countyscore
65
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 82.1Cost of Living 80

County Report Card

About Breckinridge County, Kentucky

Well Above the National Median

Breckinridge County achieves a composite score of 65.0, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This places it in a competitive position relative to counties across the entire United States.

A Top Performer in Kentucky

The county's 65.0 score easily beats the Kentucky average of 58.6. It stands out as a regional leader in balancing costs with a high quality of life.

Exceptional Taxes and Housing Costs

The county earns a Tax Score of 73.8 due to a low effective tax rate of 0.605%. Combined with a Cost Score of 80.0, it is one of the most financially efficient places to live in the region.

Health Outcomes and Local Income

Local health metrics lag with a score of 28.3, and the Income Score of 22.2 indicates a reliance on lower-wage sectors. Access to advanced medical care and high-paying professional roles may require a commute.

Perfect for the Budget-Conscious Family

Breckinridge County is a top choice for those who want to keep more of their paycheck. It suits families and individuals who prioritize low taxes, affordable housing, and personal safety.

Score breakdown

Tax73.8Cost80Safety82.1Health28.3Schools61.5Income22.2Risk60.5Water86Weather63.7
🏛73.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡82.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤28.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓61.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡60.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱71.5
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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De Soto Parish
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Nearby counties

Hancock County
Kentucky
68.7
Perry County
Indiana
59.4
Meade County
Kentucky
58.1
Grayson County
Kentucky
62.1
Ohio County
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56.7
Hardin County
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48.1
Spencer County
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68.6
Daviess County
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41.9

Deep Dives

Breckinridge County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Breckinridge County

via TaxByCounty

Breckinridge offers the region's lowest rate

Breckinridge County's effective tax rate of 0.605% is the lowest among these eight counties and well below the national median. At the national median home value of $281,900, a Breckinridge resident would owe approximately $1,706 annually—$984 less than typical U.S. homeowners.

Breckinridge ranks among Kentucky's lowest

At 0.605%, Breckinridge County's effective rate sits below the state average of 0.719%, making it one of the most tax-friendly counties in Kentucky. This favorable rate benefits residents with median home values of $141,400.

Breckinridge and Butler lead with lowest rates

Breckinridge's 0.605% rate and Butler County's 0.563% are the two lowest in this eight-county group, offering significant savings compared to regional peers. Breckinridge residents pay just $855 annually in median property taxes—among the lowest in the survey.

Breckinridge keeps property taxes minimal

The median Breckinridge County home valued at $141,400 carries an annual property tax of just $855. With mortgage deductions, that climbs to $1,113; without them, it drops to $693.

Even low-rate counties deserve assessment review

Though Breckinridge offers favorable tax rates, homeowners should still verify their assessments match current market values. An appeal is straightforward and could yield modest but meaningful savings even in a county as tax-efficient as this.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Breckinridge County

via CostByCounty

Breckinridge rents below national burden

Breckinridge County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.3% sits below the national average, with a median rent of $730 monthly that ranks among Kentucky's most economical. Renters here maintain stronger financial flexibility than their typical American counterparts.

Slightly above state average affordability

Breckinridge County's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio edges slightly above Kentucky's 17.0% state average, positioning it near the middle of statewide affordability rankings. While not among the cheapest, Breckinridge offers reasonable rental access relative to local incomes.

Competitive rents, mid-range home prices

Breckinridge County's $730 monthly rent competes favorably with peers like Bourbon and Bracken, undercutting Boyd significantly. Its median home value of $141,400 sits between ultra-low Boyd/Bracken options and pricier Bourbon/Boyle markets, offering middle-ground homebuying.

Balanced housing for modest incomes

With a median household income of $53,673—the lowest among these eight counties—Breckinridge residents allocate 16.3% to rent ($730) or 13.9% to homeownership ($623). The notably lower ownership costs suggest Breckinridge homebuyers enjoy genuine affordability advantages over renters.

Breckinridge favors budget homebuyers

If homeownership on a tight budget is your goal, Breckinridge County's $623 monthly ownership costs and $141,400 median home values are exceptional values. Renters should note that rents here run slightly above state average, so compare costs carefully.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Breckinridge County

via IncomeByCounty

Breckinridge income below national levels

Breckinridge County's median household income of $53,673 lags the national median of $74,755 by 28%. This income shortfall reflects broader rural Kentucky economic conditions.

Below-average income for Kentucky

Breckinridge County's $53,673 median household income falls slightly below Kentucky's state average of $55,909. Per capita income of $29,163 also trails the state benchmark of $29,616.

Lower-earning county in the group

Breckinridge County earns less than six of the eight counties in this analysis, though it outpaces only Breathitt County ($41,101) and Butler County ($52,003). Regional economic pressures weigh here.

Housing costs manageable despite lower wages

Breckinridge County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.3% is slightly elevated but still acceptable, and median home values of $141,400 remain accessible. Housing affordability provides relief from income constraints.

Small steps toward financial goals

With more modest income levels, Breckinridge County residents benefit from starting small with savings—even $25 per paycheck compounds significantly over decades. Look for no-fee or low-fee banking and investment options to maximize every dollar.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Breckinridge County

via CrimeByCounty

Breckinridge County is exceptionally safe

Breckinridge County features a total crime rate of 428.7 per 100,000, significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This translates to a superior safety score of 99.3.

Exceeding the Kentucky state average

The county's safety score of 99.3 beats the state average of 98.8. Its total crime rate of 428.7 is much lower than the Kentucky average of 786.2, indicating a very secure region.

Safer than most surrounding counties

Breckinridge County maintains a crime rate less than half that of Bullitt County. It remains one of the more secure counties in the region, second only to places like Bracken.

Violent and property crimes are rare

The violent crime rate is just 73.1, while property crime is also low at 355.6 per 100,000 residents. For comparison, the national property crime rate is more than five times higher at 2,015.7.

Smart habits keep crime low

Low crime rates mean residents enjoy peace of mind, but property security should never be ignored. Secure your vehicles and outbuildings to prevent the opportunistic property crimes that occur even in safe areas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Breckinridge County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy stable, health lagging

Breckinridge County residents live an average of 72.3 years, nearly 4 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Nearly 29.0% of adults report poor or fair health—the second-highest rate in this analysis and well above national levels. The discrepancy signals significant health challenges beyond longevity.

Slightly above state average, poor health

At 72.3 years, Breckinridge County's life expectancy edges just 0.1 years above Kentucky's state average of 72.2 years, but its 29.0% poor/fair health rate far exceeds the state trend. The county is among Kentucky's lowest performers on health perception, suggesting chronic disease and preventable illness burden. Health improvement is urgent.

Worst health perception in region

Breckinridge County's 29.0% poor/fair health rate is the second-worst in this analysis and significantly exceeds all nearby peers, including Bourbon (22.6%) and Boyd (21.9%). Its 72.3-year life expectancy is below regional average, and provider access is limited with only 24 primary care and 90 mental health providers per 100,000. Chronic disease and preventive care gaps are evident.

Insurance gap above state average

Breckinridge County's uninsured rate of 8.2% exceeds Kentucky's 7.0% average, meaning roughly 1 in 12 residents lack coverage. With limited provider access (24 primary care, 90 mental health per 100,000), uninsured residents face compounded barriers to care and disease management.

Coverage is your first step

With 8.2% of Breckinridge County residents uninsured, securing health coverage is critical and urgent. Apply for Medicaid or explore marketplace plans immediately—coverage opens the door to preventive care, chronic disease management, and the health improvements your community needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Breckinridge County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Infrastructure for 3,000 Students

Breckinridge County operates eight public schools serving a total enrollment of 3,031 students. This network is managed by two districts and includes four elementary schools and one central middle school.

Outperforming the State in Graduation

The county's 96.3% graduation rate is significantly higher than both the national average (87%) and the state average (93.8%). Breckinridge County manages this achievement with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,659.

Breckinridge County District Leads the Way

The Breckinridge County district is the largest by far, serving 2,748 students. Cloverport Independent is the county's other provider, serving 283 students; no charter schools currently exist in the county.

A Fully Rural Educational Experience

All eight schools in the county are located in rural settings, with an average school size of 433 students. Breckinridge County High School stands as the largest campus, housing 925 students.

Find Your Home Near Excellence

Breckinridge County’s high graduation rates make it an attractive destination for families. Look for homes within the district boundaries to give your children access to these top-performing rural schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Breckinridge County

via RiskByCounty

Breckinridge County sits below national average

With a composite risk score of 39.54 and a Very Low rating, Breckinridge County is safer than the national average of roughly 50. This below-average risk profile provides residents with relatively stable natural disaster conditions.

Breckinridge edges below Kentucky's average

Breckinridge County's score of 39.54 sits just below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, placing it in the safer half of the commonwealth's counties. Residents here face somewhat lower disaster exposure than the typical Kentuckian.

Safe relative to western Kentucky counties

Breckinridge County's Very Low rating compares favorably to neighboring western and central Kentucky counties with higher composite risk scores. Its position along the Ohio River does create some flood vulnerability, but overall hazard exposure remains moderate.

Tornadoes and earthquakes pose modest threats

Tornado risk (62.85) and earthquake risk (67.81) are Breckinridge County's leading hazards, though neither reaches critical thresholds. Flood risk (49.05) reflects river proximity but remains manageable with proper planning.

Standard coverage plus earthquake consideration

Comprehensive homeowners insurance protects against Breckinridge County's primary risks, though an earthquake rider may be worthwhile given the 67.81 seismic score. Annual policy reviews ensure your coverage keeps pace with property values and local conditions.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Breckinridge County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Living in the Heartland

Breckinridge County records an average annual temperature of 54.9°F. This falls within the humid subtropical range, offering a climate that is temperate compared to the national extremes.

Below the Kentucky Median

The county's 54.9°F average is lower than the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. This makes Breckinridge one of the cooler counties in the western-central portion of the state.

Wetter Than Northern Neighbors

With 52.2 inches of annual precipitation, the county is wetter than Bracken County and exceeds the state average of 50.6 inches. It shares a similar temperature profile with other Ohio River valley regions.

Stable Heat and Cold

The county experiences 22 days of extreme heat over 90°F, while the January average drops to 32.6°F. This balance provides clear seasonal distinctions without the extreme heat found further south.

Moisture Management for Homeowners

High annual precipitation of 52.2 inches means residents should prioritize proper drainage and gutter maintenance. Insulation is key for the 34.9°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Breckinridge County

via SoilByCounty

The Soils of Breckinridge County

Official taxonomic and pH measurements are not currently available for this area. Local soils typically fall below the national median pH of 6.5, making soil testing a priority for new farmers.

Soil Texture and Drainage

Data regarding the sand, silt, and clay percentages is missing for this county. These ratios are fundamental to knowing whether your soil will be heavy and wet or light and dry.

Fertility and Water Capacity

There is no specific data for organic matter or water capacity in this profile. Keeping organic matter near the state average of 3.55% helps maintain soil health and crop resilience.

Local Hydrology and Drainage

Dominant drainage and hydrologic classes are not recorded for this county. Understanding how your land handles Kentucky's rain is key to preventing erosion and protecting your crops.

Planting in Zone 7a

Breckinridge County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The mild climate supports a long growing season for everything from tobacco to home vegetable gardens.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Breckinridge County

via LawnByCounty

Consistent Quality in Breckinridge

With a lawn difficulty score of 71.5, Breckinridge County is a solid performer compared to the Kentucky average of 66.3. The county sits in Hardiness Zone 7a, providing a hospitable climate for a variety of turf types. Maintaining a lawn here is significantly less stressful than in many parts of the country.

High Rainfall and Manageable Heat

The county receives 52.2 inches of rain per year, slightly exceeding the state average of 50.4 inches. Only 22 days per year reach extreme heat levels of 90°F or more, which is better than the state average of 30. This extra moisture and lower heat help the grass stay green for longer periods without extra watering.

Monitoring the Soil's Health

Specific soil data for Breckinridge is currently limited, so homeowners should focus on achieving the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH range. Because the county receives over 52 inches of rain, ensuring good drainage is vital to prevent soggy patches. Fall aeration is a smart move to keep the soil loose and receptive to nutrients.

Low Drought Risk with High Stability

The county faced just 3 weeks of drought over the past year, though 1.7% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. This minor dry patch is manageable with occasional deep watering. Overall, the consistent 52.2 inches of annual rain provides a very strong safety net for your turf.

Timing Your Zone 7a Planting

The last spring frost usually hits around April 25th, and the first fall frost arrives on October 26th. Heat-tolerant cool-season grasses like Kentucky 31 or modern Tall Fescues work best here. Plan to seed in late August or September to give your lawn a head start on the spring rush.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Breckinridge County's county score?
Breckinridge County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 65 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 Breckinridge County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Breckinridge County ranks #28 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 Breckinridge County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Breckinridge County is $855, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Breckinridge County a tax score of 73.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Breckinridge County?
The median household income in Breckinridge County, Kentucky is $53,673 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Breckinridge County earns an income score of 22.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Breckinridge County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Breckinridge County scores 65/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Breckinridge 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 Breckinridge 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.