countyscore
47.7
County Score
Property Tax 95.8Water Quality 67.1Cost of Living 65.9

County Report Card

About Etowah County, Alabama

Etowah slightly below national livability median

With a composite score of 47.7, Etowah County trails the national median of 50.0, placing it around the 45th percentile nationally. The gap signals moderate livability challenges compared to typical U.S. counties.

Below Alabama's average but competitive

Etowah's score of 47.7 falls short of Alabama's state average of 52.9 by about 5 points. Still, it ranks in the middle-lower tier of Alabama's 67 counties with some redeeming strengths.

Solid schools and very low taxes

Etowah posts a respectable school score of 53.2 and an excellent tax score of 95.8 (effective rate 0.364%). Median home values of $160,600 and rents of $807/month offer reasonable affordability for the region.

Safety and income significantly lag

Safety concerns are acute with a score of just 17.3, and income score of 20.8 reflects limited earning power (median household income $53,070). Health score of 23.9 also suggests room for improvement.

Suits cautious families valuing schools over safety stats

Etowah appeals to education-minded families with modest incomes who can overlook crime statistics and prioritize school quality. It's less ideal for safety-conscious households or those seeking higher income potential.

Score breakdown

Tax95.8Cost65.9Safety17.3Health23.9Schools53.2Income20.8Risk12.7Water67.1Weather52.5
🏛95.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡17.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤23.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓53.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡12.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧67.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨27.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱26.7
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

Calhoun County
Alabama
44.2
St. Clair County
Alabama
49.4
Cherokee County
Alabama
49.9
Marshall County
Alabama
54.8
Blount County
Alabama
52.9
DeKalb County
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62
Cleburne County
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57.6
Talladega County
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46.9

Deep Dives

Etowah County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Etowah County

via TaxByCounty

Etowah's tax rate tops the national median

Etowah County's effective tax rate of 0.364% sits above the national median, placing it in the higher tier of American counties by tax burden. The national median property tax is $2,690 annually, while Etowah residents pay $585—lower in absolute terms because of the county's median home value of $160,600, well below the national median.

Etowah ranks notably higher than Alabama average

At 0.364%, Etowah County's effective tax rate exceeds Alabama's state average of 0.339%, putting it in the upper-middle range of the state's 67 counties. The median property tax of $585 is above the state median of $511, indicating a moderate tax burden for Etowah homeowners.

Etowah taxes surpass most nearby counties

Etowah's 0.364% rate is higher than DeKalb (0.338%), Elmore (0.264%), Fayette (0.286%), Franklin (0.338%), and Geneva (0.318%), placing it among the pricier tax counties in northeastern Alabama. Only Escambia (0.395%) and Greene (0.488%) exceed Etowah's rate in this group.

Median Etowah home costs $585 yearly

On a median home value of $160,600, Etowah property owners pay approximately $585 annually in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically pay $674 when including county fees, while those owning outright pay around $494.

Etowah owners should check assessment accuracy

Higher-taxing counties like Etowah often see more overassessments, making a property tax appeal a smart move for homeowners concerned about fairness. Your county assessor can review your home's valuation; many successful appeals reduce annual taxes significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Etowah County

via CostByCounty

Etowah's rents track Alabama's state pattern

Etowah County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% mirrors Alabama's state average of 18.0%, suggesting typical affordability stress for renters. Median household income of $53,070 sits below the national average of $74,755, while monthly rents of $807 cluster near the state median of $799.

Etowah mirrors the middle of Alabama's market

At 18.3% rent-to-income, Etowah sits just above Alabama's state average of 18.0%, indicating average affordability challenges for the state. The county represents a typical Alabama renting scenario—modest incomes paired with moderate rents creating steady housing pressure.

Higher rents, higher burden than nearby peers

Etowah's $807 rent and 18.3% ratio exceed most neighbors: DeKalb ($683, 16.0%), Fayette ($622, 14.7%), and Franklin County ($667, 15.5%). Only Elmore ($1,014) pays significantly more, though Elmore's stronger income allows better affordability.

Housing takes a substantial share of income

Renters dedicate $807/month (18.3% of income) while homeowners average $689/month on properties valued at $160,600. Together, housing and homeownership costs approach one-third of household income for most families.

Etowah works for moderate-income relocators

If you're moving with a $52,000–$55,000 household income, Etowah offers familiar, stable housing markets with above-average rent burdens offset by reasonable ownership costs. Compare Etowah's 18.3% rent ratio to neighbors like Fayette (14.7%) and DeKalb (16.0%) to see if lower-rent alternatives better fit your relocation needs.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Etowah County

via IncomeByCounty

Etowah income trails national average

Etowah County's median household income of $53,070 falls 29% short of the U.S. median of $74,755. This $21,685 annual gap reflects broader economic disparities between Etowah and wealthier regions nationwide.

Slightly above Alabama state median

Etowah's $53,070 median household income edges above Alabama's state average of $54,196 by a modest margin, placing it near the middle of the state's county rankings. Etowah households earn within 2% of the typical Alabama resident.

Comparable to nearby counties

Etowah's $53,070 sits between DeKalb County ($51,149) and Franklin County ($51,493), with all three forming a tight income cluster. Neighboring Calhoun County dynamics would further clarify Etowah's regional position.

Housing costs moderately elevated

Etowah's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio—the second-highest in this county group—indicates housing expenses consume a notable share of household budgets. Median home values of $160,600 represent roughly 3 years of median household income, requiring substantial down payment savings.

Strategic savings unlock financial mobility

Etowah residents earning $53,070 should prioritize employer retirement match programs and build a 3-6 month emergency fund. Once that foundation is solid, investment in diversified index funds through IRAs or 401(k)s can accelerate wealth accumulation over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Etowah County

via CrimeByCounty

Etowah Safety Score Matches State Trends

Etowah County reports a total crime rate of 2,215.8 per 100K, slightly under the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 96.5, indicating moderate security relative to the country.

Higher Incident Density Than Alabama Average

While the safety score is 96.5, the total crime rate of 2,215.8 is notably higher than the state average of 1,731.0. This places Etowah among the more active counties for law enforcement in Alabama.

Crime Levels High Compared to Neighbors

Etowah County sees significantly more activity than adjacent DeKalb County, where crime rates are nearly three times lower. Nine reporting agencies work to manage these higher incident volumes.

Property Crime Drives Local Statistics

Property crime is the major contributor to local totals, reaching 1,980.7 per 100K residents. Conversely, the violent crime rate of 235.1 remains lower than the national average of 369.8.

Securing Property Against Local Theft

With property crime being the most prevalent issue, residents should focus on securing valuables and outbuildings. Visible security cameras can serve as a strong deterrent for potential intruders.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Etowah County

via HealthByCounty

Etowah falls short of national health standards

At 70.2 years, Etowah's life expectancy lags the U.S. average of 71.5 years by 1.3 years. One in five residents (22.2%) report poor or fair health, suggesting chronic disease and health management challenges.

Below Alabama average, but strong provider access

Etowah's 70.2-year life expectancy falls 1.9 years below Alabama's 72.1-year state average. However, the county compensates with 74 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—more than any other county in this set—plus 154 mental health providers.

Longer lifespan than Escambia, shorter than Elmore

Etowah residents live 0.1 years longer than Escambia residents but 4.4 years less than Elmore County. The county's robust provider network suggests its health challenges stem from underlying disease burden rather than access alone.

Excellent care access, adequate insurance coverage

With 11.3% uninsured, Etowah's rate is nearly equal to Alabama's 11.1% state average, and the county boasts the strongest primary care and mental health infrastructure of any in this set. Despite these resources, health outcomes remain below state average—a signal that access alone won't close all gaps.

Leverage excellent providers already here

Etowah's abundance of doctors and mental health providers puts care within reach—make sure you're covered to use it. Verify your insurance status and explore options at healthcare.gov today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Etowah County

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive Educational Network

Etowah County features a large network of 42 public schools serving 15,179 students across three different districts. With 21 elementary schools and 11 high schools, the county offers deep coverage for families in every community.

High Graduation and Strong Scores

The county achieves a remarkable 94.7% graduation rate, nearly eight points higher than the national average. A composite school score of 54.5 reflects high academic quality, supported by a per-pupil investment of $6,317.

Three Districts, One Mission

The Etowah County district is the largest with 8,702 students, followed by Gadsden City with 4,939 and Attalla City with 1,538. No charter schools are active in the county, focusing all resources into these three established public systems.

City Centers and Suburban Schools

The school locales are diverse, featuring 16 city schools, 14 suburban campuses, and 12 rural sites. Gadsden City High is the largest at 1,318 students, while the overall average school size remains relatively low at 410.

Your Home in Etowah County

Etowah's high graduation rates and varied school settings make it an attractive destination for homebuyers with children. Focus your home search in Southside or Rainbow City to take advantage of some of the county's most popular school zones.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Etowah County

via RiskByCounty

Etowah Among America's Higher-Risk Counties

Etowah County scores 87.34 with a Relatively Moderate rating, placing it well above the national average and among the nation's more hazard-exposed regions. The county faces elevated risk across nearly all disaster types, with tornadoes reaching a state-leading 97.84.

Second-Highest Risk in Alabama

At 87.34, Etowah ranks among Alabama's riskiest counties, far exceeding the state average of 61.54 and second only to the most hazard-prone regions. The county's 97.84 tornado risk is the highest in Alabama, driven by its location in the state's tornado-prone northeast.

Far Riskier Than Regional Peers

Etowah's 87.34 composite score significantly exceeds neighboring DeKalb (80.38), Franklin (67.72), and most other north Alabama counties. Its 97.84 tornado risk stands out dramatically—nearly 15 points higher than DeKalb's already elevated 88.26 tornado score.

Tornadoes and Floods Lead Threats

Tornado risk at 97.84 is Etowah's overwhelming hazard, making the county one of America's most tornado-prone regions where spring and fall severe weather demands constant vigilance. Floods rank second at 87.50, reflecting the county's river systems and vulnerability to heavy rainfall during severe weather events.

Build Tornado Resilience Into Your Home

Etowah residents should invest in a reinforced safe room or basement shelter—this is the single most life-saving step in a high-tornado environment like Etowah County. Ensure comprehensive wind insurance coverage, maintain working weather alerts and a family communication plan, and participate in annual tornado drills to prepare for the county's persistent spring and fall threat.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Etowah County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Southern Climate

Etowah County's average annual temperature of 62.8°F is nearly 9 degrees warmer than the national median. The area is quite wet, receiving 58.2 inches of annual precipitation compared to a much lower national average.

Mirroring the Alabama Average

The county's 62.8°F average temperature is nearly identical to the Alabama state average of 63.2°F. Its rainfall is also typical for the state, coming in just 0.8 inches above the state mean.

Cooler Than the South Coast

Etowah is significantly cooler than Escambia County, which averages 66.4°F. However, it is slightly warmer than its neighbor Franklin County, which stays at a cooler 60.5°F.

Hot Summers with Occasional Dustings

The county experiences 66 days of extreme heat over 90°F, peaking with a July average of 81.0°F. Winter brings a January average of 42.8°F and roughly 0.9 inches of annual snowfall.

Seasonal Home Maintenance Required

Homeowners should prepare for 66 days of high heat with serviced cooling systems. Because Etowah gets nearly an inch of snow, having a basic shovel and ice melt is a wise precaution for occasional winter storms.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Etowah County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Mountainous Soils

Etowah County features a sharp pH of 4.85, making it one of the more acidic environments in Alabama. This value is nearly two full points below the national median of 6.5, creating a specialized niche for native flora. Its overall soil score of 27.8 is comfortably above the state average of 22.5.

Sandy Silt and Structural Balance

The soil contains 45.8% sand and 33.3% silt, creating a medium-textured profile. Clay content is moderate at 16.4%, providing enough body to hold nutrients without becoming heavy and unmanageable. This blend allows for versatile land use across the county's varied topography.

Rich Organic Matter and Moisture

The soil contains 2.56% organic matter, significantly outperforming both state and national averages. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.147 in/in, these soils are naturally resilient and fertile. Plants here have better access to stored water than in many other Alabama counties.

Water Dynamics in Etowah

Data for dominant drainage classes is currently limited, but the soil's high water capacity suggests it holds moisture effectively. The relatively balanced sand and silt percentages usually result in moderate permeability. Local land managers should monitor for runoff in sloped areas to protect the high organic topsoil.

Diverse Planting in Zone 8a

Zone 8a allows for a wide variety of gardening, from cool-season greens to summer peppers. The high organic matter is a major asset for home gardeners looking to minimize synthetic fertilizers. Acid-loving shrubs like camellias will look stunning in this natural soil environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Etowah County

via LawnByCounty

Etowah Lawn Difficulty Below State Average

Etowah’s lawn difficulty score of 26.7 falls slightly below the Alabama average of 29.5. This zone 8a county requires attentive soil management and heat protection to keep turf thriving throughout the year.

High Rainfall and Typical Southern Heat

The county averages 58.2 inches of rain, which is 8 inches above the ideal limit for many turfgrasses. With 66 extreme heat days, the climate is slightly more demanding than the state average, requiring diligent summer irrigation.

Extreme Acidity Challenges Root Health

With a pH of 4.85, Etowah's soil is among the most acidic in the region, far below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The 45.8% sand content provides some drainage, but heavy lime applications are essential to unlock soil nutrients.

Twenty Weeks of Drought Stress

Etowah experienced 20 weeks of drought over the past year, though no areas are currently in severe D2+ status. Keep a close eye on soil moisture during the 5448 growing degree days that drive rapid summer plant metabolism.

Planning Your Growing Season Schedule

Warm-season grasses should be seeded after the last frost on March 19 to maximize the long growing season. Ensure your lawn is well-established before the first frost arrives around November 13.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Etowah County's county score?
Etowah County, Alabama has a composite county score of 47.7 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 Etowah County rank among counties in Alabama?
Etowah County ranks #50 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 Etowah County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Etowah County is $585, with an effective tax rate of 0.36%. This earns Etowah County a tax score of 95.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Etowah County?
The median household income in Etowah County, Alabama is $53,070 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Etowah County earns an income score of 20.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Etowah County, Alabama a good place to live?
Etowah County scores 47.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #50 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Etowah 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 Etowah 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.