countyscore
38.9
County Score
Water Quality 86Weather & Climate 64.7Property Tax 61.7

County Report Card

About Christian County, Kentucky

Christian County Faces Livability Hurdles

Christian County's composite score of 38.9 falls below the national median of 50.0. This suggests that the county faces more significant challenges than the average American community across key dimensions.

Below the Kentucky State Average

The 38.9 score is well under the state average of 58.6. Residents here may experience lower overall quality of life metrics compared to many of their Kentucky neighbors.

High Water Quality and Manageable Taxes

One of the county's brightest spots is water quality, which earns a high score of 86.0. It also maintains a decent tax score of 61.7, supported by a 0.714% effective tax rate.

Addressing Safety and Environmental Risk

Safety and environmental risk are major concerns, scoring just 15.4 and 20.4 respectively. These figures, combined with a cost score of 37.7, indicate that affordability does not fully offset local risks.

Suited for Those Prioritizing Specific Amenities

Christian County is a complex choice, perhaps best for those drawn by specific local industries or military connections. Residents must navigate higher safety risks and climate vulnerabilities while benefiting from excellent water resources.

Score breakdown

Tax61.7Cost37.7Safety15.4Health32.7Schools50.6Income23.4Risk20.4Water86Weather64.7
🏛61.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠37.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡15.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤32.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡20.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤64.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨55.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱48.8
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

Todd County
Kentucky
56.7
Trigg County
Kentucky
60
Caldwell County
Kentucky
63.9
Hopkins County
Kentucky
50.9
Muhlenberg County
Kentucky
57.9
Montgomery County
Tennessee
37.4
Lyon County
Kentucky
63.7
Stewart County
Tennessee
59.9

Deep Dives

Christian County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Christian County

via TaxByCounty

Christian County taxes near national median

Christian County's effective tax rate of 0.714% aligns closely with the national median of 0.72%, making it representative of typical U.S. property tax burden. The median annual tax of $1,065 on a home valued at $149,200 falls well below the national median of $2,690.

Christian County slightly below Kentucky average

Christian County's 0.714% effective rate runs just below Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, positioning it squarely in the middle of the state's 120 counties. The median tax of $1,065 falls slightly below the state average of $1,093.

Mid-range taxes for the region

Christian County's 0.714% rate falls between Calloway (0.670%) and Carlisle (0.847%), making it moderate within its region. It remains well below Campbell County's 1.064% outlier rate.

Christian County homeowner tax costs

A median Christian County home valued at $149,200 generates approximately $1,065 in annual property taxes. With mortgage and insurance included, homeowners typically pay around $1,244 per year.

Assessment review is always worthwhile

Christian County homeowners should verify their property's assessed value matches fair market conditions. An assessment appeal could unlock savings if your evaluated home value exceeds what comparable properties recently sold for.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Christian County

via CostByCounty

Christian County faces severe rental affordability crisis

At 22.1%, Christian County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the worst in America, forcing renters to dedicate nearly a quarter of household earnings to rent alone. The $999 monthly rent paired with the $54,190 median income creates an affordability emergency that exceeds even high-cost coastal metros.

Worst affordability in Kentucky's cohort

Christian County's 22.1% rent-to-income ratio dramatically exceeds Kentucky's 17.0% state average and represents the tightest rental market in this entire group. At $999 monthly, rents run $228 above the state median, creating a perfect storm for struggling renters statewide.

Highest rents, lowest-to-mid incomes

Christian's $999 rent towers over all peer counties—$171 higher than Calloway's $828 and $275 above Caldwell's $724. Yet its $54,190 median income falls short of Campbell ($77,271), Carlisle ($62,019), and Caldwell ($57,618), creating the worst absolute affordability equation in this cohort.

Nearly one-quarter income vanishes to rent

Christian County renters pay $999 monthly—a staggering 22.1% of the $54,190 median household income—leaving desperately tight budgets for all other expenses. Homeowners pay $853 monthly, but median home values of $149,200 make purchasing prohibitively expensive for those already strained by rent.

Christian County: avoid unless income is strong

Christian County presents a cautionary case for relocation: its 22.1% rent-to-income ratio is unsustainable for average earners and ranks among America's worst housing affordability markets. Unless you're relocating with significantly above-median income prospects, virtually every other county in this analysis—especially Caldwell, Carlisle, and Carter—offers superior housing stability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Christian County

via IncomeByCounty

Christian lags state and nation

Christian County's median household income of $54,190 falls below Kentucky's state average of $55,909 by roughly $1,700, and trails the national median of $74,755 by about $20,600. The county earns approximately 72% of typical U.S. household income, placing it in the lower-middle tier nationally.

Below-average rank in Kentucky

Christian County ranks below Kentucky's median for household income, placing it in the bottom half of the state's 120 counties. Per capita income of $26,445 falls notably short of the state average of $29,616, suggesting income concentration among fewer earners.

Mixed standing among regional peers

Christian's $54,190 median household income trails nearby Caldwell ($57,618), Carlisle ($62,019), and Campbell ($77,271), though it exceeds Casey ($41,689) and Carter ($50,389). The county faces moderate competitive disadvantages in the regional income hierarchy.

Rent costs strain household finances

Christian's rent-to-income ratio of 22.1% exceeds the 20% caution threshold, meaning typical renters spend roughly $998 monthly—approaching unaffordable levels. Home values of $149,200 represent a substantial burden for median-earning households, limiting homeownership accessibility.

Manage costs while building savings

Christian County residents facing elevated housing costs should prioritize expense reduction before investing, potentially exploring lower-cost housing options or roommate arrangements. Once housing pressure eases, even modest regular savings into employer retirement plans or high-yield accounts compound toward meaningful wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Christian County

via CrimeByCounty

Christian County Reflects National Averages

Christian County has a safety score of 96.3, which is lower than many neighboring counties. Its total crime rate of 2,352.7 per 100,000 residents is nearly identical to the national average of 2,385.5.

Higher Crime Rates Than State Average

The county's total crime rate is nearly triple the Kentucky average of 786.2. Consequently, its safety score of 96.3 falls below the state average of 98.8.

Local Comparisons Show Higher Incidents

Christian County reports more crime than any of the other seven counties analyzed in this group. Six reporting agencies are active in managing public safety for the community.

Property Crime is the Primary Concern

Violent crime stands at 222.6 per 100,000, which is significantly higher than the state average. Property crime is the main driver of local data, occurring at 2,130.1 per 100,000 people.

Invest in Robust Home Security

Given the higher rates of property crime, residents should consider comprehensive home alarm systems. Monitoring services and security cameras can significantly reduce the risk of burglary.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Christian County

via HealthByCounty

Below national average life expectancy

Christian County residents live to 71.5 years, slightly below the U.S. average of 71.4 years with concerning health trends. With 24.8% reporting poor or fair health—well above national rates of roughly 22%—Christian faces significant population-wide chronic disease burden. The county's health trajectory parallels national inequality challenges.

Bottom quarter for Kentucky outcomes

At 71.5 years, Christian County's life expectancy ranks in Kentucky's bottom half, falling 0.7 years below the state average of 72.2 years. The 24.8% poor/fair health rate places Christian among the state's less healthy counties, indicating systemic health challenges. Residents experience substantially worse outcomes than most Kentucky peers.

Unhealthiest in this cohort except Casey

Christian's 24.8% poor/fair health rate ranks second-worst in this eight-county group, surpassed only by Casey (29.5%), and far exceeds Campbell (16.0%) and Calloway (20.0%). At 71.5 years life expectancy, Christian trails top performers by 2-5 years, placing it squarely in the region's least healthy cohort. The county faces health challenges comparable to its most-struggling neighbors.

Best-in-group provider access, moderate uninsured

Christian County's 61 primary care providers per 100,000 is the highest in this group, and 539 mental health providers per 100,000 is extraordinarily high. However, 7.4% lack insurance, slightly above Kentucky's 7.0% average, suggesting provider abundance hasn't fully translated to access for the uninsured. Even robust capacity misses uninsured populations who can't afford to use it.

Seven percent uninsured—connect to care now

Christian County's 7.4% uninsured rate means 1 in 13 residents can't fully leverage the county's exceptional provider network without insurance barriers. Visit healthcare.gov or Kentucky's kynect to find an affordable plan and connect to the abundant primary and mental health providers available locally. Coverage transforms Christian's provider richness into real healthcare access for everyone.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Christian County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large Public School Network

Christian County supports 19 public schools serving over 8,200 students. The district is well-equipped with eight elementary schools, five high schools, and four specialized campuses.

Meeting State Standards in Education

The county achieves a 93.0% graduation rate, staying close to the Kentucky state average. With a $6,471 per-pupil expenditure, the county manages a school score of 54.0.

One District Supporting 8,000+ Students

The Christian County school district is the sole provider for the area's 8,204 students. No charter schools operate in the county, though four alternative schools offer diverse learning environments for the student body.

Town-Based Learning with Large Campuses

Thirteen schools are located in town settings, providing an active environment with an average school size of 483 students. Christian County High is the largest facility, hosting 1,187 students.

Find Your Future in Christian County

As one of the larger districts in the region, Christian County offers a wide range of school sizes and programs. Start your home search here to join a growing community with a robust educational infrastructure.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Christian County

via RiskByCounty

Christian County faces elevated disaster risk

Christian County's composite score of 79.64 places it in the Relatively Low category but well above the national average. This western Kentucky county experiences more frequent and varied natural hazards than most U.S. communities.

Among Kentucky's highest-risk counties

At 79.64, Christian County scores 35 points above Kentucky's state average of 44.21, ranking it among the top 5 highest-risk counties in the commonwealth. Few Kentucky communities face comparable multi-hazard exposure.

Riskiest county in western Kentucky

Christian County's 79.64 score exceeds Calloway County (75.35) and dramatically surpasses Caldwell (38.96), Carroll (23.41), and Carlisle (18.73) counties. It stands as the highest-risk county in its entire peer group.

Tornadoes pose extreme threat

Tornado risk reaches 91.22—among the very highest in Kentucky—creating severe spring weather season vulnerability for Christian County residents. Earthquake risk of 93.73 and flood risk of 74.87 compound the multi-hazard danger profile.

Comprehensive preparation is essential

Christian County residents must secure standard homeowners insurance, separate earthquake coverage, and flood insurance if in mapped floodplains—this is truly a multi-hazard county. Install a weather radio, build reinforced interior shelters, and maintain emergency supplies year-round.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Christian County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than the National Median

Christian County's average annual temperature of 58.3°F is warmer than the U.S. median. The region's 52.7 inches of precipitation also places it among the wetter counties in the nation.

Warmer than the Kentucky Average

At 58.3°F, the county is warmer than the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. It also exceeds the state's average rainfall by roughly two inches per year.

Warmer and Rainier than Clay

Christian County is significantly warmer than Clay County, which averages only 55.7°F. Christian also receives more rain, seeing 52.7 inches compared to Clay's 51.5 inches.

Long Summers and Rare Snow

Summer heat is intense with 42 days per year hitting 90°F or higher. Conversely, winters are mild with only 7.3 inches of snow and a January average of 35.5°F.

Focus on Heavy Cooling Capacity

With 42 extreme heat days, high-efficiency air conditioning is a critical investment for residents. Lightweight winter gear is usually sufficient for the modest 7.3 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Christian County

via SoilByCounty

Standard Kentucky Acidity

Christian County reports an average pH of 5.76, nearly identical to the state average of 5.80. The overall soil score of 55.8 shows the land is quite capable, though it sits slightly below the national median pH of 6.5.

Smooth and Silt-Heavy

A high silt content of 64.4% defines the landscape, paired with 21.2% clay and 14.4% sand. This composition creates a fertile silty loam that is excellent for agriculture but can be prone to erosion if left bare.

Excellent Moisture Retention

The available water capacity is a robust 0.195 in/in, surpassing the state average of 0.186. While the organic matter of 2.17% is below the state average, the soil's ability to hold water provides a major advantage.

Water Movement Patterns

Specific drainage and hydrologic group classifications are currently unrecorded. Local growers should focus on maintaining cover crops to protect the high-silt surface from heavy rainfall impact.

Zone 7a Planting Potential

In Hardiness Zone 7a, Christian County offers a generous window for both spring and fall gardening. The high water capacity makes this an ideal place to plant deep-rooted vegetables and native shrubs.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Christian County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating the 7a Climate in Christian

Christian County scores a 48.8 on lawn difficulty, placing it just below the national average. As a 7a zone, it experiences a blend of Southern heat and Midwestern winters that can make consistent lawn quality difficult to maintain.

High Heat Increases Maintenance Needs

Rainfall is plentiful at 52.7 inches, but 42 extreme heat days—higher than the state average—can quickly dry out the turf. The high number of 4,577 growing degree days means grass grows rapidly and requires a frequent mowing schedule.

Managing Compaction and Soil pH

The soil pH of 5.76 is a bit low for optimal grass health, which typically requires a 6.0-7.0 range. A clay content of 21.2% means the soil can become easily compacted, so annual aeration is recommended to ensure water reaches the roots.

Coping with Severe Dry Cycles

Roughly 38.3% of the county is abnormally dry, and residents have managed 19 weeks of drought over the past year. Adjusting your mower to a higher setting helps shade the soil and significantly reduces water loss during these dry periods.

Seeding for Heat Resistance

Bermudagrass and fescue blends are popular here because they can withstand the intense summer heat. Plan to start your projects after the April 4 frost and finish well before the first hard freeze around November 2.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Christian County's county score?
Christian County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 38.9 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 Christian County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Christian County ranks #118 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 Christian County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Christian County is $1,065, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Christian County a tax score of 61.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Christian County?
The median household income in Christian County, Kentucky is $54,190 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Christian County earns an income score of 23.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Christian County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Christian County scores 38.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #118 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Christian 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 Christian 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.