CountyScore

Caldwell County

Kentucky · KY

#16 in Kentucky
73.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Caldwell County, Kentucky

Caldwell County scores well above national norm

With a composite score of 78.3, Caldwell County ranks in the top 57th percentile nationally, well ahead of the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper tier of livability as measured by tax burden, housing costs, and income factors. Residents here benefit from one of the lowest tax environments in the country, with an effective tax rate of just 0.523%.

Caldwell exceeds Kentucky's average livability

Caldwell County's score of 78.3 outpaces Kentucky's state average of 75.0, positioning it in the upper half of the commonwealth's counties. This advantage reflects the county's particularly strong tax and cost competitiveness across the state. Among Kentucky counties measured, Caldwell stands out as a more affordable, lower-tax option.

Tax breaks and affordable housing are standouts

Caldwell County excels in tax efficiency (87.6) and housing affordability (85.7), with median home values at $113,500 and rent averaging just $724 per month. The county's 0.523% effective tax rate ranks among Kentucky's lowest, freeing up household resources. These dual advantages make Caldwell particularly attractive for cost-conscious families and retirees.

Income levels lag behind state peers

The county's income score of 21.0 reflects a median household income of $57,618, which trails several comparable Kentucky counties. Health, safety, school quality, and environmental data are not yet available, limiting a fuller picture of livability. As these dimensions are measured, a more complete assessment of quality of life will emerge.

Ideal for budget-minded families seeking value

Caldwell County suits families and retirees prioritizing affordability and low taxes over high incomes and urban amenities. The strong combination of minimal tax burden and accessible housing makes it an excellent choice for those stretching a modest budget. This is a county where your dollar goes further, even if earning potential is limited.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax87.6Cost85.7SafetyComing SoonHealth66SchoolsComing SoonIncome21Risk61.1WaterComing Soon
🏛87.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤66
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡61.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Caldwell County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Osceola County
Iowa
73.8
Median income: $69,138
Trego County
Kansas
73.8
Median income: $73,375
Clinton County
Kentucky
73.8
Median income: $42,168
Cumberland County
Kentucky
73.8
Median income: $39,662
Alcona County
Michigan
73.8
Median income: $53,568

Deep Dives

Caldwell County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Caldwell County

via TaxByCounty

Caldwell's tax rate ranks well nationally

At 0.523%, Caldwell County's effective property tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.72%, placing it in the bottom quartile for tax burden nationwide. Homeowners here pay just $594 annually on a median home valued at $113,500—less than a quarter of the national median property tax of $2,690.

Among Kentucky's lowest tax counties

Caldwell County ranks in the lower half of Kentucky's 120 counties by effective tax rate, with a 0.523% rate compared to the state average of 0.719%. This means Caldwell homeowners enjoy tax savings relative to most other Kentuckians.

Competitive with surrounding counties

Caldwell's 0.523% rate is lower than neighboring Calloway County (0.670%) and Christian County (0.714%), making it one of the most tax-friendly spots in the region. Only Carter County nearby matches this advantage with a comparable 0.493% rate.

What a Caldwell homeowner pays yearly

On the median home value of $113,500, a Caldwell County homeowner pays approximately $594 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, taxes and insurance can push that figure to around $895 per year.

Check if your home is overassessed

Even in a low-tax county like Caldwell, many homeowners are paying more than they should due to inflated property assessments. Consider filing an appeal with your local assessor if you believe your home's assessed value exceeds its fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Caldwell County

via CostByCounty

Caldwell's rent stays below national pressure

At 15.1%, Caldwell County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national average, giving renters more breathing room than most Americans. This county spends less of its income on rent than the typical U.S. household, even though median income here ($57,618) trails the national median ($74,755) by nearly $17,000.

More affordable than most Kentucky counties

Caldwell ranks among Kentucky's more affordable counties for renters, with a 15.1% rent-to-income ratio below the state average of 17.0%. The median rent of $724 also undercuts the state median by $47, creating pockets of genuine housing relief in western Kentucky.

Competitive rents across western Kentucky

Caldwell's $724 monthly rent is the lowest among its peer counties, beating Carter County ($701 is lower, correction: Carter at $701 is actually lowest), but Caldwell offers better median income ($57,618) than Carter ($50,389) and Casey ($41,689). Renters here get stable affordability without sacrificing earning potential.

Housing takes 15% of paychecks here

Caldwell renters spend about $724 monthly while homeowners carry $646 in mortgage costs—both well-aligned with the $57,618 median household income. This balanced split means residents have room for other essentials without housing crowding out their budgets.

Caldwell offers stable, affordable housing

If you're relocating from higher-cost regions, Caldwell County delivers solid affordability with median home values of $113,500 and rent-to-income ratios that won't strain your budget. Compare these figures to adjacent counties—you'll find Caldwell competitive on price while maintaining healthy household income levels.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Caldwell County

via IncomeByCounty

Caldwell earns above state, below nation

Caldwell County's median household income of $57,618 tops Kentucky's state average of $55,909 by nearly $1,700, but falls about $17,100 short of the national median of $74,755. This positions the county in the middle tier nationally, earning roughly 77% of what the typical American household brings home.

Strong showing in Kentucky rankings

Among Kentucky's 120 counties, Caldwell County ranks in the upper half for household income, outperforming most rural peers. The county's per capita income of $31,544 also exceeds the state average of $29,616, signaling solid earning power across the workforce.

Caldwell outpaces eastern neighbors

Caldwell's $57,618 median income comfortably beats nearby Carter County ($50,389) and Casey County ($41,689), though it trails the stronger markets of Campbell County ($77,271) to the north. Within its regional cluster, Caldwell is a solid performer with above-average stability.

Rent remains affordable for most

At 15.1%, Caldwell's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the 30% threshold considered affordable, meaning the typical renter household spends roughly $728 monthly on rent against median income. Home values averaging $113,500 remain accessible to households with down payments and stable mortgages.

Build savings with stable income

Caldwell's above-average household income creates room for financial planning; households earning near the median should prioritize building an emergency fund covering three to six months of expenses. Consider consulting a local financial advisor about retirement accounts, homeownership pathways, and wealth-building strategies suited to the county's economic landscape.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Caldwell County

via HealthByCounty

Living slightly longer than average

Caldwell County residents live to an average of 73.0 years, outpacing the U.S. average of 71.4 years by nearly two years. However, 22.4% of adults report poor or fair health, tracking close to national rates. This modest advantage suggests a healthier-than-average county population overall.

Ranking above Kentucky's average

At 73.0 years, Caldwell County's life expectancy ranks in the upper half of Kentucky counties and exceeds the state average of 72.2 years. The county's 22.4% poor/fair health rate is slightly better than most Kentucky peers. Caldwell is performing as one of the state's healthier communities.

Outperforming nearby counties

Caldwell's 73.0-year life expectancy edges out neighboring Carlisle County (70.9 years) and Carroll County (70.7 years), two of Kentucky's least healthy counties. With a 22.4% poor/fair health rate, Caldwell sits notably better than Carlisle's 24.0% and Carroll's 24.2%. The county's residents enjoy measurably better health outcomes than most regional peers.

Low uninsured rate, modest provider access

Just 6.8% of Caldwell residents lack health insurance—slightly below Kentucky's 7.0% average—giving most people a path to regular care. Primary care providers number 24 per 100,000 residents, which trails the state need, though 88 mental health providers per 100,000 ensure reasonable access to behavioral health support. Healthcare access remains workable but not abundant.

Six percent uninsured—explore your options

While Caldwell's uninsured rate of 6.8% is lower than Kentucky's average, nearly 1 in 17 residents still lack coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or Kentucky's kynect marketplace to compare plans and find subsidies that match your income. A quick enrollment can transform your access to preventive care and emergency protection.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Caldwell County

via RiskByCounty

Caldwell ranks well below national risk

Caldwell County's composite risk score of 38.96 places it in the Very Low category, significantly safer than the national average. This means residents face considerably fewer natural disaster threats than most Americans.

One of Kentucky's safest counties

Caldwell County's score of 38.96 ranks it well below Kentucky's state average of 44.21. Among the commonwealth's 120 counties, this western Kentucky county is among the lowest-risk communities.

Safest in its peer group

Caldwell County's 38.96 score makes it safer than nearby Calloway County (75.35) and much safer than Christian County to the south (79.64). It stands as a genuinely low-risk area within western Kentucky.

Earthquakes pose the main concern

Caldwell County's earthquake risk score of 86.01 is its highest hazard threat, reflecting the region's distance from major fault lines but moderate seismic exposure. Tornado risk at 61.16 presents a secondary but meaningful concern for spring severe weather season.

Focus coverage on earthquake and storms

Though Caldwell County is low-risk overall, homeowners should ensure their standard insurance covers earthquake damage—many policies exclude it. A weather radio and a reinforced safe room offer practical protection during tornado warnings.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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