Clark County's composite score of 72.4 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 45% of U.S. counties. This strong showing reflects solid fundamentals in tax burden and housing affordability that exceed typical American patterns.
2 / 5
Slightly below Kentucky's typical county
Clark ranks near Kentucky's state average with a 72.4 score versus the statewide 75.0 benchmark. The county holds its own among peers, though some neighboring counties edge ahead in overall livability metrics.
3 / 5
Low taxes and moderate housing costs shine
Clark excels with an 81.7 tax score backed by just a 0.732% effective rate, and a 76.5 cost score reflecting a median home value of $197,900. The county balances these affordances with a respectable median household income of $67,824, the highest among this group.
4 / 5
Income growth lags significantly
Clark's income score of 27.7 is middling for the county set, suggesting limited wage advancement opportunities compared to state and national benchmarks. Safety, health, school quality, and water data remain unavailable, leaving gaps in the livability picture.
5 / 5
Best for cost-conscious households
Clark County suits families and workers seeking a tax-efficient home base with moderate housing prices and reasonable incomes—a reliable, if not economically dynamic, choice for those prioritizing fiscal stability over rapid career advancement.
Clark County's composite score of 72.4 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 45% of U.S. counties. This strong showing reflects solid fundamentals in tax burden and housing affordability that exceed typical American patterns.
Slightly below Kentucky's typical county
Clark ranks near Kentucky's state average with a 72.4 score versus the statewide 75.0 benchmark. The county holds its own among peers, though some neighboring counties edge ahead in overall livability metrics.
Low taxes and moderate housing costs shine
Clark excels with an 81.7 tax score backed by just a 0.732% effective rate, and a 76.5 cost score reflecting a median home value of $197,900. The county balances these affordances with a respectable median household income of $67,824, the highest among this group.
Income growth lags significantly
Clark's income score of 27.7 is middling for the county set, suggesting limited wage advancement opportunities compared to state and national benchmarks. Safety, health, school quality, and water data remain unavailable, leaving gaps in the livability picture.
Best for cost-conscious households
Clark County suits families and workers seeking a tax-efficient home base with moderate housing prices and reasonable incomes—a reliable, if not economically dynamic, choice for those prioritizing fiscal stability over rapid career advancement.
Score breakdown
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🏛81.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Clark's property taxes run above the national norm
At 0.732%, Clark County's effective tax rate outpaces the national median of 0.54%, placing it in roughly the 65th percentile nationally. On a median home worth $197,900, that translates to a $1,448 annual bill—well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting Kentucky's generally lower home values.
Slightly above average for Kentucky
Clark County ranks 34th among Kentucky's 120 counties by effective tax rate at 0.732%, just above the state average of 0.719%. Its median property tax of $1,448 exceeds Kentucky's state median of $1,093, making it a higher-tax county within the state.
Pricier homes, higher rates in central region
Clark County's 0.732% rate and $1,448 median tax place it squarely in the upper tier of its region. Neighboring counties like Clay (0.685%) and Elliott (0.689%) charge less, while Daviess County's 0.858% rate tops the group.
What a median home costs in taxes
Own a home worth $197,900 in Clark County? Expect to pay approximately $1,448 per year in property taxes. Mortgage payers typically see an additional $15 folded into their escrow account.
You may be overassessed—consider an appeal
Many Kentucky homeowners pay taxes on inflated assessments. If your home's assessed value seems high relative to recent sales or condition, a formal appeal to the county assessor could lower your bill.
Renters in Clark County spend just 15.6% of their income on housing, well below the national affordability threshold of 30% and better than Kentucky's state average of 17%. At $883 monthly, rents here run about $115 more than the state average but remain manageable for a county where median household income reaches $67,824.
Among Kentucky's Most Affordable Counties
Clark County ranks among the state's most affordable places to rent, with a rent-to-income ratio below the state average. This affordability edge stems from the balance between moderate incomes and controlled housing costs, making it a competitive option within Kentucky's rental market.
Competitive With Central Kentucky Peers
Clark County's $883 rent is comparable to Daviess County ($906) but noticeably higher than surrounding rural counties like Crittenden ($618) and Cumberland ($553). The difference reflects Clark's stronger local economy and more developed urban infrastructure around Winchester.
Rent and Homeownership Both Viable
Renters pay $883 monthly while homeowners carry $1,049 in monthly costs, with median home values at $197,900. The 15.6% rent-to-income ratio means the typical household dedicates about one-sixth of earnings to housing, leaving room for other expenses.
Seeking Balanced Rural-Urban Living?
If you're relocating from a high-cost metro area, Clark County offers affordable housing with a stronger median income than many rural Kentucky alternatives. Compare this county's 15.6% rent burden against neighboring communities to find your best fit in central Kentucky.
Clark County's median household income of $67,824 trails the national median of $74,755 by about 9%, placing it below the top quartile nationally. However, the county's per capita income of $39,131 significantly exceeds Kentucky's state average of $29,616, signaling stronger individual earning power than most Kentuckians.
Top tier earner in Kentucky
Clark County ranks among Kentucky's highest-income counties, with a median household income 21% above the state average of $55,909. This positions residents in the upper echelon of Kentucky's income distribution.
Leading the regional income pack
Clark County's $67,824 median income substantially outpaces neighboring Bourbon County and Madison County, earning roughly $15,000 to $20,000 more per household. This income advantage reflects Clark County's diversified economic base and stronger employment market.
Housing stays affordable here
With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.6%, Clark County households spend a healthy portion of income on housing—well below the 30% affordability threshold. A median home value of $197,900 paired with solid household incomes makes homeownership attainable for most families.
Build wealth with strategic planning
Clark County's above-average incomes create opportunity for wealth-building through retirement savings, home equity, and investment accounts. Consider working with a financial advisor to maximize tax-advantaged savings and diversify assets for long-term security.
At 72.8 years, Clark County residents live longer than the U.S. average of 71.4 years—a rare health advantage for a rural Kentucky county. Only 20.6% report poor or fair health, well below the national rate of 21%, suggesting stronger overall wellness despite economic headwinds.
Above-average health within Kentucky
Clark County's 72.8-year life expectancy edges past Kentucky's state average of 72.2 years, placing it in the healthier tier statewide. Its 5.4% uninsured rate is significantly better than Kentucky's 7.0% average, indicating stronger insurance coverage among residents.
Healthiest in its peer group
Clark County outperforms most neighboring counties in life expectancy and disease burden—its 20.6% poor/fair health rate beats Clay County's 31.2% by 10 percentage points. With 46 primary care providers per 100,000, Clark offers more doctor access than rural neighbors like Clay (40 per 100K).
Strong insurance and provider access
Only 5.4% of Clark County residents lack health insurance, making it one of Kentucky's best-covered counties. The county supports 126 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, ensuring robust mental healthcare access alongside adequate primary care.
Keep coverage strong and accessible
With coverage already strong at 94.6%, Clark County should focus on reaching the remaining 5.4% uninsured through outreach. Check kynect.ky.gov or healthcare.gov to confirm your plan or explore subsidized options if your circumstances change.
With a composite risk score of 38.30, Clark County sits well below the national average and earns a Very Low risk rating. This means your county faces significantly less natural disaster exposure than most U.S. counties, though specific hazards deserve targeted attention.
Among Kentucky's safest counties
Clark County's score of 38.30 places it well below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, ranking it in the safer half of the state's 120 counties. This relatively favorable position reflects lower overall exposure to multiple hazard types.
Safer than most surrounding areas
Clark County's 38.30 score compares favorably to neighboring Fayette and Madison counties, though some eastern neighbors face modestly higher risks. Your county's positioning makes it one of the region's more resilient areas for natural disaster preparedness.
Tornadoes and earthquakes lead local threats
Tornado risk scores 68.03 in Clark County—your most significant hazard—while earthquake risk reaches 59.38, both well above flood risks at 47.30. Though your county's overall rating is very low, these two hazards warrant annual safety planning and weather awareness during storm season.
Prepare for tornadoes and earthquakes
Consider homeowners insurance that covers wind and hail damage from severe thunderstorms, and ensure your home is properly secured to withstand moderate earthquake shaking. A safe room or basement shelter and a 72-hour emergency kit are practical investments for Clark County families.