countyscore
46.9
County Score
Property Tax 95.6Water Quality 69.7Cost of Living 66.5

County Report Card

About Talladega County, Alabama

Talladega County below national livability standard

Talladega County's composite score of 46.9 trails the national median of 50.0, placing it below average compared to most U.S. counties. This modest performance suggests livability challenges that require consideration before moving.

Below-average livability statewide

At 46.9, Talladega County ranks below Alabama's state average of 52.9, placing it among the lower-performing Alabama counties. It faces more obstacles to overall livability than most of its in-state peers.

Low cost and light tax burden

Talladega County excels in affordability with a cost score of 66.5, median rent of $772/month, and home values around $137,900. Its tax score of 95.6 and 0.369% effective rate make it a financially efficient place to live.

Safety, health, and income significantly constrained

The county's safety score of just 17.0 and health score of 23.7 represent serious livability concerns, compounded by a median household income of only $56,249. These deficits in public safety and health outcomes directly impact quality of life.

Suitable only for cost-focused risk-takers

Talladega County appeals primarily to individuals prioritizing ultra-low living costs who can navigate safety and health challenges independently. It's less suitable for families with children or those relying on local public services and healthcare infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax95.6Cost66.5Safety17Health23.7Schools44.2Income28.2Risk15.3Water69.7Weather52.8
🏛95.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠66.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡17
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤23.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡15.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧69.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨25.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱29.8
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

Clay County
Alabama
60.4
St. Clair County
Alabama
49.4
Calhoun County
Alabama
44.2
Shelby County
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58.5
Coosa County
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Cleburne County
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Randolph County
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Etowah County
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Deep Dives

Talladega County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Talladega County

via TaxByCounty

Talladega's tax rate slightly exceeds national median

Talladega County's effective tax rate of 0.369% exceeds the national median of 0.309%, ranking in the 59th percentile nationally. Homeowners pay $509 annually on a median home valued at $137,900—far below the national median tax of $2,690. Alabama's lower property values keep Talladega's overall tax burden light despite above-average rates.

Talladega ranks 23rd in tax rates statewide

Talladega County's 0.369% effective rate places it 23rd among Alabama's 67 counties—solidly in the upper-middle range. The median annual tax of $509 nearly matches Alabama's state average of $511. Talladega residents face a fairly typical tax burden for Alabama.

Talladega taxes moderate compared to Russell

Talladega's 0.369% rate sits comfortably below neighboring Russell County (0.414%) and moderately below Shelby County (0.450%). It exceeds St. Clair County (0.305%) and Sumter County (0.353%). Talladega occupies the middle ground in central Alabama's tax landscape.

A $137,900 home costs $509 yearly in tax

The median Talladega County homeowner with a property valued at $137,900 pays $509 annually in property taxes. With mortgage obligations, the amount rises to $585; without a mortgage, it drops to $435. Over three decades, Talladega homeowners commit approximately $15,300 to property taxes.

Talladega homeowners should review their valuations

Many Talladega residents pay taxes on overvalued properties—a problem easily corrected through a free assessment appeal. If your home has declined in value or you believe it was overappraised initially, file an appeal with your county assessor. Successful challenges frequently reduce annual taxes by 5–10%.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Talladega County

via CostByCounty

Talladega offers genuine affordability advantage

Talladega County households earn $56,249—25% below the national median of $74,755—yet spend only 16.5% of income on rent, demonstrating strong housing affordability despite modest incomes. This east Alabama county achieves the housing cost efficiency of wealthier regions through lower absolute rent prices.

Better than state average despite lower incomes

Talladega County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio beats Alabama's 18.0% state average, an impressive feat given $56,249 household incomes. At $772 monthly median rent, the county exceeds the state median by just $27, creating superior affordability statewide.

Compact costs in a compact market

Talladega's $772 rent sits between Tallapoosa ($734) and Russell County ($898), offering middle-ground pricing for the rural tier. Owner costs of $745 monthly rank near Tallapoosa ($646) and Walker ($593), keeping the entire county in the genuinely affordable range.

Lean income, lean housing spending

Talladega renters allocate $772 monthly—16.5% of the $56,249 median income—to housing, leaving substantial room for other costs. Homeowners commit $745 monthly at a median home value of $137,900, establishing sustainable wealth-building on modest earning power.

Talladega rewards modest-income households

Talladega County is an excellent fit for families earning $50,000–$70,000 seeking genuine affordability without sacrificing community services. If you're relocating from higher-cost regions on a smaller salary, Talladega delivers the affordability margin you need to build financial stability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Talladega County

via IncomeByCounty

Talladega County Below National Average

Talladega County's median household income of $56,249 falls 25% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle income tier nationally. The county reflects broader rural economic challenges across Alabama.

Mid-Tier Income Among Alabama Counties

Talladega County ranks in the middle range of Alabama counties with a median household income 4% above the state average of $54,196. While slightly above average for the state, the county still trails more prosperous regions.

Talladega Edges Similar-Income Counties

Talladega County's $56,249 income exceeds nearby Sumter County ($37,981) and matches Tallapoosa County ($57,185) closely. The tight clustering suggests a regional economic band in east-central Alabama.

Manageable Housing Burden

Talladega County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio maintains healthy housing affordability standards, preserving household resources for savings and necessities. A median home value of $137,900 remains attainable for most local earners.

Build Steady Progress Toward Goals

Talladega County residents earning $56,249 can steadily build wealth through consistent savings and employer retirement plans. Seek out financial counseling to develop a personalized investment strategy aligned with your long-term financial objectives.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Talladega County

via CrimeByCounty

Talladega County Crime Rates Near National Average

Talladega County reports a crime rate of 2,236.6 per 100K, which is slightly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 96.5.

A Comparison with Alabama Safety Benchmarks

The county's safety score of 96.5 is slightly below the Alabama state average of 97.3. Its total crime rate is also higher than the state average of 1,731.0 per 100K.

Regional Crime Trends in Talladega

Talladega's crime rate of 2,236.6 is very similar to nearby Tallapoosa County, which sits at 2,210.9. Both counties face higher crime challenges compared to neighboring St. Clair.

Property Crimes Outpace Violent Incidents

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 406.9, exceeding the national average of 369.8. Property crime is the primary issue, totaling 1,829.7 incidents per 100K residents.

Invest in Smart Home Security

Residents should consider smart home technology to monitor property and deter theft. Staying engaged with neighborhood watch programs adds an extra layer of community safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Talladega County

via HealthByCounty

Talladega County trails national health standards

At 70.5 years, Talladega County's life expectancy falls 6.7 years short of the U.S. average of 77.2 years, reflecting entrenched health inequities. Nearly one in four residents (23.5%) report poor or fair health, indicating high prevalence of chronic disease and limited access to preventive care.

Lowest life expectancy among peer counties

Talladega County's 70.5-year life expectancy is the lowest in this eight-county group and 1.6 years below Alabama's 72.1-year state average. The 23.5% poor/fair health rate also signals below-average health status compared to state norms.

Talladega struggles against similar counties

Talladega's 70.5-year life expectancy ranks lower than Russell (71.0) and St. Clair (72.8), yet its 26 primary care providers per 100K exceed only Russell's sparse capacity. The county's 42 mental health providers per 100K offer moderate support but remain insufficient for a population bearing high disease burden.

Uninsured rate and provider gaps compound care barriers

An 10.5% uninsured rate leaves roughly 1 in 10 Talladega residents without coverage, slightly below Alabama's 11.1% average but still substantial. Limited primary care and mental health provider density means residents often delay screenings and treatment, worsening preventable diseases.

Enroll now to improve your health security

Talladega County's uninsured population should visit healthcare.gov immediately to compare plans and check Medicaid eligibility based on income. County health departments and federally qualified health centers provide affordable primary care, screenings, and vaccinations regardless of insurance status.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Talladega County

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive Specialization in Talladega Schools

Talladega County features 33 public schools and 10,889 students across five districts. This infrastructure is unique for its five dedicated special education schools and six 'other' level campuses.

Strong Success Indicators and High Graduation

The 92.9% graduation rate significantly outperforms the 87.0% national average. With a 52.8 school score and $5,979 in per-pupil spending, the county maintains academic standards that exceed the state average.

Talladega County District Leads the Region

The Talladega County district is the primary provider with 18 schools and 7,204 students. Other districts include Talladega City and JF Ingram State Technical College, though no charter schools are present in the county.

A Blend of Rural and Town Campuses

Learning takes place across 19 rural and 14 town-based schools with an average size of 419 students. Lincoln Elementary is the largest campus at 853 students, while Munford Elementary serves 748 children.

Settling Near Talladega’s Top Schools

With a wide range of specialized and traditional schools, Talladega County is ideal for families with diverse needs. Proximity to high-graduation high schools in Lincoln and Sylacauga is a major draw for local homebuyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Talladega County

via RiskByCounty

Talladega County Faces Elevated Risk

Talladega County scores 84.67, placing it solidly in the relatively moderate risk category and nearly 24 points above Alabama's state average of 61.54. This composite score reflects significant combined exposure to tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes.

High-Risk County Statewide

Talladega County ranks among the higher-risk communities in this analysis, third only to Tuscaloosa (90.81) and Shelby (90.27). Its elevated risk positions it well above the state average and signals substantial natural disaster exposure.

Riskier Than Most Regional Peers

Talladega County's 84.67 score exceeds nearby St. Clair (72.14) and Tallapoosa (67.46), ranking it as a notably hazard-prone pocket of east-central Alabama. Only Tuscaloosa and Shelby present greater combined risk among the eight counties studied.

Tornado Risk Dominates Exposure

Tornado risk scores 93.77—among the highest in the state—followed by flood risk at 87.25 and earthquake risk at 78.47. These overlapping threats underscore Talladega's position in a naturally active region where residents face multiple seasonal and seismic hazards.

Invest in Comprehensive Disaster Coverage

With tornado risk at 93.77 and flood risk at 87.25, Talladega residents need both homeowners insurance and separate flood coverage to protect their most valuable asset. Consider earthquake insurance as well, given the 78.47 earthquake risk score—a critical layer often overlooked in the Southeast.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Talladega County

via WeatherByCounty

Talladega County is Warmer and Wetter Than Most

Talladega County's 62.5°F average annual temperature stays well above the national median. Its 55.5 inches of annual rain is nearly 50 percent higher than the average U.S. county.

Slightly Cooler Than the Alabama State Average

At 62.5°F, Talladega is one of the more temperate counties compared to the state average of 63.2°F. It offers a slightly milder climate than the counties to its west and south.

Talladega Compared to Its Regional Neighbors

The county is slightly warmer than Tallapoosa County at 62.0°F but cooler than Tuscaloosa's 64.6°F. Its precipitation of 55.5 inches is just below the Alabama average of 57.4 inches.

Sixty-Nine Days of Extreme Summer Heat

Talladega experiences 69 days per year over 90°F, with July averaging 80.2°F. Winter brings a January average of 43.8°F and an average of 1.2 inches of snowfall.

Preparing for Rain and Occasional Frozen Precipitation

Homeowners should plan for significant rainfall and the rare winter snow event that averages 1.2 inches. Cooling remains the primary concern during the 69 extreme heat days annually.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Talladega County

via SoilByCounty

Ultisols form the Talladega foundation

Talladega County's soil belongs to the Ultisols order and features a highly acidic pH of 4.94. This level is much lower than the national median of 6.5 and sits below the state average of 5.21.

Gravelly sandy loam offers structural integrity

The dominant texture is a gravelly sandy loam, composed of 35.5% sand, 39.4% silt, and 18.5% clay. This unique combination offers excellent structural integrity for both farming and construction.

Exceptional organic matter leads the state

Fertility is a highlight here, with 2.36% organic matter—far exceeding both the state average of 1.74% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.142 in/in also beats the state average of 0.138.

Well-drained soils reduce root rot risk

This soil is classified as well-drained and belongs to hydrologic group C. These characteristics mean water moves through the profile effectively, reducing the risk of root rot while requiring smart irrigation management.

Ideal conditions for heirloom tomatoes

In Hardiness Zone 8a, the high organic matter provides a fantastic foundation for heirloom tomatoes and summer squash. Your soil is already richer than many of your neighbors, so start planting with confidence this spring.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Talladega County

via LawnByCounty

Meeting the State Average

Talladega County scores a 29.8 for lawn difficulty, which aligns perfectly with the Alabama state average but remains more challenging than the national norm. In hardiness zone 8a, you must balance high precipitation with naturally acidic soil conditions.

Heavy Rains and Hot Days

The area receives 55.5 inches of rain annually, which is slightly more than the ideal maximum for most turf types. With 69 heat days above 90°F, your watering schedule must be flexible enough to handle both heavy downpours and scorching afternoons.

Gravelly Loam Needs Lime

The soil is a well-drained gravelly sandy loam, but its pH of 4.94 is among the most acidic in the region. You will need significant lime applications to correct this acidity and help your grass roots actually absorb available nutrients.

Building Root Resilience

Despite 18 weeks of drought over the last year, the county is currently free of Severe+ drought levels. Maintain your lawn's resilience by keeping grass slightly longer during dry spells to shade the soil and retain precious moisture.

The April Planting Window

Plan your seeding for after the last frost on April 2 to avoid any unexpected early spring chill. Bermuda or Zoysia are excellent choices that can handle the 5,319 growing degree days available in this county throughout the year.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Talladega County's county score?
Talladega County, Alabama has a composite county score of 46.9 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 Talladega County rank among counties in Alabama?
Talladega County ranks #53 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 Talladega County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Talladega County is $509, with an effective tax rate of 0.37%. This earns Talladega County a tax score of 95.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Talladega County?
The median household income in Talladega County, Alabama is $56,249 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Talladega County earns an income score of 28.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Talladega County, Alabama a good place to live?
Talladega County scores 46.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #53 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Talladega 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 Talladega County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.