CountyScore

Etowah County

Alabama · AL

#55 in Alabama
68.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Etowah County, Alabama

Etowah exceeds national median by 37%

Etowah County's composite score of 68.3 outperforms the national median of 50.0 by 37%, positioning it in the upper third of American counties. This strong showing reflects a balanced livability profile with particular strength in affordability and low-risk attributes.

Solid performance below state average

Etowah's score of 68.3 sits slightly below Alabama's state average of 70.8, placing it in the middle tier of the state's counties. Despite this, Etowah remains well-positioned compared to most U.S. counties.

Low risk and strong health outcomes

Etowah achieves an impressive risk score of 12.7 (the lowest among these counties) and a health score of 59.8, indicating a stable, healthy community. Combined with a tax score of 92.0, Etowah delivers both safety and financial predictability.

Income growth and opportunity gaps persist

Etowah's income score of 18.0 reflects a median household income of $53,070, indicating limited high-wage employment pathways. Residents seeking career advancement or significantly higher earnings may need to look beyond the county's current job market.

Perfect for stability-seeking families

Etowah County appeals to families prioritizing stability, safety, and health outcomes over maximum earning potential. The county's exceptional risk profile and reasonable housing costs ($160,600 median home value) make it an excellent choice for those valuing peace of mind.

Score breakdown

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

Tax92Cost83.4SafetyComing SoonHealth59.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome18Risk12.7WaterComing Soon
🏛92
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤59.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡12.7
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 Etowah County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Greene County
Arkansas
68.3
Median income: $56,793
Charlton County
Georgia
68.3
Median income: $48,534
Wilkes County
Georgia
68.3
Median income: $52,542
Greene County
Illinois
68.3
Median income: $60,976
Wright County
Iowa
68.3
Median income: $64,033

Deep Dives

Etowah County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.