CountyScore

Ballard County

Kentucky · KY

#67 in Kentucky
70.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Ballard County, Kentucky

Ballard scores 48% above national median

Ballard County's composite score of 73.9 sits comfortably above the national median of 50.0, indicating solid livability by national standards. The county's strength in affordability (cost score 81.6) and manageable taxes (79.7) drive this above-median positioning.

Just under Kentucky's statewide average

Ballard County scores 73.9, marginally below Kentucky's state average of 75.0, placing it near the middle of Kentucky's county livability rankings. The county offers reasonable balance but doesn't lead in any particular dimension.

Affordability and reasonable tax burden

Ballard County excels in housing affordability with a cost score of 81.6, median rent at $826/month, and home values around $132,900. The tax score of 79.7 and effective rate of 0.803% keep overall cost pressures manageable.

Incomes below state and county group average

The income score of 25.6 reflects median household income at $64,740, somewhat lower than comparable counties and below what many families aspire to. Detailed information on schools, health, and safety remains unavailable.

Suited to cost-conscious, moderate-income families

Ballard County appeals to families and individuals prioritizing affordable living and modest tax burdens over earning potential or amenities. It's a reasonable choice for those seeking a quiet, economical rural setting without significant compromise.

Score breakdown

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

Tax79.7Cost81.6SafetyComing SoonHealth65.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome25.6Risk60.4WaterComing Soon
🏛79.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤65.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡60.4
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 Ballard County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Greene County
Georgia
70.7
Median income: $84,530
Jenkins County
Georgia
70.7
Median income: $36,906
Lincoln County
Georgia
70.7
Median income: $50,688
Wilkinson County
Georgia
70.7
Median income: $46,673
Blaine County
Idaho
70.7
Median income: $84,470

Deep Dives

Ballard County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Ballard County

via TaxByCounty

Ballard taxes above national norm

Ballard County's 0.803% effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 0.85%, placing it squarely in the upper tier of American counties for property tax burden. The median annual tax of $1,067 remains well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower home values despite higher rates.

Above Kentucky state average

At 0.803%, Ballard County's effective rate surpasses Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, ranking it among the state's higher-tax counties. Homeowners pay a median of $1,067 compared to the state median of $1,093, remaining close to the statewide benchmark.

Steepest rate in far-western region

Ballard County's 0.803% rate edges out most western Kentucky neighbors, though it trails Anderson County's 0.796%—making it effectively tied for the region's highest burden. Residents in nearby Graves and Hickman counties face similar pressures.

What $132,900 home costs annually

A median Ballard County home valued at $132,900 generates approximately $1,067 in annual property taxes. With mortgage and insurance included, effective annual tax costs reach about $1,243.

Reassessment can ease burden

Ballard County's above-average tax rates make assessment accuracy especially important for homeowners. Requesting a professional reappraisal or filing a timely appeal can reduce tax bills by several hundred dollars.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ballard County

via CostByCounty

Ballard balances income and rent well

Ballard County's median household income of $64,740 sits notably below the national average of $74,755, yet its 15.3% rent-to-income ratio demonstrates solid affordability. Residents here manage housing costs efficiently despite earning less than their national counterparts.

Right at Kentucky's affordability line

Ballard's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio matches Allen County and beats the state average of 17.0%, placing it squarely in Kentucky's more affordable tier. The median rent of $826 slightly exceeds the state average of $771, offset by moderate incomes.

Mid-range rents, below-average homes

Ballard's $826 rent falls between Anderson County's higher-end market ($870) and Adair's modest rents ($775), while homeownership at $784 monthly stays competitive. The median home value of $132,900 positions Ballard as an affordable entry point to ownership in the region.

Ballard's housing splits evenly

Renters spend $826 monthly while homeowners pay $784, with both clusters consuming roughly 15% of the $64,740 median income. This equilibrium gives Ballard households flexibility for savings and other necessities.

Ballard suits pragmatic relocators

If you're moving for work with a moderate income, Ballard's balanced rent and ownership costs make it a smart choice without stretching your budget. Compare it to neighboring Allen and Bath counties to find your ideal rent-to-income fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ballard County

via IncomeByCounty

Ballard County Income: 13% Below National

Ballard County's median household income of $64,740 falls about $10,000 short of the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it firmly in the middle-income range nationally. The county's earnings reflect typical conditions for Western Kentucky agricultural and small-manufacturing communities.

Above Kentucky's State Average

Ballard County's $64,740 median household income exceeds Kentucky's state average of $55,909 by roughly $8,800, ranking the county in the upper half statewide. Per capita income of $34,469 also tops the state average of $29,616 by 16%.

Strong Performer Among Western Kentucky Peers

Ballard County's income surpasses Adair ($50,316), Bath ($54,128), and Barren ($49,171) while trailing Anderson County ($71,747) and Boone County ($94,752). The county's performance reflects a relatively stable economic base in Western Kentucky's agricultural region.

Housing Affordability Is Solid

At 15.3% rent-to-income ratio, Ballard County residents maintain excellent housing affordability, well below the 30% threshold. A median home value of $132,900 is highly accessible for households earning the county median, freeing resources for savings and investments.

Build Wealth Through Disciplined Saving

Ballard residents with median household income can comfortably set aside 12–18% for savings and investments after housing and living expenses. Work with a financial advisor to establish homeownership goals, retirement accounts, and education savings while leveraging affordable housing market.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Ballard County

via HealthByCounty

Ballard trails the national average

Ballard County residents live to 72.9 years, roughly 5.3 years less than the U.S. average of 78.2 years. About 23.1% report poor or fair health, above the national average of 21%.

Close to Kentucky's state average

Ballard's 72.9-year life expectancy sits just above Kentucky's state average of 72.2 years, placing it in the middle of the state's health distribution. The 23.1% poor/fair health rate is above the state norm.

Provider data gaps limit clarity

Primary care provider data for Ballard is not currently available, but mental health providers are scarce at just 26 per 100,000—well below peers like Adair (275). This suggests residents may face barriers accessing both primary and behavioral healthcare.

Moderate uninsured rate persists

About 6.5% of Ballard residents lack health insurance, slightly below Kentucky's 7.0% average. Limited provider information makes it difficult to assess whether insurance coverage translates to adequate local healthcare access.

Cover the uninsured in Ballard

The 6.5% of uninsured Ballard residents should explore coverage options at kynect.ky.gov today—subsidies and Medicaid can eliminate cost barriers. When you have insurance and a regular care provider, health outcomes improve measurably.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ballard County

via RiskByCounty

Ballard's earthquake risk stands out nationally

Ballard County scores 39.63 overall—below the national average—but its earthquake risk of 88.93 is exceptionally high compared to most U.S. counties. This geologic vulnerability shapes the county's risk profile despite low flood and wildfire exposure.

Mid-range Kentucky county with unique earthquake threat

Ballard's composite score of 39.63 sits below Kentucky's 44.21 average, but its 88.93 earthquake risk ranks among the state's highest. The county represents an unusual risk concentration in a single hazard type.

Earthquake risk distinguishes Ballard from peers

While Ballard's overall 39.63 score is competitive with neighbors, its 88.93 earthquake rating dramatically exceeds Allen County (75.03) and most regional peers. This geological vulnerability is Ballard's defining risk characteristic.

Earthquake risk dominates; tornado risk moderate

Earthquake hazard at 88.93 is Ballard's overwhelming concern, ranking among Kentucky's highest exposure. Tornado risk at 31.71 remains moderate, while flood (12.25) and wildfire (6.01) risks are minimal.

Earthquake insurance is essential for Ballard

Ballard County residents face exceptional earthquake risk and should strongly prioritize earthquake insurance to protect their most valuable asset. Supplement coverage by securing heavy furniture and securing water heaters to wall studs.

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.