67.4
County Score
Cost of Living 94.8Safety 92.4Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Casey County, Kentucky

Casey County Among the Nation's Most Livable

Casey County's 67.4 composite score is significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This indicates a very high level of overall life satisfaction and community health relative to the U.S. at large.

A Top Performer in Kentucky

With a score of 67.4, Casey County far exceeds the state average of 58.6. It stands as a leader in Kentucky for those who prioritize specific lifestyle factors like safety and affordability.

Elite Affordability and Public Safety

The county earns a near-perfect 94.8 for cost of living and a 92.4 for safety. Rent is incredibly affordable at a median of $645, and the water quality score is a strong 86.0.

Stark Income and Health Gaps

Casey faces significant economic challenges with a 3.9 income score and a median household income of $41,689. Health metrics are also low at 24.6, suggesting limited access to medical resources.

A Haven for Safety and Savings

This county is best for individuals who prioritize a safe, rural lifestyle and have modest financial needs. While local wages are low, the extremely high scores in safety and cost make it a secure place to call home.

Score breakdown

Tax74.9Cost94.8Safety92.4Health24.6Schools52.6Income3.9Risk63Water86Weather62.4
🏛74.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠94.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼3.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡92.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
24.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓52.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
63
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤62.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨57
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱60.8
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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Deep Dives

Casey County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Casey County

via TaxByCounty

Casey's tax rate below national average

Casey County's effective tax rate of 0.597% falls well below the national median of 0.72%, offering homeowners a meaningful tax advantage. The median annual property tax of $810 on a home valued at $135,700 represents less than a third of the national median tax of $2,690.

Casey ranks low among Kentucky counties

Casey County's 0.597% effective rate runs notably below Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, placing it in the lower third of the state's 120 counties. Homeowners here benefit from a comparatively light tax burden.

Strong competitive tax position

Casey's 0.597% rate beats Calloway (0.670%), Carlisle (0.847%), and Christian County (0.714%), but runs slightly higher than Caldwell (0.523%) and Carter (0.493%). It offers solid tax savings relative to most regional peers.

Casey homeowner annual tax snapshot

The median Casey County home valued at $135,700 results in approximately $810 in annual property taxes. Including mortgage and insurance, typical homeowners face around $1,066 per year.

Verify your property assessment

Casey County homeowners enjoying relatively low taxes should still verify their property assessments for accuracy. If your assessed value exceeds recent comparable sales, an appeal could provide additional annual savings.

Cost of Living in Casey County

via CostByCounty

Casey County: affordable housing, minimal income

At 18.6%, Casey County's rent-to-income ratio edges above the national average, reflecting the lowest median income in this group ($41,689) despite modest rents of $645. Residents here face the most acute affordability challenge—not due to high costs but due to extremely limited earning capacity.

Below state median income, above average pressure

Casey's 18.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Kentucky's 17.0% state average, and its $41,689 median income ranks among the state's lowest-earning counties. Even the lowest rent in this cohort ($645) strains budgets in a county where earning opportunity is severely constrained.

Lowest income despite lowest rents

Casey offers the cheapest rents ($645) but the weakest median income ($41,689) among peer counties—a troubling combination. Residents earn $16,000+ less than Campbell County residents while paying less in absolute housing costs, yet face proportionally heavier affordability burden.

Housing strain despite rock-bottom costs

Casey renters pay $645 monthly (18.6% of the $41,689 income), while homeowners spend $468—the lowest absolute costs anywhere in this group. Yet with median income barely exceeding $41,000, these low costs still consume outsized budget shares, leaving minimal resources for healthcare, education, and savings.

Casey County: affordability with caveats

If housing cost is your only consideration, Casey County's $645 rent and $41,689 median income represent the most constrained economy in this group. Before relocating, prioritize evaluating employment opportunities and wage growth potential—housing affordability alone cannot offset the county's severe income limitations.

Income & Jobs in Casey County

via IncomeByCounty

Casey faces steepest income challenge

Casey County's median household income of $41,689 falls drastically below Kentucky's state average of $55,909 by roughly $14,200, and lags the national median of $74,755 by nearly $33,100. The county earns just 56% of typical U.S. household income, indicating severe economic stress.

Among Kentucky's lowest-income counties

Casey County ranks at the very bottom of Kentucky's 120 counties for household income, reflecting acute unemployment, underemployment, and limited high-wage job opportunities. Per capita income of $23,916 also ranks among the state's lowest, signaling deep economic distress.

Significantly trails all regional peers

Casey's $41,689 median household income substantially lags all nearby counties, including the next-lowest Carter ($50,389) by nearly $9,000. The county faces regional economic isolation, with no nearby high-income anchors like Campbell County to provide job market spillovers.

Housing costs exceed comfort zone

Casey's rent-to-income ratio of 18.6% nears affordability limits, with typical renters spending approximately $645 monthly against constrained income. Home values of $135,700 represent a significant stretch for median-earning households, pricing many residents out of homeownership entirely.

Seek support and economic mobility

Casey County residents should access free financial counseling, workforce development programs, and government assistance benefits designed to stabilize household finances. Before investing, focus on building even small emergency savings and improving job skills through community college or apprenticeship programs.

Safety in Casey County

via CrimeByCounty

Casey County is a Safety Leader

Casey County holds a nearly perfect safety score of 99.8. Its total crime rate of 112.9 per 100,000 residents is 21 times lower than the national average.

Exceeding Kentucky's Strong Safety Standards

With a safety score of 99.8, Casey County far exceeds the state average of 98.8. Its total crime rate of 112.9 is one of the lowest in the Commonwealth.

Unmatched Safety in the Region

Casey County is significantly safer than all its regional neighbors, including Carter and Carroll counties. This makes it one of the most secure places to live in Kentucky.

Crime is Rare in Casey County

The county reports only 12.5 violent crimes and 100.4 property crimes per 100,000 people. These numbers indicate that crime is an extremely rare occurrence for residents.

Maintain Your Safe Community

To keep Casey County among the safest in the nation, continue practicing neighborhood watch and basic home care. Even in very safe areas, securing your home prevents rare crimes of opportunity.

Health in Casey County

via HealthByCounty

Lowest life expectancy among these counties

Casey County residents live to just 72.1 years, nearly matching the U.S. average of 71.4 years but with higher-than-national health hardship. A striking 29.5% report poor or fair health—far above the national rate of roughly 22%—the worst in this eight-county group. Casey faces a profound population-wide health crisis demanding urgent intervention.

Kentucky's worst health outcomes here

At 72.1 years, Casey County ranks at Kentucky's bottom tier for life expectancy, matching the state average of 72.2 years only by coincidence. The 29.5% poor/fair health rate is Kentucky's worst in this set, indicating systemic health collapse across the entire population. Casey residents experience the state's most severe health challenges.

Most unhealthy county in this region

Casey's 29.5% poor/fair health rate far exceeds all regional peers—nearly 5 percentage points higher than Carlisle's 24.0% and Campbell's 16.0%. At 72.1 years life expectancy, Casey trails Calloway (74.1 years) by two full years, marking it as the region's sickest population. The county's health crisis stands out even among struggling peer counties.

Severe provider shortage, highest uninsured rate

Casey County has just 13 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in this group—while 9.2% lack any insurance, the highest uninsured rate here. With 101 mental health providers per 100,000, behavioral health access is modest but primary care scarcity creates a dangerous gap. Healthcare access is severely constrained by both provider shortage and uninsured rates.

One in eleven uninsured—enrollment critical

Casey's 9.2% uninsured rate—the highest here—means 1 in 11 residents lack coverage in a county with severe primary care shortages and the worst health outcomes. Visit healthcare.gov or Kentucky's kynect immediately to find an affordable plan and a provider within reach. Insurance is not just protection—it's a lifeline in a county facing a health emergency.

Schools in Casey County

via SchoolsByCounty

Integrated Schools in Casey County

Casey County operates six public schools within a single district, serving 2,202 students. The infrastructure consists of three elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools.

Consistent Performance and Local Investment

The county maintains a 92.0% graduation rate, while per-pupil spending sits at $6,993. Although the 54.6 school score is slightly under the state average, it remains well above the national median score of 50.0.

Unified District Service in Casey County

One district manages all 2,202 students, providing a streamlined and focused educational environment. There are no charter schools in the county, preserving the traditional public school model.

Rural Schools with a Personal Touch

All six schools in the county are classified as rural, reflecting the area's pastoral character. Casey County High is the largest with 607 students, while the average school size is 440 students.

Discover Rural Life in Casey County

Families looking for a classic rural Kentucky lifestyle with a dedicated school system will find Casey County appealing. Explore local listings to find a home within this unified and community-oriented district.

Disaster Risk in Casey County

via RiskByCounty

Casey maintains below-average risk

Casey County's composite score of 37.05 places it in the Very Low category, substantially below the national average for disaster risk. This south-central Kentucky county offers residents relatively safe exposure to natural hazards.

Well below Kentucky's average risk

At 37.05, Casey County scores 7 points below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, ranking it among the safer counties statewide. Several Kentucky counties carry higher risk, making Casey a relatively secure community.

Safer than western Kentucky peers

Casey County's 37.05 score is dramatically lower than Calloway (75.35) and Christian (79.64) counties but comparable to Caldwell (38.96). It ranks as one of the safer counties in its region.

Tornado and flood risks are primary

Tornado risk of 61.35 is Casey County's highest hazard score, making spring severe weather season the main seasonal concern. Flood risk at 48.76 reflects the county's position in Kentucky's hilly terrain, where heavy rainfall can cause localized inundation.

Focus on tornado and weather prep

Casey County residents should have a weather radio and a designated interior shelter area to protect against spring tornadoes. Homeowners in flood-prone valleys should confirm flood insurance coverage, while standard homeowners policies provide adequate protection for other hazards.

Weather & Climate in Casey County

via WeatherByCounty

High Precipitation and Missing Data

While local temperature data is currently unavailable, Casey County is significantly wetter than the national average. It receives 53.5 inches of precipitation annually, far exceeding the U.S. median.

Wetter than the Kentucky Median

Casey County receives 53.5 inches of rain and snow each year, which is 2.9 inches more than the state average of 50.6 inches. This makes it one of the more moisture-rich areas in the Commonwealth.

High Snowfall Compared to Southern Neighbors

The county records 13.9 inches of annual snowfall, which is significantly higher than Clinton County's 3.8 inches. This suggests that Casey County faces more challenging winter road conditions than its neighbors to the south.

A Focus on Winter Precipitation

While specific summer and winter temperature averages are not recorded, the 13.9 inches of snow defines the winter experience. This snowfall comes alongside heavy year-round precipitation totaling 53.5 inches.

Invest in Drainage and Winter Tires

Given the 53.5 inches of annual precipitation, property owners must ensure high-quality gutter and drainage systems. Winter tires are highly recommended to navigate the 13.9 inches of annual snow safely.

Soil Quality in Casey County

via SoilByCounty

A Typical Kentucky pH

Casey County features an average pH of 5.79, almost exactly matching the state average of 5.80. This contributes to a respectable soil score of 57.0, outperforming the state average of 56.2.

Silt-Driven Soil Structure

The soil is comprised of 60.1% silt and 19.4% clay, giving it a velvety texture and good structure. The 20.5% sand content ensures the soil isn't too heavy, allowing for better root penetration.

Thirsty Soils Needing Humus

Organic matter sits at 2.23%, which is lower than the state average of 3.55%. On the plus side, the available water capacity is high at 0.195 in/in, meaning the soil holds moisture well for thirsty plants.

Hydrologic Profile Pending

While specific drainage and hydrologic group data are unavailable, the high silt and clay content suggests a need for careful water management. Watch for slow-draining spots in low-lying areas of your property.

Vibrant Growth in Zone 7a

Hardiness Zone 7a allows Casey County residents to grow everything from tomatoes to flowering dogwoods. With such good water capacity, your garden is well-equipped to handle the Kentucky summer heat.

Lawn Care in Casey County

via LawnByCounty

Versatile Growing in Casey County

Casey County's lawn score of 60.8 is respectable, though it sits slightly below the state average of 66.3. The 7a hardiness zone provides a versatile environment where a wide variety of resilient turf types can grow.

Ample Rainfall for Lush Lawns

The county receives 53.5 inches of rain per year, which is more than the state average of 50.4 inches. This abundant rainfall supports lush growth, though it can also lead to nutrient leaching in faster-draining soil types.

Balancing Clay and Sand Levels

With a pH of 5.79, the soil is moderately acidic and could benefit from a light application of lime. The balance of 19.4% clay and 20.5% sand provides a middle-of-the-road texture that generally offers good drainage and root support.

Low Drought Risk for Local Yards

No part of the county is currently experiencing drought conditions, and there were only 5 weeks of drought in the past year. This consistent moisture availability makes Casey County a relatively low-maintenance area for those without automated irrigation.

Choosing Resilient Grass Varieties

Tall fescue is a resilient choice for this 7a zone, offering both drought resistance and durability. Without specific local frost dates, gardeners should follow the general Kentucky rule of seeding in the early fall for the most robust root development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Casey County's county score?
Casey County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 67.4 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 Casey County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Casey County ranks #16 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 Casey County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Casey County is $810, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Casey County a tax score of 74.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Casey County?
The median household income in Casey County, Kentucky is $41,689 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Casey County earns an income score of 3.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Casey County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Casey County scores 67.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Casey 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 Casey County with other counties side by side.