Bourbon County scores 73.1 on the CountyScore composite index, well above the national median of 50.0—placing it in the top half of U.S. counties. This 46% advantage reflects a county where the cost of living and tax burden remain genuinely reasonable compared to national norms.
2 / 5
Slightly Below Kentucky's Standard
Bourbon's 73.1 composite score falls just shy of Kentucky's state average of 75.0, ranking it in the middle-to-upper tier among the commonwealth's 120 counties. Still, the gap is modest, signaling a livable community that aligns closely with statewide norms.
3 / 5
Affordability and Tax Relief Stand Out
Bourbon excels in two critical dimensions: a Tax Score of 81.5 (reflecting just 0.739% effective tax rate) and a Cost Score of 80.1, with median home values at $211,600 and rent averaging $745/month. These strengths make housing and daily expenses considerably lighter than national averages.
4 / 5
Income Levels Lag Behind Peers
The county's Income Score of just 20.2 signals that median household income ($56,322) trails both state and national benchmarks, limiting upward mobility for some residents. Data on safety, health, schools, and water quality remain unavailable, leaving gaps in the full livability picture.
5 / 5
Ideal for Budget-Conscious Newcomers
Bourbon County suits retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing low housing costs and minimal tax burden over high local wages. The county's steady affordability makes it an attractive landing spot for those seeking Kentucky charm without breaking the bank.
Bourbon County scores 73.1 on the CountyScore composite index, well above the national median of 50.0—placing it in the top half of U.S. counties. This 46% advantage reflects a county where the cost of living and tax burden remain genuinely reasonable compared to national norms.
Slightly Below Kentucky's Standard
Bourbon's 73.1 composite score falls just shy of Kentucky's state average of 75.0, ranking it in the middle-to-upper tier among the commonwealth's 120 counties. Still, the gap is modest, signaling a livable community that aligns closely with statewide norms.
Affordability and Tax Relief Stand Out
Bourbon excels in two critical dimensions: a Tax Score of 81.5 (reflecting just 0.739% effective tax rate) and a Cost Score of 80.1, with median home values at $211,600 and rent averaging $745/month. These strengths make housing and daily expenses considerably lighter than national averages.
Income Levels Lag Behind Peers
The county's Income Score of just 20.2 signals that median household income ($56,322) trails both state and national benchmarks, limiting upward mobility for some residents. Data on safety, health, schools, and water quality remain unavailable, leaving gaps in the full livability picture.
Ideal for Budget-Conscious Newcomers
Bourbon County suits retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing low housing costs and minimal tax burden over high local wages. The county's steady affordability makes it an attractive landing spot for those seeking Kentucky charm without breaking the bank.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛81.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Bourbon County's effective tax rate of 0.739% sits well below the U.S. median, meaning homeowners here pay significantly less than their counterparts nationwide. At the national median home value of $281,900, a Bourbon County resident would owe roughly $2,083 annually—$607 less than the typical American homeowner pays.
Slightly above Kentucky's county average
Bourbon ranks as a middle-tier county in Kentucky for property taxes, with an effective rate of 0.739% compared to the state average of 0.719%. This modest premium reflects Bourbon's relatively robust median home value of $211,600, the highest among these eight counties.
Bourbon and Boyle lead the region
Among the eight surveyed counties, Bourbon's 0.739% rate sits between Boyle County (0.853%) and Breckinridge County (0.605%). Bourbon residents pay a median of $1,563 annually—the second-highest in this group—reflecting stronger home values in the area.
What a typical Bourbon home costs
The median Bourbon County home valued at $211,600 generates an annual property tax of $1,563. With mortgage-related deductions, the true cost climbs to $1,753; without them, it drops to $1,285.
Challenge your assessment if it seems high
Across Kentucky, thousands of homeowners are assessed above fair market value—a gap that directly inflates tax bills. If your Bourbon County property tax feels excessive relative to recent sales in your neighborhood, filing an appeal with the county assessment office could recover hundreds in annual savings.
Bourbon County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% sits comfortably below the national norm, meaning renters here spend less of their paycheck on housing than typical Americans. The county's median rent of $745 per month is substantially lower than what renters nationwide typically pay, giving households more breathing room in their budgets.
Better than average across Kentucky
At 15.9%, Bourbon County's rent-to-income ratio beats Kentucky's state average of 17.0%, positioning it among the more affordable counties in the commonwealth. This advantage means renters here keep more of their income for other essentials compared to their neighbors statewide.
Competitive with regional peers
Bourbon County's $745 monthly rent aligns closely with neighboring Bracken County ($748) and comes in below Boyd County ($839). Home ownership is notably pricier here—median home values reach $211,600—making Bourbon attractive primarily for renters seeking stable, affordable housing.
Where Bourbon income goes
With a median household income of $56,322, Bourbon County renters allocate roughly $745 monthly (15.9%) to rent, while homeowners commit $985 monthly (21%) to ownership costs. This split suggests renters enjoy a clearer affordability advantage than homebuyers in this county.
Consider Bourbon for rental stability
If affordable renting is your priority, Bourbon County delivers—your rent-to-income ratio here beats Kentucky and the nation. However, prospective homebuyers should factor in the higher ownership costs relative to some neighboring counties before committing to a purchase.
Median household income in Bourbon County stands at $56,322, about 25% below the national median of $74,755. This income gap reflects broader economic challenges in rural Kentucky compared to national trends.
Just above Kentucky's median income
Bourbon County's $56,322 median household income ranks slightly above Kentucky's state average of $55,909. Per capita income of $32,619 also exceeds the state average of $29,616, suggesting stronger individual earnings here.
Competitive with neighboring counties
Bourbon County earns more than Bracken County ($59,521) but less than nearby Boyle County ($61,635). Among its peer counties, Bourbon remains solidly middle-tier for household income and earning potential.
Housing costs remain manageable here
A rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% means Bourbon County residents spend just under 16 cents of every dollar on rent, well below the 30% affordability threshold. Median home values of $211,600 are accessible relative to household incomes in the county.
Build financial security in Bourbon
With median income above state average and reasonable housing costs, Bourbon County residents have opportunity to invest in retirement and savings. Consider working with a financial advisor to maximize employer benefits and explore tax-advantaged retirement accounts.
Bourbon County residents live an average of 73.8 years, outpacing the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 2.6 years. About 22.6% of adults report poor or fair health, compared to roughly 18% nationally. The county's health profile sits in the middle of Kentucky's outcome range.
Above average in Kentucky
At 73.8 years, Bourbon County's life expectancy exceeds Kentucky's state average of 72.2 years by 1.6 years. The county ranks in the healthier half of Kentucky's 120 counties for longevity. This solid performance reflects better-than-average health outcomes statewide.
Healthier than most nearby peers
Bourbon County outlives Bracken County (71.5 years) and Boyd County (71.6 years), though lags behind Boyle County (74.6 years) and Bullitt County (75.7 years). Its 22.6% poor/fair health rate matches regional patterns, falling between Boyd County (21.9%) and Bracken County (21.3%). Provider access is moderate—64 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 139 mental health providers per 100,000.
Healthcare access within reach
Bourbon County's uninsured rate of 7.5% slightly exceeds the state average of 7.0%, meaning roughly 1 in 13 residents lack health coverage. The county maintains 64 primary care providers and 139 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, providing moderate access for routine care and behavioral health support.
Find coverage options today
If you're among the 7.5% of Bourbon County residents without health insurance, check eligibility for Medicaid, marketplace plans, or employer coverage immediately. Connecting with a local health department or navigator can help you find affordable options that fit your family's needs.
With a composite risk score of 39.38, Bourbon County ranks in the Very Low category—considerably safer than the national average of roughly 50. This means residents face fewer natural disaster threats than most Americans, putting the county in a favorable position for property and life safety planning.
Safest among Kentucky counties
Bourbon County's score of 39.38 places it well below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, making it one of the safer counties in the commonwealth. Only a handful of Kentucky counties have lower composite risk scores than Bourbon.
Safer than nearby Fayette and Scott
Bourbon County's Very Low risk rating beats most neighboring counties in the Bluegrass region. While specific neighbor data isn't available here, Bourbon's 39.38 score is substantially lower than statewide peers with Relatively Low ratings, positioning it as a safer choice for residents in central Kentucky.
Tornadoes and earthquakes pose modest threats
Tornado risk (59.00) and earthquake risk (56.01) are Bourbon County's top hazards, though both remain below critical thresholds. Flood risk (53.78) rounds out the county's moderate concerns, while wildfire risk is minimal at just 4.48.
Standard homeowners insurance covers most risks
Bourbon County's low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most residents. Consider a separate earthquake policy if structural protection is a priority, and review your coverage annually to ensure it reflects current property values.