countyscore
65.1
County Score
Property Tax 85Cost of Living 83Safety 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.

20406080100858376.532.464.713.947.351.858.6Tax85Cost83Safety76.5Health32.4Schools64.7Income13.9Risk47.3Water51.8Weather58.665.1/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Carter County DNA

D+overall

How Carter County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Carter County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (83/100) but notably weak in Income (13.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
85+33
Cost
83+35
Safety
76.5+21.5
Health
32.4-17.6
Schools
64.7+10.700000000000003
Income
13.9-37.1
Risk
47.3
Water
51.8
Weather
58.6
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Compare mortgage rates in Carter County

Whether buying or refinancing in Carter County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$132,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$740/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$132,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $51,235/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

22.6

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

Elliott County
Kentucky
72.7
Greenup County
Kentucky
58.6
Rowan County
Kentucky
59
Boyd County
Kentucky
46.5
Lewis County
Kentucky
65.1
Lawrence County
Kentucky
59.8
Morgan County
Kentucky
63.6
Scioto County
Ohio
43.8

Deep Dives

Carter County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 65.1 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 #28 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 $649, with an effective tax rate of 0.49%. This earns Carter County a tax score of 85/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Carter County?
The median household income in Carter County, Kentucky is $51,235 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Carter County earns an income score of 13.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Carter County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Carter County scores 65.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.