CountyScore

Carter County

Kentucky · KY

#37 in Kentucky
72.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Carter County, Kentucky

Carter County scores highest in this Kentucky cohort

Carter County's composite score of 78.9 places it in the 57th percentile nationally, well above the national median of 50.0 and among the strongest performers in this county group. The county's exceptional tax efficiency (88.4) and housing affordability (87.4) create compelling value for residents. This ranking reflects Carter's position as an exceptional livability option.

Carter County leads Kentucky's livability rankings

At 78.9, Carter County exceeds Kentucky's state average of 75.0 by nearly 4 points, placing it in the upper tier of the commonwealth's counties. The county stands out as one of Kentucky's most livable communities when measured by tax and housing affordability. This distinction makes Carter a premier option within the state's county landscape.

Outstanding tax and housing value prevail

Carter County's tax score of 88.4 reflects the lowest effective tax rate in this group at 0.493%, and the cost score of 87.4 pairs perfectly affordable housing with rent at just $701 per month. Median home values of $126,100 offer exceptional accessibility for first-time buyers and budget-conscious households. These combined advantages make Carter exceptionally attractive financially.

Low incomes and data gaps warrant attention

The income score of 16.3 with median household income of $50,389 is the lowest in this cohort, suggesting limited earning potential and career advancement. Safety, health, school quality, and environmental factors remain unmeasured. Families considering relocation should await these critical data points before finalizing decisions.

Best for retirees and single-income households

Carter County appeals most to retirees, fixed-income households, and those willing to trade career advancement for exceptional affordability. The remarkable combination of minimal taxes and ultra-low housing costs makes financial survival straightforward even on modest incomes. This is Kentucky's premiere destination for those maximizing living standards on limited resources.

Score breakdown

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

Tax88.4Cost87.4SafetyComing SoonHealth62.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome16.3Risk47.3WaterComing Soon
🏛88.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼16.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤62.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡47.3
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 Carter County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Geneva County
Alabama
72.1
Median income: $50,951
Winston County
Alabama
72.1
Median income: $48,032
Stone County
Arkansas
72.1
Median income: $38,531
Montezuma County
Colorado
72.1
Median income: $63,005
Rio Grande County
Colorado
72.1
Median income: $62,166

Deep Dives

Carter County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.