CountyScore

Anderson County

Kentucky · KY

#42 in Kentucky
71.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Anderson County, Kentucky

Anderson ranks 46% above national median

Anderson County's composite score of 72.8 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by nearly 50%, marking solid national performance. The county benefits most from its income advantage, where it posts the highest score (30.2) among all eight featured counties.

Slightly below Kentucky's state average

With a score of 72.8, Anderson County ranks just below Kentucky's state average of 75.0, placing it in the middle tier of the Commonwealth's county livability. The county's above-average income compensates somewhat for higher housing costs and taxes.

Income levels stand out prominently

Anderson County's income score of 30.2 is the highest among these eight counties, with median household income at $71,747—reflecting economic opportunities and relative prosperity. This income advantage is the primary driver of the county's above-average overall score.

Costs and taxes run higher here

Anderson County's cost score of 78.2 and tax score of 79.9 trail other counties in the group, with median rent at $870/month and homes valued at $213,200. The 0.796% effective tax rate is among the highest, offsetting some of the income benefits.

Best for professionals earning higher incomes

Anderson County suits dual-income professionals and established families who value earning potential over rock-bottom cost of living. The higher income profile attracts those in stable careers willing to accept elevated housing costs for community and economic opportunity.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax79.9Cost78.2SafetyComing SoonHealth68.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome30.2Risk73.7WaterComing Soon
🏛79.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤68.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡73.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Anderson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Izard County
Arkansas
71.9
Median income: $47,728
Clear Creek County
Colorado
71.9
Median income: $96,667
Glascock County
Georgia
71.9
Median income: $55,250
Montgomery County
Indiana
71.9
Median income: $66,571
Randolph County
Indiana
71.9
Median income: $61,121

Deep Dives

Anderson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.