countyscore
50.7
County Score
Property Tax 97.8Cost of Living 78.3Water Quality 65.8

County Report Card

About Tallapoosa County, Alabama

Tallapoosa County meets national livability baseline

Tallapoosa County's composite score of 50.7 sits just above the national median of 50.0, positioning it near the middle of the U.S. livability spectrum. It represents an average American community with modest overall appeal.

Near-average performance statewide

At 50.7, Tallapoosa County nearly matches Alabama's state average of 52.9, suggesting it ranks in the middle tier of Alabama communities. It's neither notably strong nor notably weak compared to other Alabama counties.

Exceptional affordability and minimal taxes

Tallapoosa County stands out for its outstanding cost score of 78.3, with median rent of $734/month and home values of $144,800 among Alabama's lowest. A tax score of 97.8 and 0.311% effective rate provide additional financial relief.

Safety and health represent major concerns

The county's safety score of 17.4 and health score of 26.6 are significant weaknesses that undermine overall livability. Income (30.8) and school performance (42.5) also fall below ideal levels, limiting opportunities for economic advancement.

Best for independent, budget-conscious individuals

Tallapoosa County suits remote workers, retirees, or those with stable outside income seeking maximum affordability and low taxes. It's less ideal for families prioritizing top-tier schools or those dependent on robust local employment and public safety infrastructure.

2040608010097.878.317.426.642.530.832.565.856.2Tax97.8Cost78.3Safety17.4Health26.6Schools42.5Income30.8Risk32.5Water65.8Weather56.250.7/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Tallapoosa County DNA

Foverall

How Tallapoosa County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Tallapoosa County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (97.8/100) but notably weak in Safety (17.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
97.8+45.8
Cost
78.3+30.299999999999997
Safety
17.4-37.6
Health
26.6-23.4
Schools
42.5-11.5
Income
30.8-20.2
Risk
32.5-14.5
Water
65.8
Weather
56.2
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Tallapoosa County

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

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$144,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$734/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$144,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $57,185/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

34.1

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 Tallapoosa County with Middlesex County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Middlesex County
Massachusetts
Median income: $126,779
50.7
Grand Traverse County
Michigan
Median income: $79,486
50.7
Ionia County
Michigan
Median income: $73,436
50.7
Haskell County
Oklahoma
Median income: $49,930
50.7
Custer County
South Dakota
Median income: $81,958
50.7
Tripp County
South Dakota
Median income: $58,854
50.7
Giles County
Tennessee
Median income: $61,476
50.7
Island County
Washington
Median income: $88,358
50.7

Nearby counties

Macon County
Alabama
55.9
Elmore County
Alabama
52.1
Chambers County
Alabama
44.7
Lee County
Alabama
42.1
Coosa County
Alabama
55.8
Clay County
Alabama
60.4
Randolph County
Alabama
56.9
Montgomery County
Alabama
48.6

Deep Dives

Tallapoosa County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Tallapoosa County

via TaxByCounty

Tallapoosa taxes below national and state medians

Tallapoosa County's effective tax rate of 0.311% sits just above the national median of 0.309%, ranking in the 48th percentile nationally. Homeowners pay $450 annually on a median home valued at $144,800—a fraction of the national median tax of $2,690. Alabama's low property values make Tallapoosa an exceptionally affordable place to own real estate.

Tallapoosa ranks 52nd among Alabama counties

Tallapoosa County's 0.311% effective rate places it 52nd among Alabama's 67 counties—comfortably below the state average. The median annual tax of $450 is 12% below Alabama's state average of $511. Tallapoosa residents enjoy below-average tax burdens statewide.

Tallapoosa taxes lighter than most nearby counties

Tallapoosa's 0.311% rate undercuts Talladega County (0.369%), Russell County (0.414%), and Shelby County (0.450%). Only Walker County (0.272%) and St. Clair County (0.305%) tax lower in the region. Tallapoosa ranks among central Alabama's most tax-friendly counties.

A $144,800 home costs $450 yearly in tax

The median Tallapoosa County homeowner with a property valued at $144,800 pays $450 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, the amount rises to $497; without one, it drops to $401. Over 30 years, Tallapoosa homeowners pay approximately $13,500 in cumulative property taxes.

Tallapoosa homeowners should verify assessments

Even low-tax counties contain overassessments—properties valued above fair market value. Tallapoosa residents should request a reassessment if they believe their home's assessed value exceeds recent comparable sales. A successful appeal, costing nothing to file, could reduce your annual bill by $20–50 or more.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Tallapoosa County

via CostByCounty

Tallapoosa County hits affordability sweet spot

Tallapoosa County residents earn $57,185—24% below the national median of $74,755—yet spend only 15.4% of income on rent, the most affordable rate among these eight counties. This rural east Alabama market delivers exceptional housing affordability without requiring affluent incomes.

Best affordability ratio in the group

Tallapoosa County's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio stands well below Alabama's 18.0% state average, ranking among the state's most affordable counties. Median rents of $734 fall just $65 below the state median of $799, enabling strong affordability through reasonable pricing.

The region's most budget-friendly option

Tallapoosa's $734 rent ranks lowest among this comparison group, undercut only by its peer Talladega ($772) by just $38. Owner costs of $646 monthly match the region's lowest rates, positioning Tallapoosa as the go-to county for stretched budgets.

Smallest housing burden in the sample

Tallapoosa renters devote just $734 monthly—15.4% of $57,185 annual income—to housing, freeing up resources for savings and other needs. Homeowners invest $646 monthly at a median home value of $144,800, building equity on genuinely modest household earnings.

Tallapoosa is made for modest-income movers

Tallapoosa County is Alabama's best choice for households earning $50,000–$65,000 seeking maximum affordability without sacrificing stability. If job changes or life circumstances reduce household income, Tallapoosa's low-cost housing market provides the safety net most families need.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Tallapoosa County

via IncomeByCounty

Tallapoosa County Trails National Income

Tallapoosa County's median household income of $57,185 falls 23% below the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting regional economic constraints. The county sits in the lower-middle tier of American counties by income.

Slightly Above Alabama Average

Tallapoosa County ranks just above the state average with median household income of $57,185 compared to Alabama's $54,196. The county performs modestly better than its state peers despite remaining below national standards.

Tallapoosa Mirrors Regional Income Levels

Tallapoosa County's $57,185 income closely matches Talladega County ($56,249) and sits above Sumter County ($37,981), positioning it as a mid-tier earner in east-central Alabama. The regional similarity suggests common economic drivers and opportunities.

Strong Housing Affordability Position

Tallapoosa County's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Alabama's best, enabling households to allocate more resources to savings and necessities. A median home value of $144,800 provides accessible homeownership opportunities.

Take Advantage of Affordability

Tallapoosa County residents benefit from strong housing affordability that frees up income for investment and savings goals. Use this advantage to build emergency reserves and consistently contribute to retirement accounts for compounding growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Tallapoosa County

via CrimeByCounty

Tallapoosa County Safety Score Analysis

Tallapoosa County has a total crime rate of 2,210.9 per 100K, coming in below the national benchmark of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 96.5.

Crime Reporting Trends in Tallapoosa

While the safety score of 96.5 is slightly below the state average of 97.3, the crime rate is notably higher than the Alabama average. Seven agencies report data to keep the community informed.

Regional Comparisons for Tallapoosa Residents

Tallapoosa's crime rate of 2,210.9 per 100K closely mirrors Talladega County's 2,236.6. These rates are significantly higher than the crime levels found in Russell County to the south.

Violent and Property Crime Statistics

The county reports 409.7 violent crimes per 100K, which is higher than the national average. Property crime makes up 1,801.2 of the total incidents reported.

Strengthen Your Property Perimeter

Strengthening home perimeters with fencing or lighting can help reduce the risk of property crimes. Local safety starts with individual property awareness and security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Tallapoosa County

via SchoolsByCounty

Tallapoosa’s Streamlined Educational Network

Tallapoosa County maintains 11 public schools for 5,690 students across two main districts. The system includes four elementary, two middle, and four high schools.

Investment in Rural Student Success

The county spends $6,695 per pupil, which is higher than the state average and supports a 53.1 school score. The graduation rate stands at 90.5%, remaining competitive with the state average of 90.7%.

Dual Districts Serve Alexander City and County

Alexander City district serves 2,899 students across five schools, while the Tallapoosa County district serves 2,791 students in six schools. No charter schools are currently operating in either district.

Community-Scale Town and Rural Schools

The county features seven rural and four town-based schools with an average enrollment of 569. Benjamin Russell High is the largest with 812 students, while Horseshoe Bend High offers a PK-12 experience for 780 students.

Lakeside Living and Quality Schools

Tallapoosa County offers families a choice between Alexander City and county-run schools with solid academic performance. Factor in the high per-pupil investment when looking for your next family home near the lake.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Tallapoosa County

via RiskByCounty

Tallapoosa County Moderate Risk Above Average

Tallapoosa County scores 67.46, earning a relatively low risk rating but sitting about 6 points above Alabama's state average of 61.54. This gap reflects above-average exposure to flooding and tornado events, balanced by lower wildfire risk.

Mid-Range Risk Among Eight Counties

Tallapoosa County ranks in the middle tier of this analysis, safer than Talladega (84.67), Shelby (90.27), and Tuscaloosa (90.81) but less protected than Russell (54.74) and Sumter (53.02). Its score reflects east-central Alabama's moderate hazard exposure.

Similar Risk to Nearby St. Clair County

Tallapoosa County's 67.46 score falls just below nearby St. Clair (72.14) and substantially above Russell (54.74), positioning it as a moderately exposed community in the region. Talladega (84.67) poses notably greater combined risk.

Floods and Tornadoes Lead Threats

Flood risk scores 77.86 and tornado risk scores 72.84, making these the primary natural disaster concerns for Tallapoosa residents. Hurricane risk (74.22) and wildfire risk (75.06) add secondary but still significant exposure.

Prepare for Water and Wind Damage

With flood risk at 77.86 and tornado risk at 72.84, Tallapoosa residents should secure both homeowners and separate flood insurance before disaster strikes. Maintain an emergency kit and safe room plan—two essential preparations that cost little but save lives.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Tallapoosa County

via WaterByCounty

Consistent Grade B Compliance Rating

Tallapoosa County earns a Grade B with two health violations recorded over the five-year period. The county's rate of 3.1 violations per 100,000 people is well below the Alabama average of 14.1.

Watershed Health Outpaces State Average

Only 17.0% of assessed water bodies are impaired, which is better than the state average of 27.7%. The eight failing sites are primarily affected by mercury, E. Coli, and biochemical oxygen demand.

Extensive Microbiological Data Collection

The county boasts a high density of monitoring with 86 sites and 23,910 measurements over five years. Microbiological and physical data are among the most frequently tracked metrics here.

Tallapoosa River Flowing Below Typical Levels

The Tallapoosa River at Horseshoe Bend shows a current discharge of 1,160 cfs. This flow is 38% of the historical mean of 3,043 cfs, indicating drier than normal conditions.

Monitoring Mercury and E. Coli Risks

With mercury and E. Coli present in some local waters, residents should follow safety guidelines for fishing and swimming. Monitoring the Tallapoosa River's low flow can help predict changes in pollutant levels.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Tallapoosa County

via WeatherByCounty

Tallapoosa County Maintains a Warm Southern Climate

Tallapoosa County averages 62.0°F annually, which is about eight degrees warmer than the national median. It receives 56.5 inches of rain, reflecting the humid nature of the Southeast.

A Milder Choice Compared to State Averages

With an average of 62.0°F, Tallapoosa is cooler than the Alabama state average of 63.2°F. It experiences fewer extreme heat days than many of its western state neighbors.

Cooler Than Talladega and Shelby Counties

Tallapoosa is roughly half a degree cooler than Talladega County and over two degrees cooler than Shelby. Its rainfall of 56.5 inches is very close to the state average of 57.4 inches.

Moderate Seasonal Shifts in Tallapoosa

The county experiences 62 days of extreme heat over 90°F, while January averages a cool 43.4°F. Residents see a trace of winter weather with 0.4 inches of annual snowfall.

Year-Round Maintenance for a Wet Climate

The 56.5 inches of annual rain require regular roof and gutter inspections to prevent water damage. With 62 days of extreme heat, energy-efficient windows can help lower summer cooling costs.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Tallapoosa County

via SoilByCounty

Tallapoosa soil matches state pH benchmarks

Tallapoosa County soil is acidic with a pH of 5.23, which aligns closely with the Alabama state average of 5.21. This is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, influencing which nutrients are available to plants.

Light sandy texture warms quickly

The profile is heavily sandy at 59.8%, with 24.0% silt and 14.0% clay making up the rest. This high sand content results in a light, workable soil that warms up quickly in the spring sun.

Building organic matter is essential here

The county shows just 1.38% organic matter compared to the 1.74% state average. An available water capacity of 0.126 in/in also falls short of the state’s 0.138 in/in average, necessitating soil amendments.

Sandy composition indicates rapid infiltration

The nearly 60% sand composition indicates rapid drainage and low water retention. This leads to a lower soil score of 14.4, which is notably below the state average of 22.5.

Perfect for heat-loving okra and melons

Hardiness Zone 8a is ideal for heat-loving crops like okra and watermelon that thrive in well-aerated soil. Focusing on cover crops will help build up the organic matter needed to improve your soil's overall productivity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Tallapoosa County

via LawnByCounty

Central Alabama Lawn Challenges

Scoring 29.4, Tallapoosa County sits right at the state average for lawn maintenance difficulty. Homeowners in this 8a hardiness zone face a constant battle against acidic soil and periodic severe drought during the peak of summer.

High Humidity and Energy

With 56.5 inches of annual rain and 62 extreme heat days, the environment is generally humid and hot. These conditions provide 5,140 growing degree days, which is ample energy for robust warm-season grass growth across the county.

Sandy Soils Drain Fast

The soil foundation is very sandy at 59.8%, meaning water and nutrients can leach away quickly into the subsoil. Its low pH of 5.23 means you should focus on regular fertilization and lime treatments to keep your lawn healthy and thick.

Defending Against Severe Dryness

Resilience is tested here, as 18.9% of the county is currently experiencing Severe+ drought conditions. After 26 weeks of drought in the past year, investing in a smart irrigation system can help protect your landscape investment from wilting.

Stable Growth in Zone 8a

The frost-free window starts April 11 and lasts until November 8, providing a stable window for establishing summer turf. Centipede grass is a low-maintenance favorite for these sandy, acidic soils common in Tallapoosa.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tallapoosa County's county score?
Tallapoosa County, Alabama has a composite county score of 50.7 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 Tallapoosa County rank among counties in Alabama?
Tallapoosa County ranks #40 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 Tallapoosa County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Tallapoosa County is $450, with an effective tax rate of 0.31%. This earns Tallapoosa County a tax score of 97.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Tallapoosa County?
The median household income in Tallapoosa County, Alabama is $57,185 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Tallapoosa County earns an income score of 30.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Tallapoosa County, Alabama a good place to live?
Tallapoosa County scores 50.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #40 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Tallapoosa 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 Tallapoosa 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.