COUNTY REPORT AL

Russell County, Alabama

10 ZIP codes · Avg score 68/100 · Grade C · Updated 2026-06-04

Unlike top-rated counties, Russell County's 10 ZIP codes carry a fair number of documented violations — chlorine compliance and disinfection byproduct limits are the categories most often cited in recent data.

How Russell County Compares

Russell County68/100
Alabama avg73/100
National avg68/100

How Russell County Compares

C
County Grade
68/100
Avg Safety Score
10
ZIP Codes
4
Water Systems

Russell County scores 5 points below the Alabama state average (73/100) and 0 points above the national average (68/100).

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04

C
County Grade
68
Avg Safety Score
10
ZIP Codes
Best ZIP: 36868 (82/100)
Lowest ZIP: 36871 (53/100)
$155K
Median Home Value
$1,900
Avg Remediation (122% of home value)

ZIP Code Risk Map

Water Quality Map: Russell County, Alabama

Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.

A B C D F

Key Risk Factors

Health risk index: 15.8 (asthma 11%, diabetes 17.3%)

Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $592, driven primarily by flood

Infrastructure: 0.303% avg pipe failure probability

50.3% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)

County Health Indicators vs National Average

Asthma 11% (national: 8.9%)
Diabetes 17.3% (national: 10.5%)
Obesity 43% (national: 32.4%)

Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.

Infrastructure Overview

1984
Median Build Year
50.3%
Pre-1978 Housing
30%
Pipe Failure Probability
0%
ZIPs at High Infra Risk
Low
Lead Pipe Risk

Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.

Compound Risk Breakdown

Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $592

Flood $400/yr
Energy Code Gap $117/yr
Water / Lead $75/yr

Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).

Housing Age Distribution

35,436 housing units in Russell County

Pre-1940 4%
1940–1959 12%
1960–1979 23%
1980–1999 30%
2000+ 31%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).

Water Safety Affordability

How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in Russell County

$155K
Median Home Value
$1,900
Est. Remediation Cost
1.2%
of Home Value
Remediation as % of home value low burden

Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Russell County, representing a small fraction of property value.

Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.

Health Outcomes vs National Average

CDC PLACES data for Russell County residents

Asthma 11% (US avg: 8.9%)
Diabetes 17.3% (US avg: 11%)
Obesity 43% (US avg: 32.4%)

Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.

Water Systems with Most Violations

Top 4 systems in Russell County ranked by EPA violation count.

# Water System Population Violations
1 Russell County Water Authority 16,923 48
2 PHENIX CITY UTILITIES 42,267 48
3 SMITHS WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY 31,695 24
4 HURTSBORO WATER & SEWER BOARD 1,038 2

All ZIP Codes in Russell County

10 ZIP codes tracked in Russell County.

# ZIP Code City Safety Score Grade Violations Home Value
1 36868 Phenix City 82 B 12 (1 health)
2 36870 Phenix City 82 B 12 (1 health) $178K
3 36860 Hurtsboro 81 B 2 $59K
4 36867 Phenix City 77 B 12 (1 health) $188K
5 36869 Phenix City 77 B 12 (1 health) $129K
6 36856 Fort Mitchell 63 C 0 $253K
7 36875 Seale 63 C 0 $167K
8 36858 Hatchechubbee 53 D 0 $144K
9 36859 Holy Trinity 53 D 0
10 36871 Pittsview 53 D 0 $112K

Recommended Buyer Guides for Russell County

Retailer arrangements don't shape what appears here — the selection logic is independent, filtered against EPA detections and the federal hazard data on file for this county.

Overview

Russell County in Alabama covers 10 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of C (68/100).

5 of 10 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 4 health-based violations have been documented.

← Back to Alabama water quality report

Data Sources

Updated daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is water safe in Russell County?
Russell County receives a grade of C. Some ZIP codes have recorded violations and residents in affected areas may want to test their water.
How many water systems serve Russell County?
Russell County is served by 4 public water systems that supply drinking water to residents across 10 ZIP codes.
What is the biggest environmental risk in Russell County?
The primary environmental risk factor in Russell County is flood. This contributes to an estimated additional annual cost of $592 per homeowner.
How old are homes in Russell County?
The median home build year in Russell County is 1984. 50.3% of homes were built before 1978, which means they may contain lead-based paint and older plumbing materials.
How does Russell County compare to Alabama?
Russell County has an average water safety score of 68/100, which is below the Alabama state average of 73/100.

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