CountyScore

Carroll County

Kentucky · KY

#51 in Kentucky
71.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Carroll County, Kentucky

Carroll County ranks solidly in national livability

Carroll County's composite score of 74.3 positions it in the 49th percentile nationally, surpassing the national median of 50.0 and indicating above-average livability. The county's balanced strengths in tax burden and housing costs create a value proposition that resonates with cost-conscious households. This ranking reflects steady fundamentals across economic indicators.

Carroll matches Kentucky's state livability average

At 74.3, Carroll County scores nearly perfectly aligned with Kentucky's state average of 75.0, placing it in the mainstream of the commonwealth's counties. The county represents a typical Kentucky livability experience without dramatic advantages or disadvantages. This consistency makes Carroll a predictable option for those relocating within the state.

Low taxes and affordable housing create value

Carroll County excels with a tax score of 81.0 (effective rate: 0.756%) and cost score of 82.5, delivering strong affordability on both fronts. Median home values of $129,800 and rent at $853 per month remain accessible for working families. These advantages combine to minimize housing and tax strain on household budgets.

Limited income growth and incomplete data picture

The income score of 21.1 with median household income of $57,753 suggests modest earning potential without robust growth opportunities. Health, safety, school quality, and environmental data are not yet available, leaving gaps in the livability assessment. A complete evaluation will require these future measurements.

Suited for families seeking stability and affordability

Carroll County serves families and retirees seeking a mainstream Kentucky experience with strong cost controls and reasonable taxes. The county offers financial predictability and accessibility without premium amenities or earning potential. This is a solid choice for those prioritizing budget efficiency and stable, familiar living conditions.

Score breakdown

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

Tax81Cost82.5SafetyComing SoonHealth62.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome21.1Risk76.6WaterComing Soon
🏛81
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤62.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡76.6
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 Carroll County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Bullock County
Alabama
71.5
Median income: $36,723
Cherokee County
Alabama
71.5
Median income: $50,769
Bradley County
Arkansas
71.5
Median income: $39,565
Franklin County
Arkansas
71.5
Median income: $51,919
Fulton County
Arkansas
71.5
Median income: $38,941

Deep Dives

Carroll County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Carroll County

via TaxByCounty

Carroll taxes track with national average

Carroll County's effective tax rate of 0.756% sits just slightly above the national median of 0.72%, making it broadly comparable to tax rates nationwide. Homeowners pay a median of $982 annually on a median home valued at $129,800.

Carroll runs slightly above Kentucky average

Carroll County's 0.756% effective rate exceeds the Kentucky state average of 0.719%, positioning it in the middle-to-upper tier of the state's 120 counties. The median tax bill of $982 falls slightly below the state average of $1,093.

Moderate taxes in its region

Carroll's 0.756% rate sits between Caldwell (0.523%) and Christian County (0.714%), placing it in the moderate range for the area. It remains significantly lower than Campbell County's 1.064% rate.

Carroll homeowner annual tax bill

The median Carroll County home valued at $129,800 generates approximately $982 in annual property taxes. Including mortgage and insurance, homeowners typically face around $1,184 per year.

Homeowners should verify assessments

Even counties with moderate tax rates can have overassessed properties that inflate tax bills unnecessarily. Carroll homeowners should compare their assessed value to similar properties sold recently and file an appeal if their assessment appears high.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Carroll County

via CostByCounty

Carroll County rents strain more than national average

At 17.7%, Carroll County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national benchmark, signaling rental pressure despite median income ($57,753) below the U.S. average. The $853 monthly rent consumes a noticeably larger share of household income than typical American renters face.

Above state average affordability pressure

Carroll's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Kentucky's 17.0% state average, placing it squarely in the state's more strained rental markets. At $853, Carroll rents run $82 above the state median, creating measurable affordability challenges for renters earning $57,753 annually.

Mid-range costs with mid-range incomes

Carroll's $853 rent is higher than western counties like Caldwell ($724) and Carter ($701) but lower than Christian ($999) and Calloway ($828). Its $57,753 income falls between these peers, making Carroll neither the most nor least affordable but squarely in the challenged middle.

Rent takes nearly one-fifth of paychecks

Carroll renters pay $853 monthly—17.7% of the $57,753 median household income—leaving tight margins for other necessities. Homeowners spend $690, creating a $163 monthly gap that reflects broader affordability pressures affecting renters more acutely than buyers.

Carroll requires budget discipline from renters

If you're relocating as a renter, Carroll County demands careful budget planning given its 17.7% rent-to-income ratio. Prospective residents should prioritize income stability and compare Carroll's rental market to nearby Caldwell ($724 rent, 15.1% ratio) or Carlisle ($792 rent, 15.3% ratio) for potentially better affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Carroll County

via IncomeByCounty

Carroll slightly above state average

Carroll County's median household income of $57,753 edges above Kentucky's state average of $55,909 by roughly $1,850, but lags the national median of $74,755 by about $17,000. The county earns approximately 77% of typical U.S. household income, ranking in the lower-middle tier nationally.

Solid mid-tier rank in Kentucky

Carroll County places comfortably above Kentucky's median for household income, ranking in the upper-middle tier among the state's 120 counties. Per capita income of $29,904 essentially matches the state average, suggesting a fairly even income distribution.

Carroll competitive with regional peers

Carroll's $57,753 median household income runs nearly identical to nearby Caldwell ($57,618) and Carlisle ($62,019), positioning it as a solid regional performer. The county trails Campbell County ($77,271) but outpaces lower-income peers like Casey ($41,689) and Carter ($50,389).

Rent cost climbing toward threshold

Carroll's rent-to-income ratio of 17.7% approaches the 20% caution level, meaning typical renters spend roughly $852 monthly against median income. Home values of $129,800 remain accessible but require disciplined savings and stable employment for most first-time buyers.

Strategic planning pays off here

Carroll County residents should prioritize building emergency savings before investing, given moderate income and rising rental costs. Explore first-time homebuyer programs, employer retirement match programs, and low-cost index funds as building blocks for longer-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Carroll County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy well below U.S. average

Carroll County residents live to just 70.7 years, nearly a full year shorter than the U.S. average of 71.4 years. With 24.2% reporting poor or fair health, Carroll exceeds national rates substantially, reflecting serious population-wide chronic disease burden. The county faces acute health equity challenges relative to the nation.

Among Kentucky's least healthy counties

At 70.7 years, Carroll County ranks in Kentucky's bottom tier for life expectancy, trailing the state average of 72.2 years by 1.5 years. The 24.2% poor/fair health rate places Carroll among the worst in Kentucky, indicating systemic health disadvantages. Residents here contend with significantly worse health outcomes than their state peers.

Regional health crisis alongside Carlisle

Carroll's 70.7-year life expectancy ties with Carlisle County (70.9 years) as the region's lowest and lags Caldwell (73.0 years) by over two years. At 24.2% poor/fair health, only Casey County (29.5%) reports worse health status in this group, placing Carroll near the bottom regionally. The county faces mounting health challenges parallel to its neighbors'.

Below-average coverage and provider access

Carroll's 6.8% uninsured rate matches Caldwell but still means 1 in 15 residents lack insurance coverage. With only 28 primary care providers per 100,000—below many neighboring counties—and 91 mental health providers per 100,000, healthcare access here faces real constraints. Both insurance and provider shortages hamper residents' ability to manage health proactively.

One in fifteen lack coverage—enroll today

Carroll's 6.8% uninsured rate means hundreds of residents navigate illness without insurance safety nets in a county already facing chronic disease challenges. Visit healthcare.gov or kynect to compare plans and find subsidies tailored to your income and family size. Coverage is essential in a community where preventable illness and health crises hit harder.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Carroll County

via RiskByCounty

Carroll ranks among America's safest

Carroll County's composite score of 23.41 places it in the Very Low category, well below the national average for disaster risk. This northern Kentucky county offers one of the nation's lowest natural hazard exposure profiles.

Second-lowest risk in Kentucky

At 23.41, Carroll County scores 21 points below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, ranking second-lowest in the commonwealth. Only Carlisle County (18.73) has comparable safety from natural disasters.

Safest in northern Kentucky

Carroll County's 23.41 score is substantially lower than Campbell County (58.33) to the east and Caldwell County (38.96) to the west. It stands as the lowest-risk county among its northern and western Kentucky peers.

Tornado and flood risks are moderate

Carroll County's tornado risk of 57.79 is its highest hazard score but still below state average, posing minimal threat during spring storm season. Flood risk at 41.67 reflects the county's river valleys but remains manageable compared to regional neighbors.

Basic preparation covers local needs

Carroll County homeowners benefit from low overall risk, so standard homeowners insurance provides solid coverage for typical hazards. A weather radio and basic emergency supplies offer sufficient protection for this very low-risk area.

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.