countyscore
63.7
County Score
Cost of Living 95Property Tax 79.2Safety 75.3

County Report Card

About Crittenden County, Kentucky

Strong standing on the national stage

Crittenden County's composite score of 63.7 is well above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high level of livability relative to the rest of the country.

Exceeding the state average

The county's 63.7 score beats the Kentucky average of 58.6. It is a competitive option within the state, offering a balance of low taxes and extreme housing affordability.

Affordable housing and low tax burden

Housing affordability is a major draw with a cost score of 95.0, supported by median rents of just $618. The tax score of 79.2 reflects an inviting 0.562% effective tax rate.

Limited income and water scores

The income score is low at 9.5, with a median household income of $47,003. Water quality is the most significant challenge, with a score of 20.0 trailing the state average.

Best for budget-first homeowners

Crittenden County is ideal for people looking to own a home with minimal financial stress. It rewards those who prioritize low taxes and cheap housing over local high-wage opportunities.

2040608010079.29575.335.445.79.569.62057.8Tax79.2Cost95Safety75.3Health35.4Schools45.7Income9.5Risk69.6Water20Weather57.863.7/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Crittenden County DNA

D+overall

How Crittenden County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Crittenden County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (95/100) but notably weak in Income (9.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
79.2+27.200000000000003
Cost
95+47
Safety
75.3+20.299999999999997
Health
35.4-14.600000000000001
Schools
45.7-8.299999999999997
Income
9.5-41.5
Risk
69.6+22.599999999999994
Water
20-38
Weather
57.8
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$115,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$618/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$115,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$24,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $47,003/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

11.1

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
Compare Crittenden County with Baca County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Baca County
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Median income: $40,380
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Washington County
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Median income: $75,652
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Lyon County
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Median income: $64,464
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Trimble County
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King and Queen County
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Median income: $72,851
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Upshur County
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Median income: $51,859
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Sheridan County
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Median income: $70,000
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Sabine Parish
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Median income: $52,047
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Nearby counties

Hardin County
Illinois
70.7
Livingston County
Kentucky
59
Caldwell County
Kentucky
63.9
Pope County
Illinois
67.4
Union County
Kentucky
60.1
Lyon County
Kentucky
63.7
Webster County
Kentucky
51.6
Gallatin County
Illinois
67.6

Deep Dives

Crittenden County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Crittenden County

via TaxByCounty

Crittenden's rates are among lowest nationally

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Crittenden County

via CostByCounty

Crittenden County Offers Strong Affordability

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Crittenden County

via IncomeByCounty

Crittenden County income below national average

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Crittenden County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong Security in Crittenden

Crittenden County presents a very safe profile with a 99.1 safety score and a crime rate of 590.3 per 100K. This is roughly 75% lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Beating State Averages Handily

The county is more secure than the average Kentucky locale, exceeding the state safety score of 98.8. Its total crime rate of 590.3 also beats the state average of 786.2.

Stable Environment for Families

Compared to nearby counties, Crittenden maintains a low violent crime rate of 55.7 per 100K. This creates a stable environment compared to larger regional hubs.

Focusing on Property Protection

Property crimes make up 534.6 of the total 590.3 incidents reported per 100K people. Violent crime remains significantly lower than both the state average and the national benchmark of 369.8.

Smart Steps for Homeowners

Because property crime is the primary driver of these statistics, home security is a smart proactive step. Even basic deterrents can help maintain the county's reputation for safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Crittenden County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Education in Crittenden County

Crittenden County maintains a small but efficient education system with 4 public schools serving 1,363 students. The infrastructure consists of one elementary school, one middle school, and two high schools within a single district. This compact setup allows for direct progression from primary through secondary levels.

Exceeding National Graduation Benchmarks

The county achieves a 92.0% graduation rate, placing it well above the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $6,430 is slightly below the state average, the county still maintains a school score of 53.3. These metrics indicate a school system that delivers results efficiently despite tighter budgets.

A Unified Community School District

The Crittenden County school district is the sole provider of public education, managing all 4 schools in the region. There are no charter schools available, ensuring a 100% focus on traditional public education for all 1,363 students. The district includes specialized options like Pathway Academy for high schoolers.

Town-Centered Learning with Rural Ties

Three of the county's schools are located in town settings, while one remains rural, with an average school size of 341 students. Crittenden County Elementary is the largest and most central school with 642 students. At the other extreme, Pathway Academy High School serves an extremely small, targeted student population.

Settle Near Crittenden's Focused Schools

Families looking for a community where schools are central to town life will find Crittenden County appealing. With graduation rates consistently beating the national average, the area offers a stable environment for raising children. Explore homes near the central elementary and high school campus for maximum convenience.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Crittenden County

via RiskByCounty

Crittenden County ranks below national risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Crittenden County

via WaterByCounty

Critical Drinking Water Violation Rate

Crittenden County holds a Grade F with a violation rate of 131.6 per 100,000 residents. This figure is nearly four times the Kentucky average, reflecting serious drinking water safety concerns.

Three Local Streams Pass Assessments

Three water bodies were evaluated in 2022 and found to have 0% impairment. While surface sources appear healthy, the small sample size may not reflect the entire county's water health.

Sparse Data from Single Monitoring Site

Monitoring is limited to one site with only 20 measurements recorded over the past five years. These few data points focus on physical properties, nutrients, and inorganic metals.

Tradewater River Flowing Below Normal

The Tradewater River near Providence is currently flowing at 319 cfs, which is only 30% of its typical mean. Low flow levels can strain water supplies and make it harder to treat source water.

Actively Manage Your Water Quality

High violation rates and low river levels make water conservation and advanced filtration essential. Residents should stay informed about local utility updates and consider point-of-use filters for their homes.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Crittenden County

via SoilByCounty

Superior Soils in Western Kentucky

Crittenden County stands out with a soil score of 61.9, significantly outperforming the state average of 56.2. The average pH is 6.01, which is quite close to the national ideal of 6.5 and much better than the state average of 5.80. This makes it one of the more versatile counties for agriculture in the region.

Silky Texture with Low Sand

With a massive 66.1% silt content and only 12.3% sand, this soil feels floury and smooth to the touch. The 21.7% clay content provides enough structure to hold nutrients without becoming overly heavy. This high-silt profile is a signature of the fertile loess-derived soils in western Kentucky.

High Water Storage Capacity

The Available Water Capacity of 0.201 in/in is well above the state average, providing an excellent buffer against drought. Organic matter is lower at 2.07%, which aligns with national levels but suggests a need for cover cropping to boost carbon. Plants here have access to a deep reservoir of moisture throughout the summer.

Slow Movement and High Retention

While specific drainage classes are unavailable, the extremely high silt content suggests that water permeates the soil slowly. This makes the county excellent for dry-land farming where water retention is critical. Builders should test for soil stability given the high silt and low sand levels.

Grow Boldly in Zone 7a

Crittenden County’s high water capacity and near-neutral pH make it a gardener's dream in Zone 7a. It is ideal for corn, soybeans, and large-scale vegetable gardens that thrive in moisture-retentive silt. Your backyard plot will flourish with just a little organic supplementation.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Crittenden County

via LawnByCounty

Stable growing conditions in Crittenden County

Crittenden County's score of 62.8 is slightly lower than the Kentucky average but remains well above the national median. Homeowners in zone 7a enjoy a climate that supports a variety of transition-zone grasses.

Summer heat tests lawn endurance

The county experiences 31 extreme heat days per year, matching the state average and necessitating careful summer watering. Annual precipitation of 50.9 inches provides a strong base for growth if managed correctly.

Solid soil chemistry aids turf health

A soil pH of 6.01 falls just within the ideal range, making this one of the better natural foundations in the region. The soil contains 21.7% clay, which provides a good balance between moisture retention and aeration.

Current dry spell requires extra attention

With 100% of the county currently classified as Abnormally Dry (D0), supplemental watering is vital. The county endured seven weeks of drought over the past year, making water conservation practices a priority for local gardeners.

Prepare for fall seeding now

Crittenden County's zone 7a climate is ideal for heat-tolerant cool-season blends. Plan to overseed in the late summer or early fall to take advantage of the 50.9 inches of annual rainfall.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crittenden County's county score?
Crittenden County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 63.7 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 Crittenden County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Crittenden County ranks #35 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 Crittenden County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Crittenden County is $650, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Crittenden County a tax score of 79.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Crittenden County?
The median household income in Crittenden County, Kentucky is $47,003 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Crittenden County earns an income score of 9.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Crittenden County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Crittenden County scores 63.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #35 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Crittenden 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 Crittenden 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.