Crittenden County's composite score of 79.2 ranks it in the top 28% of U.S. counties, substantially above the national median of 50.0. The county demonstrates exceptional strength in affordability metrics that few American regions can match.
2 / 5
Kentucky's top-scoring county here
Crittenden's 79.2 score leads both its peers and Kentucky's 75.0 state average, making it one of the commonwealth's most livable counties by composite measure. The county's balanced profile sets a high bar statewide.
3 / 5
Unbeatable combination of low costs and taxes
Crittenden's 90.0 cost score is the highest in this group, with median rent at $618/month and homes at $115,700, paired with an 86.5 tax score and 0.562% effective rate. Residents enjoy both lowest-cost housing and favorable tax treatment.
4 / 5
Wage opportunities lag behind affordability
Crittenden's income score of 14.1 and median household income of $47,003 fall short of what would fully leverage the county's cost advantages. Data gaps on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remain.
5 / 5
Premier choice for economical lifestyles
Crittenden County represents Kentucky's livability sweet spot for price-conscious households, retirees, and remote workers seeking maximum purchasing power with minimal tax drag. Its affordability advantage is nearly unmatched regionally.
Crittenden County's composite score of 79.2 ranks it in the top 28% of U.S. counties, substantially above the national median of 50.0. The county demonstrates exceptional strength in affordability metrics that few American regions can match.
Kentucky's top-scoring county here
Crittenden's 79.2 score leads both its peers and Kentucky's 75.0 state average, making it one of the commonwealth's most livable counties by composite measure. The county's balanced profile sets a high bar statewide.
Unbeatable combination of low costs and taxes
Crittenden's 90.0 cost score is the highest in this group, with median rent at $618/month and homes at $115,700, paired with an 86.5 tax score and 0.562% effective rate. Residents enjoy both lowest-cost housing and favorable tax treatment.
Wage opportunities lag behind affordability
Crittenden's income score of 14.1 and median household income of $47,003 fall short of what would fully leverage the county's cost advantages. Data gaps on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remain.
Premier choice for economical lifestyles
Crittenden County represents Kentucky's livability sweet spot for price-conscious households, retirees, and remote workers seeking maximum purchasing power with minimal tax drag. Its affordability advantage is nearly unmatched regionally.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛86.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Crittenden County's 0.562% effective tax rate ranks in the bottom 20% of all U.S. counties. On a median home worth $115,700, that yields just $650 in annual property taxes—less than a quarter of the national median of $2,690.
Well below Kentucky's statewide average
Crittenden County ranks 56th among Kentucky's 120 counties with its 0.562% effective rate, meaningfully below the state average of 0.719%. Its median property tax of $650 is 40% lower than Kentucky's $1,093 state median.
Low taxes, but not the lowest in region
Crittenden County's 0.562% rate is the second-lowest in this analysis, narrowly above Clinton County's 0.550%. It significantly undercuts higher-tax neighbors like Daviess (0.858%) and Cumberland (0.611%).
Affordable property taxes on modest values
Homeowners with a median-valued property of $115,700 pay approximately $650 in annual property taxes. Mortgage escrow typically adds another $279, while those without mortgages pay around $560.
Appeals work even in low-tax counties
Crittenden County's low rates don't guarantee your assessment is fair. Requesting a review if you believe your home is overvalued could further reduce your annual bill at no cost.
Crittenden County renters spend just 15.8% of their income on housing, beating Kentucky's 17% state average and comfortably within the 30% national affordability threshold. With a median household income of $47,003 and median rent of $618, this western Kentucky county balances wages and housing effectively.
Kentucky's More Affordable Options
Crittenden County ranks among Kentucky's most affordable counties by rent-to-income ratio, comparable to stronger-performing peers like Clark and Daviess counties. This affordability edge reflects a reasonable balance of local incomes and housing costs.
Affordable by Regional Standards
Crittenden County's $618 rent undercuts Clark County ($883) and Daviess County ($906) significantly, while remaining higher than Elliott County ($427) and comparable to Cumberland ($553). The $47,003 median income positions Crittenden above the region's lowest-earning counties.
Homeownership Slightly Cheaper Than Renting
Renters spend $618 monthly while homeowners pay $495, with median home values of $115,700. The 15.8% rent-to-income ratio leaves substantial room in household budgets for savings and other needs.
Consider Crittenden for Rural Stability
Crittenden County combines below-state-average housing costs with above-average incomes for the region, making it attractive to relocators seeking affordable rural living. Its 15.8% rent burden ranks among Kentucky's best—check it against nearby Edmonson County (16.3%) and Cumberland County (16.7%) for comparison.
Crittenden County's median household income of $47,003 falls 37% short of the national median of $74,755, positioning it among lower-income rural areas. Per capita income of $28,751 slightly exceeds Kentucky's state average of $29,616, a modest bright spot.
Below-average earner in Kentucky
Crittenden County ranks below Kentucky's median household income of $55,909, with households earning 16% less than the state average. The county's economy relies on small agriculture operations and limited industrial employment.
Middle performer among regional peers
Crittenden County's $47,003 income positions it between lower-income Clay County ($39,607) and higher-earning Daviess County ($65,323). This middling status reflects mixed economic conditions typical of western Kentucky's transition zone.
Housing remains manageable
With a rent-to-income ratio of 15.8%, Crittenden County maintains healthy housing affordability below the 30% threshold. Median home values of $115,700 are accessible, though household incomes require careful budgeting for repairs and upgrades.
Leverage stable housing for financial growth
Crittenden County's affordable housing provides a foundation for building equity through homeownership and property appreciation. Use savings from reasonable housing costs to fund retirement accounts, emergency reserves, and education investments for the next generation.
At 71.8 years, Crittenden County's life expectancy nearly matches the U.S. average of 71.4 years. However, 22.9% report poor or fair health, still exceeding the national rate of 21%, suggesting room to improve chronic disease management.
Close to Kentucky's average health
Crittenden County's 71.8-year life expectancy exceeds Kentucky's 72.2-year average by just 0.4 years—essentially at parity with the state. Its 7.7% uninsured rate is slightly above Kentucky's 7.0% average, representing modest coverage challenges.
Mid-pack performance among peers
Crittenden County's 71.8-year life expectancy outperforms Clay County (68.3) but trails Daviess County (74.9) and Edmonson County (75.3). Its 22.9% poor/fair health rate places it in the middle of the regional spectrum.
Adequate primary care, sparse mental health services
With 45 primary care providers per 100,000, Crittenden County offers decent access to basic care, but only 11 mental health providers per 100K—critically low. This gap forces residents with depression, anxiety, or addiction to seek care outside the county.
Expand mental health coverage and access
Crittenden County residents deserve local mental health support; the severe shortage leaves 7.7% uninsured without even basic options. Check kynect.ky.gov for coverage and ask your provider about telepsychiatry options that bridge rural gaps.
With a composite risk score of 30.38, Crittenden County is safer than the national average despite one notable hazard concentration. Your county earns a Very Low overall risk rating, reflecting generally favorable conditions for natural disaster resilience.
Low risk within Kentucky's profile
Crittenden County scores 30.38 against Kentucky's state average of 44.21, placing it comfortably in the state's lower-risk counties. This position indicates resilience compared to much of Kentucky's hazard exposure landscape.
Comparable to surrounding counties
Crittenden County's 30.38 score aligns reasonably well with nearby Livingston and Lyon counties, though all three face distinct hazard profiles. Your county occupies a middle ground in northwestern Kentucky's risk spectrum.
Earthquake risk is a unique concern
Earthquake risk at 81.62 is Crittenden County's standout hazard—one of Kentucky's highest—driven by proximity to seismic zones. Tornado risk at 47.74 is secondary, while flood risk remains moderate at 30.79.
Secure your home for earthquake safety
Secure tall furniture, water heaters, and appliances to walls to prevent toppling during seismic events, and identify stable shelter locations like doorframes or tables. Review your homeowners insurance for earthquake coverage—standard policies exclude earthquake damage—and consider adding it given your county's elevated risk.