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.

2040608010099.329.6584928.778.127.870.129.4Tax99.3Cost29.6Safety58Health49Schools28.7Income78.1Risk27.8Water70.1Weather29.452.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Elmore County DNA

Foverall

How Elmore County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Elmore County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (99.3/100) but notably weak in Weather & Climate (29.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
99.3+47.3
Cost
29.6-18.4
Safety
58
Health
49
Schools
28.7-25.3
Income
78.1+27.099999999999994
Risk
27.8-19.2
Water
70.1+12.099999999999994
Weather
29.4-26.6
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Elmore County

Whether buying or refinancing in Elmore County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$213,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,014/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$213,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$40,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $75,553/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

14.7

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
Compare Elmore County with Nevada County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Nevada County
Arkansas
Median income: $41,761
52.1
Hamilton County
Indiana
Median income: $117,957
52.1
Jennings County
Indiana
Median income: $68,476
52.1
Ottawa County
Michigan
Median income: $87,144
52.1
Blair County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $60,594
52.1
Trousdale County
Tennessee
Median income: $63,190
52.1
Sherman County
Texas
Median income: $74,167
52.1
Monroe County
Alabama
Median income: $40,225
52.2

Nearby counties

Montgomery County
Alabama
48.6
Coosa County
Alabama
55.8
Tallapoosa County
Alabama
50.7
Macon County
Alabama
55.9
Autauga County
Alabama
41.9
Chilton County
Alabama
45.9
Lowndes County
Alabama
55.6
Bullock County
Alabama
52.6

Deep Dives

Elmore County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

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

Water Quality in Elmore County

via WaterByCounty

Elmore County Delivers High-Quality Drinking Water

With only one health violation in five years, Elmore County maintains an 'A' grade for its drinking water systems. The county's violation rate of 0.9 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the state average of 14.1.

Mercury and E. Coli Impact Local Watersheds

The 2022 ATTAINS report indicates that 25% of assessed water bodies in Elmore County are impaired. Primary concerns include mercury levels and E. coli, though this impairment rate remains slightly better than the 27.7% state average.

Extensive Monitoring Network Captures Thousands of Records

Elmore County hosts 48 monitoring sites that have generated 34,178 measurements over the last five years. This robust footprint focuses heavily on physical characteristics and nutrient levels to track environmental health.

No Active USGS Streamflow Data Reported

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage providing live discharge data for Elmore County. Local water oversight remains grounded in the county's strong drinking water compliance and extensive monitoring records.

Stay Informed on Mercury and Bacterial Safety

Residents can trust their tap water, but should observe local advisories regarding mercury and E. coli in recreational water bodies. High-density monitoring data provides a reliable early warning system for these specific watershed impairments.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

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.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.