countyscore
59.6
County Score
Safety 83.6Lawn Care 74.9Disaster Risk 73.7

County Report Card

About Anderson County, Kentucky

Exceeding National Standards

Anderson County’s composite score of 59.6 sits above the national median of 50.0. It maintains a competitive profile across multiple quality-of-life categories.

Slightly Above State Average

The county edges out the Kentucky state average of 58.6 with its 59.6 score. It remains a solid performer among the state's 120 counties.

High Earnings and Strong Safety

The county excels with an Income Score of 70.8, supported by a healthy median household income of $71,747. A Safety Score of 83.6 further enhances its appeal for residents.

Water and Cost Pressures

Water quality and infrastructure, with a score of 39.0, represent a notable challenge for the area. Additionally, a Cost Score of 41.0 reflects higher median home values of $213,200.

Ideal for Working Professionals

Anderson County is best suited for professionals seeking higher Kentucky wages and safe neighborhoods. It provides a suburban feel with strong income potential.

Score breakdown

Tax53.7Cost41Safety83.6Health53.3Schools58.8Income70.8Risk73.7Water39Weather70.3
🏛53.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠41
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼70.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡83.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤53.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓58.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡73.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧39
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤70.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱74.9
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Anderson County

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

See Today's Rates

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 Anderson County with Franklin County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Franklin County
Idaho
Median income: $65,991
59.6
Doniphan County
Kansas
Median income: $72,833
59.6
Tensas Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $36,074
59.6
Caswell County
North Carolina
Median income: $59,407
59.6
Ottawa County
Ohio
Median income: $75,728
59.6
Fluvanna County
Virginia
Median income: $91,959
59.6
Jasper County
Illinois
Median income: $71,094
59.7
Starke County
Indiana
Median income: $62,933
59.7

Nearby counties

Woodford County
Kentucky
56.3
Mercer County
Kentucky
60.1
Franklin County
Kentucky
46
Washington County
Kentucky
65.8
Spencer County
Kentucky
59.3
Shelby County
Kentucky
48.4
Jessamine County
Kentucky
47.5
Boyle County
Kentucky
55.2

Deep Dives

Anderson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Anderson County

via TaxByCounty

Anderson taxes exceed national average

Anderson County's 0.796% effective tax rate tops the national median of 0.85%, placing it in the upper third of U.S. counties for tax burden. The median annual property tax of $1,698 is 63% higher than the national median of $2,690, though this reflects both higher home values and steeper rates.

Highest-taxed Kentucky county profiled

Anderson County's 0.796% effective rate significantly exceeds Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, ranking among the state's higher-tax jurisdictions. Residents pay a median of $1,698 annually—55% more than the state median of $1,093.

Priciest taxes in central Kentucky

Anderson County's 0.796% rate stands markedly above nearby Woodford, Fayette, and Bourbon counties in the Bluegrass region. This premium reflects both higher property valuations and more aggressive tax rates.

What $213,200 home costs annually

A typical Anderson County home appraised at $213,200 generates approximately $1,698 in annual property taxes. Including mortgage interest, homeowners often see combined annual tax costs approaching $1,839.

High taxes make appeals worthwhile

Anderson County's elevated tax rates make reassessment appeals particularly valuable—even a small percentage reduction yields meaningful savings. Many overassessed homeowners recover $400–$800 annually through successful appeals.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Anderson County

via CostByCounty

Anderson approaches national income levels

With a median household income of $71,747, Anderson County sits just below the national average of $74,755, translating to stronger purchasing power for housing than much of rural Kentucky. Yet residents spend 14.6% of income on rent—below the national affordability threshold—making Anderson one of the region's standout housing markets.

Kentucky's housing affordability leader

Anderson's 14.6% rent-to-income ratio beats Kentucky's state average of 17.0% by a substantial margin, placing it among the state's most affordable counties for renters. The county's $870 median rent, while higher nominally, remains manageable thanks to incomes that outpace most of the commonwealth.

Premium pricing, premium incomes

Anderson's $870 median rent exceeds Adair ($775), Allen ($750), and Bath ($600), reflecting its position as a more prosperous region near the Cincinnati corridor. Homeownership costs of $954 monthly and a median home value of $213,200 signal a wealthier overall market than surrounding counties.

Higher incomes fund higher housing

Renters allocate $870 monthly to rent while homeowners pay $954, but these costs represent only 14.6% and roughly 16% of the $71,747 median income respectively. Anderson households enjoy surplus income after housing that rivals many prosperous U.S. counties.

Anderson for seekers of stability

If you can afford Anderson's higher home values and rents, the county rewards you with strong income levels and excellent affordability ratios relative to your housing costs. It's Kentucky's answer to affluent suburban living, combining rural character with near-national income norms.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Anderson County

via IncomeByCounty

Anderson County Nearly Matches U.S. Income

Anderson County's median household income of $71,747 approaches the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it among Kentucky's most prosperous counties. The county trails the national figure by less than 4%, reflecting strong local employment and proximity to Lexington's economic sphere.

Kentucky's Upper Income Tier

At $71,747, Anderson County ranks well above Kentucky's state average of $55,909—a difference of nearly $16,000. Per capita income of $35,161 significantly exceeds the state average of $29,616, indicating broad-based economic strength.

Clear Leader Among Central Kentucky Counties

Anderson County outearns every peer except Boone County ($94,752), surpassing Ballard ($64,740), Bath ($54,128), and Adair ($50,316) by substantial margins. The county's economic advantage reflects diversified employment and strong ties to regional prosperity.

Housing Costs Excellent for Income Level

Anderson residents dedicate only 14.6% of income to rent, the lowest ratio among these eight counties and well below the 30% affordability standard. A median home value of $213,200 is readily achievable for county median earners, enabling wealth-building through homeownership.

Invest for Long-Term Prosperity

Anderson County residents benefit from above-average income that allows 15–20% savings after housing and essentials; maximize employer 401(k) matching and explore investment accounts. Strong local economy and home values make this an excellent time to pursue real estate wealth building and college savings plans.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Anderson County

via CrimeByCounty

High Safety Standards in Anderson County

Anderson County boasts a safety score of 99.4, far surpassing most U.S. counties. Its total crime rate of 385.9 per 100,000 residents is nearly six times lower than the national average.

Exceeding Kentucky Safety Averages

Anderson County's crime rate of 385.9 is roughly half of the Kentucky state average of 786.2. This performance earns it a safety score of 99.4, well above the statewide average of 98.8.

Strong Safety Profile Among Neighbors

The county maintains a low-crime environment compared to regional averages. Local law enforcement efforts keep both violent and property crime rates in the lower tier for the state.

Violent Crime Remains Exceptionally Rare

The violent crime rate stands at 54.5, which is notably lower than the state average of 78.1. Property crime accounts for 331.4 incidents per 100,000, which is still very low by national standards.

Locking Down Peace of Mind

Anderson County residents enjoy high safety, but property crimes are the most frequent local issue. Utilizing basic alarm systems and neighborhood watch groups can help keep these numbers low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Anderson County

via HealthByCounty

Anderson leads Kentucky on health

Anderson County residents live to 74.4 years—still 3.8 years behind the U.S. average of 78.2 years, but among Kentucky's healthiest. Only 21.4% report poor or fair health, the lowest rate among these eight counties.

Among Kentucky's best outcomes

Anderson's 74.4-year life expectancy leads the state average of 72.2 years by 2.2 years, reflecting stronger overall population health. The county's 21.4% poor/fair health rate is well below Kentucky's typical burden.

Strong primary care infrastructure

Anderson has 29 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, competitive with regional leaders and above the state typical. Mental health support is available at 93 providers per 100,000, supporting residents with behavioral health needs.

Low uninsured, good access

Just 5.9% of Anderson County residents lack health insurance—0.1 percentage points better than Kentucky's average—making preventive care more accessible. The combination of low uninsured rates and solid provider supply creates favorable conditions for health outcomes.

Maintain your coverage advantage

Anderson's strong insurance enrollment is a model—if you're uninsured, visit kynect.ky.gov to close that gap and join the healthier majority. Regular preventive visits with your primary care provider are what keep Anderson County outcomes above the state.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Anderson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Growth in Anderson County

Anderson County supports 3,752 students across seven public schools, primarily concentrated in the elementary years. The system features four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, all under the management of a single district. This structure supports a clear pipeline from early childhood through high school graduation.

Exceeding State Averages in Graduation and Spending

Anderson County schools earn a score of 55.4, placing them just above the state average of 55.3. The county invests $6,912 per pupil, which slightly exceeds the Kentucky average, and yields a high 94.0% graduation rate. These metrics suggest a community that effectively leverages its investment to ensure student success.

Spotlight on the Anderson County District

The Anderson County school district is the sole public provider, serving 3,752 students across seven diverse campuses. No charter schools operate in the area, maintaining a 100% traditional public school landscape. Families benefit from a large, well-resourced district that remains the central hub of local education.

A Town-Centered Educational Experience

Six of the seven schools are located in town settings, providing an accessible, community-focused feel with an average size of 625 students. Anderson County High School is the largest in the county, enrolling ,189 students for a comprehensive secondary experience. The smaller Saffell Street Elementary offers a more intimate setting with 402 students.

Invest in a Community with Proven Schools

Anderson County combines town convenience with a high-performing school system that outpaces state benchmarks. For families looking to move, these schools represent a reliable pillar of community value and student achievement. Explore nearby homes to secure a place in this successful Kentucky district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Anderson County

via RiskByCounty

Anderson stands among nation's safest counties

Anderson County's composite risk score of 26.34 and Very Low rating place it in the bottom tier of U.S. natural disaster risk. The county benefits from exceptionally low exposure across wildfire, earthquake, and hurricane threats.

Kentucky's second-safest county overall

Only Bath County (13.71) ranks lower than Anderson's 26.34 composite score among all Kentucky counties, placing it second safest statewide. This compares dramatically to the state average of 44.21.

Anderson anchors the state's safest region

Anderson County (26.34) ranks alongside Bath County (13.71) and Allen County (33.33) as the state's three lowest-risk counties. The trio demonstrates that central Kentucky offers exceptional natural disaster safety.

Tornado risk exceeds all other hazards

Tornado risk at 64.19 is the dominant threat in Anderson County, though it remains below several neighboring counties' tornado exposure. All other hazards—flood (34.38), earthquake (49.46), and hurricane (18.56)—rank substantially lower.

Tornado coverage should be your focus

Verify your homeowners policy explicitly covers tornado damage, as this is Anderson's primary natural hazard threat. A household tornado safety plan and reliable weather alerts provide practical protection layers.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Anderson County

via SoilByCounty

Central Kentucky Soil Identity

Specific taxonomic and pH data for Anderson County is currently unlisted in available datasets. However, the region typically shares the characteristic rolling limestone-based soils of the Bluegrass state.

Bluegrass Texture and Mix

While sand, silt, and clay percentages are not recorded for this specific county, local soils often feature a silty loam texture. This classic Kentucky mix generally offers a good balance of drainage and nutrient holding.

Targeting Peak Fertility

Organic matter measurements are currently unavailable for the area. Local growers can aim for the state average of 3.55% organic matter to ensure their plots remain productive and resilient.

Local Hydrology Observation

Official drainage and hydrologic group data are not available in the current records. Observing your own land's response to Kentucky's spring rains is the most reliable way to assess drainage needs.

Planting in Zone 6b

Anderson County sits in hardiness zone 6b, making it ideal for hardy perennials and traditional vegetable patches. Don't let the data gaps stop you—start a garden today with resilient native plants.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Anderson County

via LawnByCounty

Anderson County's High Success Rate

With a lawn difficulty score of 74.9, Anderson County is one of the easier places in Kentucky to maintain a beautiful lawn. This score is significantly higher than both the state average of 66.3 and the national median of 50.0.

Ideal Precipitation for Greener Grass

The county enjoys 48.1 inches of annual precipitation, which falls perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy lawns. Combined with only 14 extreme heat days per year, the climate is much milder than the state average of 30 heat days.

Nurturing Your Soil Foundation

While specific soil data for Anderson County is limited, maintaining a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is standard practice for the region. Homeowners should test their soil periodically to ensure it has the right balance for Zone 6b conditions.

Short Drought Windows

Last year, this county saw only 4 weeks of drought, which is shorter than many neighboring areas. Currently, there are no dry conditions reported, making it a great time to focus on aeration and overseeding to build lawn density.

Growing Tips for Zone 6b

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass thrive in Zone 6b and handle the local winters with ease. Because the summers are relatively mild with only 14 heat days, these varieties can stay green longer into the season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Anderson County's county score?
Anderson County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 59.6 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 Anderson County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Anderson County ranks #62 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 Anderson County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Anderson County is $1,698, with an effective tax rate of 0.80%. This earns Anderson County a tax score of 53.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Anderson County?
The median household income in Anderson County, Kentucky is $71,747 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Anderson County earns an income score of 70.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Anderson County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Anderson County scores 59.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #62 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Anderson 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 Anderson 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.