56.2
County Score
Disaster Risk 86.3Safety 77.9Cost of Living 75.5

County Report Card

About Bath County, Kentucky

Solid National Ranking

Bath County’s composite score of 56.2 surpasses the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high degree of resilience and safety for its residents.

Near State Average Benchmarks

At 56.2, the county is nearly on par with the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It holds its own as a stable community within the state.

Resilience and Security

The county shines with a Risk Score of 86.3 and a Safety Score of 77.9. It also offers significant affordability, with a median home value of just $111,800.

School and Water Improvements

School and Water scores are low at 24.8 and 29.0 respectively, suggesting infrastructure and education are priorities. The Income Score also remains modest at 23.2.

Resilient and Budget-Friendly

Bath County is ideal for those seeking a safe, low-risk environment with very affordable housing. It is a haven for residents who want to minimize both financial and environmental stress.

Score breakdown

Tax59.7Cost75.5Safety77.9Health37.8Schools24.8Income23.2Risk86.3Water29Weather56.2
🏛59.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠75.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼23.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡77.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
37.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓24.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
86.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧29
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤56.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨60.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱70.1
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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Deep Dives

Bath County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Bath County

via TaxByCounty

Bath taxes below U.S. median

Bath County's 0.731% effective tax rate sits just below the national median of 0.85%, placing it comfortably in the lower-to-moderate tier nationwide. With a median property tax of just $817, residents pay less than one-third the national median of $2,690, reflecting rural home values.

Slightly above Kentucky state average

Bath County's 0.731% effective rate marginally exceeds Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, ranking it in the moderate range statewide. The median property tax of $817 falls 25% below the state median of $1,093, benefiting from lower valuations.

Competitive with northeast Kentucky

Bath County's 0.731% rate closely mirrors nearby counties in the northeastern mountain region, offering residents a moderate tax environment. Rowan and Menifee counties nearby experience comparable tax burdens.

What $111,800 home costs annually

A typical Bath County home valued at $111,800 generates approximately $817 in annual property taxes—among the lowest in our survey. With mortgage and insurance factored in, annual costs reach about $958.

Don't skip assessment reviews

Even in lower-valued Bath County, overassessment can occur, particularly if properties receive improvements or if recent sales suggest higher market values. Filing an appeal during revaluation can still yield meaningful savings.

Cost of Living in Bath County

via CostByCounty

Bath offers Kentucky's best rent value

Bath County's 13.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Kentucky's strongest affordability metrics, sitting well below the national comfort threshold of 15-17%. With a median household income of $54,128, residents enjoy exceptional rent-to-income alignment.

Top tier for Kentucky renters

Bath's 13.3% ratio decisively beats the Kentucky state average of 17.0%, placing it in the state's affordability elite. The county's $600 median rent is the lowest among these peer counties, a significant advantage for cost-conscious renters.

Unmatched rents across the region

Bath's $600 median rent stands $150-270 below neighboring Adair ($775), Allen ($750), and Ballard ($826), offering the best rental value in the region. However, owner costs of $804 monthly suggest a stronger homeownership market than rental market.

Bath's rental bargain explained

Renters spend just $600 monthly—only 13.3% of the $54,128 median income—while homeowners pay $804 or roughly 17.8% of income. This disconnect suggests Bath renters enjoy exceptional value, potentially reflecting an older housing stock or rural location.

Bath is the renter's sweet spot

If you prioritize affordable rents and can accept modest incomes, Bath County delivers unmatched value in Kentucky, with housing costs leaving room for other life priorities. Compare Bath's rental market against homeownership options in more expensive neighbors like Anderson County.

Income & Jobs in Bath County

via IncomeByCounty

Bath County Income: 28% Below National

Bath County's median household income of $54,128 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly $20,600, placing it squarely in the lower-middle income range nationally. The county's earnings reflect typical conditions in rural Appalachian Kentucky with limited high-wage job opportunities.

Slightly Below Kentucky's Average

Bath County's $54,128 median household income falls just under Kentucky's state average of $55,909 by about $1,800, indicating near-average economic conditions for the state. Per capita income of $28,809 closely mirrors the state average of $29,616.

Mid-Range Among Regional Peers

Bath County's income exceeds Barren ($49,171), Adair ($50,316), and Bell ($32,403) while trailing Allen ($59,029), Ballard ($64,740), and Anderson ($71,747). The county reflects typical economic patterns for rural eastern Kentucky.

Excellent Housing Affordability

Bath County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio among these eight counties at 13.3%, well below the 30% affordability threshold. Median home values of $111,800—the lowest in this group—make homeownership highly accessible for residents earning the county median.

Leverage Affordable Housing for Savings

Bath County's exceptionally low housing costs create opportunity to save 15–20% of income for emergencies and investments. Residents should take full advantage of employer retirement plans and consider building real estate wealth through homeownership in this affordable market.

Safety in Bath County

via CrimeByCounty

Bath County Safety Scores High

Bath County earns a safety score of 99.2, making it one of the more secure counties in the nation. Its total crime rate of 525.9 per 100,000 is drastically lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Better Than State Averages

Bath County's safety score of 99.2 exceeds the Kentucky average of 98.8. Its total crime rate of 525.9 is much lower than the 786.2 state average, indicating a very safe environment.

Leading the Region in Low Violence

The county reports a violent crime rate of just 15.7 per 100,000 people. This is one of the lowest rates among its neighbors and is nearly five times lower than the state average.

Focusing on Property Safety

Nearly all crime in Bath County is property-related, occurring at a rate of 510.2 per 100,000. Violent crime is extremely rare, with only 15.7 incidents reported per 100,000 residents.

Smart Security for Bath County

Since property crime is the main focus, simple measures like porch cameras can provide peace of mind. Keeping windows locked and using timers for lights can further discourage potential intruders.

Health in Bath County

via HealthByCounty

Bath faces significant health crisis

Bath County residents live to just 68.8 years—the lowest among these eight counties and 9.4 years below the U.S. average of 78.2 years. About 22.2% report poor or fair health, signaling widespread chronic disease burden.

Worst outcomes in Kentucky sample

Bath's 68.8-year life expectancy falls 3.4 years below Kentucky's state average of 72.2 years, placing it among the state's most vulnerable counties. This 3.4-year gap signals systemic health challenges requiring urgent intervention.

Severe primary care shortage

Bath has only 16 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well below neighboring Anderson (29) and Adair (26). Mental health providers are adequate at 278 per 100,000, but the lack of primary care undermines preventive health.

Low uninsured rate, poor access

Just 6.3% of Bath residents lack insurance, below the state average, yet the county's life expectancy crisis persists. This paradox suggests that even insured residents struggle to access quality local primary care.

Bath needs healthcare action

If you're among Bath's uninsured, visit kynect.ky.gov immediately to secure coverage and a stable healthcare home. For those already insured, advocate for bringing more primary care providers to your community—that's what will move the needle on Bath's health crisis.

Schools in Bath County

via SchoolsByCounty

Bath County's Growing School System

Bath County supports 1,972 students across five public schools, including two elementary, one middle, and two high schools. All schools are part of a single county-wide district, ensuring a focused and shared educational mission. The system is designed to provide comprehensive care for students from preschool through graduation.

Meeting National Standards in Bath County

Bath County matches the national graduation rate of 87.0% and maintains a composite school score of 50.0. The per-pupil expenditure is $6,080, which is below the state average of $6,894. Despite tighter budgets, the county successfully prepares its students for high school completion and beyond.

The Core of Bath County Education

The Bath County school district manages all five schools and serves nearly 2,000 students across its rural landscape. There are no charter schools in the county, concentrating all educational resources into the local public district. This centralization allows the district to remain the heart of the county's community life.

A Fully Rural Educational Experience

All five schools in Bath County are located in rural locales, reflecting the county's open and natural setting. The average school size is 394 students, with Bath County High School being the largest at 618 students. At the other end of the scale, the Second Chance Academy offers specialized high school support for just 13 students.

Join a Rural Community with a Shared Vision

Bath County offers a peaceful rural lifestyle supported by a unified and dedicated school district. For families looking for a close-knit environment, these schools provide a consistent and supportive academic journey. Start your home search here to experience the benefits of a focused local education system.

Disaster Risk in Bath County

via RiskByCounty

Bath County offers exceptional natural safety

Bath County's composite score of 13.71 and Very Low rating rank it among the lowest-risk counties in the entire nation. The county demonstrates remarkably balanced, minimal exposure across all major hazard categories.

Kentucky's safest county by risk score

Bath County's 13.71 composite score makes it the safest county in Kentucky, with dramatically lower risk than the state average of 44.21. No other Kentucky county approaches Bath's exceptional safety profile.

Bath far outpaces neighboring counties

Bath County (13.71) offers superior protection compared to all adjacent counties, with the nearest competitors being Anderson (26.34) and Allen (33.33). This safety advantage is rare and noteworthy within the state.

All hazards remain well below dangerous levels

Bath County shows relatively balanced moderate risk across most hazards, with wildfire (26.18) and flood (29.55) slightly elevated. No single threat poses a dominant concern, making Bath a genuinely low-risk environment.

Standard homeowners coverage typically sufficient

Bath County residents benefit from exceptionally low risk across natural disasters, making a comprehensive homeowners policy the primary protection need. Annual policy reviews remain important to ensure adequate coverage levels.

Soil Quality in Bath County

via SoilByCounty

Stronger Soils in Bath

Bath County features a pH of 6.18, which is much closer to the national median of 6.5 than the state average of 5.80. This healthy acidity level contributes to an impressive soil score of 60.4.

A Balanced Silt Loam

The soil is comprised of 58.4% silt, 21.6% sand, and 20.0% clay. This balanced mix ensures the ground is easy to work while retaining the nutrients necessary for robust plant growth.

Beating National Averages

The organic matter content of 2.39% exceeds the national average of 2.0%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.185 in/in, this soil provides a solid foundation for agricultural success.

Reliable Water Dynamics

Specific drainage class data is not provided, but the high soil score suggests reliable performance. The local hydrology likely supports steady moisture for crops without excessive pooling or runoff.

Vibrant Zone 6b Growth

In hardiness zone 6b, you can grow a wide range of hardy vegetables and perennials. These higher-rated soils offer a fantastic opportunity to start a thriving home garden this year.

Lawn Care in Bath County

via LawnByCounty

Bath County’s Growing Advantage

Bath County earns a lawn difficulty score of 70.1, making it easier to grow grass here than in the typical Kentucky county. This favorable score reflects a climate and soil profile that is very supportive of healthy turf in Zone 6b.

Moderate Weather for Lush Lawns

The county receives 48.5 inches of rain per year, which is near the state average and falls within the ideal range for grass. With 28 extreme heat days, the summer weather is slightly milder than the state average, allowing for a more consistent mowing schedule.

Excellent Soil pH Levels

The soil pH in Bath County is 6.18, which is perfectly situated within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range. The soil contains 20.0% clay and 21.6% sand, providing a balanced texture that supports good drainage and nutrient retention.

Resilient in Dry Conditions

With only 4 weeks of drought in the past year, Bath County has avoided the prolonged dry spells that plague other regions. There is currently no drought reported, giving homeowners a great opportunity to establish deep root systems before summer arrives.

Thriving Grasses for Bath County

The balanced soil and Zone 6b climate are perfect for Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass. These varieties will flourish if seeded in the early fall, taking advantage of the favorable local soil pH and moderate rainfall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bath County's county score?
Bath County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 56.2 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 Bath County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Bath County ranks #83 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 Bath County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Bath County is $817, with an effective tax rate of 0.73%. This earns Bath County a tax score of 59.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bath County?
The median household income in Bath County, Kentucky is $54,128 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bath County earns an income score of 23.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bath County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Bath County scores 56.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #83 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Bath 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 Bath County with other counties side by side.