countyscore
52.1
County Score
Property Tax 99.3Income & Jobs 78.1Water Quality 70.1

County Report Card

About Elmore County, Alabama

Elmore matches national livability baseline

Elmore County's composite score of 52.1 nearly mirrors the national median of 50.0, placing it around the 50th percentile nationally. It represents a statistically average livability profile compared to typical U.S. counties.

Ranks near Alabama's middle tier

With a score of 52.1 versus Alabama's state average of 52.9, Elmore sits just below the state median. It lands roughly in the middle of Alabama's 67 counties in overall livability.

Strong income and minimal tax burden

Elmore's income score of 78.1 is its standout strength, with a median household income of $75,553—among Alabama's highest. An exceptional tax score of 99.3 (effective rate 0.264%) adds to its financial appeal.

Housing costs and schools need strengthening

The county's cost score of 29.6 reflects inflated housing prices, with median home values at $213,600 and rents at $1,014/month—making it Alabama's priciest. School score of 28.7 and health score of 49.0 also lag comparable counties.

Best for higher-earning households seeking efficiency

Elmore suits professional families with solid incomes who value tax efficiency and can afford premium housing costs. It's less ideal for budget-constrained households or those prioritizing school quality and health services.

Score breakdown

Tax99.3Cost29.6Safety58Health49Schools28.7Income78.1Risk27.8Water70.1Weather29.4
🏛99.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠29.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼78.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡58
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤49
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓28.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡27.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧70.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤29.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨14.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱37.4
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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Nearby counties

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48.6
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Macon County
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Chilton County
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Lowndes County
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Bullock County
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Deep Dives

Elmore County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Elmore County

via CrimeByCounty

Elmore County Boasts Elite Safety Ratings

With a safety score of 98.5, Elmore County ranks among the most secure areas in the United States. Its total crime rate of 965.9 per 100K is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding Alabama Safety Averages

The county's safety score sits well above the state average of 97.3. Elmore's total crime rate is also nearly 45% lower than the typical Alabama county average of 1,731.0.

Safest Profile in the Central Region

Elmore County maintains a much lower crime profile than nearby Greene County, despite having more residents. Local law enforcement across 6 reporting agencies keeps incident rates under 1,000 per 100K.

Property Crimes Predominate Low Totals

Violent crime is low at 98.1 per 100K, roughly one-fourth of the national rate. Property crime represents 867.8 of the total incidents, suggesting that theft is the primary concern for local residents.

Protecting Property in Elmore County

Maintaining the county's high safety score starts with home awareness and secure entries. Residents can deter property crimes by using doorbell cameras and keeping vehicles locked at night.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Elmore County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Educational Infrastructure

Elmore County supports 13,507 students across 25 public schools and two separate districts. The system offers a balanced mix of seven elementary, six middle, and six high schools to serve its growing population.

Solid Performance and Lean Budgets

The graduation rate of 88.7% exceeds the national benchmark, though it sits slightly below the Alabama state average. The county operates on a lean $6,019 per-pupil expenditure, yet maintains a school score of 50.7, just above the national median.

Spotlight on Elmore and Tallassee

The Elmore County district dominates the landscape with 17 schools and 11,971 students, while Tallassee City manages a smaller enrollment of 1,536. Charter schools have not yet entered this market, keeping the focus on established community districts.

From Suburbs to Rural Landscapes

Students attend schools in a mix of 10 rural, 8 suburban, and 7 town settings, reflecting the county's geographic diversity. Wetumpka High School is the largest campus with 1,240 students, contributing to an average school size of 711.

Home Search Near Elmore Schools

The variety of school settings makes Elmore County a versatile choice for families seeking either suburban convenience or rural quiet. Researching homes near high-capacity schools like Wetumpka or Millbrook can help you find the right fit for your family.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Elmore County

via WeatherByCounty

A Damp Subtropical Setting

While specific average temperature data for Elmore County is limited, it follows the humid subtropical pattern common across the South. The county receives 53.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is significantly higher than the national median.

Drier Than the Alabama Average

Elmore County's 53.3 inches of annual rain falls short of the Alabama state average of 57.4 inches. Without specific temperature rankings available, the county remains a key part of the state's central river region climate.

Standard Central Alabama Conditions

The county sees 0.3 inches of annual snowfall, which is typical for central Alabama but higher than southern neighbors like Geneva. Its rainfall levels are more moderate than the 65.6 inches seen in coastal-adjacent Escambia County.

Brief Winters and Damp Summers

Snow is a rarity here, averaging just 0.3 inches per year. While summer heat data is missing, the heavy annual rainfall of 53.3 inches ensures high humidity throughout the growing season.

Prepare for High Humidity

Residents should prioritize moisture control and efficient drainage systems to handle over 53 inches of rain. Even with limited heat data, the regional climate requires robust air conditioning for the long, humid summers.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Elmore County

via SoilByCounty

Ancient Ultisols of the Coastal Plain

Elmore County features highly weathered Ultisols with an average pH of 5.28. This is slightly less acidic than the state average but remains far below the national median of 6.5. These soils represent a landscape shaped by long-term leaching and warm climate conditions.

The Sandy Loam Advantage

With a dominant sandy loam texture, the soil consists of 61.2% sand and only 13.9% clay. This mix provides excellent workability and rapid drainage for agricultural operations. The 24.5% silt content adds enough structure to prevent the soil from being purely erosive.

Low Organic Matter Challenges

At 1.30%, the organic matter in Elmore is notably lower than the 2.0% national average. The available water capacity of 0.125 in/in also falls below the state average of 0.138. This combination means frequent irrigation and cover cropping are essential to maintain soil health and productivity.

Well Drained for Building and Farming

Classified as well-drained and belonging to hydrologic group B, these soils move water efficiently through the profile. This makes Elmore County favorable for residential construction and septic systems compared to heavier clay regions. However, this high permeability means nutrients can leach away quickly after heavy rains.

Warm Seasons in Zone 8b

Situated in Zone 8b, Elmore County supports heat-tolerant crops like okra, sweet potatoes, and peaches. The sandy loam is perfect for root crops that struggle in heavier soils. Grab some compost to boost that organic matter and start your garden this weekend.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Elmore County

via LawnByCounty

Elmore Lawns Face Sandy Soil Challenges

With a lawn difficulty score of 37.4, Elmore is more manageable than the typical Alabama county but remains tougher than the national median. This hardiness zone 8b region offers a long growing season for warm-season turfgrass.

Ample Rain Drives Rapid Summer Growth

Elmore receives 53.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is just slightly above the ideal range for lawn health. This abundant moisture supports vigorous growth, though homeowners should monitor for fungal issues during wet, humid stretches.

Sandy Loam Provides Excellent Drainage

The soil here is 61.2% sand, creating a well-drained sandy loam texture that prevents root rot. However, a low pH of 5.28 means you will likely need to add soil amendments to reach the 6.0 target for optimal nutrient uptake.

Persistent Dry Periods Strain Resources

The county spent 23 weeks in drought over the last year, with 20.4% of the land currently under severe drought conditions. Utilizing mulch around lawn edges can help preserve the moisture that your sandy soil loses quickly.

Optimal Grass Choices for Elmore

Centipede or St. Augustine grass are excellent choices for the warm 8b climate. While frost dates are variable, aim to establish new sod during the spring when temperatures consistently stay above 50°F.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Elmore County's county score?
Elmore County, Alabama has a composite county score of 52.1 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 Elmore County rank among counties in Alabama?
Elmore County ranks #38 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 Elmore County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Elmore County is $563, with an effective tax rate of 0.26%. This earns Elmore County a tax score of 99.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Elmore County?
The median household income in Elmore County, Alabama is $75,553 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Elmore County earns an income score of 78.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Elmore County, Alabama a good place to live?
Elmore County scores 52.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #38 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Elmore 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 Elmore 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.