countyscore
55
County Score
Water Quality 86Schools 75.2Property Tax 66.5

County Report Card

About Calloway County, Kentucky

Calloway County Ranks Above National Median

With a composite score of 55.0, Calloway County sits comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a community that offers better-than-average livability for its residents.

Just Below the Kentucky State Average

Calloway's 55.0 score trails the Kentucky state average of 58.6 by a few points. While it remains a solid place to live, it faces stiffer competition from other high-scoring counties in the Bluegrass State.

Strong Schools and High Water Quality

The county excels in education with a school score of 75.2 and maintains excellent water resources at 86.0. It offers a balanced tax environment with a moderate effective tax rate of 0.670%.

Managing Environmental Risk and Income Levels

Calloway struggles with an income score of 18.1 and a risk score of 24.7, indicating vulnerability to environmental hazards. The median household income of $51,854 reflects a lower earning potential than state and national leaders.

A Solid Choice for Families

The county's high school scores and excellent water quality make it an attractive spot for families prioritizing education. Residents must balance these benefits against lower local income levels and higher climate risks.

Score breakdown

Tax66.5Cost58.8Safety39.9Health50.9Schools75.2Income18.1Risk24.7Water86Weather64.3
🏛66.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠58.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡39.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤50.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓75.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡24.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤64.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱41.4
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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Deep Dives

Calloway County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Calloway County

via CrimeByCounty

Calloway Stays Safer Than National Norms

Calloway County maintains a safety score of 97.8, reflecting a secure environment for its residents. The total crime rate of 1,365.6 per 100,000 is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Comparing Calloway to State Averages

The county's total crime rate of 1,365.6 is higher than the Kentucky state average of 786.2. Consequently, its safety score of 97.8 sits one point below the state average of 98.8.

Regional Comparisons Show Moderate Crime

Calloway County reports more crime than neighboring Caldwell County but remains much safer than Christian County. Three reporting agencies coordinate to manage these local safety figures.

Violent Crime Remains Low Locally

Property crime represents the vast majority of local incidents at 1,250.5 per 100,000 people. Violent crime is relatively rare, occurring at a rate of 115.1 per 100,000 residents.

Stay Vigilant Against Property Theft

Because property crime is the main driver of local statistics, home security awareness is essential. Installing doorbell cameras can provide an extra layer of protection for Calloway households.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Calloway County

via SchoolsByCounty

Dual Districts Serve Calloway County

Calloway County supports 13 public schools and nearly 5,000 students across two distinct school districts. The system includes a diverse mix of four elementary, two middle, and five high schools.

Strong Outcomes and Robust Investment

The county boasts a 96.3% graduation rate, which is nearly 10 points higher than the national benchmark. With $7,700 spent per pupil, the county invests more than the state average and earns a competitive 58.4 school score.

Spotlight on Calloway and Murray Schools

The Calloway County district is the largest with 3,134 students, followed by Murray Independent which serves 1,849 students. No charter schools operate in the area, leaving education entirely to these two local districts.

A Blend of Town and Rural Living

Ten of the county's schools are located in town settings, while three remain rural, offering families different campus environments. Enrollment sizes vary widely, from Calloway County High's 856 students down to smaller specialized campuses.

Settling Down in Calloway County

With two high-performing districts to choose from, Calloway County is an ideal destination for education-focused families. Start your home search today to secure a spot in one of these top-rated Kentucky schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Calloway County

via WeatherByCounty

One of Kentucky's Warmest Zones

Calloway County averages 58.8°F, placing it among the warmer humid subtropical regions in the United States. It experiences more heat and rainfall than the typical American county.

Leading the State in Warmth

At 58.8°F, Calloway is significantly warmer than the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. It also receives 58.1 inches of rain, far exceeding the state norm of 50.6 inches.

Wetter and Warmer Than Peers

Calloway is both hotter and wetter than nearby Caldwell County. It faces 46 extreme heat days and significantly higher annual rainfall than the rest of the region.

Sultry Summers and Rainy Winters

July temperatures average 79.2°F, and the county records 46 days of extreme heat. Winters remain relatively warm with a December-February average of 38.9°F.

Rain and Heat Protection

Residents must plan for 58.1 inches of rain by maintaining strong drainage systems. High-efficiency cooling is also vital to manage the 46 days of 90°F weather.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Calloway County

via SoilByCounty

Limited Data on Calloway Grounds

Detailed taxonomic and pH data are currently unavailable for Calloway County. Without local measurements, we look to the state average pH of 5.80 as a likely baseline for this region.

Undefined Soil Textures

Current records do not specify the exact percentages of sand, silt, and clay for this area. Local growers should perform a jar test to determine if their specific plot leans toward heavy clay or loose sand.

Evaluating Growing Potential

Organic matter and water capacity data are not currently available in the system. While we lack these specific numbers, the region's historical agricultural success suggests a functional level of soil health.

Hydrology and Runoff Insights

Drainage classifications are not listed for Calloway County in the current database. Proper site-specific assessment is essential before planning large-scale drainage or construction projects.

Opportunity in Zone 7b

As a Hardiness Zone 7b region, Calloway County offers a slightly longer growing season than its northern neighbors. This climate is ideal for heat-loving plants like peppers and sweet potatoes, so get planting today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Calloway County

via LawnByCounty

Calloway's Unique Gardening Challenges

With a score of 41.4, Calloway County is one of the more challenging places in the state to maintain a pristine lawn. The Hardiness Zone 7b designation means longer growing seasons, but it also brings high humidity and heat that can punish traditional grasses.

Abundant Rainfall and High Degree Days

This area is exceptionally wet, receiving 58.1 inches of rain annually compared to the Kentucky average of 50.4 inches. While the 46 extreme heat days stress many varieties, the 4,670 growing degree days support vigorous growth for heat-tolerant warm-season grasses.

Personalized Testing for Local Success

Specific soil drainage and texture data are limited for this county, making a local soil test your most valuable tool. Understanding your specific site's pH and nutrient levels is the first step toward correcting the deficiencies that hinder lawn health.

Protecting Lawns During Prolonged Drought

The county has endured 19 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the area remains abnormally dry. Utilizing rain barrels and choosing drought-tolerant cultivars can help maintain green space during these frequent dry periods.

Seeding for Success in Zone 7b

Bermudagrass is a robust choice for the 46 annual heat days seen here. Aim to start your lawn after April 5 to avoid late frosts and ensure the grass is fully established before the first frost on November 1.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Calloway County's county score?
Calloway County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 55 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 Calloway County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Calloway County ranks #88 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 Calloway County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Calloway County is $1,215, with an effective tax rate of 0.67%. This earns Calloway County a tax score of 66.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Calloway County?
The median household income in Calloway County, Kentucky is $51,854 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Calloway County earns an income score of 18.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Calloway County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Calloway County scores 55/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #88 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Calloway 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 Calloway 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.