countyscore
47.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Lawn Care 72.6Weather & Climate 69.8

County Report Card

About Clark County, Kentucky

Clark County trails the national median

Clark County earns an overall composite score of 47.5, placing it just below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a mix of strong infrastructure and economic challenges relative to the rest of the country.

Below the Kentucky average

The county's composite score of 47.5 sits significantly lower than the Kentucky state average of 58.6. While it provides strong local services, it ranks in the lower tier of the state's 120 counties for overall livability.

Infrastructure and schools lead the way

Water quality and education are standout features, with scores of 86.0 and 69.5 respectively. The median household income of $67,824 is healthy for the region, supporting an income score of 61.3.

Safety and housing costs present hurdles

The county struggles with a low safety score of 15.3 and a cost score of 35.9, indicating higher-than-average housing expenses. Median home values reach $197,900, which is relatively high compared to its regional neighbors.

Best for high-earning commuters

Clark County is a strong fit for professionals who value quality schools and reliable infrastructure while working in nearby metro areas. It suits those who prioritize household income over absolute safety or housing affordability.

2040608010059.635.915.351.369.561.361.78669.8Tax59.6Cost35.9Safety15.3Health51.3Schools69.5Income61.3Risk61.7Water86Weather69.847.5/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Clark County DNA

Foverall

How Clark County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Clark County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Safety (15.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
59.6
Cost
35.9-12.100000000000001
Safety
15.3-39.7
Health
51.3
Schools
69.5+15.5
Income
61.3+10.299999999999997
Risk
61.7+14.700000000000003
Water
86+28
Weather
69.8+13.799999999999997
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Compare mortgage rates in Clark County

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$197,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$883/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$197,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $67,824/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

37.8

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

Madison County
Kentucky
47.6
Estill County
Kentucky
58.7
Fayette County
Kentucky
37.5
Montgomery County
Kentucky
44.2
Powell County
Kentucky
60.1
Bourbon County
Kentucky
51.3
Jessamine County
Kentucky
47.5
Garrard County
Kentucky
54.2

Deep Dives

Clark County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Clark County

via TaxByCounty

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clark County

via CostByCounty

Clark County Rents Stay Below National Stress

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clark County

via IncomeByCounty

Clark County earns above the national line

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clark County

via CrimeByCounty

Clark County Approaches National Averages

Clark County’s crime rate of 2,366.1 per 100K sits just below the national average of 2,385.5. Despite this, the county earns a high safety score of 96.3 out of 100.

Comparing Safety to Kentucky Benchmarks

While safe by national standards, Clark’s safety score of 96.3 is slightly lower than the Kentucky state average of 98.8. It records significantly more crime per capita than many of its rural neighbors.

Regional Activity Outpaces State Average

The total crime rate here is nearly three times the state average of 786.2 per 100K. As a regional hub, Clark County faces more activity than the more isolated rural areas nearby.

Property Crime Drives Local Statistics

Violent crime is rare at 119.3 per 100K, occurring at less than a third of the national rate. However, property crime reaches 2,246.8 per 100K, which is slightly higher than the national average.

Secure Your Property Effectively

Since property crime accounts for nearly all local reports, visible security is your best defense. Simple upgrades like motion-sensor lighting or doorbell cameras effectively deter opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Clark County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Centralized Town-Based Education Hub

Clark County operates a streamlined network of 10 public schools serving 5,359 students within a single school district. The infrastructure includes four elementary, two middle, and two high schools, along with two specialized campuses. All schools are classified as town-based, creating a consistent community-focused learning environment.

Elite Graduation Rates Exceed State Averages

The county boasts an impressive 97.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the Kentucky average of 93.8% and the national mark of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $7,140 is below the $13,000 national average, it remains higher than the state average of $6,894. This investment yields a composite school score of 57.5, which beats the statewide median.

The Power of One School District

The Clark County school district manages all 9 primary and secondary schools, overseeing the education of every student in the system. There are currently no charter schools in the county, meaning traditional public schools receive 100% of the public enrollment. The district maintains a balance between large secondary campuses and smaller elementary facilities.

Town Schools with a Large-Scale Feel

Learning in Clark County occurs in a 100% town setting with an average school size of 595 students. George Rogers Clark High School is the massive center of student life with 1,645 students, while William G. Conkwright Elementary offers a more intimate setting with 505 pupils. The presence of two middle schools and an intermediate school allows for specialized age-group transitions.

Establish Your Family in Clark County

Families seeking high-performing schools find great value in Clark County’s exceptional 97% graduation rate and unified district. Homebuyers often prioritize proximity to the large secondary campus or the concentrated town elementary schools. Explore the local housing market to find a residence near these top-tier educational facilities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clark County

via RiskByCounty

Clark County's risk ranks well nationally

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Clark County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Compliance Grade for Clark County

Clark County earns a perfect Grade A with zero drinking water health violations over the last five years. This performance significantly outpaces the Kentucky average violation rate of 35.7 per 100,000 residents.

Healthy Watersheds in 2022 Assessments

All five water bodies assessed in the 2022 reporting cycle meet federal Clean Water Act standards. The county maintains a 0% impairment rate, matching the state average for assessed areas.

Steady Tracking of Local Water Quality

Three monitoring sites have recorded 961 measurements over the last five years. These records focus on organic compounds, pesticides, and inorganic metals to ensure long-term safety.

Limited Live Streamflow Data Available

No primary USGS streamgage currently operates within Clark County boundaries to provide real-time discharge data. Residents rely on regional reports and compliance records to gauge water availability.

Maintaining Excellence in Clark County

With a perfect compliance record, residents should focus on preventative stewardship of local watersheds. Proper disposal of household chemicals and managing runoff can keep these unimpaired water bodies healthy.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Clark County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Soil in the Bluegrass

Clark County presents a soil profile with an average pH of 6.16, making it more neutral than the Kentucky state average of 5.80. While it sits slightly below the national median of 6.5, this acidity level is ideal for many regional forage crops. The overall soil score of 64.4 indicates high quality compared to the state average of 56.2.

Silt-Heavy Soils Drive Consistency

The county's soil consists of 53.6% silt and 27.8% clay, creating a heavy but productive texture. With only 18.6% sand, these soils hold onto nutrients well but require careful management to prevent compaction. This mix offers a stable foundation for the county's diverse agricultural landscape.

Strong Water Retention for Growth

With an Available Water Capacity of 0.189 in/in, Clark County exceeds the state average for moisture storage. The organic matter content sits at 2.75%, which is higher than the national average of 2.0% but lower than the state mark of 3.55%. This combination provides a reliable reservoir for crops during drier summer months.

Managed Hydrology and Drainage

Specific drainage class and hydrologic group data are currently limited for this area. However, the high silt and clay content suggests that water moves slowly through the profile. Farmers and builders should account for this natural retention when planning irrigation or site drainage.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 6b

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, Clark County is perfect for cool-season grasses, berries, and native hardwoods. The balanced pH and high water capacity make it an excellent spot for a home vegetable garden. Start your planting in early spring to take full advantage of these fertile Bluegrass soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clark County

via LawnByCounty

Clark County leads the state in lawn ease

With a difficulty score of 72.6, Clark County is significantly easier to manage than the national median and the Kentucky state average of 66.3. Its location in USDA hardiness zone 6b provides a reliable foundation for lush, healthy turf.

Predictable rainfall supports consistent growth

The county receives 48.1 inches of annual precipitation, which falls perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawn health. Local lawns face only 24 extreme heat days per year, fewer than the state average of 30, reducing the risk of mid-summer dormancy.

Naturally balanced soil simplifies yard work

A soil pH of 6.16 puts Clark County right in the sweet spot for nutrient absorption without heavy intervention. The soil composition of 27.8% clay helps retain moisture while the 18.6% sand content prevents total saturation.

Strong drought resistance keeps grass green

The county experienced only two weeks of drought over the past year and currently reports no abnormally dry areas. To maintain this resilience, homeowners should continue deep, infrequent watering during the hottest summer months.

Start your cool-season lawn this fall

Tall fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass thrive in zone 6b, particularly when seeded in the early autumn. While local frost dates vary, aim for late September to ensure strong root establishment before the ground freezes.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clark County's county score?
Clark County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 47.5 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 Clark County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Clark County ranks #108 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 Clark County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Clark County is $1,448, with an effective tax rate of 0.73%. This earns Clark County a tax score of 59.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clark County?
The median household income in Clark County, Kentucky is $67,824 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clark County earns an income score of 61.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clark County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Clark County scores 47.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #108 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Clark 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 Clark County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.