CountyScore

Calloway County

Kentucky · KY

#88 in Kentucky
68.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Calloway County, Kentucky

Calloway County performs well above national baseline

Calloway County's composite score of 74.5 places it in the 49th percentile nationally, outpacing the national median of 50.0 by a meaningful margin. The county combines reasonable tax rates, affordable housing, and moderate costs in a balanced livability profile. This upper-middle performance reflects solid fundamentals across measurable economic dimensions.

Calloway sits near Kentucky's state average

At 74.5, Calloway County's score falls just slightly below Kentucky's state average of 75.0, placing it squarely in the middle-to-upper range of the commonwealth's counties. The county maintains competitive positioning without standing out dramatically from peer communities. This makes Calloway a mainstream Kentucky option with familiar living costs and tax environments.

Manageable taxes and housing costs stand out

Calloway County scores well on tax burden (83.4) and housing affordability (82.1), with median home values of $181,200 and rent at $828 per month. The effective tax rate of 0.670% keeps more money in residents' pockets compared to national averages. These strengths appeal to those seeking financial predictability without premium pricing.

Incomes remain modest and data gaps persist

The income score of 17.2 reflects a median household income of just $51,854, among the lower figures in this county cohort. Safety, health, school quality, and environmental metrics are not yet available, which means a comprehensive livability assessment remains incomplete. These future data points may significantly shape the full picture of county quality of life.

Best for affordability seekers with flexible timelines

Calloway County appeals to individuals and families comfortable with modest incomes in exchange for manageable housing and tax costs. The county offers stability and predictability rather than rapid income growth or premium services. It's a sensible choice for those entering the housing market or living on fixed budgets.

Score breakdown

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

Tax83.4Cost82.1SafetyComing SoonHealth68.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome17.2Risk24.7WaterComing Soon
🏛83.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼17.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤68.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡24.7
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 Calloway County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Coffee County
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68.9
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Walker County
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Arkansas County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $60,831
Jackson County
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68.9
Median income: $41,215
Sevier County
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68.9
Median income: $51,641

Deep Dives

Calloway County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Calloway County

via TaxByCounty

Calloway's tax burden trails the nation

Calloway County's effective tax rate of 0.670% falls just below the national median of 0.72%, offering homeowners a modest advantage. With a median annual property tax of $1,215, Calloway residents pay less than half the national median of $2,690.

Middle-of-the-road taxes for Kentucky

Calloway County's 0.670% effective rate sits slightly below Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, placing it in the middle tier among the state's 120 counties. The median tax bill of $1,215 exceeds the state average of $1,093, reflecting higher home values in the county.

Slightly higher than nearby counties

Calloway's 0.670% rate exceeds Caldwell County's 0.523% and Carter County's 0.493%, but trails Campbell County's 1.064%. For the region, Calloway represents a moderate tax environment.

Calloway homeowner tax snapshot

The median Calloway home valued at $181,200 generates an annual property tax of approximately $1,215. Homeowners with mortgages face around $1,433 when factoring in insurance, while those without mortgages pay roughly $970.

Challenge your assessment value

Many Calloway homeowners pay inflated property taxes due to overassessments that don't reflect current market values. Filing an appeal with your county assessor is a simple way to potentially reduce your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Calloway County

via CostByCounty

Calloway renters face above-average affordability squeeze

At 19.2%, Calloway County's rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds the national benchmark and reflects strain on local households. Residents here earn just $51,854 annually while paying $828 monthly rent—meaning housing takes a larger bite than most Americans can comfortably manage.

Among Kentucky's tightest rental markets

Calloway's 19.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks worse than Kentucky's 17.0% state average, placing it in the more affordable-challenged category statewide. At $828 monthly, rents run $57 above the state median, squeezing working renters in this region.

Highest rents, lowest incomes nearby

Calloway faces the worst combination among peer counties: the second-highest rents ($828) paired with below-average incomes ($51,854). Only Christian County ($54,190 income, $999 rent) shows worse strain, making Calloway a cautionary case for renters on tight budgets.

Nearly one-fifth of income goes to rent

Calloway renters spend $828 monthly on rent—19.2% of the $51,854 median household income—leaving limited resources for food, healthcare, and savings. Homeowners pay $750 monthly, but with a median home value of $181,200, buying in requires substantial upfront capital most local households lack.

Calloway: weigh affordability against opportunity

Relocating to Calloway requires honest assessment—rents are elevated and incomes are lower than neighboring counties, tightening household budgets. Prospective residents should compare job prospects and salary potential here against nearby alternatives like Caldwell or Carter Counties before committing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Calloway County

via IncomeByCounty

Calloway trails both state and nation

Calloway County's median household income of $51,854 falls below Kentucky's state average of $55,909 by roughly $4,000, and lags the national median of $74,755 by nearly $23,000. The county earns about 69% of typical U.S. household income, placing it among lower-earning regions nationally.

Below-average rank within Kentucky

Calloway County ranks in the lower half of Kentucky's 120 counties for household income, reflecting economic challenges common to rural college-dependent communities. The county's per capita income of $29,862 closely mirrors the state average, but household income data suggests uneven earning distribution.

Struggles among regional peers

Calloway's $51,854 median household income ranks below nearby Caldwell County ($57,618) and significantly trails Campbell County ($77,271) and Carlisle County ($62,019). The county faces stiffer income headwinds than most immediate neighbors, requiring attention to workforce development.

Rental costs strain household budgets

Calloway's rent-to-income ratio of 19.2% approaches the affordability threshold, suggesting the median renting household spends about $831 monthly on rent. While home values of $181,200 are relatively high compared to median income, they present a stretch for buyers without substantial savings.

Strategic saving essential here

With below-average household income, Calloway residents should prioritize lower-cost wealth-building strategies like employer 401(k) matches and high-yield savings accounts before investing. A financial counselor can help navigate the gap between housing costs and income, exploring options like first-time homebuyer programs or shared housing arrangements.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Calloway County

via HealthByCounty

Beating national life expectancy averages

Calloway County residents live to 74.1 years, nearly three years longer than the U.S. average of 71.4 years. Just 20.0% report poor or fair health—better than the national rate of roughly 22%—signaling a notably healthier population. Calloway is among Kentucky's best-performing counties on longevity.

Kentucky's healthier-than-average county

At 74.1 years, Calloway County's life expectancy ranks in Kentucky's top tier, nearly two years above the state average of 72.2 years. The county's 20.0% poor/fair health rate is among the best in the state, placing residents well ahead of most Kentucky peers. Calloway stands out as a genuine bright spot for health outcomes.

Leading regional health rankings

Calloway's 74.1-year life expectancy significantly outpaces neighboring Caldwell (73.0 years) and far exceeds Carlisle (70.9 years) and Carroll (70.7 years). At 20.0% poor/fair health, Calloway residents report substantially better health status than nearby counties, many of which exceed 24%. The county's health advantage over its region is unmistakable.

Strong provider network, competitive coverage

With 48 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Calloway offers notably robust access to routine care, nearly double some neighboring counties. Mental health support is strong at 133 providers per 100,000, and just 7.2% of residents lack insurance—nearly at Kentucky's average. Most people can find both preventive and specialist care without major barriers.

Seven percent uninsured—close to state average

Calloway's 7.2% uninsured rate matches Kentucky's average of 7.0%, meaning most residents have insurance access but some gaps remain. Check healthcare.gov or kynect to confirm your coverage or find an affordable plan that fits your household. Even with good regional access, being insured makes every doctor's visit predictable and affordable.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Calloway County

via RiskByCounty

Calloway faces above-average disaster risk

Calloway County scores 75.35 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Low category but well above the national average. This means residents here contend with more frequent or intense natural hazards than typical Americans.

Among Kentucky's higher-risk counties

At 75.35, Calloway County scores 31 points above Kentucky's average of 44.21, ranking it in the upper tier of risk statewide. Few Kentucky counties face comparable multi-hazard exposure.

Riskier than nearby counties

Calloway County's 75.35 score exceeds Caldwell County (38.96) by more than double and surpasses Campbell County (58.33) by 17 points. Only Christian County (79.64) in this region carries notably higher composite risk.

Tornadoes and earthquakes lead threats

Tornado risk reaches 79.29—among the highest in the state—making spring severe weather season particularly dangerous for Calloway residents. Earthquake risk of 95.36 reflects the county's position near seismic zones, and flood risk at 50.67 poses seasonal threats.

Prepare for multiple disaster types

Calloway County residents need comprehensive coverage: standard homeowners insurance, a separate earthquake policy, and flood insurance if in a mapped floodplain. Build an emergency kit now and identify your tornado shelter before spring weather arrives.

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.