countyscore
64.3
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 80.5Cost of Living 75.1

County Report Card

About Allen County, Kentucky

Well Above National Midpoint

Allen County earns a composite score of 64.3, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a robust balance of local amenities and economic factors.

Leading the Kentucky Average

With a 64.3 composite score, Allen County outperforms the state average of 58.6. It serves as a strong example of high livability within South Central Kentucky.

High Infrastructure and Tax Value

The county boasts a remarkable Water Score of 86.0 and a Tax Score of 80.5. A low effective tax rate of 0.551% makes it an attractive destination for budget-conscious homeowners.

Income and School Growth Needed

The Income Score of 35.8 and School Score of 48.9 suggest room for economic and educational development. The median household income currently sits at $59,029.

A Haven for Tax-Conscious Residents

Allen County is an excellent fit for those seeking reliable infrastructure and a very low tax burden. It offers a stable, high-value environment for families and small business owners.

Score breakdown

Tax80.5Cost75.1Safety70.5Health44.6Schools48.9Income35.8Risk66.7Water86Weather67.8
🏛80.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡70.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤44.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡66.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤67.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨44.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱57.8
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

Macon County
Tennessee
50.3
Barren County
Kentucky
53.3
Warren County
Kentucky
41.8
Simpson County
Kentucky
48.2
Trousdale County
Tennessee
52.1
Monroe County
Kentucky
66.2
Sumner County
Tennessee
54.9
Edmonson County
Kentucky
65.5

Deep Dives

Allen County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Allen County

via TaxByCounty

Allen County has the lowest burden

Allen County's 0.551% effective tax rate ranks among the lowest in the nation, beating the national median of 0.85% by a comfortable margin. At just $972 in annual median property tax, Allen homeowners pay roughly one-third the national median of $2,690.

Kentucky's most tax-friendly county

Allen County leads Kentucky with the state's lowest effective tax rate at 0.551%, well below the state average of 0.719%. The county's median property tax of $972 is the lowest among our profiled counties, giving residents a genuine tax advantage.

Lowest taxes in south-central region

Allen County's 0.551% rate decisively beats all neighbors, including Barren (0.726%) and Warren counties to the east. Residents here enjoy the region's most favorable property tax environment.

What $176,300 home costs annually

A median Allen County home valued at $176,300 carries an annual property tax of approximately $972. With mortgage, insurance, and principal factored in, the effective annual housing tax reaches about $1,189.

Verify your home's valuation

Even in low-tax Allen County, some homeowners may be overassessed relative to comparable properties. Requesting a professional assessment or filing an appeal during revaluation years can unlock additional savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Allen County

via CostByCounty

Allen punches above its weight nationally

Allen County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% sits comfortably within the national affordability sweet spot, well ahead of the national median household income of $74,755. At $59,029 in median income, Allen households enjoy better housing affordability than county income alone might suggest.

Among Kentucky's most affordable counties

Allen's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio beats the Kentucky state average of 17.0%, putting it in the affordability tier of better-positioned counties statewide. With median rent just below the state average at $750, Allen delivers stronger value for renters relative to their earnings.

Competing with Bath for best rents

Allen's $750 median rent undercuts neighboring Adair County ($775) and matches affordability with Bath County ($600 in rent, though with lower overall household income). Allen's homeownership costs of $665 monthly position it midrange among the region's counties.

Allen's housing math works

Renters spend $750 monthly while homeowners pay $665, extracting a healthy 15.3% of the $59,029 median income for housing alone. This leaves Allen households proportionally more breathing room compared to state and national peers.

Allen offers balanced opportunity

If you're seeking affordable rents with moderate incomes, Allen County delivers one of Kentucky's better rent-to-income ratios without sacrificing community stability. Its $176,300 median home value and manageable owner costs make it competitive for both renters and aspiring homeowners.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Allen County

via IncomeByCounty

Allen County Earns 21% Below National Median

Allen County's median household income of $59,029 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly $15,700, placing it in the lower-middle income range nationally. The county shows stronger earnings than most rural Kentucky peers, reflecting a mix of agricultural, manufacturing, and service-sector work.

Above-Average Income for Kentucky

Allen County's $59,029 median household income ranks above Kentucky's state average of $55,909, positioning residents in the upper half of the state's income distribution. Per capita income of $30,206 also exceeds the state average of $29,616 by about 2%.

Outpaces Most South-Central Kentucky Peers

Allen County's income surpasses Barren County ($49,171) and Adair County ($50,316) while falling short of Boone County's prosperous $94,752. The county's $59,029 reflects a relatively stable economy compared to struggling rural neighbors like Bell County.

Housing Costs Remain Affordable

Allen residents spend just 15.3% of income on rent, well below the 30% affordability threshold and indicating strong purchasing power for housing. The median home value of $176,300 is achievable for households at the county median, especially with two-income earners.

Strengthen Savings With Stable Income

Allen County's above-state-average income creates opportunity to save 10–15% of earnings after housing and living expenses; explore tax-advantaged savings accounts. A financial advisor can help develop strategies for homeownership, retirement planning, and protecting income through insurance.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Allen County

via CrimeByCounty

Allen County Outperforms National Safety Benchmarks

Allen County earns a high safety score of 98.9, indicating a very secure environment. The local crime rate of 698.0 per 100,000 residents is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Matching the Kentucky State Average

With a safety score of 98.9, Allen County sits slightly above the Kentucky average of 98.8. Its total crime rate of 698.0 also tracks below the state's average rate of 786.2.

Comparative Safety in the Region

Allen County remains a safe pocket in the region, keeping its crime rate below 700 per 100,000 people. This performance reinforces its reputation as a secure community for families and businesses.

Property Crime Drives Local Statistics

Property crime makes up the bulk of local incidents at 659.5 per 100,000 residents. Conversely, violent crime is extremely rare in Allen County, with a rate of only 38.5.

Practical Steps for Allen County Residents

Since property crime is the primary concern, residents should focus on securing sheds and vehicles. Installing motion-sensor lights is an effective way to deter opportunists even in safe neighborhoods.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Allen County

via HealthByCounty

Allen outperforms on life expectancy

Allen County residents live to 73.1 years—nearly 5 years less than the national average of 78.2 years, but better than many rural Kentucky counties. About 22.7% of Allen residents report poor or fair health, slightly above the national average.

Slightly above Kentucky's average

Allen's 73.1-year life expectancy edges above the state average of 72.2 years, placing it in the middle range for Kentucky health outcomes. The county's health status mirrors statewide challenges with chronic disease prevalence.

Primary care access is a gap

Allen has just 14 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest among nearby counties like Adair (26) and Barren (70). Mental health coverage is also limited at 87 providers per 100,000, requiring residents to travel for specialized care.

Fewer uninsured, limited providers

Allen's uninsured rate is 6.4%, below Kentucky's 7.0% average, yet the county struggles with provider shortages that limit access regardless of coverage. Finding a primary care appointment often means traveling outside the county.

Ensure your coverage is current

Allen's low uninsured rate is a strength—if you're in that 6.4%, visit kynect.ky.gov to enroll in a health plan today. Families with children and low incomes often qualify for Medicaid at no cost.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Allen County

via SchoolsByCounty

Allen County's Unified Rural School System

Allen County operates a focused educational system with six public schools serving a total enrollment of 3,149 students. The infrastructure includes one elementary, two middle, and two high schools, alongside one specialized center. All schools are governed by a single district, providing a unified academic path for local families.

Strong Graduation Success on a Lean Budget

The county maintains a graduation rate of 93.0%, which exceeds the national average of 87.0% but falls slightly below the Kentucky state average. Schools operate with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,318, which is lower than the state average of $6,894. The composite school score of 53.6 reflects a solid academic foundation compared to the national median.

Single District Stability in Allen County

The Allen County school district manages all 3,149 students in the region, ensuring consistent standards across all six campuses. There are zero charter schools in the county, reflecting a commitment to traditional public school structures. This district-wide cohesion simplifies the transition for students from primary to secondary education.

Exclusively Rural and Centrally Located

All six schools in Allen County are classified as rural, reflecting the county’s agricultural and open-space character. The average school size is 630 students, anchored by the Allen County Primary Center which serves 982 students. Even the specialized Patriot Academy maintains a significant presence with 111 students across grades K–12.

Root Your Family in Allen County

For those seeking a rural lifestyle without sacrificing educational outcomes, Allen County offers a stable and successful school environment. Homes here provide access to a unified district known for getting students across the graduation stage. Consider the benefits of a close-knit rural school community for your next home purchase.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Allen County

via RiskByCounty

Allen ranks among lowest-risk Kentucky counties

Allen County's composite risk score of 33.33 earns a Very Low rating and places it well below the national average. The county demonstrates consistently low exposure across most natural hazard categories.

One of Kentucky's safest counties

Allen County ranks among the safer counties statewide with a composite score of 33.33, significantly below Kentucky's 44.21 average. The county's risk profile reflects relatively modest exposure to major natural disasters.

Allen rivals the state's safest places

Allen County (33.33) sits between Bath County (13.71)—Kentucky's lowest-risk county—and Anderson County (26.34), both strong performers. This places Allen in genuinely safe company within its regional peer group.

Tornadoes and earthquakes demand attention

Tornado risk ranks highest at 69.50, making spring preparedness essential for Allen families, while earthquake risk at 75.03 reflects underlying geologic conditions. Flood and wildfire risks remain minimal, at 27.45 and 9.32 respectively.

Tornado preparedness is your priority

Ensure your homeowners policy covers tornado damage and have a family tornado safety plan for spring months. Consider earthquake insurance as an added layer of protection, particularly for older homes.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Allen County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and Wetter Than the Median

Allen County is warmer than much of the U.S., featuring a 57.0°F average annual temperature. Its 54.0 inches of annual precipitation significantly exceeds the national median, creating a damp, verdant environment.

Outpacing the Kentucky State Averages

With an average of 57.0°F, Allen County is warmer than the state average of 56.2°F. It also receives nearly four extra inches of rain compared to the 50.6-inch statewide baseline.

Slightly Warmer Than Northern Neighbors

Allen’s 54.0 inches of rain makes it wetter than its northern neighbor, Barren County. While both counties share a warm profile, Allen averages a slightly cooler winter at 38.0°F compared to Barren’s 39.1°F.

Milder Winters and Humid Summers

Summers are humid with 27 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 76.2°F. Winter brings a modest 7.6 inches of snow and a relatively mild 38.0°F seasonal average.

Managing Humidity and Summer Heat

High humidity and 27 extreme heat days annually require efficient HVAC systems to maintain indoor comfort. The 54.0 inches of rain also means high-quality rain gear and reliable drainage systems are local necessities.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Allen County

via SoilByCounty

Low pH in Allen County

The soil pH in Allen County averages 5.55, making it more acidic than both the national median of 6.5 and the state average of 5.80. This acidity influences nutrient availability and requires careful management for sensitive plants.

High Silt, Low Sand

The mix consists of 62.8% silt, 19.4% clay, and 17.7% sand. This high concentration of silt suggests excellent water storage but can lead to poor aeration if the soil is not properly aerated.

Building Organic Matter

The organic matter content is 1.99%, nearly identical to the national average of 2.0% but well below the Kentucky state average of 3.55%. Available water capacity sits at 0.178 in/in, slightly under the state benchmark of 0.186.

Water Management Needs

Detailed drainage records are not currently available, yet the soil score of 44.1 indicates moderate challenges for intensive use. Homeowners should observe runoff patterns during heavy rains to plan their landscapes effectively.

Ready for Zone 7a

Falling in hardiness zone 7a, Allen County is perfect for everything from spring greens to late-harvest squash. Enrich your soil with compost and start your backyard garden this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Allen County

via LawnByCounty

Maintaining Lawns in Allen County

Allen County has a lawn difficulty score of 57.8, which is lower than the Kentucky state average of 66.3. Local homeowners in this Zone 7a region may find lawn care more demanding than in other parts of the state despite beating the national median.

Wet Climate and Moderate Heat

The county sees 54.0 inches of precipitation annually, which is higher than the state average and the ideal range for grass. With 27 extreme heat days per year and 4143 growing degree days, there is plenty of warmth and water to fuel rapid spring growth.

Balancing Soil Chemistry

The soil pH of 5.55 is notably acidic, falling below the preferred 6.0 to 7.0 window for optimal nutrient uptake. The ground contains 19.4% clay and 17.7% sand, creating a foundation that holds moisture well but requires pH amendments to thrive.

Preparing for Yearly Dry Spells

Allen County experienced 7 weeks of drought over the last year, requiring supplemental watering to keep turf green. Current data shows the area is clear of drought, but mulching clippings into the grass can help retain moisture during the next dry period.

Planting for the Transition Zone

Kentucky-31 tall fescue is a local favorite because it handles the 27 annual heat days well. Seeding should occur after the heat of summer breaks, ideally targeting the weeks following the typical mid-April last frost date for spring starts.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Allen County's county score?
Allen County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 64.3 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 Allen County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Allen County ranks #32 among all counties in Kentucky 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 Allen County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Allen County is $972, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Allen County a tax score of 80.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Allen County?
The median household income in Allen County, Kentucky is $59,029 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Allen County earns an income score of 35.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Allen County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Allen County scores 64.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #32 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Allen 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 Allen County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.