59.1
County Score
Property Tax 96Water Quality 86Safety 72.1

County Report Card

About Sumter County, Alabama

Sumter County exceeds national livability median

Sumter County's composite score of 59.1 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 18%, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties for overall livability. This strong performance reflects genuine advantages across multiple dimensions.

Among Alabama's top-performing counties

Sumter County's score of 59.1 substantially exceeds Alabama's state average of 52.9, ranking it among the state's most livable communities. It stands out as a genuinely appealing Alabama destination.

Affordability and tax efficiency lead the way

Sumter County offers exceptional affordability with a cost score of 71.9, median home values of just $84,100, and rents of $841/month among Alabama's lowest. A tax score of 96.0 and 0.353% effective rate add to the financial appeal, plus outstanding water quality (86.0).

Income and health outcomes lag significantly

The county's income score of 2.0 reflects a median household income of $37,981, far below state and national averages. Health outcomes (22.3) also underperform, creating a trade-off between affordability and economic opportunity.

Ideal for retirees and minimalist budgets

Sumter County suits retirees living on fixed incomes, remote workers, or those seeking maximum affordability in a safe, low-tax environment. It's an excellent choice for people who have already secured their primary income or need the lowest possible cost of living.

Score breakdown

Tax96Cost71.9Safety72.1Health22.3Schools44.2Income2Risk47Water86Weather45.4
🏛96
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠71.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡72.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
22.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓44.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
47
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤45.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨32.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱24.9
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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Deep Dives

Sumter County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sumter County

via TaxByCounty

Sumter has lowest property taxes in region

Sumter County's effective tax rate of 0.353% falls slightly below the national median of 0.309%, yet median home values of just $84,100 make Sumter's actual tax burden remarkably light. Homeowners pay only $297 annually—89% below the national median of $2,690. This combination of modest rates and low property values creates Alabama's most affordable tax environment.

Sumter ranks 38th in taxes among Alabama counties

Sumter County's 0.353% effective tax rate positions it in the middle tier statewide, at 38th among 67 counties. However, the median annual tax of just $297 is 42% *below* Alabama's state average of $511. Sumter's affordability stems from its significantly lower property values, not lower tax rates.

Sumter's actual taxes are lowest in its region

While Sumter's 0.353% rate falls between neighbors like Walker County (0.272%) and Talladega County (0.369%), its median tax bill of $297 is the lowest in the surrounding region. Sumter's lower property values create a tax advantage despite a middling effective rate. This makes Sumter particularly attractive for budget-conscious homebuyers.

An $84,100 home costs just $297 yearly in tax

The median Sumter County homeowner with a property valued at $84,100 pays only $297 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, the amount rises slightly to $335; without one, it drops to $278. Over 30 years, Sumter homeowners pay roughly $8,900 in cumulative property taxes on a median-value home.

Even modest appeals can matter in Sumter

Because Sumter's base taxes are so low, even small overassessments represent meaningful savings opportunities. A $10,000 overvaluation translates to $35 in annual savings—meaningful for households with tight budgets. File a free appeal if your home's assessed value seems high relative to recent neighborhood sales.

Cost of Living in Sumter County

via CostByCounty

Sumter faces steepest affordability crisis

Sumter County residents earn just $37,981—49% below the national median of $74,755—yet spend 26.6% of income on rent, edging toward unaffordable territory. This rural west Alabama county experiences the sharpest gap between limited incomes and housing costs among these eight counties.

Alabama's most strained renters

Sumter County's 26.6% rent-to-income ratio stands 48% higher than Alabama's 18.0% state average, the worst affordability in this eight-county comparison. Even at modest rents of $841 monthly, the county's depressed income levels create genuine housing stress.

Struggling more than surrounding counties

Sumter's $841 rent slightly exceeds Tallapoosa ($734) and Talladega ($772) despite lower median incomes, creating a uniquely tough affordability squeeze. Owner costs of $540 monthly remain the lowest in the group, but even these strain households earning $37,981 annually.

Thin margins for housing decisions

Sumter County renters commit $841 of $37,981 annual income—26.6%—to housing, leaving limited flexibility for other essential expenses. The median home value of $84,100 offers entry-level ownership, but household incomes barely support the $540 monthly payment.

Sumter requires careful income planning

Sumter County's genuine affordability challenge demands households secure incomes at or above the $37,981 median before relocating. Job seekers should prioritize positions offering $45,000+ salaries to comfortably navigate housing costs; lower-wage work may require housing assistance programs or relocation to even more rural areas.

Income & Jobs in Sumter County

via IncomeByCounty

Sumter County Faces Significant Income Gap

Sumter County's median household income of $37,981 trails the national median of $74,755 by 49%, representing one of the most economically challenged counties in the nation. This substantial gap reflects persistent poverty and limited economic opportunity in the region.

Lowest Income County in Alabama

Sumter County ranks as Alabama's least affluent county, with median household income 30% below the state average of $54,196. The county faces severe economic challenges that require targeted investment and community development.

Sumter Significantly Behind All Peers

Sumter County's $37,981 income trails every neighboring county, including Russell County ($50,046) and Talladega County ($56,249). The county's economic isolation underscores the need for strategic economic development and workforce initiatives.

Housing Costs Strain Limited Incomes

Sumter County's 26.6% rent-to-income ratio approaches the problematic 30% threshold, squeezing household budgets and limiting savings capacity. A median home value of $84,100 offers affordability, but income constraints still limit wealth-building opportunities.

Start Small, Build Financial Resilience

Sumter County residents should prioritize building emergency savings funds starting with even small amounts, as financial shocks pose acute risks to limited-income households. Explore free financial literacy resources and low-cost investment options to begin wealth accumulation despite income constraints.

Safety in Sumter County

via CrimeByCounty

Sumter County Scores High on Safety

Sumter County earns a high safety score of 99.0 with a total crime rate of 664.2 per 100K. This figure is less than one-third of the national average of 2,385.5.

Beating State Safety Averages Handily

At 99.0, Sumter's safety score is nearly two points higher than the Alabama state average of 97.3. Five local agencies contribute to this data, showcasing a strong safety profile.

Top Tier Safety in West Alabama

Sumter's crime rate of 664.2 per 100K is higher than Russell County's 329.7 but much lower than Tuscaloosa County's 2,236.2. It represents one of the safer options in the region.

Low Risk for Violent and Property Crimes

The data shows 221.4 violent crimes and 442.8 property crimes per 100K residents. These rates indicate a relatively low-risk environment for residents and visitors alike.

Stay Vigilant to Maintain Low Crime

Maintaining home security through simple habits like locking vehicles can prevent opportunistic property crime. Even in safe areas, awareness remains the best tool for personal protection.

Health in Sumter County

via HealthByCounty

Sumter County faces severe health disparities

At 71.3 years, Sumter County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average by nearly 6 years, placing it among the nation's lowest-performing counties. A startling 29.5% of residents report poor or fair health—the highest rate in this region—reflecting acute socioeconomic and healthcare access challenges.

Lowest life expectancy in state peer group

Sumter County's 71.3-year life expectancy sits 0.8 years below Alabama's 72.1-year state average, while its 29.5% poor/fair health rate is the worst among these eight counties. These metrics signal that Sumter residents face disproportionate health burdens compared to the rest of Alabama.

Sumter's health crisis stands apart regionally

Sumter County's 29.5% poor/fair health rate far exceeds all neighboring counties—Russell (26.4%), Talladega (23.5%), and Tuscaloosa (21.3%)—marking a regional outlier. Even with 58 primary care providers per 100K, the county struggles with only 17 mental health providers, creating a significant treatment gap for behavioral health.

Limited mental health capacity compounds crises

Though Sumter's 9.3% uninsured rate is below Alabama's average, only 17 mental health providers per 100K serve a population burdened by poverty and chronic illness. This mismatch between physical healthcare capacity and behavioral health resources leaves residents with untreated depression, anxiety, and substance-use disorders.

Urgent: secure coverage and mental health support

Sumter County residents should prioritize enrolling in health coverage via healthcare.gov or Alabama Medicaid to access mental health services and chronic disease management. If you're struggling with depression or substance use, call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for free, confidential referrals to local treatment.

Schools in Sumter County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education with Charter Options

Sumter County operates a focused system of seven public schools serving 1,666 students. This small-scale infrastructure includes four elementary and three high schools, with no standalone middle schools.

High Graduation Rates in a Rural Setting

Sumter County maintains a strong 92.0% graduation rate, beating the state average of 90.7%. The county invests $6,301 per pupil, slightly exceeding the state average of $6,270 to support its 53.1 composite school score.

University Charter School Brings Innovation

While the Sumter County district serves 1,006 students, the University Charter School district manages two schools with 660 students. Charter schools represent 28.6% of the county's educational options, offering families distinct choices.

Intimate Rural Campus Environments

Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating a close-knit feel with an average size of only 278 students. Livingston Junior High is the largest campus with 404 students, emphasizing personalized attention over large enrollment numbers.

Finding a Home in a Charter-Friendly County

For families seeking high graduation rates and charter school options, Sumter County offers a unique rural advantage. Use local school quality as a guide for your home search in this distinctive educational landscape.

Disaster Risk in Sumter County

via RiskByCounty

Sumter County Among Alabama's Safest

Sumter County scores 53.02 on the composite risk index, the lowest among the eight counties and well below Alabama's state average of 61.54. Its relatively low rating reflects moderate exposure across most hazard categories, though some risks remain noteworthy.

Lowest Risk in This Analysis

Sumter County ranks as the safest community in this eight-county peer group, barely edging Russell County (54.74) and substantially outscoring moderate-risk counties like Shelby, Tuscaloosa, and Talladega. This positioning reflects the county's southwestern Alabama location and composition.

Notably Safer Than Surrounding Counties

Sumter County's 53.02 score ranks lowest in the analysis, with the next-safest peer (Russell, 54.74) scoring just over a point higher and others far ahead. This relative safety advantage makes it one of Alabama's more resilient communities.

Hurricane and Tornado Pose Main Threats

Hurricane risk scores 76.26 and tornado risk scores 81.74, the two highest hazards in Sumter County despite the county's overall low composite rating. Flood risk (54.77) and wildfire risk (34.41) present comparatively lower concerns.

Focus on Seasonal Storm Protection

With hurricane risk at 76.26 and tornado risk at 81.74, Sumter residents should maintain robust homeowners insurance covering wind and hail damage. Though the county's overall risk is low, these seasonal threats warrant emergency planning and secure shelter preparation.

Weather & Climate in Sumter County

via WeatherByCounty

Sumter County Above National Temperature Median

Sumter County averages 64.0°F annually, placing it about 10 degrees above the national median temperature. This reflects a humid subtropical climate with a significant heat surplus.

Sumter Tracks Near the Alabama State Average

The county's average temperature of 64.0°F is just slightly warmer than the Alabama state average of 63.2°F. It represents the consistent thermal profile found along the state's western border.

Milder Than Southern Neighbors, Warmer Than North

Sumter is slightly cooler than Wilcox County at 64.8°F but warmer than Walker County to the north. While local rain data is limited, it shares the high-moisture trends of the region.

Hot Summers and Very Brief Winters

The area experiences 75 extreme heat days each year where temperatures top 90°F. January is mild at 45.5°F, and recorded snowfall is rare enough that local averages are not currently available.

Summer Cooling is a Local Necessity

With 75 days of extreme heat, a reliable HVAC system is the most critical home infrastructure. Indoor activities are preferred during July when average temperatures reach 81.0°F.

Soil Quality in Sumter County

via SoilByCounty

Superior soil quality in Sumter County

Sumter County presents a pH of 5.51, making it one of the less acidic profiles in Alabama compared to the 5.21 state average. Even with this relative advantage, it remains nearly a full point below the national median of 6.5.

Clay-rich soil improves nutrient storage

A substantial clay content of 23.8% defines this soil, accompanied by 39.5% sand and 36.7% silt. This higher clay fraction improves nutrient retention but makes the soil heavier and more prone to clumping when wet.

Consistent moisture access for local crops

The organic matter content is 1.69%, nearly matching the Alabama average of 1.74%. Its available water capacity of 0.151 in/in provides reliable moisture access for plant roots, exceeding the state average by a healthy margin.

Soil density resists drought effectively

The 23.8% clay level often points to slower permeability and higher water-holding potential compared to sandy neighbors. Farmers here likely benefit from the soil's ability to resist drought compared to sandier coastal areas.

A productive choice for Alabama gardens

Hardiness Zone 8b supports diverse agriculture from cotton to pecans. The county’s soil score of 32.8 is significantly higher than the state average of 22.5, making this a strong choice for a productive home garden.

Lawn Care in Sumter County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Turf Tasks in Sumter

Sumter County is a tough environment for turf, scoring a 24.9 on the lawn difficulty scale. This 8b hardiness zone requires dedicated maintenance to overcome low scores and high temperatures that stress even hardy grass types.

Enduring the Alabama Heat

Lawns here endure 75 days of extreme heat over 90°F, forcing grass into stress more often than the state average. The 5,757 growing degree days indicate a long, active season where warm-season grasses can eventually flourish if watered well.

Heavy Clay and Low pH

At 23.8% clay, the soil is heavier than many neighboring counties, which helps retain moisture but can lead to drainage issues. The pH stands at 5.51, so you will likely need to amend the soil to reach the 6.0 target for optimal growth.

Surviving Persistent Drought

Extreme weather is a major factor here, with 29 weeks spent in drought over the last year. Currently, 1.1% of the county is in Severe+ drought, making smart irrigation and mulching essential tools for every local lawn owner.

Early Starts for Best Results

Your window for spring planting opens after March 20, giving you plenty of time before the first frost on November 9. Consider St. Augustine or Bermuda grass to handle the heavy clay and intense summer heat found in this region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sumter County's county score?
Sumter County, Alabama has a composite county score of 59.1 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 Sumter County rank among counties in Alabama?
Sumter County ranks #13 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 Sumter County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Sumter County is $297, with an effective tax rate of 0.35%. This earns Sumter County a tax score of 96/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sumter County?
The median household income in Sumter County, Alabama is $37,981 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sumter County earns an income score of 2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sumter County, Alabama a good place to live?
Sumter County scores 59.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Sumter 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 Sumter County with other counties side by side.