countyscore
60.9
County Score
Cost of Living 98.6Safety 84.9Weather & Climate 76.2

County Report Card

About Breathitt County, Kentucky

Higher Than the National Median

Breathitt County scores a 59.8 overall, exceeding the national median of 50.0. This high composite score is largely driven by its extreme affordability rather than high incomes.

Beating the State Average

With a 59.8 score, Breathitt outperforms the Kentucky average of 58.6. It offers a unique value proposition compared to other Eastern Kentucky counties.

Nation-Leading Affordability and Safety

The county boasts a near-perfect Cost Score of 98.3, with a median rent of just $543 and median home values at $61,800. It also maintains a strong Safety Score of 84.9, indicating a peaceful community.

Significant Income and Health Gaps

The Income Score of 3.5 is among the lowest in the nation, reflecting a median household income of $41,101. Low scores in Water (18.2) and Health (29.2) highlight critical infrastructure and wellness needs.

Ideal for Maximizing Fixed Income

Breathitt County is best suited for retirees or those on a fixed budget who prioritize low housing costs and safety. It offers an incredibly low entry point for homeownership in a safe setting.

2040608010057.698.684.929.2460.835.318.276.2Tax57.6Cost98.6Safety84.9Health29.2Schools46Income0.8Risk35.3Water18.2Weather76.260.9/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Breathitt County DNA

Doverall

How Breathitt County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Breathitt County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (98.6/100) but notably weak in Income (0.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
57.6
Cost
98.6+50.599999999999994
Safety
84.9+29.900000000000006
Health
29.2-20.8
Schools
46-8
Income
0.8-50.2
Risk
35.3-11.700000000000003
Water
18.2-39.8
Weather
76.2+20.200000000000003
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Breathitt County?

Many homeowners in Breathitt County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$70,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$548/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$70,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$21,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $34,808/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

44.6

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Breathitt County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Breathitt County

via TaxByCounty

Breathitt's rate competitive, homes most affordable

Breathitt County's effective tax rate of 0.843% remains below most national benchmarks, and its median home value of $61,800 is the lowest in the nation by a wide margin. Breathitt residents pay just $521 annually in property taxes—the lowest among these eight counties and a fraction of the national median.

Breathitt rate slightly above state average

At 0.843%, Breathitt County's effective rate exceeds Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, though the difference is modest. The county's very affordable housing stock keeps absolute tax bills low despite the above-average rate.

Breathitt combines low rates with low values

Breathitt's 0.843% rate ranks fourth among the eight counties, but its median home value of $61,800 is the lowest by far. This combination results in the lowest median property tax payment of just $521 annually in the entire group.

Breathitt's most affordable tax footprint

The median Breathitt County home valued at $61,800 generates an annual property tax of only $521. With mortgage deductions included, the bill rises to $934; without them, it drops to $428.

Even in Breathitt, review your assessment

While Breathitt's absolute tax bills are modest, assessment errors still matter proportionally to homeowners' incomes here. If your property was last assessed several years ago or your home's condition has deteriorated, an appeal could further reduce your annual costs.

Income & Jobs in Breathitt County

via IncomeByCounty

Breathitt County faces significant income gap

Breathitt County's median household income of $41,101 is 45% below the national median of $74,755, the largest gap in this group. This reflects acute economic challenges in eastern Kentucky's coal-dependent regions.

Bottom tier statewide income ranking

Breathitt County's $41,101 median household income ranks well below Kentucky's state average of $55,909, placing it among the state's lowest-income counties. Per capita income of $23,544 trails the state average by 20%.

Significantly lower than peer counties

Breathitt County earns substantially less than all nearby counties—Boyle ($61,635), Boyd ($60,659), and even Breckinridge ($53,673). Income challenges here are more severe than in neighboring communities.

Low housing costs offset low wages

At 15.8%, Breathitt County's rent-to-income ratio remains manageable despite modest overall earnings. Median home values of $61,800—the lowest in this group—mean housing affordability isn't the primary challenge; wage growth is.

Invest in skills and opportunities

Breathitt County residents should prioritize career development and education as pathways to higher earnings. Even modest contributions to savings accounts and micro-investment platforms can compound into financial security over time.

Safety in Breathitt County

via CrimeByCounty

Breathitt County exhibits high public safety

Breathitt County reports a total crime rate of only 353.5 per 100,000 residents, far below the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county an elite safety score of 99.4.

A leader in Kentucky safety

The county's safety score of 99.4 is higher than the Kentucky state average of 98.8. With a total crime rate of 353.5, Breathitt is twice as safe as the average Kentucky county.

Low crime rates compared to neighbors

Breathitt County is significantly safer than Bullitt County, which has a crime rate of 1,007.5. It maintains a safety profile similar to Butler County, which sits at 372.0 per 100,000.

Remarkably low violent crime rates

Breathitt County records a violent crime rate of just 29.5, which is less than 10% of the national average. Property crime is also low at 324.0, representing the vast majority of all local reports.

Preserving peace in Breathitt County

Residents benefit from an exceptionally safe environment where violent crime is nearly non-existent. Standard home maintenance and visibility help deter the minor property crimes that occasionally occur.

Weather & Climate in Breathitt County

via WeatherByCounty

Balanced Appalachian Climate Patterns

Breathitt County averages 55.9°F annually, aligning closely with the national median for the mid-latitudes. The region benefits from a humid subtropical climate that provides distinct seasonal transitions.

Typical Kentucky Temperature Profile

At 55.9°F, Breathitt County sits just 0.3 degrees below the state average of 56.2°F. It represents the typical climate experience found across much of eastern Kentucky.

A Snowy Mountain Outlier

While many Kentucky counties see little accumulation, Breathitt records 23.4 inches of annual snowfall. Its precipitation of 50.4 inches is almost identical to the state average of 50.6 inches.

Mild Summers and Snowy Winters

Breathitt enjoys remarkably mild summers with only 11 days reaching 90°F, far fewer than western Kentucky. Winter temperatures average 37.1°F, often accompanied by significant snowfall.

Winter Readiness is Essential

Given the 23.4 inches of snow, residents should invest in quality winter tires and reliable home heating. Summer cooling costs are generally lower here than in the hotter western parts of the state.

Soil Quality in Breathitt County

via SoilByCounty

Breathitt County's High-Scoring Soil

With a soil score of 58.5, this county outperforms the Kentucky state average of 56.2. Its average pH of 5.54 is more acidic than the national median of 6.5, which may require lime for certain crops.

A Complex Texture Profile

The soil consists of 26.5% sand, 31.9% silt, and 13.3% clay. This balanced mix provides a stable structure for roots while maintaining enough silt for decent workability.

Exceptional Organic Wealth

Organic matter is an extraordinary 21.38%, dwarfing the state average of 3.55% and the national average of 2.0%. While the water capacity of 0.154 in/in is below the state average, the high organic content offers massive nutrient potential.

Understanding Local Water Flow

While specific drainage classes are not listed, the high organic matter suggests strong moisture retention capabilities. Gardeners should still watch for saturated roots given the soil's unique composition.

Abundant Growth in Zone 7a

Breathitt County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. With such rich organic matter and a favorable climate, this is an excellent environment for high-yield vegetable gardens and fruit trees.

Lawn Care in Breathitt County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Growth in Breathitt County

Breathitt County earns a 70.5 lawn difficulty score, making it easier to maintain than the state average of 66.3. Situated in Hardiness Zone 7a, the county offers a stable climate compared to the national median score of 50.0. Most homeowners find the local weather patterns support consistent, healthy turf.

Abundant Rain and Cool Summers

The county receives 50.4 inches of rain annually, matching the state average exactly. Breathitt is notably cooler than its neighbors, with only 11 extreme heat days compared to the Kentucky average of 30. This low heat stress means your grass spends more time growing and less time in summer dormancy.

Correcting Acidic Soil Conditions

The local soil has a pH of 5.54, which is more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most grasses. With a clay content of 13.3% and sand at 26.5%, the soil texture is relatively balanced but will require lime to raise the pH. Amending the soil now will unlock nutrients that are currently trapped by the high acidity.

Unmatched Drought Resilience

Breathitt County recorded only 1 week in drought over the last year, reflecting very high moisture stability. There are currently no abnormally dry conditions reported for the area. Because the county faces so few extreme heat days, the soil retains its 50.4 inches of rainfall much more effectively than other regions.

Start Strong in Zone 7a

Tall Fescue is a great choice for this area, especially given the soil's current acidity levels. Your growing window starts after April 19th and lasts until the first frost around November 1st. Correcting your soil pH this fall will set the stage for a dramatic improvement in lawn density by next spring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Breathitt County's county score?
Breathitt County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 60.9 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 Breathitt County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Breathitt County ranks #53 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 Breathitt County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Breathitt County is $510, with an effective tax rate of 0.73%. This earns Breathitt County a tax score of 57.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Breathitt County?
The median household income in Breathitt County, Kentucky is $34,808 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Breathitt County earns an income score of 0.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Breathitt County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Breathitt County scores 60.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #53 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Breathitt 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 Breathitt County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.