countyscore
67.9
County Score
Cost of Living 89.1Safety 84.1Disaster Risk 81.9

County Report Card

About Butler County, Kentucky

Leading the Way in National Rankings

Butler County boasts a composite score of 67.9, significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a very high overall standard of living compared to the rest of the country.

One of Kentucky's Premier Counties

With a score of 67.9, Butler County far exceeds the state average of 58.6. It is one of the highest-performing counties in Kentucky for overall livability.

Unbeatable Value and Low Taxes

The county features an elite Cost Score of 89.1 and a Tax Score of 79.1, driven by a low effective tax rate of 0.563%. It also offers exceptional safety, with a score of 84.1.

Wages and Wellness Metrics

Despite the high livability, the Income Score remains low at 18.5, and the Health Score is 29.8. This suggests that while living is cheap, local job markets and health resources are more limited.

The Ultimate Value for Safety and Security

Butler County is the premier choice for people who want high safety and rock-bottom costs. It is especially attractive to retirees and those who have secured outside or remote employment.

Score breakdown

Tax79.1Cost89.1Safety84.1Health29.8Schools60.9Income18.5Risk81.9Water60.8Weather57.6
🏛79.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡84.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤29.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓60.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡81.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧60.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱60.7
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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Nearby counties

Ohio County
Kentucky
56.7
Logan County
Kentucky
56.2
Muhlenberg County
Kentucky
57.9
Warren County
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41.8
Edmonson County
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Grayson County
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Simpson County
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Todd County
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Deep Dives

Butler County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Butler County

via TaxByCounty

Butler offers Kentucky's lowest tax rate here

Butler County's effective tax rate of 0.563% is the lowest among these eight counties and dramatically below national norms. At the national median home value of $281,900, a Butler resident would owe roughly $1,586 annually—$1,104 less than the typical U.S. homeowner.

Butler ranks among Kentucky's friendliest rates

At 0.563%, Butler County's effective rate sits well below the state average of 0.719%, making it one of Kentucky's most tax-efficient counties. This low rate benefits residents with median home values of $105,500.

Butler leads the region with lowest rate

Butler County's 0.563% rate is the absolute lowest in this eight-county group, followed closely by Breckinridge County's 0.605%. Butler residents enjoy the most favorable tax environment, paying just $594 in median annual property taxes.

Butler County's minimal annual tax bill

The median Butler County home valued at $105,500 carries an annual property tax of just $594—the lowest in this group. With mortgage deductions, the bill rises to $740; without them, it drops to $439.

Confirm your assessment matches market value

Butler County's favorable tax rate means homeowners may feel less pressure to appeal their assessments, but errors still occur. If your home's assessed value exceeds what similar properties have recently sold for, filing an appeal ensures you're paying no more than your fair share.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Butler County

via CostByCounty

Butler rents beat national standard

Butler County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% sits below the national average, with a median rent of $688 monthly among the region's most economical. Renters here enjoy affordability comparable to or better than most American households.

Above-average affordability in Kentucky

Butler County's 15.9% rent-to-income ratio beats Kentucky's 17.0% state average, placing it among the commonwealth's more affordable counties for renters. This advantage translates to real household savings compared to statewide norms.

Cheapest rents, lowest home values

Butler County's $688 monthly rent is the lowest in this entire group, $57 below nearest peer Breckinridge, while its $105,500 median home value ranks second-lowest. This combo makes Butler exceptionally attractive for cost-minimizing renters and budget homebuyers.

Ultra-low housing burden

With a median household income of $52,003, Butler County residents allocate just $688 monthly (15.9%) to rent or $549 (12.7%) to homeownership. Both tenure options deliver Kentucky's strongest affordability ratios, making Butler accessible across income ranges.

Butler County: Kentucky's rent bargain

Seeking the lowest rents in Kentucky? Butler County delivers at $688 monthly, with homeownership costs nearly as minimal. This rural county suits renters and buyers prioritizing maximum housing affordability within a stable, manageable housing market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Butler County

via IncomeByCounty

Butler County income well below national

Butler County's median household income of $52,003 is 30% below the national median of $74,755. This substantial gap reflects rural Kentucky's persistent economic headwinds.

Below Kentucky's state income average

Butler County's $52,003 median household income falls below Kentucky's state average of $55,909. Per capita income of $25,198 also trails the state benchmark of $29,616 by 15%.

Second-lowest earner in peer group

Butler County's $52,003 income exceeds only Breathitt County ($41,101), placing it among the region's lower-earning communities. Economic diversification and job growth remain critical needs.

Low costs match modest wages

Butler County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% and median home value of $105,500 ensure housing remains affordable despite lower overall earnings. Cost of living aligns well with income levels.

Build wealth from where you are

Butler County residents can leverage low housing costs to save aggressively—even $20 weekly into a high-yield savings account compounds into thousands over years. Explore free financial literacy resources and employer retirement plans to maximize earnings potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Butler County

via CrimeByCounty

Butler County is remarkably secure

Butler County boasts a safety score of 99.4 and a total crime rate of only 372.0 per 100,000 residents. This crime rate is roughly six times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming Kentucky safety norms

Butler County's safety score of 99.4 is higher than the Kentucky state average of 98.8. Its total crime rate of 372.0 is less than half of the statewide average of 786.2.

Consistent with regional safety trends

Butler County has a safety profile similar to Breathitt County, with both maintaining very low crime. It is significantly safer than more populous areas like Bullitt or Bourbon counties.

Lower property crime than state average

Property crime is very low at 266.9 per 100,000, well below the national average of 2,015.7. However, the violent crime rate of 105.1 is slightly higher than the Kentucky state average of 78.1.

Maintain awareness in a safe county

With very few reporting agencies, community-led safety is vital for maintaining Butler County's security. Keep your property well-lit and report suspicious activity to help keep crime rates at these historic lows.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Butler County

via HealthByCounty

Below national health average

Butler County residents live an average of 72.8 years, nearly 3.6 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Nearly a quarter (24.9%) of adults report poor or fair health, exceeding national levels. These figures reflect consistent rural health challenges.

Slightly above state average

At 72.8 years, Butler County's life expectancy edges 0.6 years above Kentucky's state average of 72.2 years. However, its 24.9% poor/fair health rate exceeds state trends, indicating chronic disease and health management challenges. The county sits in the middle ranks of Kentucky performance.

Severe provider shortage crisis

Butler County faces one of the region's most critical provider shortages, with only 8 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—far below Bourbon (64), Boyd (100), and even Bracken (12). Mental health access is similarly constrained at 154 per 100,000. Residents must often travel significant distances for specialty care.

Highest uninsured rate in region

Butler County's uninsured rate of 9.3% is the highest in this analysis and significantly exceeds Kentucky's 7.0% average, meaning roughly 1 in 11 residents lack coverage. Combined with critical provider shortages (8 primary care, 154 mental health per 100,000), many residents face dual barriers to accessing care.

Coverage is urgent priority

Butler County's 9.3% uninsured rate demands immediate action—apply for Medicaid or marketplace coverage today if you're uninsured. Once covered, work with local health officials and care coordinators to navigate the provider access gaps affecting your community.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Butler County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Rural Education in Butler County

Butler County operates six schools serving 2,195 students under a single school district. The landscape includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools.

Elite Graduation Rates for Local Students

Butler County boasts a remarkable 97.0% graduation rate, one of the highest in the state. This performance is achieved with a per-pupil spend of $6,459 and results in a school score of 56.0, beating the state average.

Butler County District Spotlight

The Butler County district manages five primary schools and 2,195 students. There are no charter schools in the county, maintaining a focused investment in traditional public education.

A Small, Entirely Rural School Mix

Every school in Butler County is situated in a rural locale, with an average size of 439 students. Morgantown Elementary is the largest school with 700 students, while the Butler County Learning Center serves a tiny cohort of 12.

Discover Value Near Top Graduation Rates

Butler County's exceptional graduation rates are a major draw for home buyers. Explore residential opportunities in this quiet rural area to benefit from a high-achieving, single-district school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Butler County

via RiskByCounty

Butler County ranks among safest nationwide

Butler County's composite risk score of 18.13 and Very Low rating place it well below the national average of roughly 50. This low risk profile means residents enjoy substantially greater protection from natural disasters than most Americans.

One of Kentucky's safest counties

Butler County's score of 18.13 sits far below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, placing it among the commonwealth's safest counties. Residents here face significantly lower disaster exposure than the typical Kentuckian.

Safer than neighboring south-central counties

Butler County's Very Low rating outpaces the risk levels in surrounding south-central Kentucky counties. Its relatively gentle terrain and distance from major river systems shield it from the flooding and seismic hazards affecting nearby regions.

Earthquake risk is Butler's primary concern

Earthquake risk (66.95) is Butler County's highest hazard rating, followed by tornado risk (45.58) at moderate levels. Flood, wildfire, and hurricane risks all remain well below concerning thresholds, making this one of Kentucky's safest counties overall.

Standard insurance provides adequate protection

Butler County's low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance offers solid protection for most residents. Consider an earthquake rider for older homes, and conduct annual policy reviews to ensure coverage remains adequate for your property's current value.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Butler County

via WeatherByCounty

A High-Precipitation Climate

While annual temperature data is limited, Butler County is defined by its humid subtropical classification. It experiences robust rainfall typical of the American Southeast.

Wetter Than Most of Kentucky

Butler County receives 54.3 inches of annual precipitation, surpassing the state average of 50.6 inches. This high moisture level places it in the upper tier of Kentucky counties for rainfall.

Regional Snowfall Trends

The county averages 7.3 inches of snowfall per year, which is more than the 3.5 inches recorded in Bullitt. It maintains a wetter profile than many of its northern neighbors.

Significant Moisture Through Seasons

Though temperature data is unavailable, the 54.3 inches of rain indicates consistent moisture across the seasons. The 7.3 inches of snow suggests occasional winter weather impacts.

Manage for Damp Conditions

Residents should prepare for high annual rainfall by ensuring homes have robust waterproofing. Seasonal gear for both heavy rain and moderate snow is necessary.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Butler County

via SoilByCounty

Butler County's Soil Foundation

Public records do not currently specify the taxonomic order or average pH for this county. It is common for Kentucky soils to require amendments to reach the national median pH of 6.5.

Composition and Workability

Sand, silt, and clay percentages are not recorded for this specific area. Knowing your soil's texture is the best way to plan for irrigation and nutrient management.

Fertility and Organic Matter

Data for organic matter and water capacity is missing from this profile. Reaching the state average organic matter of 3.55% is a great goal for improving local soil health.

Water Flow and Drainage

Dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups are currently unlisted. Observing your land during heavy rain can help you identify areas that might need better drainage before planting.

Thriving in Zone 7a

Butler County is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. This zone provides a great opportunity to grow a wide range of vegetables, fruits, and flowers across a long season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Butler County

via LawnByCounty

Butler County's Humid Lawn Environment

Butler County scores 60.7 for lawn difficulty, placing it below the state average of 66.3. As part of Hardiness Zone 7a, the county offers a longer growing season but requires more management to keep turf healthy. It remains more favorable than the national median of 50.0, despite the local hurdles.

Wet Conditions Influence Mowing

Butler County is wetter than most of the state, receiving 54.3 inches of rain compared to the 50.4-inch Kentucky average. While this supports growth, it can also lead to fungal issues and difficult mowing conditions during rainy weeks. Maintaining your mower blades is crucial to handle the dense growth from all that moisture.

Handling High Moisture Soils

With 54.3 inches of rain, soil drainage becomes the top priority for Butler County homeowners. While specific local soil data is currently limited, testing for the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH is the best way to start your season. Improving drainage through core aeration will prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged during wet springs.

Navigating Summer Dry Spells

The county experienced 6 weeks of drought over the past year, though it currently reports 0.0% abnormally dry conditions. These dry spells can be jarring following the heavy 54.3-inch annual rainfall periods. Consistent, deep watering during these 6-week stretches is key to preventing the lawn from going dormant.

Choosing the Right Grass for Zone 7a

In Zone 7a, heat-tolerant grasses like Bermuda or Tall Fescue are excellent choices for Butler County. Because rainfall is high, ensure you seed during the late summer to avoid washout from heavy spring rains. A well-planned fall renovation will help your lawn handle the transitions between wet and dry months.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Butler County's county score?
Butler County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 67.9 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 Butler County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Butler County ranks #13 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 Butler County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Butler County is $594, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Butler County a tax score of 79.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Butler County?
The median household income in Butler County, Kentucky is $52,003 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Butler County earns an income score of 18.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Butler County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Butler County scores 67.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Butler 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 Butler 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.