home value ($213,600) and rent ($1,014) with neighboring counties to determine if the trade-up in housing quality matches your relocation goals.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Elmore County

via IncomeByCounty

Elmore nearly matches national median

Elmore County's median household income of $75,553 nearly equals the U.S. median of $74,755, putting it in the top tier nationally. Elmore households earn about $800 more per year than the typical American household.

Elmore leads Alabama counties

At $75,553, Elmore County's median household income surpasses Alabama's state average of $54,196 by 39%, ranking it among the state's highest-earning counties. This $21,357 advantage reflects Elmore's stronger economic base and employment opportunities.

Clear income leader in the region

Elmore's $75,553 median income substantially exceeds neighboring DeKalb County ($51,149) and Etowah County ($53,070) by roughly $22,400 and $22,500 respectively. Elmore stands distinctly apart as the income powerhouse among adjacent counties.

Strong affordability across housing types

Elmore's 16.1% rent-to-income ratio demonstrates excellent rental affordability, well below the 30% threshold. With median home values of $213,600 and strong household incomes, Elmore residents enjoy balanced housing costs relative to earning power.

Capitalize on Elmore's income advantage

Elmore's $75,553 median household income positions residents to maximize retirement savings and investment opportunities. Higher earners here can aggressively fund 529 college savings plans, taxable brokerage accounts, and long-term wealth-building strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Elmore County

via HealthByCounty

Elmore leads Alabama in national health standings

At 74.6 years, Elmore County residents enjoy the highest life expectancy in this county set—and beat the U.S. average of 71.5 years by over three years. Only 18.8% report poor or fair health, the lowest rate among these eight counties.

Alabama's bright spot for longevity outcomes

Elmore's 74.6-year life expectancy outpaces Alabama's 72.1-year average by 2.5 years, placing it among the state's healthiest counties. The county's 9.0% uninsured rate also beats the state average of 11.1% by a clear margin.

Significantly outpacing surrounding counties

Elmore residents live 4.5 years longer than those in Escambia County and 2.4 years longer than Etowah County. This county's combination of strong longevity and low uninsured rates sets it apart as a health leader in the region.

Good coverage, but provider access lags

With only 9.0% uninsured, Elmore has strong health coverage relative to state averages. However, the county has just 22 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in this set—requiring some residents to travel for routine care.

Maintain your health coverage advantage

Elmore's low uninsured rate reflects strong community health habits worth protecting. Review your current coverage annually to ensure continuous access to the care that keeps this county healthy.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Elmore County

via RiskByCounty

Elmore's Risk Exceeds National Baseline

Elmore County scores 72.17 for overall composite disaster risk, qualifying as Relatively Low but still above the national average across most hazard types. The county faces balanced exposure to multiple threats, with floods and tornadoes posing the most significant challenges.

Moderate Risk Within Alabama

At 72.17, Elmore's composite score surpasses Alabama's 61.54 state average, positioning it in the higher-risk category statewide. The county's well-rounded hazard profile means residents face somewhat elevated exposure across floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes simultaneously.

Central Alabama's Risk Hub

Elmore County's 72.17 score falls between safer nearby counties like Fayette (38.17) and higher-risk neighbors like Etowah (87.34). Its balanced risk profile makes it moderately vulnerable compared to the state's safest counties but better positioned than Alabama's most hazard-prone regions.

Floods and Tornadoes Drive Risk

Flood risk leads at 80.57, reflecting Elmore's river systems and seasonal water hazards that affect homes and infrastructure year-round. Tornadoes follow at 75.60, making spring severe weather a significant seasonal threat that demands preparedness.

Prioritize Flood and Wind Insurance

Standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage, making separate flood insurance essential for Elmore County residents—particularly those in mapped floodplains or near waterways. Ensure your wind coverage is adequate for tornado season, and maintain clear drainage around your home to reduce flooding vulnerability.

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.