countyscore
65.3
County Score
Disaster Risk 89Safety 86.1Cost of Living 83.3

County Report Card

About Edmonson County, Kentucky

Above average national ranking

Edmonson County earns a composite score of 65.6, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a high degree of stability and affordability.

Surpassing the state average

The county's 65.6 score is higher than the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It is one of the more resilient counties in the state, particularly regarding environmental and safety factors.

Secure and low-risk environment

The county excels with a risk score of 89.0 and a safety score of 86.1. It also remains very affordable, evidenced by a cost score of 85.4 and an effective tax rate of 0.582%.

Water quality and school scores

Infrastructure is the main challenge, with a low water quality score of 14.6. School performance and local incomes (24.1) also have room for growth compared to the state's top performers.

Ideal for the safety-conscious

Edmonson County is a great fit for people who prioritize physical security and a low-risk environment. It offers excellent value and peace of mind for those looking for a stable, low-cost community.

2040608010078.383.386.142.941.821.28914.663.2Tax78.3Cost83.3Safety86.1Health42.9Schools41.8Income21.2Risk89Water14.6Weather63.265.3/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Edmonson County DNA

D+overall

How Edmonson County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Edmonson County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (89/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (14.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
78.3+26.299999999999997
Cost
83.3+35.3
Safety
86.1+31.099999999999994
Health
42.9
Schools
41.8-12.200000000000003
Income
21.2-29.8
Risk
89+42
Water
14.6-43.4
Weather
63.2
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Edmonson County?

Many homeowners in Edmonson 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

$160,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$778/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$160,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,120/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $54,937/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

8.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Edmonson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Edmonson County

via TaxByCounty

Edmonson's property taxes are significantly low

Edmonson County's 0.582% effective tax rate places it well below the national median of 0.54%, ranking in approximately the 30th percentile nationally. With a median home value of $136,600, homeowners pay around $795 annually—less than 30% of the national median tax of $2,690.

Below Kentucky's average effective rate

Edmonson County ranks 51st in Kentucky with its 0.582% effective rate, notably below the state average of 0.719%. Its $795 median property tax falls 27% below Kentucky's $1,093 state median.

Lower-tax county in a diverse region

Edmonson County's 0.582% rate ranks in the lower-middle of this eight-county sample. Clinton (0.550%) and Crittenden (0.562%) charge less, while Cumberland (0.611%), Clark (0.732%), and Daviess (0.858%) charge more.

Moderate tax burden on median-valued home

Edmonson County's median home, worth $136,600, incurs an estimated $795 in annual property taxes. With mortgage escrow, homeowners typically pay $1,038; without a mortgage, approximately $682.

Every reduction counts—appeal if overassessed

Even in a lower-tax county, inaccurate assessments happen. Request a review of your home's assessed value if you believe it exceeds fair market worth.

Income & Jobs in Edmonson County

via IncomeByCounty

Edmonson County moderately below national income

Edmonson County's median household income of $54,512 falls 27% short of the national median of $74,755, positioning it in the lower-middle tier nationally. Per capita income of $27,643 slightly trails Kentucky's state average of $29,616, indicating modest earning constraints.

Close to Kentucky's state income average

Edmonson County's median household income of $54,512 nearly matches Kentucky's state average of $55,909, placing it solidly in the middle of the state's income distribution. The county's stable economy supports reasonable household earnings.

Middle ground among regional counties

Edmonson County's $54,512 income ranks between lower-income Clinton County ($42,168) and higher-earning Daviess County ($65,323). This mid-range position reflects a balanced regional economy with mixed employment opportunities.

Good housing affordability

With a rent-to-income ratio of 16.3%, Edmonson County provides healthy housing affordability well below the 30% threshold. Median home values of $136,600 are achievable for households with stable incomes, supporting home equity accumulation.

Build steady wealth with local opportunity

Edmonson County's stable housing market and near-average incomes support gradual wealth-building through homeownership and retirement savings. Explore local employer 401(k) plans, community development finance, and education investments to grow assets over time.

Safety in Edmonson County

via CrimeByCounty

Edmonson County is Very Secure

Edmonson County is a very safe community with a safety score of 99.5. Its total crime rate of 312.0 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Safer Than State Average

The county's crime rate is less than half of the Kentucky average of 786.2. It maintains a much safer profile than the state average safety score of 98.8.

Near-Zero Violent Crime Rates

Violent crime is nearly non-existent here at just 8.2 incidents per 100K. This makes Edmonson one of the most secure counties in the region for personal safety.

Focus on Property Awareness

Almost all local crime is property-related, occurring at a rate of 303.8 per 100K. This is far below the national property crime rate of 2,015.7, suggesting very low risk.

Simple Deterrents Work Best

Because property crime is the only notable factor, basic home security is often enough. Awareness and simple deterrents help preserve the county's impressive safety record.

Weather & Climate in Edmonson County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and Wetter than Average

Edmonson County is quite warm with an average temperature of 58.2°F, well above the national median. It also receives 53.5 inches of precipitation, making it a very humid region.

Among Kentucky's Warmest Counties

The county's 58.2°F average temperature is two degrees warmer than the state average of 56.2°F. It also receives nearly three inches more rain than the typical Kentucky county.

Mirroring Christian County's Heat

Edmonson County is nearly identical in temperature to Christian County, averaging 58.2°F compared to 58.3°F. However, Edmonson receives even less snow, with just 4.3 inches annually.

Intense Summers and Mild Winters

Summer heat is a major factor with 44 days exceeding 90°F and a July average of 77.9°F. Winters are brief and mild, producing only 4.3 inches of total snowfall.

Prepare for Sustained Summer Heat

With 44 extreme heat days, a high-performance cooling system is essential for home comfort. Residents should also plan for high humidity and 53.5 inches of annual rain.

Soil Quality in Edmonson County

via SoilByCounty

Unique Karst Landscape Soils

Edmonson County’s soil identity is deeply tied to its limestone geology and the Green River, though specific pH data is missing from this set. In karst regions like this, soils can vary rapidly from acidic to neutral based on the underlying rock. The state average of 5.80 pH serves as a likely baseline for local expectations.

Varied Texture Near Mammoth Cave

Specific composition percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not available in this dataset. Generally, this region features silty textures that are common across central Kentucky's rolling hills. These soils provide the essential base for the county's lush forests and diverse native plants.

Natural Nutrients in the Hills

While numeric fertility benchmarks are currently unavailable, the local environment supports a wide array of hardy vegetation. Gardeners can improve their specific plot by adding organic compost to mirror the rich forest floors found nearby. Local water capacity typically follows the state average of 0.186 in/in.

Cave-Country Drainage Dynamics

The county's drainage is heavily influenced by its famous cave systems and underground rivers. While specific hydrologic group data are not listed, water often moves quickly through the subsurface in this limestone-rich area. This natural drainage is a key feature of the local topography.

A Versatile Zone 7a Climate

With a Zone 7a hardiness rating, Edmonson County is well-suited for a variety of perennial fruits and summer vegetables. The long growing season allows for multiple harvests of greens and beans. Take inspiration from the local landscape and plant a garden that celebrates Kentucky's natural beauty.

Lawn Care in Edmonson County

via LawnByCounty

Lawn care is a challenge in Edmonson

Edmonson County has a difficulty score of 52.9, making it much tougher to manage than the state average of 66.3. The combination of intense summer heat and high rainfall creates a demanding environment for turf.

Extreme heat days stress your grass

With 44 days of heat at or above 90°F, local lawns face significantly more stress than the state average of 30 days. This heat, combined with 53.5 inches of rain, often leads to high humidity and increased disease pressure.

Focus on drainage and local testing

While specific soil pH and texture data are not available, the high rainfall suggests a need for well-draining soil structures. A professional soil test can help determine if the heavy rains have leached vital nutrients from your yard.

Heat waves pose a bigger threat than drought

The county is currently drought-free, though it did experience seven weeks of drought over the last year. In this climate, protecting your lawn from the 44 extreme heat days is usually more critical than managing rainfall shortages.

Prioritize heat-tolerant grass varieties

With a frost-free window from April 9 to October 30, you have a long season to work with. Choose heat-tolerant tall fescues that can survive the intense 90°F summers typical of this region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Edmonson County's county score?
Edmonson County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 65.3 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 Edmonson County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Edmonson County ranks #25 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 Edmonson County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Edmonson County is $881, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Edmonson County a tax score of 78.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Edmonson County?
The median household income in Edmonson County, Kentucky is $54,937 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Edmonson County earns an income score of 21.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Edmonson County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Edmonson County scores 65.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #25 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Edmonson 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 Edmonson County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.