Cumberland County's composite score of 78.7 places it in the top 30% of U.S. counties, doubling the national median of 50.0. The county's strength in cost and tax efficiency drives this competitive national position.
2 / 5
Above-average performer for Kentucky
Cumberland's 78.7 score exceeds Kentucky's 75.0 state average and ranks among the commonwealth's stronger livability counties. The county punches above its weight in affordability metrics statewide.
3 / 5
Most affordable housing and solid taxes
Cumberland shines with the highest cost score in this group at 91.3, featuring the lowest median rent at $553/month and median home value of $128,600, plus an 85.1 tax score. Housing affordability here is exceptional.
4 / 5
Income levels constrain household wealth
Cumberland's income score of 9.3 and median household income of $39,662 reflect limited earning potential, placing it among the lowest-income counties in this set. Available data on safety, health, schools, and water quality remains incomplete.
5 / 5
Best for minimalist, financially disciplined families
Cumberland County suits those seeking the absolute lowest housing costs and favorable taxes, particularly retirees, remote workers, and families with supplemental income sources. The trade-off: limited local wage opportunities.
Cumberland County's composite score of 78.7 places it in the top 30% of U.S. counties, doubling the national median of 50.0. The county's strength in cost and tax efficiency drives this competitive national position.
Above-average performer for Kentucky
Cumberland's 78.7 score exceeds Kentucky's 75.0 state average and ranks among the commonwealth's stronger livability counties. The county punches above its weight in affordability metrics statewide.
Most affordable housing and solid taxes
Cumberland shines with the highest cost score in this group at 91.3, featuring the lowest median rent at $553/month and median home value of $128,600, plus an 85.1 tax score. Housing affordability here is exceptional.
Income levels constrain household wealth
Cumberland's income score of 9.3 and median household income of $39,662 reflect limited earning potential, placing it among the lowest-income counties in this set. Available data on safety, health, schools, and water quality remains incomplete.
Best for minimalist, financially disciplined families
Cumberland County suits those seeking the absolute lowest housing costs and favorable taxes, particularly retirees, remote workers, and families with supplemental income sources. The trade-off: limited local wage opportunities.
Score breakdown
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🏛85.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
At 73.1 years, Cumberland County residents live longer than the U.S. average of 71.4 years—a meaningful 1.7-year advantage. Yet 26.3% report poor or fair health, slightly exceeding the national rate of 21%, indicating underlying chronic disease despite longevity.
Above-average health in Kentucky
Cumberland County's 73.1-year life expectancy exceeds Kentucky's 72.2-year average by 0.9 years, placing it in the healthier half of the state. At 7.4% uninsured, it's nearly at the state average of 7.0%, with modest coverage gaps.
Outperformed by similar counties
Cumberland County's 73.1-year life expectancy trails Daviess County (74.9), Edmonson County (75.3), and Elliott County (76.3) in its region. Its 26.3% poor/fair health rate is also higher than Daviess (20.3%), suggesting more work on preventive health.
Good provider access, excellent mental health support
Cumberland County offers 51 primary care providers per 100,000 and an exceptional 250 mental health providers per 100K—among Kentucky's best. Despite these strengths, 7.4% uninsured means some residents can't fully access available care.
Unlock excellent local resources
Cumberland County has invested in world-class mental health capacity; ensure all residents can use it by getting covered. Visit kynect.ky.gov to confirm your health plan—strong local providers are only valuable when affordable.
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.