countyscore
59.7
County Score
Schools 79.5Disaster Risk 76.6Safety 71.4

County Report Card

About Carroll County, Kentucky

Carroll County Ranks Well Above Median

Carroll County earns a composite score of 59.7, nearly ten points above the national median of 50.0. This puts it in the upper tier of American counties for overall livability.

Slightly Above the Kentucky Average

The county's 59.7 score edges out the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It offers a consistent quality of life that mirrors the better-performing sections of the state.

Exceptional Schools and Low Risk

Carroll County thrives in education with a school score of 79.5 and provides high safety at 71.4. Environmental hazards are also low, as evidenced by a 76.6 risk score.

Health Outcomes and Water Quality

Water quality is a notable concern with a score of 37.5, and health outcomes follow suit at 34.3. These factors, alongside a lower income score of 32.3, highlight areas where infrastructure and services could improve.

A Balanced Option for Families

Carroll County is best suited for families who value top-tier public schools and personal safety. While health and water metrics need attention, the affordable housing and safe environment offer a strong foundation.

204060801005760.871.434.379.532.376.637.560.3Tax57Cost60.8Safety71.4Health34.3Schools79.5Income32.3Risk76.6Water37.5Weather60.359.7/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Carroll County DNA

Foverall

How Carroll County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Carroll County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (76.6/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (37.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
57
Cost
60.8+12.799999999999997
Safety
71.4+16.400000000000006
Health
34.3-15.700000000000003
Schools
79.5+25.5
Income
32.3-18.700000000000003
Risk
76.6+29.599999999999994
Water
37.5-20.5
Weather
60.3
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Carroll County?

Many homeowners in Carroll County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$129,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$853/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$129,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $57,753/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

18.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Switzerland County
Indiana
67.8
Trimble County
Kentucky
63.7
Henry County
Kentucky
51.7
Gallatin County
Kentucky
59.1
Jefferson County
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Owen County
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62.1
Ohio County
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Oldham County
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57.2

Deep Dives

Carroll County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Carroll County

via CrimeByCounty

Carroll County Maintains High Safety

Carroll County earns an impressive safety score of 98.9. The total crime rate of 682.5 per 100,000 residents is far below the national average of 2,385.5.

Carroll Exceeds Kentucky Safety Averages

The county’s safety score of 98.9 sits just above the state average of 98.8. Its total crime rate of 682.5 is also lower than the Kentucky average of 786.2.

Consistently Safe Regional Profile

Carroll County is safer than neighboring Campbell County and tracks closely with the safest regions in the state. Two reporting agencies effectively manage the county's public safety.

Understanding Carroll's Crime Statistics

Violent crime is low at 73.8 per 100,000 people, which is better than the state average. Property crime accounts for 608.7 incidents per 100,000 residents.

Easy Steps for Home Security

Residents can help maintain this high safety score by securing outbuildings and vehicles. Visible security signs and well-lit perimeters are effective deterrents against property crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Carroll County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse School Levels in Carroll County

Carroll County manages eight public schools for an enrollment of 2,040 students within a single district. The structure includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and four high schools.

Top-Tier Scores and Graduation Rates

The county earns an impressive 59.3 school score, the highest in the immediate region. With a 97.0% graduation rate and $7,946 spent per pupil, Carroll County demonstrates a strong commitment to student success.

A Unified School District Focus

The Carroll County district oversees all 2,040 students, providing a consistent educational experience from preschool through graduation. No charter schools exist in the county, keeping all public funding within the local district.

Town-Centered Schools with Mid-Size Classes

Every school in the county is located in a town setting, offering a centralized community hub for families. Carroll County Middle School is the largest campus with 590 students, while the average school size remains manageable at 408.

Invest in a High-Scoring School District

With some of the highest school scores in the area, Carroll County is a premier choice for relocating families. Find a home near these town-based campuses to give your children a head start in a top-performing district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Carroll County

via WaterByCounty

High Violation Rate Reported

Carroll County currently holds an "F" grade due to 5 health violations over the last five years. Its violation rate of 38.5 per 100,000 residents is higher than the Kentucky state average of 35.7.

Natural Waters Meet Standards

Despite drinking water challenges, all 5 assessed water bodies in the county showed 0.0% impairment in the 2022 cycle. These streams are currently meeting Clean Water Act standards for their natural ecological health.

Focus on Biological Health

Monitoring is active at 4 sites, with 616 measurements taken over the last five years. Data collection emphasizes nutrients and biological indicators, including fish surveys, to monitor the county's aquatic life.

No Live Streamflow Data

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage providing live flow data for Carroll County. Residents should focus on drinking water compliance reports as the primary tool for assessing current water safety.

Enhance Your Home Filtration

Given the higher-than-average violation rate, residents should closely review their annual consumer confidence reports. Using a certified home water filter can help address potential contaminants identified in recent health violations.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Carroll County

via SoilByCounty

Uncharted Territory on the Ohio

Carroll County currently has no recorded pH or taxonomic data in this dataset. Most Kentucky counties trend more acidic than the national median, often requiring lime to balance the soil.

Texture Data Not Available

Percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not specified in the current records. Since texture defines how soil handles moisture, local gardeners should check for a gritty or slick feel to estimate their mix.

Missing Fertility Metrics

Specific data on organic matter and available water capacity are unavailable for this county. Kentucky soils typically average 3.55% organic matter, a target many growers aim for through composting.

Hydrology Records Missing

There is no current data for drainage classes or hydrologic groups in this region. Monitoring your land during spring rains will help you understand how water moves through your specific plot.

Reliable Growth in Zone 6b

Located in Hardiness Zone 6b, Carroll County is well-suited for traditional Kentucky crops like corn and beans. Don't let the lack of data stop you; start a small raised bed and see what thrives.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Carroll County

via LawnByCounty

Regional Resilience in Carroll County

While specific scoring data for Carroll County is unavailable, its Zone 6b status indicates a climate similar to successful neighboring regions. Maintaining a lawn here involves managing the transitions between cold winters and humid summers typical of northern Kentucky.

Adaptive Care for Local Weather

Specific heat and precipitation figures are limited, but regional trends point toward a standard Kentucky growing cycle. Homeowners should prepare for a moderate number of mowing days and seasonal transitions based on typical state weather patterns.

Building a Healthy Soil Base

Local soil data for pH and texture is currently unavailable for this county. Before investing in expensive seed or sod, perform a soil test to ensure your yard has the right balance to support healthy turf.

Favorable Moisture Levels for Now

The county is currently stable, with only 2.1% of the area classified as abnormally dry. Having experienced only 3 weeks of drought in the last year, local lawns generally face less water stress than those in other parts of the state.

Cool-Season Success in Zone 6b

Fine fescues and Kentucky Bluegrass are well-suited for the cooler 6b hardiness zone. Since local frost dates are not specified, wait for consistent spring temperatures above 50°F before you begin your seeding projects.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carroll County's county score?
Carroll County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 59.7 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 Carroll County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Carroll County ranks #61 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 Carroll County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Carroll County is $982, with an effective tax rate of 0.76%. This earns Carroll County a tax score of 57/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Carroll County?
The median household income in Carroll County, Kentucky is $57,753 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Carroll County earns an income score of 32.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Carroll County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Carroll County scores 59.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #61 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Carroll 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 Carroll County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.