Clinton County's composite score of 78.7 ranks it in the top 30% of U.S. counties, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This leadership position reflects rare combinations of tax efficiency and housing affordability.
2 / 5
Among Kentucky's strongest performers
Clinton's 78.7 score exceeds Kentucky's 75.0 state average and positions it as one of the commonwealth's top-scoring counties. The county consistently outperforms statewide norms across measured dimensions.
3 / 5
Lowest taxes and strongest cost profile
Clinton boasts an 86.8 tax score backed by the lowest effective rate in this group at 0.550%, plus an 89.6 cost score with median rent of just $629/month and homes at $114,000. This combination creates extraordinary fiscal and housing headroom for residents.
4 / 5
Income growth remains underdeveloped
Clinton's income score of 10.9 and median household income of $42,168 suggest limited employment upside for wage earners. Missing data on safety, health, schools, and infrastructure prevent a fuller livability assessment.
5 / 5
Perfect for value-seeking rural residents
Clinton County is tailor-made for retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, or self-sufficient families seeking maximum affordability with minimal tax friction. It trades wage growth for unmatched cost-of-living advantages.
Clinton County's composite score of 78.7 ranks it in the top 30% of U.S. counties, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This leadership position reflects rare combinations of tax efficiency and housing affordability.
Among Kentucky's strongest performers
Clinton's 78.7 score exceeds Kentucky's 75.0 state average and positions it as one of the commonwealth's top-scoring counties. The county consistently outperforms statewide norms across measured dimensions.
Lowest taxes and strongest cost profile
Clinton boasts an 86.8 tax score backed by the lowest effective rate in this group at 0.550%, plus an 89.6 cost score with median rent of just $629/month and homes at $114,000. This combination creates extraordinary fiscal and housing headroom for residents.
Income growth remains underdeveloped
Clinton's income score of 10.9 and median household income of $42,168 suggest limited employment upside for wage earners. Missing data on safety, health, schools, and infrastructure prevent a fuller livability assessment.
Perfect for value-seeking rural residents
Clinton County is tailor-made for retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, or self-sufficient families seeking maximum affordability with minimal tax friction. It trades wage growth for unmatched cost-of-living advantages.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛86.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.