Boyle County scores 72.9 on the composite index, exceeding the national median of 50.0 by nearly half—placing it firmly in the upper echelon of American counties. This performance reflects solid fundamentals in affordability and fiscal efficiency.
2 / 5
Slightly Below State Average
Boyle's 72.9 score trails Kentucky's average of 75.0 by a modest margin, positioning it in the upper-middle tier of the state's counties. The small shortfall suggests a county that meets most statewide livability expectations.
3 / 5
Low Taxes and Genuine Housing Affordability
Boyle shines with a Tax Score of 78.3 (0.853% effective rate) and a Cost Score of 81.2, combining manageable rents at $770/month and median home values of $200,700. These dimensions keep housing and tax burdens light relative to resident income.
4 / 5
Wage Levels Constrain Economic Mobility
The Income Score of 23.6 reflects a median household income of $61,635, which trails regional and national wage benchmarks. Data gaps on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality leave important livability questions unanswered.
5 / 5
Sweet Spot for Value Seekers
Boyle County attracts people balancing cost and quality of life—retirees, remote-eligible workers, and families unwilling to sacrifice affordability for modest amenities. It's a sensible choice for those prioritizing financial breathing room.
Boyle County scores 72.9 on the composite index, exceeding the national median of 50.0 by nearly half—placing it firmly in the upper echelon of American counties. This performance reflects solid fundamentals in affordability and fiscal efficiency.
Slightly Below State Average
Boyle's 72.9 score trails Kentucky's average of 75.0 by a modest margin, positioning it in the upper-middle tier of the state's counties. The small shortfall suggests a county that meets most statewide livability expectations.
Low Taxes and Genuine Housing Affordability
Boyle shines with a Tax Score of 78.3 (0.853% effective rate) and a Cost Score of 81.2, combining manageable rents at $770/month and median home values of $200,700. These dimensions keep housing and tax burdens light relative to resident income.
Wage Levels Constrain Economic Mobility
The Income Score of 23.6 reflects a median household income of $61,635, which trails regional and national wage benchmarks. Data gaps on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality leave important livability questions unanswered.
Sweet Spot for Value Seekers
Boyle County attracts people balancing cost and quality of life—retirees, remote-eligible workers, and families unwilling to sacrifice affordability for modest amenities. It's a sensible choice for those prioritizing financial breathing room.
Score breakdown
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🏛78.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Boyle County's effective tax rate of 0.853% remains below most U.S. averages, though it's among the higher rates in this Kentucky cohort. At the national median home value of $281,900, a Boyle resident would owe approximately $2,399 annually—still $291 less than the typical American.
Boyle ranks in Kentucky's upper tier for rates
With an effective rate of 0.853%, Boyle County ranks notably above Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, placing it among the state's higher-taxing counties. Its median home value of $200,700 is also robust compared to most state peers.
Boyle leads the region in tax burden
Boyle County's 0.853% rate is the second-highest in this eight-county group, trailing only Boyd County at 0.976%. Boyle residents also pay the highest median tax of $1,712, reflecting both the rate and strong home values.
What Boyle homeowners pay each year
The median Boyle County home valued at $200,700 generates an annual property tax of $1,712. Mortgage deductions push the bill to $1,817; without them, it falls to $1,596.
Assessment appeal could ease your burden
Boyle County's above-average tax rate means small assessment errors multiply into large annual costs for homeowners. Consider requesting a reassessment if comparable homes nearby sold for less than your assessed value—thousands of Kentucky homeowners recoup substantial refunds this way.
Boyle County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% sits well below the national average, making it an exceptionally affordable rental market. At $770 per month, the median rent nearly matches Kentucky's statewide average, yet local incomes stretch further here than they do nationally.
Among Kentucky's most affordable counties
Boyle County's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the lowest in Kentucky, significantly beating the state average of 17.0%. This places Boyle in the upper tier of affordability statewide, a rare advantage for renters seeking economic breathing room.
Sweet spot for regional renters
Boyle County's $770 rent sits right at Kentucky's state average and only $23 above Bourbon County, offering strong regional value. With a median home value of $200,700, Boyle appeals to a wider economic range than its lower-cost neighbors Boyd and Bracken.
Income stretches far in Boyle
With a median household income of $61,635, Boyle County residents allocate just $770 monthly (15.0%) to rent or $880 (17.1%) for homeownership. Both renting and ownership remain accessible here compared to most Kentucky counties, offering genuine flexibility.
Boyle offers dual-path affordability
Whether renting or buying, Boyle County delivers among Kentucky's best affordability ratios—your income stretches further here than statewide averages. Consider Boyle if you value economic stability without sacrificing access to decent-sized communities.
Boyle County's median household income of $61,635 is 18% below the national median of $74,755. However, the county ranks among Kentucky's stronger earners despite this national shortfall.
Kentucky's income leader in this cohort
Boyle County leads this group of eight counties with a median household income of $61,635, significantly above Kentucky's state average of $55,909. Per capita income of $32,238 also ranks second statewide among these peers.
Strongest earnings in the region
Boyle County's $61,635 median household income outpaces all immediate neighbors, including Boyd County ($60,659) and Bourbon County ($56,322). Economic vitality here attracts workers and supports sustained income growth.
Housing fits household budgets well
Boyle County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% is among the most affordable in this group, meaning lower housing cost pressure on family budgets. With median home values at $200,700, housing remains accessible to median-income households.
Boyle's stability opens investment doors
As the region's income leader, Boyle County residents enjoy both affordability and earning power—a rare combination for wealth-building. Set up automatic contributions to savings and retirement accounts to convert stable income into growing net worth.
Boyle County residents live an average of 74.6 years, just 1.8 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Only 20.3% of adults report poor or fair health, beating both state and national averages. The county consistently ranks among Kentucky's top performers.
Best in state for life expectancy
At 74.6 years, Boyle County's life expectancy exceeds Kentucky's state average of 72.2 years by 2.4 years—the highest among all counties in this analysis. Its 20.3% poor/fair health rate is the lowest regionally, signaling strong preventive care and community health. The county demonstrates what Kentucky's health system can achieve.
Top performer among peers
Boyle County's 74.6-year life expectancy surpasses all nearby counties, including Bourbon (73.8), Bullitt (75.7), and Bracken (71.5). Its 20.3% poor/fair health rate is the best in the region, and it provides 59 primary care and 278 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. This combination of longevity and stable provider access sets a regional standard.
Excellent insurance coverage
Boyle County's uninsured rate of 6.0% matches the statewide low and beats Kentucky's 7.0% average, ensuring nearly all residents have health coverage. With 59 primary care and 278 mental health providers per 100,000, the county offers solid access to routine and behavioral health services.
Maintain coverage stability
Boyle County's strong health outcomes reflect high insurance coverage rates—if you're among the 6.0% uninsured, now is the time to explore Medicaid or marketplace options. Local health resources and navigators stand ready to help you secure the coverage that keeps this community thriving.
With a composite risk score of 41.57 and a Very Low rating, Boyle County is safer than the national average of roughly 50. This below-average risk profile means residents enjoy relatively stable natural disaster conditions compared to the typical American county.
Boyle beats Kentucky's average risk
Boyle County's score of 41.57 sits comfortably below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, placing it among the safer counties in the commonwealth. Only counties with comparable Very Low ratings offer better protection against natural disasters statewide.
Comparable to central Kentucky peers
Boyle County's Very Low rating aligns with other stable central Kentucky counties, though its slightly elevated tornado risk (76.40) stands out in the region. Overall, Boyle offers safer conditions than many neighboring areas in the Bluegrass and southeastern regions.
Tornadoes and earthquakes need attention
Tornado risk (76.40) is Boyle County's most significant hazard, substantially higher than the county's other threats and requiring strong shelter planning. Earthquake risk (69.40) ranks second, while flood, wildfire, and hurricane risks remain below regional averages.
Tornado-safe room and standard insurance advised
Boyle County residents should prioritize tornado preparedness—identifying safe rooms and keeping emergency kits ready—backed by comprehensive homeowners insurance. Consider earthquake riders if you own an older home, and conduct annual insurance reviews to verify adequate coverage limits.