countyscore
70.5
County Score
Cost of Living 97Safety 89.6Property Tax 73

County Report Card

About Cumberland County, Kentucky

Top-tier national livability

Cumberland County earns an impressive 70.5 composite score, placing it far above the national median of 50.0. It ranks among the most liveable rural counties in the United States.

Leading the Kentucky pack

At 70.5, the county's score is much higher than the state average of 58.6. It stands out in Kentucky for providing a high quality of life through a combination of safety and value.

Maximum affordability and safety

With a cost score of 97.0 and a safety score of 89.6, the county is both affordable and secure. Median gross rent is just $553, which is significantly lower than national and state averages.

Economic and health constraints

A low income score of 2.7 reflects a median income of $39,662. Health scores are also modest at 35.3, suggesting fewer healthcare resources compared to more urban Kentucky counties.

A haven for quiet, affordable living

Cumberland County is a premier destination for retirees or families who want a safe, quiet lifestyle with extremely low overhead. It offers excellent schools and safety for those who don't need a high-paying local job.

20406080100739789.635.372.32.769.940.863.9Tax73Cost97Safety89.6Health35.3Schools72.3Income2.7Risk69.9Water40.8Weather63.970.5/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Cumberland County DNA

Coverall

How Cumberland County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Cumberland County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (97/100) but notably weak in Income (2.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
73+21
Cost
97+49
Safety
89.6+34.599999999999994
Health
35.3-14.700000000000003
Schools
72.3+18.299999999999997
Income
2.7-48.3
Risk
69.9+22.900000000000006
Water
40.8-17.200000000000003
Weather
63.9
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Think property taxes are too high in Cumberland County?

Many homeowners in Cumberland County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$128,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$553/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$128,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$22,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $39,662/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

67.2

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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Counties with similar scores

Worth County
Iowa
Median income: $76,875
70.4
Butler County
Nebraska
Median income: $82,603
70.4
LaMoure County
North Dakota
Median income: $70,263
70.4
Noble County
Ohio
Median income: $55,360
70.4
Doddridge County
West Virginia
Median income: $61,164
70.6
Hardin County
Illinois
Median income: $57,155
70.7
Martin County
Indiana
Median income: $65,345
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Warren County
Indiana
Median income: $74,635
70.7

Nearby counties

Clinton County
Kentucky
70
Clay County
Tennessee
64.2
Monroe County
Kentucky
66.2
Metcalfe County
Kentucky
64
Russell County
Kentucky
65.5
Adair County
Kentucky
65.7
Pickett County
Tennessee
67.3
Overton County
Tennessee
53.2

Deep Dives

Cumberland County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Cumberland County

via TaxByCounty

Cumberland's taxes sit below national median

Cumberland County's 0.611% effective tax rate places it in roughly the 40th percentile nationally. Its median home value of $128,600 is less than half the U.S. median, resulting in a $786 property tax—far below the national median of $2,690.

Below Kentucky's state average by meaningful margin

Cumberland County ranks 47th in Kentucky with its 0.611% effective rate, slightly below the state average of 0.719%. At $786, its median property tax runs 28% below Kentucky's $1,093 state median.

Mid-range taxes for the region

Cumberland County's 0.611% rate places it in the middle of this eight-county sample. Clinton (0.550%) and Crittenden (0.562%) charge less, while Daviess (0.858%) and Clark (0.732%) charge considerably more.

Moderate tax bill on a modest home

Cumberland County's median home, valued at $128,600, incurs an estimated $786 in annual property taxes. With mortgage escrow, homeowners typically pay $894; without a mortgage, approximately $734.

Challenge unfair assessments to lower your bill

Even a mid-range county like Cumberland has homeowners paying more than they should. A formal appeal to the county assessor can correct errors in your home's assessed value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cumberland County

via CostByCounty

Cumberland County Housing Costs Are Modest

Cumberland County renters spend just 16.7% of their income on housing, below Kentucky's 17% state average and comfortably within the 30% national affordability threshold. At $553 monthly rent and $39,662 median household income, this rural county keeps housing affordable despite limited local wages.

Among Kentucky's Most Affordable Counties

Cumberland County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio places it well below the state average, ranking among Kentucky's most affordable counties. The county achieves this through exceptionally low rents rather than high incomes, reflecting its rural character.

Cheapest Rents in Its Peer Group

Cumberland County's $553 rent is the lowest in this eight-county comparison, undercutting even Elliott County's $427 average in some neighborhoods. Only Elliott County offers cheaper housing, making Cumberland the second-most-affordable option for renters.

Homeownership and Renting Both Very Affordable

Renters pay $553 monthly while homeowners spend $485, with median home values reaching $128,600. At 16.7% of income devoted to housing, Cumberland households retain strong purchasing power for food, healthcare, and other essentials.

Extreme Budget Relocators Should Look Here

If you're relocating on a tight budget, Cumberland County's $553 median rent and $485 homeowner costs are among the lowest in the state. Compare this county's ultra-affordable housing to Elliott County and Clinton County to find the deepest discounts in rural Kentucky.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cumberland County

via IncomeByCounty

Cumberland faces steep national income gap

Cumberland County's median household income of $39,662 falls 47% below the national median of $74,755, marking it among the poorest counties in America. Per capita income of $21,857 trails Kentucky's state average by 26%, signaling widespread economic distress.

Among Kentucky's lowest-income counties

Cumberland County ranks near the bottom statewide, with median household income 29% below Kentucky's $55,909 average. The county's limited employment base and aging population contribute to persistent income challenges.

Struggling alongside eastern Kentucky peers

Cumberland County's $39,662 income aligns with neighboring Clinton County and Elliott County, forming a cluster of low-income Appalachian counties. These regional peers share similar economic constraints tied to coal decline and limited manufacturing.

Housing stable despite income strain

Cumberland County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% keeps housing costs manageable, though household budgets remain tight with limited discretionary income. A median home value of $128,600 exceeds incomes by a concerning ratio, making homeownership risky for many families.

Focus on resilience and gradual wealth-building

Cumberland County residents should prioritize emergency savings through employer plans and community development financial institutions before investing. Local workforce development programs offer pathways to higher-wage jobs in healthcare, skilled trades, and remote work opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cumberland County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Records Here

Cumberland County is exceptionally secure, holding a 99.7 safety score. Its total crime rate of 217.6 per 100K is less than a tenth of the national average.

Leading the State in Safety

With a crime rate of 217.6, the county is far safer than the Kentucky average of 786.2. It ranks among the state’s leaders in public safety and resident security.

Quiet Rural Safety Profile

Cumberland stands out against larger neighbors with a violent crime rate of only 50.2 per 100K. This quiet profile is common among the state's most rural and secure counties.

Very Low Violent Offenses

The community recorded 167.4 property crimes and 50.2 violent crimes per 100K. These figures are drastically lower than the national violent and property crime averages.

Protect Your Quiet Sanctuary

Low crime rates are a hallmark of Cumberland County, but property incidents still occur occasionally. Taking simple precautions like locking doors and windows ensures your home remains safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Cumberland County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concise and Effective School System

Cumberland County operates just 3 public schools, providing a clear pathway for its 1,004 students. The system includes one elementary, one middle, and one high school, all managed by a single district. This structure ensures that every student remains within the same peer group from kindergarten through graduation.

Top-Tier Performance and Strong Funding

Cumberland County stands out with a 97.0% graduation rate, vastly outperforming the national average of 87.0%. The district spends $7,347 per pupil, which is more than the Kentucky average of $6,894. This combination of funding and focus results in a high school score of 58.0, beating the state average.

Dedicated County-Wide School District

All three schools in the county fall under the Cumberland County school district, which serves 100% of the local student population. No charter schools exist in the county, maintaining a strong, unified public school tradition. This centralization allows for consistent curriculum and resource allocation across all grade levels.

Personalized Learning in a Rural Setting

All three schools are located in rural locales, offering an average size of 335 students per campus. Cumberland County Elementary is the largest facility with 503 students, while the Middle School is the smallest with 206 students. This small-scale environment allows for high levels of student-teacher interaction.

Discover Rural Excellence in Cumberland

For families seeking an elite 97% graduation rate in a quiet rural setting, Cumberland County is a top Kentucky destination. The simple three-school structure makes it easy for parents to navigate their children's educational journey. Look for local real estate to join a community that clearly prioritizes school investment and results.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cumberland County

via RiskByCounty

Cumberland County sits well below national risk

Cumberland County's composite risk score of 30.09 places it significantly below the national average, earning a Very Low risk rating. Your county faces less natural disaster exposure than most U.S. counties across all major hazard categories.

Kentucky's safest counties include yours

At 30.09, Cumberland County scores well below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, ranking it among the state's most resilient counties. Your standing reflects particularly low exposure to multiple hazard types compared to statewide patterns.

One of the region's safest areas

Cumberland County's 30.09 score is lower than neighboring Whitley and Laurel counties, establishing it as one of south-central Kentucky's most hazard-resistant communities. Your county benefits from a favorable risk profile across the region.

Flood risk is your primary concern

Flood risk at 53.72 is Cumberland County's highest hazard, though still moderate compared to state hotspots like Daviess and Clay counties. Earthquake risk (38.74) and tornado risk (38.39) present secondary considerations that merit planning awareness.

Prioritize flood insurance coverage

Flood insurance is essential in Cumberland County and must be purchased separately from homeowners policies, with a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins. Maintain gutters, ensure proper drainage around your foundation, and know your home's flood risk zone through FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Cumberland County

via WaterByCounty

Grade F Despite Average Violation Rates

Cumberland County earns a Grade F following three health violations in the last five years. Its violation rate of 31.0 per 100,000 is slightly better than the state average but still indicates system vulnerabilities.

Two Local Streams Meet Standards

Federal assessments for two local water bodies show zero impairments as of the 2022 cycle. These streams meet Clean Water Act goals, though many other county waters remain unassessed.

Lack of Federal Water Monitoring

There are currently no monitoring records for Cumberland County in the federal Water Quality Portal for the last five years. This data gap makes it difficult to track long-term chemical trends in the environment.

No Live Flow Data for Marrowbone Creek

The primary gauge at Marrowbone Creek currently lacks discharge data, leaving the county without representative live streamflow tracking. Local officials must rely on historical trends and compliance data.

Recommended Testing for Private Taps

Because compliance is weak and environmental monitoring is absent, private water testing is a smart precaution. Residents can use the results to select filters that target the specific contaminants found in recent violations.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Cumberland County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Southern Kentucky Soil Profile

Cumberland County features an average pH of 5.69, which is typical for the state but lower than the national median. The overall soil score of 49.5 reflects the rugged terrain of the Cumberland River valley. These soils require localized attention but remain productive for traditional Kentucky crops.

Balanced Loam with Silt Focus

The soil is comprised of 51.2% silt, 29.0% sand, and 19.8% clay. This balanced mix creates a loamy texture that offers good workability for farmers and gardeners alike. The moderate sand content ensures that the soil doesn't become too tight or difficult to till.

Consistent Moisture for Deep Roots

Available Water Capacity is 0.183 in/in, sitting right at the Kentucky state average of 0.186. Organic matter content is 2.23%, providing a solid baseline for biological activity in the soil. These levels support steady growth, though regular organic additions will improve long-term yield.

Reliable Hydrology for Gardening

Specific drainage and hydrologic data are not available, but the balanced texture suggests moderate drainage rates. The mix of silt and sand generally allows water to move through the profile without causing frequent standing water. This makes it a reliable choice for various agricultural and construction projects.

Cultivate the River Valley

The Zone 7a climate allows for a long growing season that supports everything from tobacco to heirloom tomatoes. With moderate water capacity and a loamy texture, your garden has a strong foundation for success. Plant a variety of summer crops to take full advantage of the local weather.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cumberland County

via LawnByCounty

Cumberland County exceeds the state average

Cumberland County earns a respectable 68.5 lawn difficulty score, making it easier to maintain than many neighboring counties. Its zone 7a classification supports a long growing season for local homeowners.

Working with a mild transition climate

While specific temperature and precipitation averages are limited for this county, the zone 7a status suggests a climate similar to the central Kentucky region. Local conditions generally favor grasses that can handle both cold snaps and humid summers.

Managing slightly acidic soil profiles

With a soil pH of 5.69, local lawns may require occasional liming to reach the optimal 6.0-7.0 range. The 19.8% clay and 29.0% sand mix provides a texture that typically drains well but may need organic matter to boost fertility.

Recent drought history warrants vigilance

Cumberland County spent six weeks in drought during the past year, indicating periodic dry spells are a risk. However, the county is currently at 0% drought coverage, providing a great window for lawn recovery.

Time your planting for the transition zone

Zone 7a is the perfect territory for Kentucky-31 tall fescue or modern hybrid blends. Focus on late-season planting to allow roots to dive deep before the summer heat returns next year.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cumberland County's county score?
Cumberland County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 70.5 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 Cumberland County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Cumberland County ranks #4 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 Cumberland County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Cumberland County is $786, with an effective tax rate of 0.61%. This earns Cumberland County a tax score of 73/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cumberland County?
The median household income in Cumberland County, Kentucky is $39,662 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cumberland County earns an income score of 2.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cumberland County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Cumberland County scores 70.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Cumberland 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 Cumberland 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.