Butler County's composite score of 78.5 tops the national median of 50.0 by 57%—the highest among these eight counties and a commanding position in national rankings. This exceptional score reflects remarkable efficiency in taxes and housing affordability.
2 / 5
Strongest Performer in Kentucky
Butler's 78.5 score significantly exceeds Kentucky's average of 75.0, making it the best-ranked county in this cohort statewide. It represents Kentucky livability at its most efficient and affordable.
3 / 5
Unmatched Tax and Cost Efficiency
Butler boasts the highest Tax Score (86.4) and near-best Cost Score (87.8) in this group, with a 0.563% effective tax rate (lowest), median rent at $688/month, and median home value of just $105,500. These combine for the most economical tax-and-housing package available.
4 / 5
Lowest Income Levels Offset Bargain Living
Butler's Income Score of 17.3 reflects a median household income of just $52,003—the lowest among these eight counties—creating challenges for high earners or those seeking wage growth. Safety, health, schools, and environmental quality data remain absent.
5 / 5
Paradise for Penny-Pinching Retirees
Butler County is purpose-built for retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, and those pursuing extreme financial frugality without local job dependence. It offers the deepest affordability and lowest taxes in this cohort—with the understanding that local wage opportunities are limited.
Butler County's composite score of 78.5 tops the national median of 50.0 by 57%—the highest among these eight counties and a commanding position in national rankings. This exceptional score reflects remarkable efficiency in taxes and housing affordability.
Strongest Performer in Kentucky
Butler's 78.5 score significantly exceeds Kentucky's average of 75.0, making it the best-ranked county in this cohort statewide. It represents Kentucky livability at its most efficient and affordable.
Unmatched Tax and Cost Efficiency
Butler boasts the highest Tax Score (86.4) and near-best Cost Score (87.8) in this group, with a 0.563% effective tax rate (lowest), median rent at $688/month, and median home value of just $105,500. These combine for the most economical tax-and-housing package available.
Lowest Income Levels Offset Bargain Living
Butler's Income Score of 17.3 reflects a median household income of just $52,003—the lowest among these eight counties—creating challenges for high earners or those seeking wage growth. Safety, health, schools, and environmental quality data remain absent.
Paradise for Penny-Pinching Retirees
Butler County is purpose-built for retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, and those pursuing extreme financial frugality without local job dependence. It offers the deepest affordability and lowest taxes in this cohort—with the understanding that local wage opportunities are limited.
Score breakdown
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🏛86.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.