countyscore
62.5
County Score
Safety 86Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 81.3

County Report Card

About Carlisle County, Kentucky

Carlisle County Boasts Superior Livability

Carlisle County achieves a 62.6 composite score, which is over 12 points higher than the national median. This reflects a highly stable environment with scores that dominate many comparable rural districts.

Beating the Kentucky State Average

The county's score of 62.6 comfortably outpaces the state average of 58.6. It represents one of the more resilient and affordable options within Kentucky's varied landscape.

Elite Safety and Low Environmental Risk

Safety is a hallmark here with an 86.0 score, mirrored by a strong 81.3 risk score for environmental stability. Residents enjoy great water quality and a very low median home value of $104,700.

Navigating Health Care Access Hurdles

Health outcomes are the county's primary challenge, scoring just 29.3. While incomes are moderate at $62,019, the tax score of 49.2 suggests there is a standard tax burden for the region.

Ideal for Those Seeking Peace

Carlisle County is an exceptional match for those prioritizing personal safety and environmental stability above all else. Its combination of low housing costs and high safety makes it a tranquil, affordable retreat.

Score breakdown

Tax49.2Cost69Safety86Health29.3Schools65.5Income45.4Risk81.3Water86Weather61.5
🏛49.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼45.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡86
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤29.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓65.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡81.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱52.7
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

Carlisle County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Carlisle County

via TaxByCounty

Carlisle taxes above national average

Carlisle County's effective tax rate of 0.847% exceeds the national median of 0.72%, placing it in the higher-tax category nationally. The median annual property tax of $887 on a home valued at $104,700 reflects this elevated burden.

Carlisle ranks among Kentucky's higher-tax counties

Carlisle County's 0.847% effective rate ranks above the Kentucky state average of 0.719%, placing it in the upper third of the state's 120 counties. The median tax of $887 runs below the state average of $1,093 due to lower median home values.

Higher than most regional peers

Carlisle's 0.847% rate exceeds Calloway County (0.670%), Caldwell (0.523%), and Carter (0.493%), but falls short of Campbell County's extreme 1.064%. It ranks among the pricier counties for regional property tax burden.

What Carlisle homeowners pay annually

On a median home value of $104,700, Carlisle County residents pay approximately $887 per year in property taxes. With mortgage and insurance, that figure rises to around $1,094 for typical homeowners.

Review your assessed property value

Carlisle County's above-average tax rate makes assessment verification especially worthwhile for homeowners. If your property's assessed value appears inflated relative to market comparables, filing an appeal could deliver meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Carlisle County

via CostByCounty

Carlisle County stays within affordable bounds

At 15.3%, Carlisle County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below national norms, despite median income ($62,019) lagging the U.S. average by $12,736. Residents enjoy solid affordability, with the median rent of $792 consuming just over a seventh of household earnings.

Better than Kentucky's rental average

Carlisle's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio beats Kentucky's 17.0% state average, placing it among the state's more rental-friendly markets. At $792 monthly, Carlisle rents run slightly above the state median of $771 but remain well-balanced against local incomes.

Competitive rents with solid income support

Carlisle's $792 rent falls in the middle range among peer counties, but its $62,019 median income ranks above several neighbors, including Calloway, Carter, and Casey. This combination delivers above-average affordability ratios while maintaining healthier earning power than rural southern Kentucky counties.

Balanced housing costs across renters and owners

Carlisle renters pay $792 monthly (15.3% of the $62,019 income) while homeowners spend $678—among the lowest owner costs in the group. With median home values of $104,700, both renters and homeowners find balanced costs that align with local earning capacity.

Carlisle delivers steady housing stability

Relocating to Carlisle puts you in a balanced housing market where affordability ratios stay competitive and incomes remain stronger than many rural alternatives. Compare Carlisle's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio and $104,700 median home value to adjacent counties—you'll find consistent, sustainable housing economics.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Carlisle County

via IncomeByCounty

Carlisle income beats state, trails nation

Carlisle County's median household income of $62,019 exceeds Kentucky's state average of $55,909 by about $6,100, yet falls roughly $12,700 short of the national median of $74,755. The county earns approximately 83% of typical U.S. household income, positioning it solidly in the middle tier.

Upper-middle rank in Kentucky

Among Kentucky's 120 counties, Carlisle County ranks in the top third for household income, well above the state norm. The county's per capita income of $33,860 also surpasses the state average of $29,616, indicating broadly distributed earning power.

Carlisle leads nearby rural counties

Carlisle's $62,019 median household income outperforms most immediate neighbors, including Caldwell ($57,618), Carroll ($57,753), and Casey ($41,689). Only Campbell County ($77,271) significantly exceeds Carlisle in the region, making Carlisle a relatively strong economic performer.

Affordability strong across housing types

Carlisle's rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% ranks among the most affordable in the survey, with typical renters spending approximately $787 monthly. Home values of $104,700 are well within reach for median-earning households, offering stable homeownership prospects.

Build on solid income foundation

Carlisle County's above-average household income and low housing cost burden create opportunity for meaningful savings and investment. Residents should explore employer retirement plans, home equity building, and diversified investing to compound wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Carlisle County

via CrimeByCounty

Carlisle County is Exceptionally Safe

Carlisle County boasts a near-perfect safety score of 99.5. Its total crime rate of 313.7 per 100,000 residents is roughly seven times lower than the national average.

Outperforming the Kentucky Safety Average

Carlisle's safety score of 99.5 easily beats the state average of 98.8. It is one of the most peaceful counties in the Commonwealth, reporting only 313.7 crimes per 100,000 people.

A Safety Leader Among Neighbors

Carlisle County is significantly safer than nearby Caldwell and Calloway counties. Its crime rate is a fraction of what is seen in more populated neighboring areas.

Zero Reported Violent Crimes

In a remarkable statistic, Carlisle reported a violent crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 in 2022. Every reported incident was a property crime, totaling just 313.7 per 100,000 residents.

Maintaining the Standard of Safety

While crime is extremely low, residents should continue basic safety practices to prevent property theft. Simple measures like community watch programs help keep Carlisle exceptionally secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Carlisle County

via HealthByCounty

Below national average life expectancy

Carlisle County residents live to 70.9 years, falling nearly a year short of the U.S. average of 71.4 years. With 24.0% reporting poor or fair health, Carlisle exceeds national rates significantly, indicating population-wide health challenges. The county faces mounting chronic disease and mortality pressures relative to the nation.

Struggling compared to Kentucky peers

At 70.9 years, Carlisle County's life expectancy ranks in Kentucky's bottom quarter, falling 1.3 years below the state average of 72.2 years. The 24.0% poor/fair health rate exceeds most state peers, placing Carlisle among the least healthy Kentucky counties. Residents here face health disadvantages relative to the state norm.

Among region's least healthy counties

Carlisle's 70.9-year life expectancy trails Caldwell (73.0 years) and Calloway (74.1 years) significantly and matches Carroll (70.7 years) as the region's worst. At 24.0% poor/fair health, only Carroll and Casey counties report higher rates, placing Carlisle in the regional health basement. The county's health crisis mirrors its neighbors'.

Moderate uninsured rate, limited mental health data

Carlisle's uninsured rate of 8.3% exceeds Kentucky's 7.0% average, meaning over 1 in 12 residents lack coverage for routine care. While 42 primary care providers per 100,000 offer reasonable access, mental health provider data is unavailable—a gap in understanding behavioral health capacity. Primary care access exists, but insurance gaps and mental health resources need assessment.

Eight percent uninsured—find your plan

Carlisle's 8.3% uninsured rate means nearly 1 in 12 residents face healthcare barriers that preventable illness and financial crisis can exploit. Visit healthcare.gov or Kentucky's kynect marketplace to find a plan within your budget and gain peace of mind. Insurance is the foundation for managing health in a county facing chronic disease challenges.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Carlisle County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Learning in a Compact District

Carlisle County operates a streamlined system of just three schools: one elementary, one middle, and one high school. This single-district setup serves a total student body of 759.

High Performance with Lean Spending

The county maintains a 95.0% graduation rate, exceeding the state average of 93.8%. Despite per-pupil spending of $7,198 being well below the national average, the county achieves a solid school score of 56.6.

The Carlisle County Community District

The Carlisle County School District manages every public school student in the county. There are currently no charter schools, ensuring all 759 students benefit from the same local resources.

Small-Town Feel in Rural Schools

All three schools are situated in rural locales, fostering a close-knit environment where the average school size is only 253 students. Carlisle County Elementary is the largest with 409 students, while the middle school is the smallest at 146.

Join the Carlisle County Community

For families looking for a small, personal school environment without sacrificing graduation success, Carlisle County is a perfect fit. Explore homes in the area to find your place in this tight-knit community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Carlisle County

via RiskByCounty

Carlisle County is extremely low-risk

Carlisle County's score of 18.73 ranks in the Very Low category, placing it far below the national average for disaster risk. This western Kentucky county is among the safest places in the nation from natural hazards.

Kentucky's lowest-risk county

At 18.73, Carlisle County scores 25 points below Kentucky's average of 44.21—the lowest composite score in the state. Residents enjoy exceptionally low exposure to natural disasters compared to peers statewide.

Safest county in western Kentucky

Carlisle County's 18.73 is dramatically lower than Calloway (75.35), Christian (79.64), and Caldwell (38.96) counties in the region. Only Carroll County (23.41) comes close to matching its extraordinarily low risk profile.

Earthquake risk is primary concern

Even at 86.20, earthquake risk is Carlisle County's highest hazard, though earthquakes remain rare and typically mild in Kentucky. Tornado risk of 30.47 is notably low compared to state norms, and other hazards present minimal threat.

Standard coverage handles local risks

Carlisle County residents can focus on standard homeowners insurance without extreme concern about specialized disaster policies. A basic emergency kit and household plan for severe weather provide adequate preparation for this low-risk area.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Carlisle County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Southern Heat Patterns

Carlisle County averages 58.2°F annually, reflecting its position in the warm humid subtropical zone. Its temperature profile is several degrees warmer than the national median.

Warmth Above the Kentucky Average

The county's average temperature of 58.2°F is exactly 2.0 degrees higher than the state average. This places it in the upper bracket of Kentucky's warmest counties.

A Regional Peak for Heat

Carlisle sees 48 days of extreme heat, nearly matching Caldwell but far exceeding central Kentucky. While precipitation data is limited, the temperature profile suggests a very hot summer cycle.

Kentucky's Hottest July Average

July reaches a peak average of 79.4°F, which is higher than its regional neighbors. Despite the summer heat, winter averages remain cool at 37.8°F.

Plan for Sustained Heat

Summer safety is paramount with 48 days over 90°F, requiring reliable cooling and hydration. Residents should prepare for significant energy use during the peak July heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Carlisle County

via SoilByCounty

Western Kentucky Soil Profiles

Carlisle County lacks specific pH and taxonomic data in the current regional survey. In the absence of local data, the Kentucky state average pH of 5.80 serves as a useful starting point for soil preparation.

Compositional Data Unavailable

The balance of sand, silt, and clay is not yet documented for this county. These ratios dictate how well your soil breathes and holds water, making local testing a priority for serious growers.

Assessing the Nutrients

Organic matter content and water capacity data are currently unavailable for this area. Adding organic amendments is generally recommended to improve soil structure across the Commonwealth.

Unknown Hydrologic Status

Drainage class and hydrologic group information are missing from the current county profile. Local observation remains the best tool for identifying wet spots or rapid runoff on your property.

Gardening in Zone 7a

The 7a hardiness zone provides a versatile environment for a wide range of perennials and vegetables. Start your garden journey now and take advantage of the long, warm Kentucky summers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Carlisle County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Summer Heat in Carlisle

Carlisle County's lawn score of 52.7 is slightly better than the national median but falls behind the Kentucky state average. Homeowners in this 7a zone must balance moderate winters with challenging summer heat to keep their yards healthy.

Long Seasons and High Summer Heat

High summer temperatures are a major factor here, with the county recording 48 extreme heat days annually. The 4,528 growing degree days suggest a long growing season that requires a consistent mowing schedule and vigilant weed management.

Testing Your Local Earth

Local soil composition data is not currently recorded for the county, so a DIY test kit is highly recommended. Knowing your soil's drainage capacity and pH level will help you decide between installing a rain garden or a traditional lawn.

Mitigating Dry Spells in Western Kentucky

Roughly 100% of the county is currently abnormally dry, following 13 weeks of drought over the last year. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn provides a natural moisture barrier and returns vital nitrogen to the soil during dry spells.

Establishing Resilience in Zone 7a

Heat-tolerant Tall Fescue is the gold standard for this region's 7a climate. Plan your planting between the last spring frost on April 6 and the first fall frost on October 30 for the most reliable results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carlisle County's county score?
Carlisle County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 62.5 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 Carlisle County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Carlisle County ranks #42 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 Carlisle County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Carlisle County is $887, with an effective tax rate of 0.85%. This earns Carlisle County a tax score of 49.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Carlisle County?
The median household income in Carlisle County, Kentucky is $62,019 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Carlisle County earns an income score of 45.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Carlisle County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Carlisle County scores 62.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #42 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Carlisle 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 Carlisle 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.