countyscore
66.3
County Score
Cost of Living 87.4Property Tax 86.7Safety 76.5

County Report Card

About Carter County, Kentucky

Carter County Surges Past National Scores

With a composite score of 66.3, Carter County is one of the higher-rated counties in the nation compared to the 50.0 median. This score reflects a high degree of affordability and community stability.

Ranking High Among Kentucky Counties

Carter's score of 66.3 is nearly eight points higher than the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It positions itself as a competitive and attractive choice for those staying within the state.

Leading in Affordability and Low Taxes

The county is an affordability powerhouse, boasting an 87.4 cost score and an 86.7 tax score. An effective tax rate of just 0.493% makes it one of the most tax-friendly locations in the region.

Lower Local Income and Health Metrics

Income levels remain low with a score of 15.2 and a median household income of $50,389. Health outcomes also present a challenge, with a score of 32.4 reflecting a need for better wellness infrastructure.

Perfect for Maximizing Your Dollar

Carter County is a dream for those with external income sources or retirees looking to minimize expenses. Its combination of ultra-low taxes and safe neighborhoods creates a high standard of living for the budget-conscious.

Score breakdown

Tax86.7Cost87.4Safety76.5Health32.4Schools64.7Income15.2Risk47.3Water51.8Weather58.6
🏛86.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡76.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤32.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡47.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧51.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨50.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱68.8
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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Nearby counties

Elliott County
Kentucky
72.6
Greenup County
Kentucky
58.8
Rowan County
Kentucky
58.7
Boyd County
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45.1
Lewis County
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Lawrence County
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Morgan County
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Scioto County
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43.7

Deep Dives

Carter County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Carter County

via TaxByCounty

Carter ranks among nation's lowest-tax counties

Carter County's effective tax rate of 0.493% sits well below the national median of 0.72%, placing it in the bottom quartile for property tax burden nationwide. At $622 annually on a median home of $126,100, residents enjoy substantial tax savings compared to the national median of $2,690.

Kentucky's second-lowest tax county

Carter County's 0.493% effective rate ranks among the lowest in Kentucky, trailing only a handful of counties below the state average of 0.719%. This makes it an exceptionally tax-friendly location within the commonwealth.

Regional tax advantage

Carter County's 0.493% rate is the lowest in its region, narrowly beating Caldwell County's 0.523% and significantly undercutting Calloway (0.670%) and Carlisle (0.847%). It represents the strongest tax advantage for homeowners in the area.

Carter County homeowner costs

A median Carter County home valued at $126,100 carries approximately $622 in annual property taxes. With mortgage and insurance factored in, the typical homeowner pays around $935 per year.

Even low-tax counties benefit from appeals

Despite Carter County's favorable tax environment, some homeowners may still be overassessed relative to fair market value. Filing an assessment appeal remains a simple step to verify you're not paying more than necessary.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Carter County

via CostByCounty

Carter County: lowest rents, lowest incomes

At 16.7%, Carter County's rent-to-income ratio falls just below the national average, but this reflects minimal earnings ($50,389) paired with the lowest rents ($701 monthly) in the group. While affordability ratios look reasonable, tight incomes leave little margin for emergencies or savings.

Below-average affordability in state context

Carter's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly below Kentucky's 17.0% state average, but the county's $50,389 median income—among the lowest statewide—reflects limited economic opportunity. Rents at $701 are the lowest in this cohort, yet they still consume substantial portions of already-stretched household budgets.

Cheapest rents, but income concerns remain

Carter's $701 rent is the lowest among peer counties, but its $50,389 median income trails all neighbors except Casey County ($41,689). Even with bargain rents, the limited earning capacity here creates structural affordability challenges beyond raw cost percentages.

Lowest rents mask income vulnerability

Carter renters pay just $701 monthly (16.7% of the $50,389 income), while homeowners spend $559—creating the lowest absolute costs in the group. However, the $50,389 median income is second-lowest here, meaning residents have minimal financial cushion despite low rents.

Carter: affordability amid economic constraints

Relocating to Carter County offers rock-bottom housing costs ($701 rent, $559 owner costs), but prospective residents should assess job prospects carefully. Income growth opportunities may matter more than current rent prices—compare Carter's $50,389 median income to neighboring Caldwell ($57,618) or Carlisle ($62,019) to evaluate long-term earning potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Carter County

via IncomeByCounty

Carter significantly trails national income

Carter County's median household income of $50,389 falls below Kentucky's state average of $55,909 by roughly $5,500, and lags the national median of $74,755 by nearly $24,400. The county earns approximately 67% of typical U.S. household income, facing substantial economic headwinds.

Bottom tier among Kentucky counties

Carter County ranks in the lower quarter of Kentucky's 120 counties for household income, reflecting limited job opportunities and economic challenges. Per capita income of $27,184 trails the state average significantly, indicating concentrated poverty and uneven earnings.

Struggles among eastern peers

Carter's $50,389 median household income trails all nearby counties except Casey ($41,689), placing it among the region's lowest earners. The county significantly lags Caldwell ($57,618), Carlisle ($62,019), and Campbell ($77,271), suggesting limited regional economic momentum.

Housing costs pressuring budgets

Carter's rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% sits in the affordable range, though median income constraints mean typical renters spend roughly $700 monthly. Home values of $126,100 stretch the budgets of median-earning households, limiting affordable homeownership pathways.

Focus on foundational financial security

Carter County residents facing lower incomes should prioritize building emergency savings and accessing free financial counseling services before investing. Explore community development programs, workforce training initiatives, and employer benefits that maximize retirement contributions without strain.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Carter County

via CrimeByCounty

Carter County Among the Nation's Safest

Carter County achieves a stellar safety score of 99.1. Its total crime rate of 562.4 per 100,000 is approximately one-fourth the national average.

A Top Performer in Kentucky

Carter County’s safety score of 99.1 outperforms the state average of 98.8. Its total crime rate of 562.4 is significantly lower than the Kentucky average of 786.2.

Leading the Way in Regional Safety

Carter County reports less crime than Carroll, Campbell, and Caldwell counties. Four local agencies work together to maintain this low-crime environment.

Very Low Violent Crime Rates

The violent crime rate is just 48.7 per 100,000 residents, well below the state average of 78.1. Property crimes are also limited, totaling only 513.7 per 100,000.

Protecting Your Peace of Mind

Low crime rates offer peace of mind, but basic home security remains a smart investment. Simple window locks and porch lights help sustain Carter County's safe reputation.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Carter County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy far below U.S. average

Carter County residents live to 70.4 years, nearly a full year below the U.S. average of 71.4 years and among the nation's lowest rates. With 23.3% reporting poor or fair health, Carter exceeds national rates, reflecting severe population-wide chronic disease and mortality pressure. The county faces acute health inequities relative to national outcomes.

Kentucky's second-shortest life expectancy

At 70.4 years, Carter County ranks near Kentucky's bottom for life expectancy, falling 1.8 years below the state average of 72.2 years. The 23.3% poor/fair health rate places Carter among the state's unhealthiest counties, indicating profound systemic health challenges. Residents face substantially worse health outcomes than most Kentucky peers.

Regional health baseline at bottom

Carter's 70.4-year life expectancy is among the lowest in this region, trailing Calloway (74.1 years) by nearly four years and Caldwell (73.0 years) by 2.6 years. At 23.3% poor/fair health, Carter sits in the region's unhealthiest cohort alongside Carlisle and Carroll counties. The county faces health challenges that mirror and compound regional struggles.

Sparse primary care, strong mental health access

Carter County has just 19 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—among Kentucky's lowest—leaving many without accessible routine care options. However, 182 mental health providers per 100,000 is surprisingly strong, suggesting good behavioral health support despite primary care scarcity. The imbalance in resources reflects uneven healthcare infrastructure in a resource-stretched county.

One in thirteen without insurance—get covered

Carter's 7.5% uninsured rate means 1 in 13 residents navigate health challenges without insurance coverage in a county already facing provider shortages. Visit healthcare.gov or Kentucky's kynect to find a plan that fits your budget and connects you to the limited providers available. Insurance becomes even more critical when local healthcare options are sparse.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Carter County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive School Coverage in Carter County

Twelve public schools serve Carter County, supporting a total enrollment of 4,137 students. The district includes six elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools.

Elite Graduation Rates for Local Students

Carter County boasts a remarkable 98.0% graduation rate, one of the highest in the state. This success is achieved with an investment of $6,692 per pupil and results in a school score of 57.1.

A Single District Serving Carter County

The Carter County school district handles the entire local student population across 12 schools. Charter schools are not present in the area, ensuring a focused and traditional public education path for all residents.

A Predominantly Rural Learning Experience

Nine of the county's schools are rural, complemented by three town-based campuses. East Carter County High is the largest school with 729 students, while the county average sits at a comfortable 376 students per school.

Make Carter County Your Next Home

When a 98% graduation rate is the standard, families can feel confident in their move. Search for homes near these highly successful schools to secure your children's academic future in a beautiful rural setting.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Carter County

via RiskByCounty

Carter faces above-average disaster risk

Carter County scores 52.74 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Relatively Low category but notably above the national average. This eastern Kentucky county contends with more frequent natural hazards than typical U.S. communities.

Moderate risk within Kentucky

At 52.74, Carter County scores 8.5 points above Kentucky's state average of 44.21, ranking it in the upper-middle tier statewide. About half of Kentucky's counties carry higher composite risk, but Carter faces more exposure than the typical county.

Higher-risk Appalachian county

Carter County's 52.74 score exceeds Caldwell (38.96) and Carroll (23.41) counties but falls below Calloway (75.35) and Christian (79.64). Among eastern Kentucky counties, Carter faces notably elevated wildfire and flood exposure.

Wildfire and flood risks stand out

Carter County's wildfire risk of 58.24 is among the highest in Kentucky, reflecting dense forests and dry seasons in the Appalachian region. Flood risk of 69.40 compounds the threat, as mountain terrain creates rapid runoff and swollen waterways during heavy rain.

Plan for wildfire and water damage

Carter County homeowners should clear brush and dead trees from around structures to reduce wildfire vulnerability and ensure gutters remain clear. Flood insurance is essential for properties in valleys or near streams, and a comprehensive emergency plan should account for both hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Carter County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler than the National Average

Carter County maintains an annual average temperature of 53.3°F, which is slightly cooler than the national median. This humid subtropical region receives 47.9 inches of precipitation, making it wetter than many parts of the country.

Below the Kentucky Average

The county's average temperature of 53.3°F sits below the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. It also receives about 2.7 fewer inches of rain than the state average of 50.6 inches annually.

Cooler than Neighboring Elliott County

Carter County is noticeably cooler than nearby Elliott County, which averages 54.9°F. While both regions share a similar geography, Carter's lower average temperature suggests slightly harsher winter patterns.

Cold Winters and High Snowfall

Residents see 13.0 inches of snow annually, which is high for the state. While July averages 73.9°F, the county still experiences 21 extreme heat days where temperatures reach at least 90°F.

Prepare for Snow and Humidity

Homeowners should invest in reliable snow removal tools to manage the 13-inch annual snowfall. Efficient HVAC systems are also necessary to handle the 21 days of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Carter County

via SoilByCounty

Strongly Acidic Eastern Soils

Carter County has a notably acidic average pH of 5.44, well below the state average of 5.80 and the national median of 6.5. This low pH contributes to a soil score of 50.7, reflecting more challenging growing conditions.

Gritty Silt and Sand Mix

The soil contains 48.9% silt and a relatively high 30.8% sand, which improves aeration and workability. With 18.0% clay, these soils offer a lighter texture compared to many heavy clay regions in the state.

Rich Organic Matter Levels

The organic matter content is 3.58%, slightly exceeding the state average of 3.55%. However, the available water capacity of 0.177 in/in is lower than the state benchmark, suggesting these soils may dry out faster.

Drainage Dynamics in Carter

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not available for this area. The higher sand content likely aids in water movement, though the high acidity may require lime for optimal nutrient uptake.

Ready for Zone 6b

In Hardiness Zone 6b, Carter County is perfect for acid-loving plants like blueberries and azaleas. Your garden has great potential, especially if you focus on plants that thrive in these gritty, organic-rich soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Carter County

via LawnByCounty

A Higher Standard for Carter Lawns

Carter County earns a strong lawn score of 68.8, outperforming both the national and state averages. This 6b zone offers a slightly easier path to a lush yard than many of its neighbors due to more moderate summer temperatures.

Ideal Rainfall and Gentle Summers

Annual precipitation of 47.9 inches sits perfectly within the ideal range for healthy grass. With only 21 extreme heat days—well below the state average of 30—lawns here suffer much less summer wilt and require less supplemental irrigation.

Managing Acidic and Sandy Soils

The soil is quite acidic with a pH of 5.44 and contains a relatively high sand content of 30.8%. You will likely need to add lime to raise the pH and incorporate organic matter to improve water retention in the sandier patches.

Strong Resilience to Dry Conditions

Currently, the county is free of any drought designations, having seen only 5 dry weeks over the past year. This consistent access to moisture allows for a more relaxed watering schedule compared to the more drought-prone western counties.

Establishing Your Carter County Turf

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass thrive here, especially when planted after the late April 27 frost. Ensure your lawn is well-established and hardened off before the first fall frost arrives on October 17.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carter County's county score?
Carter County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 66.3 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 Carter County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Carter County ranks #20 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 Carter County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Carter County is $622, with an effective tax rate of 0.49%. This earns Carter County a tax score of 86.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Carter County?
The median household income in Carter County, Kentucky is $50,389 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Carter County earns an income score of 15.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Carter County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Carter County scores 66.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Carter 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 Carter 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.