countyscore
41.9
County Score
Water Quality 86Lawn Care 76.3Weather & Climate 70.6

County Report Card

About Daviess County, Kentucky

Below the national median

Daviess County scores a 41.9 overall, which is below the national median of 50.0. This reflects significant challenges in safety and environmental risk despite strong infrastructure.

Struggling against the state average

The county's 41.9 score falls well short of the Kentucky average of 58.6. While it offers higher wages than many neighbors, it lags in several key quality-of-life categories.

Good water and decent income

Water quality is a major asset with a score of 86.0, and the income score of 55.5 reflects a solid median household income of $65,323. Health outcomes also score above the state average at 56.7.

High risk and safety concerns

Low scores in safety (12.5) and risk (11.9) are the primary drawbacks for the area. The cost score of 37.5 also indicates that housing is less affordable than in many other Kentucky regions.

Best for high-earning urbanites

Daviess County suits professionals who value higher wages and reliable public utilities. It is a trade-off for those willing to accept higher environmental risks and safety concerns for better economic prospects.

2040608010048.437.512.556.754.855.511.98670.6Tax48.4Cost37.5Safety12.5Health56.7Schools54.8Income55.5Risk11.9Water86Weather70.641.9/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Daviess County DNA

Foverall

How Daviess County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Daviess County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Safety (12.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
48.4
Cost
37.5-10.5
Safety
12.5-42.5
Health
56.7
Schools
54.8
Income
55.5
Risk
11.9-35.1
Water
86+28
Weather
70.6+14.599999999999994
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Whether buying or refinancing in Daviess County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$185,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$906/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$185,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,323/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

26.2

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

Autauga County
Alabama
Median income: $69,841
41.9
Madison County
Indiana
Median income: $62,632
41.9
Bourbon County
Kansas
Median income: $67,555
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Manistee County
Michigan
Median income: $60,879
41.9
Wayne County
Mississippi
Median income: $36,791
41.9
Middlesex County
New Jersey
Median income: $109,028
41.9
Roosevelt County
New Mexico
Median income: $52,445
41.9
Franklin County
Ohio
Median income: $73,795
41.9

Nearby counties

Spencer County
Indiana
68.6
Hancock County
Kentucky
68.7
McLean County
Kentucky
69.7
Warrick County
Indiana
51.4
Ohio County
Kentucky
56.7
Henderson County
Kentucky
46.2
Vanderburgh County
Indiana
33.2
Perry County
Indiana
59.4

Deep Dives

Daviess County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Daviess County

via TaxByCounty

Daviess leads the region in property tax rates

At 0.858%, Daviess County's effective tax rate significantly exceeds the national median of 0.54%, placing it in approximately the 75th percentile nationally. Its median home value of $185,800 is the highest in this sample, resulting in a $1,595 annual property tax bill.

Highest-tax county among Kentucky's eight samples

Daviess County ranks 11th in Kentucky by effective tax rate at 0.858%, well above the state average of 0.719%. Its $1,595 median property tax is the highest in this analysis and 46% above Kentucky's $1,093 state median.

Noticeably higher taxes than surrounding counties

Daviess County's 0.858% rate and $1,595 median tax significantly outpace all other counties in this analysis. Clark County ranks second at 0.732%, and most others hover around 0.60%.

Highest annual bill in this eight-county sample

A median home valued at $185,800 in Daviess County generates approximately $1,595 in annual property taxes. With mortgage escrow factored in, homeowners typically pay $1,770; without a mortgage, around $1,390.

Higher taxes make assessment reviews critical

In a higher-tax county, even a small overassessment compounds significantly over time. Reviewing your assessment and filing an appeal if warranted could yield substantial annual savings in Daviess County.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Daviess County

via CostByCounty

Daviess County Rents Remain Affordable

Daviess County renters spend 16.6% of their income on housing, below Kentucky's 17% state average and well within the 30% national affordability threshold. With a median household income of $65,323 and median rent of $906, this western Kentucky county offers reasonable housing costs relative to local earning power.

Kentucky's Better-Earning Affordable County

Daviess County combines one of Kentucky's stronger median incomes ($65,323) with an affordable rent-to-income ratio of 16.6%, positioning it as one of the state's most stable housing markets. This balance of wages and affordability is rare among Kentucky's rural counties.

Higher Rents But Higher Incomes Too

Daviess County's $906 rent runs the second-highest in this dataset after Clark County ($883), but its $65,323 median income is also among the strongest. This earning power supports Daviess's higher housing costs while maintaining strong affordability ratios.

Balanced Costs for Renters and Buyers

Renters spend $906 monthly while homeowners pay $964, with median home values at $185,800. At just 16.6% of income going to housing, Daviess County households maintain substantial flexibility for other financial priorities.

Strong Job Market Plus Affordable Housing

Daviess County (home to Owensboro) attracts relocators seeking better-than-average incomes combined with affordable housing costs—a rare combination in rural Kentucky. Compare its 16.6% rent burden and $65,323 median income to Clark County ($67,824) to weigh your options in western Kentucky.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Daviess County

via IncomeByCounty

Daviess County earns above state average

Daviess County's median household income of $65,323 trails the national median of $74,755 by 13%, placing it in the middle-income tier nationally. Per capita income of $35,121 substantially exceeds Kentucky's state average of $29,616, reflecting stronger earning capacity than most Kentuckians.

Top earner in western Kentucky

Daviess County ranks among Kentucky's highest-income counties at $65,323, surpassing the state average of $55,909 by 17%. The county's diversified economy centered on Owensboro and manufacturing provides stable, above-average employment.

Regional income leader

Daviess County's $65,323 median income exceeds neighboring Henderson County and McLean County by $8,000–$12,000 per household. This leadership reflects Owensboro's role as a regional employment and commerce hub.

Housing comfortably affordable

Daviess County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% sits well below the 30% affordability threshold, allowing households discretionary income for savings and investment. Median home values of $185,800 pair well with solid incomes, making homeownership secure and achievable.

Maximize wealth through diversified investing

Daviess County's above-average incomes position residents to build substantial wealth through retirement accounts, home equity, and investment portfolios. Consult a financial advisor to develop tax-efficient strategies for college savings, long-term wealth accumulation, and retirement security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Daviess County

via CrimeByCounty

Daviess Above National Crime Average

Daviess County reports a total crime rate of 2,569.1 per 100K, which is slightly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. It maintains a safety score of 95.9 out of 100.

High Activity for the State

The county's crime rate is more than triple the Kentucky average of 786.2 per 100K. This reflects its status as a major population center with more urban activity than the state average.

Regional Hub Safety Challenges

Daviess sees higher activity than its more rural neighbors, with a violent crime rate of 237.1 per 100K. However, this is still well below the national violent crime average of 369.8.

Property Theft is Primary Concern

Property crime drives the local statistics, accounting for 2,332.0 of the total incidents per 100K. Residents should be aware that property theft is more common here than the national average.

Proactive Security is Recommended

With property crime higher than state averages, home security systems are a wise investment. Deterring theft through cameras or alarms can help mitigate the county's most frequent challenge.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Daviess County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse and Expansive Education Hub

Daviess County features an impressive 37 public schools serving a large population of 16,204 students. The infrastructure is robust, consisting of 18 elementary, 5 middle, and 10 high schools, plus four specialized centers. This is one of the state's more complex systems, offering a wide variety of learning environments.

Solid Graduation Rates and Regional Investment

The county maintains an 89.7% graduation rate, which is higher than the national average but slightly below the state mark. Educational investment is strong, with $7,930 spent per pupil, significantly exceeding the Kentucky average of $6,894. These resources support a competitive school score of 55.4.

Two Districts Serving Different Needs

Education is split between the Daviess County district, with 24 schools and 11,164 students, and Owensboro Independent, with 13 schools and 5,040 students. There are no charter schools in the county, as the two established districts manage all public enrollment. This dual-district setup provides families with different administrative styles and school options.

Urban, Suburban, and Rural Diversity

Daviess County offers a rare mix of locales: 18 city schools, 10 suburban schools, and 9 rural schools. Daviess County High is the largest with 1,740 students, providing a large-scale experience, while average school sizes stay near 491. Families can choose between bustling urban campuses or quieter rural learning environments.

Choose Your Lifestyle in Daviess County

With two distinct school districts and a wide range of locales, Daviess County offers unparalleled options for homebuyers. Whether you want a city home near Owensboro High or a suburban feel near Apollo High, education quality remains a local priority. Explore homes in this region to find the perfect fit for your family's educational needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Daviess County

via RiskByCounty

Daviess County faces elevated national risk

With a composite risk score of 88.14, Daviess County ranks significantly above the national average, earning a Relatively Moderate risk rating. Your county's multi-hazard exposure places it in a higher-risk tier requiring serious disaster preparedness investment.

Kentucky's highest-risk county overall

Daviess County's 88.14 score is the highest among all Kentucky counties, far exceeding the state average of 44.21. Your county faces the most concentrated natural hazard exposure in the commonwealth and demands distinctive preparedness strategies.

Dramatically riskier than all neighbors

Daviess County's 88.14 score vastly exceeds those of neighboring Henderson, McLean, and Ohio counties, making it regionally anomalous in hazard exposure. Your county's unique risk profile reflects multiple converging hazard types not matched elsewhere in northwestern Kentucky.

Tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods converge

Tornado risk (88.90), earthquake risk (95.87), and flood risk (88.84) all score at critically high levels in Daviess County—three of the state's highest totals. This convergence of major hazards creates a uniquely challenging risk environment requiring comprehensive household planning.

Build comprehensive hazard protection now

Daviess County homes need earthquake-resistant retrofitting, flood-resistant elevation or barriers, and a reinforced safe room for tornadoes—consider professional assessment of your property. Purchase homeowners insurance with earthquake and flood riders, maintain emergency supplies for multiple scenarios, and develop detailed family evacuation plans for each hazard type.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Daviess County

via WaterByCounty

Grade A Performance for Daviess County

Daviess County maintains an exceptional Grade A with zero health violations over the last five years. This perfect record stands in sharp contrast to the statewide average violation rate of 35.7.

Excellent Health Across Evaluated Watersheds

Eight water bodies were evaluated in 2022, and all were found to be 100% unimpaired. This reflects a healthy local environment and successful management of surface water sources.

Comprehensive Monitoring Network in Place

Five monitoring sites have recorded 3,971 measurements over the last five years. This robust dataset tracks organics, pesticides, and metals, providing a clear picture of local water chemistry.

No Active Live Streamflow Gauges

No primary USGS streamgage is currently reporting real-time discharge data within Daviess County. However, the strong compliance and monitoring history provide high confidence in the local water supply.

Maintaining Clean Water for the Future

With a top-tier compliance grade and healthy watersheds, residents should focus on maintaining these standards. Simple actions like reducing pesticide use and protecting riparian zones help ensure long-term quality.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Daviess County

via WeatherByCounty

Significant Rainfall and Moderate Snow

Daviess County receives 47.7 inches of precipitation annually, exceeding the national median. While average temperature data is unavailable, the region follows a standard humid subtropical pattern.

Slightly Drier than the State

Daviess County's 47.7 inches of precipitation is about 3 inches lower than the Kentucky average of 50.6 inches. This makes it one of the drier counties in a generally wet state.

Less Snow than Carter County

With only 5.7 inches of snow, Daviess County has much lighter winters than Carter County, which sees 13.0 inches. Both counties share similar annual precipitation totals in the 47-inch range.

Mild Snowfall and Wet Months

The county averages 5.7 inches of snow per year, indicating that extreme winter weather is relatively infrequent. Most of the 47.7 inches of annual precipitation falls as rain during the warmer months.

Plan for Occasional Winter Slush

Residents should keep a basic snow shovel for the 5.7 inches of annual snow. Waterproof gear is a must for navigating the 47.7 inches of annual rainfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Daviess County

via SoilByCounty

Western Kentucky Soil Potential

Daviess County is a powerhouse of agricultural production, though specific numeric soil scores for this dataset are currently unavailable. Local farmers generally work with fertile, river-influenced soils that are vital to the state's economy. The region typically aligns with state pH trends of around 5.80.

Rich Sedimentary Soil Character

While specific sand, silt, and clay percentages are not listed in this record, Daviess County is known for its silty loess and alluvial deposits. These materials create deep, fertile soils that are famous for supporting large-scale grain production. The texture is generally well-suited for high-intensity farming along the Ohio River.

Managing Soil Health for Yield

Data for organic matter and water capacity are not provided here, but local agricultural success points to high natural fertility. To maximize potential, gardeners should perform a local soil test to determine their specific nutrient needs. High-quality moisture retention is a hallmark of this productive region.

River-Adjacent Drainage Patterns

Specific drainage class data are limited, but the county's proximity to major waterways influences its hydrologic behavior. Many areas feature deep, well-drained profiles, while low-lying spots may require managed drainage systems. Always check local topography before planning permanent structures or gardens.

Gardening in a Farming Powerhouse

Daviess County sits in Zone 7a, offering a robust growing season for nearly any Kentucky favorite. Whether you are growing corn, sunflowers, or backyard vegetables, the climate is on your side. Join the local farming tradition and start your own garden this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Daviess County

via LawnByCounty

Daviess County is a top spot for lawns

Boasting a 76.3 difficulty score, Daviess County is one of the easiest places in Kentucky to grow a lawn. This score is ten points higher than the state average, reflecting a very favorable growing environment in zone 7a.

Ideal rainfall levels support lush turf

The county receives 47.7 inches of annual precipitation, which is nearly perfect for maintaining grass without constant irrigation. This level of rainfall keeps the soil moist through the growing season while avoiding the saturation seen in wetter counties.

Localized testing is your best tool

Specific soil data for pH and composition is currently unavailable for Daviess County. Because local conditions can vary, getting a soil test through the local extension office is a smart first step before fertilizing.

Monitor local conditions for dry spots

About 6.7% of the county is currently classified as Abnormally Dry, following four weeks of drought in the past year. Overall, the drought risk remains low, but localized watering may be necessary during dry weeks.

Harness the county's natural advantages

Your 7a hardiness zone allows for a wide range of grass types, from hardy fescues to even some warm-season varieties like Zoysia. Start your projects in the fall to capitalize on the county's excellent growing score.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Daviess County's county score?
Daviess County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 41.9 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 Daviess County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Daviess County ranks #116 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 Daviess County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Daviess County is $1,595, with an effective tax rate of 0.86%. This earns Daviess County a tax score of 48.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Daviess County?
The median household income in Daviess County, Kentucky is $65,323 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Daviess County earns an income score of 55.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Daviess County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Daviess County scores 41.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #116 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Daviess 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 Daviess 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.