countyscore
63.9
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 83.7Cost of Living 79.5

County Report Card

About Caldwell County, Kentucky

Caldwell County Outperforms National Benchmarks

Caldwell County earns a composite score of 63.9, placing it significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This strong performance suggests a higher quality of life than many other rural American communities.

Exceeding the Kentucky State Average

The county's overall score of 63.9 beats the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It stands out as a high-performer in the region, offering a balanced profile compared to many neighboring areas.

Exceptional Affordability and High Water Quality

Caldwell shines in tax efficiency with an 83.7 score and high water quality at 86.0. Homeowners benefit from a low effective tax rate of 0.523% and a median home value of just $113,500.

Growth Opportunities in Income and Health

The county faces hurdles in its income score, which sits at 32.1 with a median household income of $57,618. Health outcomes also lag behind other metrics, recording a dimension score of 43.3.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Homeowners

Caldwell County is a premier choice for retirees or remote workers looking to minimize their cost of living while maximizing home ownership value. The combination of low taxes and high resource quality makes it a stable, affordable haven.

Score breakdown

Tax83.7Cost79.5Safety57Health43.3Schools60.5Income32.1Risk61.1Water86Weather62.4
🏛83.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠79.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡57
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤43.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓60.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡61.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤62.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨59.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱55.5
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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Nearby counties

Lyon County
Kentucky
63.7
Crittenden County
Kentucky
63.7
Hopkins County
Kentucky
50.9
Webster County
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Christian County
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Trigg County
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Livingston County
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Marshall County
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Deep Dives

Caldwell County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Caldwell County

via CrimeByCounty

Caldwell County Outperforms National Safety Averages

Caldwell County earns a high safety score of 98.4 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 989.4 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

A Strong Contender in Kentucky Safety

While the county is remarkably safe, its safety score of 98.4 is just slightly below the Kentucky state average of 98.8. The local crime rate exceeds the state average by roughly 200 incidents per 100,000 people.

Measuring Safety Against Regional Neighbors

Caldwell is significantly safer than Christian County to the south, which sees 2,352.7 crimes per 100,000 residents. However, it trails the exceptional safety levels found in nearby Carlisle County.

Property Crimes Drive Local Statistics

Property crime accounts for 902.3 of the total 989.4 incidents per 100,000 residents. The violent crime rate stands at 87.1, which is slightly higher than the state average of 78.1.

Securing Homes in Caldwell County

With property crime as the primary concern, residents should prioritize home security systems. Simple upgrades like motion-sensor lighting can deter opportunistic theft effectively.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Caldwell County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Education in Caldwell County

A single school district manages five total public schools, serving a community of 1,891 students. The infrastructure includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools.

High Graduation Rates and Efficient Spending

Caldwell County achieves an impressive 97.0% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the national average of 87%. While per-pupil spending sits at $6,428, the county's school score of 56.0 remains slightly above the Kentucky state average.

The Caldwell County District Advantage

The Caldwell County School District operates as the sole provider for the region, overseeing all 1,891 enrolled students. There are currently zero charter schools in the county, maintaining a traditional public school focus.

A Rural Learning Environment

Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating a consistent and tight-knit educational atmosphere. Schools average 473 students each, ranging from Caldwell County High School with 544 students to the elementary school with 403.

Make Your Home Near Top Schools

For families seeking a rural lifestyle with proven academic results, this area offers a high-performing and stable district. Explore local real estate to find the perfect home within this dedicated school community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Caldwell County

via WeatherByCounty

Steamy Southern Climate Patterns

Caldwell County averages 58.6°F annually, making it significantly warmer than the national median. This climate is characterized by long, hot summers and relatively mild winters.

High Heat Rank in Kentucky

The county's 58.6°F average is well above the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. It is one of the warmest counties in the Commonwealth, particularly in terms of summer intensity.

Extreme Heat Outlook

Caldwell experiences 49 days over 90°F, more than doubling the heat days of northern Kentucky counties. Its 50.9 inches of rain is nearly identical to the state average.

Intense Summers, Mild Winters

July averages a hot 78.5°F, and the county sees nearly 50 days of extreme heat. Winters are gentle by comparison, with a February average of 39.0°F.

Budget for Cooling Costs

With 49 days reaching 90°F, residents must prioritize HVAC maintenance and energy efficiency. Winter preparations are less urgent given the mild 8.5 inches of annual snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Caldwell County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles with a Kentucky Lean

Caldwell County soils feature an average pH of 5.90, sitting just above the state average of 5.80. While it is more acidic than the national median of 6.5, the land maintains a solid soil score of 59.1. Information on taxonomic order remains unavailable for this region.

A Heavily Silted Ground

The soil composition is dominated by 68.6% silt, creating a smooth texture that is easy to work. With 20.2% clay and 11.2% sand, this mix suggests good nutrient retention though it may require careful management to avoid compaction.

High Water Capacity, Lower Organic Matter

At 2.02%, the organic matter content falls well below the state average of 3.55%. However, the available water capacity of 0.199 in/in exceeds the state benchmark of 0.186, helping crops survive dry spells.

Managing the Flow

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not currently recorded in the local dataset. Given the high silt content, farmers should monitor for surface crusting during heavy rains to ensure proper moisture penetration.

Thriving in Zone 7a

The county sits in Hardiness Zone 7a, a sweet spot for long-season vegetables and hearty grains. Grab your shovel and start a garden, as these silt-heavy soils provide a reliable foundation for your backyard harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Caldwell County

via LawnByCounty

Balancing Heat and Rainfall in Caldwell

Caldwell County earns a lawn difficulty score of 55.5, which is slightly better than the national average but below the Kentucky state average of 66.3. Its position in Hardiness Zone 7a creates a environment where both warm-season and cool-season grasses can struggle with summer transitions.

Managing High Heat and Heavy Rain

The county receives 50.9 inches of annual precipitation, slightly exceeding the ideal range for many turfgrasses. However, 49 extreme heat days each year—significantly more than the state average of 30—stress lawns and require careful irrigation management during the peak of summer.

Correcting Acidic Soil for Better Growth

With a soil pH of 5.90, Caldwell's earth is slightly more acidic than the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for healthy lawns. The soil's 20.2% clay and 11.2% sand content means homeowners may need to add lime and organic matter to improve nutrient uptake and structure.

Navigating Abnormally Dry Conditions

Currently, 100% of the county is classified as abnormally dry, and local lawns have weathered 7 weeks of drought over the past year. Deep, infrequent watering early in the morning helps grass roots grow deeper to survive these dry spells without wasting water.

Timing Your 7a Lawn Success

Tall fescue and Zoysia are excellent choices for this climate when seeded after the last spring frost on April 11. Gardeners should aim to establish new turf before the first fall frost arrives around October 24 to ensure winter survival.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Caldwell County's county score?
Caldwell County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 63.9 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 Caldwell County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Caldwell County ranks #34 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 Caldwell County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Caldwell County is $594, with an effective tax rate of 0.52%. This earns Caldwell County a tax score of 83.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Caldwell County?
The median household income in Caldwell County, Kentucky is $57,618 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Caldwell County earns an income score of 32.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Caldwell County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Caldwell County scores 63.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #34 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Caldwell 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 Caldwell County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.