countyscore
47.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 93.8Water Quality 86Lawn Care 78.4

County Report Card

About Boone County, Kentucky

Below National Median Score

Boone County earns a composite score of 47.3, which falls slightly below the national median of 50.0. This lower overall ranking is driven by cost and risk factors rather than economic output.

Trailing the Kentucky Average

The score of 47.3 is significantly below the state average of 58.6. Higher living costs and environmental risks pull the overall score down compared to its neighbors.

High Income and Health

Boone County is an economic powerhouse with an Income Score of 93.8 and a median household income of $94,752. It also maintains a strong Health Score of 77.2.

High Costs and Risk Factors

A low Cost Score of 13.6 stems from median home values of $253,200 and rents of $1,253. The Risk Score of 25.5 suggests the area is more prone to natural hazards.

Best for High-Earning Families

Boone County is the premier choice for professionals seeking high salaries and excellent health services. While expensive and risk-prone, it offers a high-performing suburban environment.

Score breakdown

Tax45.3Cost13.6Safety30.2Health77.2Schools67Income93.8Risk25.5Water86Weather62.5
🏛45.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠13.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼93.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡30.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤77.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓67
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡25.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤62.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱78.4
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

Ohio County
Indiana
68.2
Dearborn County
Indiana
62.9
Kenton County
Kentucky
49.8
Gallatin County
Kentucky
59.1
Switzerland County
Indiana
67.8
Hamilton County
Ohio
30.8
Campbell County
Kentucky
50.4
Grant County
Kentucky
59.4

Deep Dives

Boone County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Boone County

via TaxByCounty

Boone tops nation in tax burden

Boone County's 0.898% effective tax rate substantially exceeds the national median of 0.85%, placing it in the top 30% of U.S. counties for tax burden. The median annual property tax of $2,273 approaches the national median of $2,690, reflecting both high home valuations and aggressive tax rates.

Kentucky's priciest tax jurisdiction

At 0.898%, Boone County's effective rate is the highest among our profiled counties and significantly surpasses Kentucky's state average of 0.719%. Homeowners pay a median of $2,273 annually—108% more than the state median of $1,093—making Boone among the costliest counties statewide.

Steepest burden in greater Cincinnati area

Boone County's 0.898% rate towers above neighboring Campbell and Kenton counties in the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati metro region. Only Anderson County among our profiled counties approaches Boone's tax intensity.

What $253,200 home costs annually

A median Boone County home valued at $253,200 generates approximately $2,273 in annual property taxes. Including mortgage interest and insurance, homeowners face combined annual costs near $2,394—the highest of our surveyed counties.

High taxes make appeals essential

In Boone County's expensive market, even small percentage reductions in assessed value translate to $300–$500+ in annual savings. Homeowners should prioritize assessment challenges during revaluation cycles, as overassessment is common in rapidly appreciating markets.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Boone County

via CostByCounty

Boone exceeds Kentucky and national norms

Boone County's median household income of $94,752 surpasses the national average of $74,755 by nearly 27%, placing it in Kentucky's economic elite. Despite the highest rents in this survey at $1,253 monthly, its 15.9% rent-to-income ratio remains manageable thanks to strong incomes.

Kentucky's most prosperous county cluster

Boone's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio narrowly exceeds Kentucky's 17.0% state average, a minor gap given the county's outsized incomes and home values. Boone stands apart as a genuine wealth center within the commonwealth.

Premium market commanding premium income

Boone's $1,253 median rent and $1,313 owner costs dwarf all neighboring counties—nearly 60% higher than Anderson County ($870 rent, $954 ownership). The $253,200 median home value reflects a prosperous suburban market drawing commuters and affluent residents.

Boone's affluent housing equation

Renters allocate $1,253 monthly while homeowners pay $1,313 to mortgages, consuming 15.9% and roughly 16.6% of the $94,752 median income respectively. High absolute costs are tempered by substantially higher earnings available for other priorities.

Boone for high-income professionals

If you earn above-regional salaries or relocate for lucrative employment, Boone County's strong schools and Northern Kentucky location justify premium housing costs. Compare Boone's total cost-of-living (not just housing) against competing Cincinnati-area suburbs to gauge long-term value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Boone County

via IncomeByCounty

Boone County Exceeds National Income

Boone County's median household income of $94,752 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by roughly $20,000, placing it among the nation's more prosperous counties. The county's strong earnings reflect proximity to Cincinnati's economic sphere and a diversified regional economy.

Kentucky's Wealthiest County

At $94,752, Boone County's median household income towers 69% above Kentucky's state average of $55,909, making it the clear economic leader among these eight counties. Per capita income of $43,436 exceeds the state average by 47%, indicating broad-based prosperity.

Dominant Economic Leader

Boone County's income substantially outpaces every peer—by $23,000 versus Anderson County and more than $60,000 versus Bell County. The county's economic advantage reflects suburban development, corporate presence, and integration with the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati regional economy.

Housing Easily Affordable at High Income

Boone residents spend only 15.9% of income on rent, well below affordability thresholds, despite median home values of $253,200—the highest in this group. Strong incomes make homeownership and wealth-building through real estate highly accessible.

Accelerate Wealth Building Aggressively

Boone County residents with above-average income should maximize retirement contributions, tax-advantaged investment accounts, and college savings plans while reserving 20–25% for long-term wealth building. Work with a wealth advisor to develop strategies for real estate diversification, business ownership, and generational wealth transfer.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Boone County

via CrimeByCounty

Boone County Maintains Competitive Safety

Boone County holds a safety score of 97.4, keeping it safer than most of the country. Its total crime rate of 1,657.0 per 100,000 is still well below the national average of 2,385.5.

Boone County vs Kentucky Averages

The county crime rate of 1,657.0 is higher than the state average of 786.2. Consequently, Boone's safety score of 97.4 sits slightly below the Kentucky average of 98.8.

Safety in a Growing Northern Kentucky Hub

As a major population center, Boone County sees more activity than its rural neighbors. However, it remains a secure alternative to nearby metropolitan areas across the river.

Understanding the Property Crime Focus

Property crime stands at 1,549.8 per 100,000 residents, which drives the overall crime rate. The violent crime rate of 107.2 is higher than the state average but much lower than the national figure.

Securing Your Boone County Residence

With property crime as the most frequent issue, securing packages and vehicles is a top priority. Using smart doorbells and alarms helps maintain the safety of this vibrant community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Boone County

via HealthByCounty

Boone leads on health outcomes

Boone County residents live to 78.0 years—essentially matching the U.S. average of 78.2 years and leading all eight counties by far. Only 18.1% report poor or fair health, well below the national average of 21%.

Kentucky's health leader

Boone's 78.0-year life expectancy exceeds Kentucky's state average of 72.2 years by 5.8 years—a stunning 8% advantage in longevity. The 18.1% poor/fair health rate is the lowest in the state sample by a wide margin.

Strong healthcare infrastructure

Boone has 59 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, second only to Barren's 70 and well above most peers. Mental health support at 149 providers per 100,000 is adequate and accessible.

Lowest uninsured rate statewide

Only 4.7% of Boone residents lack health insurance—2.3 percentage points better than Kentucky's 7.0% average and the best in this county group. Strong insurance coverage combined with robust provider supply creates ideal conditions for health.

Maintain Boone's health advantage

Boone's 95.3% insurance coverage rate is exceptional—if you're in that small uninsured minority, visit kynect.ky.gov to get covered today. Boone shows what Kentucky can achieve: high insurance enrollment, provider access, and the health outcomes to prove it work.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Boone County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Major Educational Hub in Northern Kentucky

Boone County boasts a massive educational infrastructure with 33 public schools serving 22,119 students. The system is well-distributed, featuring 16 elementary, seven middle, and nine high schools. Managed by two districts, this network is built to handle the county's significant population and diverse student needs.

Leading Outcomes in a Large-Scale System

Boone County achieves an exceptional 96.1% graduation rate, nearly 10 points higher than the national average. The county’s school score of 56.9 is well above the state average, reflecting high academic quality across its many campuses. An investment of $7,094 per pupil ensures that these large schools remain competitive and well-resourced.

Boone County and Walton-Verona Districts

The Boone County district is the primary provider with 20,200 students, while the Walton-Verona Independent district serves 1,919. There are no charter schools in the county, with the two traditional districts managing the entire student population. This stability allows for long-term planning and consistent high performance across the region.

Suburban Excellence and Large-Scale Opportunities

Most schools (25) are located in suburban areas, offering an average school size of 714 students. Larry A. Ryle High School is the county's largest, enrolling 2,013 students and providing a vast array of extracurricular and academic programs. Eight rural schools provide alternative options for families seeking a smaller-scale environment.

Find Your Future in a Top-Rated District

Boone County is a destination for families seeking top-tier suburban schools with a proven track record of success. High graduation rates and strong school scores make this area a prime choice for protecting your home's value and your children's future. Start searching for homes near these award-winning high schools today.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Boone County

via RiskByCounty

Boone County faces Kentucky's highest risk profile

Boone County scores 74.46 with a Relatively Low rating—the highest composite risk of any Kentucky county examined. The county's tornado risk of 91.63 and earthquake risk of 78.63 place it among the nation's most threatened areas.

Highest-risk county in this analysis

Boone County's 74.46 composite score substantially exceeds Kentucky's 44.21 average and tops all eight counties profiled here. The county faces significantly greater exposure to natural disasters than most of its state peers.

Boone's risk towers above comparison counties

Boone County (74.46) far exceeds every neighboring county analyzed, with only Bell County (68.00) and Barren County (67.91) approaching its threat level. This represents the state's most vulnerable region among these profiled areas.

Tornado risk reaches exceptional levels

Boone County's tornado risk of 91.63 stands as Kentucky's highest, making severe spring weather the dominant threat residents face. Earthquake risk at 78.63 ranks second, while flood (66.44) represents a significant tertiary concern.

Comprehensive preparedness is non-negotiable

Boone County residents must ensure tornado coverage and develop robust family tornado safety plans, including an identified safe room. Adding earthquake insurance and flood coverage creates the comprehensive protection this high-risk county demands.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Boone County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Temperatures and High Snowfall

Boone County sits on the northern edge of the state, with a 54.7°F average temperature that is cooler than the national median. Its 23.3 inches of snow makes it much whiter than the typical southern county.

One of Kentucky's Coolest Spots

Boone is one of Kentucky's coolest areas, trailing the state average of 56.2°F. It is also drier than most of the state, receiving 45.3 inches of precipitation against a 50.6-inch average.

Snowier Than Central Kentucky Peers

Boone is significantly snowier than central neighbors, recording 23.3 inches of snow while counties like Barren see less than 6. It also experiences fewer extreme heat days than the state's southern tier.

Brisk Winters and Manageable Summers

Winters are brisk with a 33.9°F average and over 23 inches of snow. Summers are manageable, featuring only 22 days above 90°F and a July average of 75.9°F.

Shovels and Pipe Insulation Needed

Homeowners need heavy-duty snow shovels and well-insulated pipes to handle the 23.3 inches of annual snow. The relatively low precipitation of 45.3 inches means gardens may require supplemental watering in July.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Boone County

via SoilByCounty

Northern Kentucky Groundwork

Specific pH and taxonomic data for Boone County are not available in current records. As Kentucky's northernmost county, the soil profile is uniquely shaped by its position along the Ohio River valley.

A Northern Mix

Data on sand, silt, and clay percentages is currently unlisted for this region. Local soils generally consist of silty loams that have supported both intensive agriculture and rapid urban expansion over the years.

Cultivating Local Fertility

Organic matter and available water capacity data are currently unavailable for this area. Residents should aim for the Kentucky state average of 3.55% organic matter to maximize their garden's health.

Site-Specific Water Flow

Detailed drainage and hydrologic records are not currently specified for the county. Performing a simple percolation test in your yard is the best way to understand how your local plot handles water.

Garden-Ready in Zone 6b

Boone County sits in hardiness zone 6b, offering a distinct four-season rhythm for gardeners. Whether you plant flowers or food, the local climate is ready for your next green project.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Boone County

via LawnByCounty

Boone County’s Top-Tier Lawns

Boone County features a very high lawn difficulty score of 78.4, making it one of the easiest places in the state and the nation to grow grass. This score is significantly better than the Kentucky state average of 66.3.

The Perfect Growing Climate

Annual precipitation of 45.3 inches is perfectly situated in the middle of the ideal range for lawns. With only 22 extreme heat days and 3814 growing degree days, the climate is much cooler and more manageable than the state average of 30 heat days.

Optimizing Your Soil Foundation

While detailed soil data is not available, the local climate in Zone 6b supports a wide range of grass types if the pH is kept between 6.0 and 7.0. Local homeowners should focus on aeration to prevent soil compaction and ensure healthy root growth.

High Drought Resilience

Boone County saw only 4 weeks of drought over the past year and currently has 0% abnormally dry area. This stability allows for a more relaxed watering schedule, though consistent monitoring during the peak of summer is still recommended.

Best Grasses for Zone 6b

Fine fescues and Kentucky Bluegrass are ideal for Boone County's 45.3 inches of rain and cooler summers. The best time to seed is between the mid-April spring frost and the late October fall frost to take advantage of the full growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Boone County's county score?
Boone County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 47.3 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 Boone County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Boone County ranks #110 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 Boone County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Boone County is $2,273, with an effective tax rate of 0.90%. This earns Boone County a tax score of 45.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Boone County?
The median household income in Boone County, Kentucky is $94,752 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Boone County earns an income score of 93.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Boone County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Boone County scores 47.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #110 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Boone 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 Boone 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.