countyscore
70
County Score
Cost of Living 93.9Safety 91.4Property Tax 80.7

County Report Card

About Clinton County, Kentucky

A national leader in livability

Clinton County boasts a high composite score of 70.0, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This puts the county in the top tier of US locations for overall value and security.

A standout in the Bluegrass State

With a 70.0 score, Clinton County significantly outperforms the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It ranks as one of the most desirable counties in the state for budget-conscious families.

Exceptional safety and low taxes

The county shines with a safety score of 91.4 and a cost score of 93.9. Its effective tax rate of 0.550% is very competitive, contributing to a high tax score of 80.7.

Local wages and water quality

While housing is cheap, the income score is low at 4.5, reflecting a median household income of $42,168. Water quality also scores lower at 35.6, suggesting a need for infrastructure investment.

Perfect for families seeking security

Clinton County is a top choice for families who prioritize safety and low cost of living above all else. It offers a secure, high-value lifestyle for those who can navigate the local economic landscape.

Score breakdown

Tax80.7Cost93.9Safety91.4Health28.4Schools67.3Income4.5Risk75.5Water35.6Weather73.8
🏛80.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠93.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼4.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡91.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤28.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓67.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡75.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧35.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤73.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨47.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱57.6
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

Pickett County
Tennessee
67.3
Cumberland County
Kentucky
70.5
Russell County
Kentucky
65.5
Wayne County
Kentucky
63
Clay County
Tennessee
64.2
Overton County
Tennessee
53.2
Fentress County
Tennessee
56.5
Adair County
Kentucky
65.7

Deep Dives

Clinton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Clinton County

via TaxByCounty

Clinton's property taxes rank among nation's lowest

At 0.550%, Clinton County's effective tax rate is the lowest nationally among comparable counties, placing it in approximately the 10th percentile. Though home values are modest at $114,000, the median property tax of $627 remains a fraction of the national median of $2,690.

Kentucky's most tax-friendly county in sample

Clinton County ranks lowest among the eight counties in this analysis, with a 0.550% effective rate well below Kentucky's 0.719% average. Its $627 median property tax falls roughly 57% below the state median of $1,093.

The regional tax leader by a clear margin

Clinton County's 0.550% rate beats every other county in this eastern region by a significant margin. The next-lowest, Crittenden County, charges 0.562%—more than a full percentage point above Clinton.

Among Kentucky's lowest annual tax bills

A median home valued at $114,000 in Clinton County generates an estimated $627 annual property tax. With mortgage escrow, homeowners pay around $1,063; without a mortgage, closer to $497.

Verify your assessment even in low-tax counties

Low tax rates don't mean assessments are always accurate. If you believe your home's assessed value exceeds its market worth, filing an appeal with Clinton County's assessor could provide additional relief.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Clinton County

via CostByCounty

Clinton County Housing Remains Reasonably Affordable

Clinton County renters dedicate 17.9% of their income to housing, just slightly above Kentucky's 17% state average and well within the 30% affordability comfort zone. At $42,168 median household income and $629 median rent, this rural county maintains equilibrium between wages and housing costs.

Middle of Kentucky's Affordability Pack

Clinton County's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio places it close to the state average, making it a moderately affordable option within Kentucky. The county avoids the extreme affordability challenges facing other rural eastern Kentucky communities while remaining notably cheaper than urban centers.

Least Expensive Rent in the Area

Clinton County's $629 rent is the lowest among its regional peers, beaten only by Elliott County at $427 and well below Clark County at $883. This affordability advantage makes Clinton appealing for renters with limited incomes.

Renting and Buying Both Within Reach

Renters pay $629 monthly while homeowners spend $508, with median homes valued at $114,000. At 17.9% of income going to rent, Clinton County households retain reasonable flexibility for other essential expenses.

Remote Workers Find Value Here

Clinton County's sub-$630 rents and affordable home prices attract budget-conscious relocators, especially those earning income independent of local wage levels. Compare Clinton's costs to Elliott County (even cheaper) and Crittenden County (similar housing, slightly higher income levels) to find your sweet spot.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Clinton County

via IncomeByCounty

Clinton County income trails far behind

Clinton County's median household income of $42,168 lags the national median of $74,755 by 44%, ranking it among America's lowest-income rural counties. Per capita income of $23,829 remains 19% below Kentucky's state average, reflecting limited earning potential.

Bottom-tier income rank in Kentucky

Clinton County ranks below Kentucky's median of $55,909, with households earning 25% less than the state average. The county's economy depends heavily on agriculture and small-scale manufacturing, constraining wage growth.

Lower income than surrounding counties

Clinton County's $42,168 median falls short of neighboring Russell County and Wayne County by $4,000–$8,000 per household. The gap reflects Clinton's smaller employment base and fewer high-wage opportunities.

Balanced but tight housing costs

Clinton County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.9% keeps housing affordable by national standards, though tight household budgets leave little room for unexpected costs. Median home values of $114,000 are within reach, but maintenance and property tax burdens can strain lower-income homeowners.

Invest in skills and community assets

Clinton County residents benefit from pursuing vocational training, technical certifications, and entrepreneurship through local workforce development programs. Community-based savings circles and credit unions offer affordable pathways to build emergency funds and home equity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Clinton County

via CrimeByCounty

Elite Safety in Clinton County

Clinton County boasts an elite safety score of 99.8, reflecting a crime rate of just 150.6 per 100K. This rate is nearly 16 times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Kentucky Leader in Security

The county ranks as one of the safest in Kentucky, beating the state average safety score of 98.8. Its total crime rate is less than 20% of the state average of 786.2.

Zero Violent Crimes Reported

While some neighbors see higher activity, Clinton County recorded zero violent crimes per 100K in 2022. It stands out as a sanctuary of safety within the regional landscape.

Minimal Property Incidents Occur

All 150.6 reported crimes per 100K residents fall into the property category. Residents are statistically much safer here than in almost any national counterpart.

Maintain Your Secure Environment

Even with a near-perfect safety score, property theft remains the only documented concern. Maintaining good locks and neighborly awareness keeps these exceptionally low numbers where they are.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Clinton County

via HealthByCounty

Clinton County near national health average

Clinton County's 71.7-year life expectancy falls just shy of the U.S. average of 71.4 years, placing it in the middle tier nationally. However, 26.2% reporting poor or fair health exceeds the national rate of 21%, suggesting uncontrolled chronic conditions.

Slightly below Kentucky's health median

At 71.7 years, Clinton County trails Kentucky's 72.2-year average by 0.5 years, indicating middling state performance. The 8.3% uninsured rate exceeds Kentucky's 7.0% average by 1.3 points, leaving more residents vulnerable.

Mixed results against surrounding counties

Clinton County's 71.7-year life expectancy sits between Clay County's lower 68.3 and Crittenden County's higher 71.8 years. Its 26.2% poor/fair health rate is better than Clay but worse than neighbors like Daviess (20.3%), pointing to manageable but present health challenges.

Better primary care, strong mental health support

Clinton County offers 54 primary care providers per 100,000—above rural average—and an exceptional 197 mental health providers per 100K. Yet 8.3% remain uninsured, suggesting affordability rather than availability drives care gaps.

Bridge the coverage gap

Clinton County's strong provider base is only helpful if you can afford to use it; 8.3% uninsured is too high. Start at kynect.ky.gov to see if you qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or tax credits that make care affordable.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Clinton County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Specialized Rural Learning Network

Clinton County features 6 public schools that serve a total of 1,574 students through a single district. The landscape includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools, including a specialized academy. This structure provides a high ratio of secondary options relative to the total student population.

High Investment Yields Positive Outcomes

With a per-pupil expenditure of $8,213, Clinton County invests more in its students than the state average of $6,894. This funding supports a 92.0% graduation rate, which comfortably exceeds the national average of 87.0%. The county's school score of 57.2 also ranks higher than the Kentucky state average.

Clinton County District's Local Impact

The Clinton County school district oversees 5 schools and 100% of the county's public enrollment. There are no charter schools in operation here, keeping the focus entirely on the local public system. The district manages a diverse set of campuses ranging from early childhood centers to secondary academies.

Intimate Schools in a Rural Setting

Every school in Clinton County is located in a rural locale, creating a consistent environment for all 1,574 students. Schools are relatively small, averaging 315 students, with Albany Elementary being the largest at 461 pupils. In contrast, Foothills Academy offers a highly personalized experience with only 16 students enrolled.

Relocate Near High-Investment Schools

Prospective homeowners in Clinton County benefit from a school system that outspends the state average to ensure student success. The rural setting of every school makes any home in the county feel like a local choice. Focus your home search on this area to take advantage of high graduation rates and small class sizes.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Clinton County

via RiskByCounty

Clinton County enjoys low national risk

Clinton County's composite risk score of 24.52 places it well below the national average, earning a Very Low risk rating. Your county is significantly safer than most U.S. counties when considering natural disaster exposure across all major hazard types.

Among Kentucky's lowest-risk counties

At 24.52, Clinton County scores substantially below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, ranking it among the state's safest counties. This favorable standing reflects relatively low exposure to natural hazards compared to most of Kentucky's 120 counties.

Safer than most nearby counties

Clinton County's 24.52 score is notably lower than those of neighboring Wayne and Casey counties, positioning it as one of south-central Kentucky's most resilient areas. Your county benefits from lower overall hazard exposure than surrounding communities.

Tornado risk leads local hazards

Tornado risk at 46.18 is Clinton County's highest threat, followed by hurricane risk at 45.47—both moderate for the county but below state averages. Flood and wildfire risks remain comparatively low at 40.97 and 33.43 respectively.

Focus on tornado and wind preparedness

Ensure your homeowners insurance covers wind and hail damage from severe storms, and identify a safe shelter room in your home for tornado warnings. Keep a battery-powered weather radio and emergency kit accessible during spring storm season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Clinton County

via WeatherByCounty

A Very Wet Regional Climate

While temperature data is missing, Clinton County’s 53.9 inches of annual precipitation is much higher than the national average. This moisture-heavy climate is typical of the humid subtropical interior.

Exceeding Kentucky's Average Rainfall

Clinton County's 53.9 inches of annual precipitation is 3.3 inches higher than the Kentucky average. This makes it one of the wettest counties in the state.

Drier Winters than Casey County

Clinton County records only 3.8 inches of snow, far less than the 13.9 inches seen in Casey County. While they share high rainfall, their winter experiences are vastly different.

Mild Winters with Heavy Rain

The county receives a mere 3.8 inches of snow annually, suggesting very mild winter conditions. However, the 53.9 inches of total precipitation indicates that much of that winter moisture falls as rain.

Manage Runoff and Heavy Rain

Property owners should focus on erosion control to manage the 53.9 inches of annual rain. Heavy snow gear is rarely needed here, as the county only sees about 4 inches of snow per year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Clinton County

via SoilByCounty

Silty Soils on the Cumberland Plateau

Clinton County soils are moderately acidic with an average pH of 5.53, slightly below the state average of 5.80. The county earns a soil score of 47.1, reflecting its specific regional challenges. These soils are typical for the southern border, requiring careful nutrient management for peak performance.

Silty Texture Dominates the Land

The soil composition is over half silt at 50.2%, balanced by 28.5% sand and 21.3% clay. This silty-loam characteristic provides a smooth texture that is relatively easy for farmers to till. However, the silt levels make the soil susceptible to erosion if left uncovered during heavy rains.

Steady Moisture, Moderate Nutrients

The organic matter content stands at 2.49%, which is slightly above the national average but below the Kentucky state average. Its Available Water Capacity of 0.176 in/in is just under the state benchmark of 0.186. This means the soil holds a fair amount of moisture but benefits from added compost.

Planning for Silt-Based Drainage

Detailed drainage and hydrologic group data are not currently available for this county. Because silt is the primary component, water moves at a moderate pace, but surface crusting can occur after storms. Proper mulch use can help keep the soil surface open and receptive to rainfall.

Ready for a Zone 7a Harvest

In USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, Clinton County gardeners enjoy a generous window for growing tomatoes, peppers, and beans. The silty soil is excellent for root vegetables like carrots and potatoes if the pH is managed. Start your seeds today to capitalize on this reliable southern Kentucky climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Clinton County

via LawnByCounty

Clinton County poses a lawn care challenge

With a lawn difficulty score of 57.6, Clinton County is tougher to maintain than much of Kentucky. Residents in zone 7a must manage higher-than-average precipitation and acidic soil conditions.

Heavy rainfall dictates your drainage needs

At 53.9 inches of annual precipitation, this county is significantly wetter than both the national and state averages. This volume requires excellent lawn drainage to prevent root rot and fungal diseases in the humid summer months.

Correcting acidity is key for success

The soil pH of 5.53 is below the ideal 6.0 threshold, which can stunt grass growth and invite weeds. While the 21.3% clay content helps hold nutrients, the acidic levels often require regular applications of agricultural lime.

Short drought windows offer little relief

The county spent three weeks in drought over the last year, though it is currently clear of dry conditions. The primary challenge here is usually managing excess water rather than a lack of it.

Select hardy grasses for wet conditions

Given the high precipitation and zone 7a climate, tall fescue is a resilient choice for local yards. Because specific frost dates are unavailable, monitor local forecasts to seed in the early fall when temperatures stabilize.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clinton County's county score?
Clinton County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 70 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 Clinton County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Clinton County ranks #6 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 Clinton County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Clinton County is $627, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Clinton County a tax score of 80.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Clinton County?
The median household income in Clinton County, Kentucky is $42,168 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Clinton County earns an income score of 4.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Clinton County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Clinton County scores 70/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Clinton 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 Clinton 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.