countyscore
61.3
County Score
Disaster Risk 88Safety 86.8Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Bracken County, Kentucky

Exceeding the National Livability Median

Bracken County earns a composite score of 61.3, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. It ranks in the upper tier of counties for overall quality of life metrics across the country.

Outperforming the Kentucky Average

The county's 61.3 score surpasses the Kentucky state average of 58.6. This makes Bracken one of the more desirable counties in the state for those prioritizing safety and resilience.

Elite Safety and Resilience Scores

Bracken County shines with an incredible Risk Score of 88.0 and a Safety Score of 86.8. Residents enjoy peace of mind and low vulnerability to both crime and natural disasters.

Wages and Healthcare Access

The primary challenges are an Income Score of 37.5 and a Health Score of 43.6. While the cost of living is low, residents may find fewer high-paying local jobs and limited medical resources.

A Haven for Safety Seekers

Bracken County is perfect for those who want a secure, low-risk rural lifestyle. It is particularly attractive for remote workers or retirees who don't rely on local high-wage employment.

Score breakdown

Tax42.5Cost62.1Safety86.8Health43.6Schools58.4Income37.5Risk88Water86Weather62.2
🏛42.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠62.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡86.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤43.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓58.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡88
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤62.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱81.5
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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Compare Bracken County with Henry County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Henry County
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Floyd County
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Dukes County
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Chariton County
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Shannon County
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Nearby counties

Robertson County
Kentucky
67.1
Pendleton County
Kentucky
59.5
Brown County
Ohio
58.4
Mason County
Kentucky
51.8
Harrison County
Kentucky
60.5
Clermont County
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45.9
Campbell County
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50.4
Nicholas County
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65.3

Deep Dives

Bracken County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Bracken County

via TaxByCounty

Bracken's rate exceeds national average slightly

Bracken County's effective tax rate of 0.939% sits meaningfully above most U.S. comparisons, though homes here are far more affordable than the national median. At the national median home value of $281,900, a Bracken resident would pay roughly $2,646 annually—still within the national range.

Bracken ranks near the top statewide

Bracken County's effective rate of 0.939% ranks among Kentucky's highest, exceeding the state average of 0.719% by over 30%. This elevated rate reflects Bracken's municipal and county service needs relative to its modest tax base.

Bracken second-highest in the regional group

At 0.939%, Bracken ranks as the second-highest rate among these eight counties, just behind Boyd County's 0.976%. Yet Bracken's median home value of $116,400 is the lowest in the group, making the proportional tax burden particularly steep.

Annual taxes on a Bracken County home

The median Bracken County home valued at $116,400 carries an annual property tax of $1,093—matching Kentucky's state average despite the county's higher rate. With mortgage deductions, the bill climbs to $1,279; without them, it drops to $591.

Appeal your assessment in Bracken

Bracken County's steep tax rate relative to home values makes assessment accuracy critical; even small overvaluations are costly. Filing an appeal if you believe your home's assessed value exceeds its true market worth could return meaningful savings annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bracken County

via CostByCounty

Bracken rents undercut national norm

Bracken County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% sits below the national average, delivering genuine rental affordability to its households. The median rent of $748 per month ranks among the lowest in the region, freeing up income for other necessities.

Top affordability tier in Kentucky

Bracken County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio beats Kentucky's 17.0% state average, placing it solidly in the state's most affordable counties. Renters here enjoy one of the commonwealth's strongest advantages when it comes to housing cost burden.

Lowest rents in the subregion

Bracken County's $748 monthly rent is the cheapest among its peers, matching Bourbon and undercutting Boyd by $91. At a median home value of just $116,400, Bracken also offers Kentucky's lowest homeownership threshold in this group.

Ultra-low housing burden here

Bracken County's median household income of $59,521 supports remarkably affordable housing—renters spend just 15.1% on rent ($748), while homeowners commit 17.0% ($844) to ownership. This county delivers some of Kentucky's strongest income-to-housing ratios across both tenure types.

Bracken is Kentucky affordability champion

Seeking the lowest housing costs in Kentucky? Bracken County delivers—rent and home values both rank among the state's cheapest. This rural gem suits families or individuals prioritizing affordability and economic stability above all else.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bracken County

via IncomeByCounty

Bracken County income gap persists

Bracken County's median household income of $59,521 trails the national median of $74,755 by 20%. Like many rural Kentucky counties, Bracken faces structural economic headwinds.

Modest advantage over state average

Bracken County's $59,521 median household income edges slightly above Kentucky's state average of $55,909. Per capita income of $30,198 outpaces the state benchmark of $29,616, though modestly.

Mid-range earner among peers

Bracken County earns less than nearby Boyle County ($61,635) and Boyd County ($60,659), but exceeds Bourbon County ($56,322) and Breckinridge County ($53,673). The county holds steady in the regional middle.

Affordable housing strengthens purchasing power

Bracken County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% is well below affordability thresholds, giving residents financial breathing room. The median home value of $116,400 is the lowest in this group, making homeownership highly attainable.

Low housing costs enable savings

Bracken County's combination of moderate income and very affordable housing creates opportunity for savings and investment. Direct the money you save on housing into emergency funds and retirement accounts to build long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bracken County

via CrimeByCounty

Bracken County is one of the nation's safest

Bracken County boasts an incredible safety score of 99.5, far exceeding national expectations. Its total crime rate of 296.9 per 100,000 residents is a fraction of the U.S. average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming Kentucky's safety standards

Bracken County is safer than the average Kentucky county, with a safety score of 99.5 versus the state average of 98.8. Its crime rate of 296.9 is significantly lower than the state average of 786.2.

The safest among its regional peers

Bracken County is dramatically safer than neighbors like Bourbon County, which has a crime rate over three times higher. It serves as a regional benchmark for low crime and public safety.

Minimal crime across all categories

Violent crime is extremely rare here, occurring at a rate of only 59.4 per 100,000 people. Property crime is also exceptionally low at 237.5, compared to the national average of 2,015.7.

Maintaining a secure environment

While crime is very low in Bracken County, maintaining community awareness helps preserve this standard. Simple locks and good relationship with neighbors remain the best tools for home protection.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bracken County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy lags nation significantly

Bracken County residents live an average of 71.5 years, more than 4.9 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. About 21.3% of adults report poor or fair health, slightly above national levels. These figures reflect long-standing rural health challenges.

Below state average, lower ranking

At 71.5 years, Bracken County's life expectancy falls 0.7 years below Kentucky's state average of 72.2 years. The county ranks in the lower half of Kentucky's 120 counties for health outcomes. Its 21.3% poor/fair health rate mirrors state-level health struggles.

Critical provider shortage

Bracken County faces the most severe provider shortage in this region, with only 12 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and just 12 mental health providers per 100,000. This compares starkly to Boyd County (100 primary, 780 mental health) and even rural peers like Bourbon (64 primary, 139 mental health). Residents often travel to adjacent counties for specialty care.

Limited access defines healthcare

Bracken County's uninsured rate of 6.2% is below state average, but extreme provider scarcity means many insured residents struggle to find local care. With only 12 providers per 100,000 for both primary care and mental health, residents depend heavily on care coordination and travel to neighboring counties.

Secure coverage despite barriers

While 6.2% of Bracken County residents lack insurance, the bigger challenge is accessing providers once covered. Check your eligibility for Medicaid immediately and work with local health officials to connect with care coordination services that can bridge gaps in local provider access.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bracken County

via SchoolsByCounty

Close-Knit Education in Bracken County

Bracken County maintains a highly focused educational landscape with only four schools serving 1,462 total students. This small system is split between two school districts: Bracken County and Augusta Independent.

Exceptional Graduation Rates in Rural Districts

The county achieves an impressive 95.5% graduation rate, far exceeding the national average of 87%. While spending is lower at $6,512 per pupil, the school score of 55.4 remains competitive with state averages.

Bracken County and Augusta Independent

The Bracken County district is the primary provider with 1,145 students, while Augusta Independent operates as a single-school district. There are no charter schools currently available in this county.

A Purely Rural Learning Experience

Every school in Bracken County is classified as rural, offering a distinct community feel. Taylor Elementary is the largest school with 522 students, while Augusta Independent School provides a unique PK-12 environment.

Join a High-Achieving Rural Community

For families seeking small school sizes and high graduation rates, Bracken County is a compelling option. Consider the benefits of rural education when searching for your next home in this high-performing area.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bracken County

via RiskByCounty

Bracken County is Kentucky's safest

Bracken County's composite risk score of 12.02 is among the lowest in the nation, far exceeding the national safety average. This very low risk profile makes Bracken one of the safest places in America to live relative to natural disasters.

Lowest risk county in the Commonwealth

At 12.02, Bracken County's composite risk score is dramatically below Kentucky's state average of 44.21—the lowest in the entire state by a wide margin. Residents enjoy substantially greater protection from natural hazards than the typical Kentuckian.

Much safer than neighboring regions

Bracken County's Very Low rating far exceeds the risk levels of neighboring counties across northeastern and northern Kentucky. Its location in the gently rolling bluegrass region shields it from the Appalachian hazards that threaten surrounding areas.

Minor tornado and flood risks only

Bracken County's biggest hazards—tornado risk at 31.93 and flood risk at 26.18—are both well below regional and state averages. Wildfire risk (1.56) is negligible, and earthquake and hurricane risks are minimal, making this one of America's safest counties overall.

Basic homeowners insurance provides solid protection

Bracken County's minimal disaster risk means standard homeowners insurance offers ample protection for most residents. Annual policy reviews ensure adequate coverage, but specialized policies for flood or earthquake are rarely necessary here.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bracken County

via WeatherByCounty

A Mild Humid Subtropical Environment

Bracken County maintains an annual average temperature of 54.9°F, placing it squarely in the humid subtropical climate zone. This temperature is slightly cooler than the national median, reflecting its position in Northern Kentucky.

Cooler Than the Kentucky Average

The county's average temperature of 54.9°F sits below the state average of 56.2°F. It ranks as one of the cooler counties in the Commonwealth, as the state experiences a general warming trend moving toward the south and west.

Drier Conditions Than Regional Peers

Bracken receives 42.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is significantly lower than the state average of 50.6 inches. This makes it notably drier than central Kentucky neighbors like Bullitt County.

Distinct Seasons with Moderate Extremes

The county experiences 24 days of extreme heat reaching 90°F or higher each year. Winters are cold but manageable, with a January average temperature of 32.0°F.

Prepare for Seasonal Shifts

Residents should maintain efficient heating systems to handle the 34.7°F winter average. While summer heat is moderate with 24 extreme days, humidity remains a factor to consider for outdoor planning.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bracken County

via SoilByCounty

Bracken County Soil Identity

Taxonomic and pH data for this county is currently unavailable in this set. Because Kentucky soils often trend toward acidity, testing is recommended to see how your land compares to the 6.5 national median.

Texture and Soil Composition

The mix of sand, silt, and clay is not currently documented for this specific county. Identifying these proportions is the best way to understand your soil's natural drainage and nutrient storage.

Organic Matter and Productivity

Organic matter and water capacity data are currently missing for this area. Improving organic content above the 3.55% state average can significantly boost your garden's yield and health.

Hydrology and Water Management

There is no recorded dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for this county. Local landowners should monitor runoff patterns to better manage irrigation and land use.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 6b

Bracken County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. This zone is well-suited for a variety of crops, from berries to leafy greens, providing a balanced climate for home gardeners.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bracken County

via LawnByCounty

Bracken County Leads the Region

Bracken County holds an exceptional lawn difficulty score of 81.5, indicating some of the easiest growing conditions in Kentucky. This score is significantly higher than the state average of 66.3 and the national average of 50.0. In Hardiness Zone 6b, the local climate is remarkably forgiving for lawn enthusiasts.

Ideal Rainfall and Low Heat Stress

The county enjoys 42.2 inches of annual precipitation, landing perfectly in the 30-50 inch sweet spot for grass. With only 24 extreme heat days per year, your lawn faces less scorching than the state average of 30 days. This combination of moderate rain and manageable heat minimizes the work required to keep turf green.

Balanced Soil for Better Turf

While specific local soil stats are unavailable, the county's moderate rainfall helps prevent the leaching of vital nutrients. Maintaining a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is the gold standard for Bracken County lawns. Regular aeration is recommended to ensure that the 42.2 inches of rain can penetrate deep into the root zone.

Consistent Moisture and Low Risk

Bracken County saw 5 weeks of drought last year, but current conditions are 0.0% abnormally dry. The lack of extreme drought makes it easy to maintain consistent soil moisture throughout the summer. Using a rain gauge can help you ensure your lawn gets the 1 inch of water it needs weekly during dry weeks.

Seeding for Success in Zone 6b

The frost-free window runs from April 16th to October 31st, providing a long window for lawn care. Hardiness Zone 6b is ideal for Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass blends. Aim to seed your lawn by mid-September to allow for strong establishment before the first frost on Halloween.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bracken County's county score?
Bracken County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 61.3 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 Bracken County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Bracken County ranks #51 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 Bracken County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Bracken County is $1,093, with an effective tax rate of 0.94%. This earns Bracken County a tax score of 42.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bracken County?
The median household income in Bracken County, Kentucky is $59,521 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bracken County earns an income score of 37.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bracken County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Bracken County scores 61.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #51 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Bracken 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 Bracken 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.