Boyd County's composite score of 71.1 sits comfortably above the national median of 50.0, landing it in the upper half of American counties. This 42% performance edge reflects a community where living costs and tax structures remain favorable to residents.
2 / 5
Close to Kentucky's Middle Ground
With a score of 71.1 against Kentucky's 75.0 average, Boyd ranks in the solid middle band of the state's 120 counties, just slightly below the commonwealth benchmark. The small gap suggests livability aligned with typical Kentucky expectations.
3 / 5
Affordable Housing and Reasonable Taxes
Boyd's Cost Score of 80.3 and Tax Score of 74.8 deliver accessible housing with median home values at $126,300 and rents at $839/month, plus a 0.976% tax rate. These economics make everyday life manageable for working families and retirees alike.
4 / 5
Income Growth Remains Constrained
At an Income Score of 23.0, Boyd's median household income of $60,659 trails state and national averages, presenting challenges for families seeking wage growth. Critical dimensions including safety, health outcomes, schools, and water quality lack current data.
5 / 5
Right for Cost-First Movers
Boyd County appeals to people relocating for affordable, no-frills living—retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, or those exiting high-cost metros. Expect reasonable rents and modest tax bills, with trade-offs in earning potential.
Boyd County's composite score of 71.1 sits comfortably above the national median of 50.0, landing it in the upper half of American counties. This 42% performance edge reflects a community where living costs and tax structures remain favorable to residents.
Close to Kentucky's Middle Ground
With a score of 71.1 against Kentucky's 75.0 average, Boyd ranks in the solid middle band of the state's 120 counties, just slightly below the commonwealth benchmark. The small gap suggests livability aligned with typical Kentucky expectations.
Affordable Housing and Reasonable Taxes
Boyd's Cost Score of 80.3 and Tax Score of 74.8 deliver accessible housing with median home values at $126,300 and rents at $839/month, plus a 0.976% tax rate. These economics make everyday life manageable for working families and retirees alike.
Income Growth Remains Constrained
At an Income Score of 23.0, Boyd's median household income of $60,659 trails state and national averages, presenting challenges for families seeking wage growth. Critical dimensions including safety, health outcomes, schools, and water quality lack current data.
Right for Cost-First Movers
Boyd County appeals to people relocating for affordable, no-frills living—retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, or those exiting high-cost metros. Expect reasonable rents and modest tax bills, with trade-offs in earning potential.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛74.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Boyd County has the highest effective tax rate of the eight counties at 0.976%, nearly 36% above the national median, yet its median home value of $126,300 is far below the U.S. median of $281,900. This means Boyd residents pay $1,233 annually—less than half the national median tax despite their higher rate.
Boyd ranks among Kentucky's highest rates
At 0.976%, Boyd County's effective tax rate exceeds the state average of 0.719% by a substantial margin, placing it among the most tax-heavy counties in Kentucky. This elevated rate partly reflects the county's industrial and commercial tax base.
Boyd taxes steeper than most regional peers
Boyd's 0.976% rate is the highest in this eight-county group, outpacing Bracken County (0.939%) and Boyle County (0.853%). Despite lower home values, Boyd residents carry a heavier proportional tax burden than surrounding counties.
What a typical Boyd home costs to own
The median Boyd County home valued at $126,300 carries an annual property tax of $1,233. With mortgage deductions factored in, that tax bill rises to $1,384; without them, it drops to $935.
High rate makes assessments worth reviewing
Given Boyd's above-average tax rate, homeowners should carefully review their assessments to ensure properties aren't overvalued. An appeal could be especially rewarding in Boyd, where even modest assessment corrections yield meaningful annual savings.
Boyd County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% falls below the national standard, meaning renters here shoulder less housing burden than the typical U.S. household. At $839 per month, the median rent remains notably lower than what renters pay in most American counties.
Slightly above state average affordability
Boyd County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% edges above Kentucky's state average of 17.0%, placing it near the middle of the state's affordability spectrum. While not among the cheapest, Boyd offers reasonable rental costs relative to household incomes statewide.
Higher rent, lower home values
Boyd County's $839 monthly rent ranks highest among its regional peers—about $90 more than Bourbon and $94 more than Bracken. However, its median home value of $126,300 is significantly lower than most neighbors, making Boyd attractive for cost-conscious homebuyers.
Balance between rent and ownership
Boyd County's median household income of $60,659 supports both renters and homeowners reasonably well—rent consumes 16.6% of income while ownership costs claim 16.9%. This near-parity suggests renters and homeowners face comparable affordability pressures in Boyd.
Boyd works for budget-conscious buyers
If you're hunting for an affordable home purchase, Boyd County's median home value of $126,300 is among Kentucky's lowest. Renters should note that Boyd's rents run slightly higher than some peers, so compare carefully before relocating.
Boyd County's median household income of $60,659 falls 19% short of the national median of $74,755. This gap underscores economic pressures facing eastern Kentucky communities.
Strong performer among Kentucky counties
Boyd County's $60,659 median household income ranks above Kentucky's state average of $55,909, placing it in the upper tier statewide. Per capita income of $31,192 also exceeds the state benchmark of $29,616.
Outearning nearby Appalachian peers
Boyd County residents earn significantly more than Breathitt County ($41,101) and Breckinridge County ($53,673), though less than Boyle County ($61,635). This county punches above its weight regionally.
Rental costs slightly stretch incomes
At 16.6%, Boyd County's rent-to-income ratio approaches the upper edge of affordability guidelines, though it remains acceptable. The median home value of $126,300 is notably lower than state peers, improving overall housing accessibility.
Invest beyond the paycheck
Boyd County's above-average state income provides a foundation for wealth-building strategies. Explore employer 401(k) matches, health savings accounts, and low-cost index funds to stretch your earnings into long-term security.
Boyd County residents live an average of 71.6 years, trailing the U.S. average of 76.4 years by nearly 5 years. Just over 21.9% of adults report poor or fair health, slightly below the national rate of approximately 18%. The gap signals room for targeted health improvement efforts.
Struggling within Kentucky
At 71.6 years, Boyd County's life expectancy falls below Kentucky's state average of 72.2 years. The county ranks in the lower half of Kentucky's 120 counties for longevity, indicating persistent health challenges. Its 21.9% poor/fair health rate mirrors state-level struggles.
Outstanding mental health provider access
Boyd County has 780 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—an exceptional figure that far exceeds nearby counties and the state average. It provides 100 primary care providers per 100,000, outpacing Bourbon County (64) and most regional peers. This strong provider infrastructure is a significant asset for mental health support.
Low uninsured rate, strong access
Boyd County's uninsured rate of 6.0% is the lowest in this regional comparison and below Kentucky's 7.0% average, meaning strong health insurance coverage. The county's abundance of mental health providers (780 per 100,000) and solid primary care presence (100 per 100,000) ensure residents can access care when needed.
Keep coverage strong
With 6.0% of Boyd County residents uninsured, the county is doing better than Kentucky overall—but those without coverage should verify their eligibility for Medicaid or marketplace plans annually. Local health clinics and navigators can help ensure families don't fall through coverage gaps.
Boyd County's composite risk score of 74.94 rates as Relatively Low nationally but sits 50% higher than the national average of roughly 50. This elevated score reflects real exposure to multiple hazards that demand careful preparation and appropriate insurance coverage.
Boyd ranks high among Kentucky's riskiest
At 74.94, Boyd County's composite risk score significantly exceeds Kentucky's state average of 44.21—placing it in the riskier half of the state's county rankings. Residents here face notably greater natural disaster exposure than most Kentuckians.
Flood and wildfire risks exceed regional norms
Boyd County's flood risk of 82.19 and wildfire risk of 68.45 are among the highest in northeastern Kentucky, driven by its Appalachian terrain and proximity to the Big Sandy River. These hazards significantly outpace the risks faced in more stable neighboring areas.
Flood risk (82.19) and wildfire risk (68.45) are Boyd County's critical threats, with flooding the far more dangerous due to the region's river systems and steep topography. Tornado risk (51.34) adds another layer of concern for communities in this high-hazard county.
Flood insurance is essential for Boyd residents
Boyd County's 82.19 flood risk makes flood insurance—available through the National Flood Insurance Program—not optional but vital, especially for properties near streams and rivers. Bundle flood coverage with comprehensive homeowners insurance and consider wildfire-resistant upgrades if you live in vulnerable areas.