countyscore
65.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 89Safety 86.1Cost of Living 85.4

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.

Score breakdown

Tax76.3Cost85.4Safety86.1Health42.9Schools41.8Income24.1Risk89Water14.6Weather63.2
🏛76.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡86.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤42.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓41.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡89
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧14.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱52.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Hart County
Kentucky
63.6
Warren County
Kentucky
41.8
Grayson County
Kentucky
62.1
Barren County
Kentucky
53.3
Butler County
Kentucky
67.9
Allen County
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Metcalfe County
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Simpson County
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Deep Dives

Edmonson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Edmonson County

via CostByCounty

Edmonson County Housing Stays Affordable

Edmonson County renters spend 16.3% of their income on housing, below Kentucky's 17% state average and comfortably within the 30% national affordability threshold. At $54,512 median household income and $739 median rent, this south-central Kentucky county maintains solid affordability for renters.

Kentucky's Solid Middle-Ground County

Edmonson County's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio places it slightly below the state average, ranking it among Kentucky's more affordable counties. The county achieves this through moderate housing costs paired with mid-range local incomes.

Mid-Range Costs in South-Central Region

Edmonson County's $739 rent sits between the cheaper options (Cumberland at $553, Elliott at $427) and pricier alternatives (Clark at $883, Daviess at $906). Its $54,512 median income, meanwhile, ranks above the poorest counties but below Daviess and Clark.

Renting More Affordable Than Buying

Renters spend $739 monthly while homeowners pay $516, with median home values at $136,600. The 16.3% rent-to-income ratio means Edmonson households dedicate roughly one-sixth of earnings to housing.

Balanced Option for Relocating Families

Edmonson County offers moderate housing costs with decent local incomes, making it appealing to families relocating from higher-cost areas. Its 16.3% rent-to-income ratio is competitive—compare it to nearby Crittenden (15.8%) and Cumberland (16.7%) to find your best Kentucky fit.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Edmonson County

via HealthByCounty

Edmonson County residents live longest

At 75.3 years, Edmonson County has the second-highest life expectancy in this analysis—4.0 years above the U.S. average of 71.4. Yet 24.3% report poor or fair health, slightly above the national rate of 21%, suggesting chronic disease despite longevity.

Exceptional health performance in Kentucky

Edmonson County's 75.3-year life expectancy far exceeds Kentucky's 72.2-year average by 3.1 years, ranking it among the state's healthiest counties. At 8.0% uninsured, it slightly exceeds the state average of 7.0%, a minor blemish on strong health outcomes.

Second only to Elliott County

Edmonson County's 75.3-year life expectancy trails only Elliott County (76.3) in this regional analysis. Its 24.3% poor/fair health rate is better than most peers, though Daviess County's 20.3% is notably lower.

Critical primary care shortage despite longevity

Edmonson County is a paradox: residents live long, yet only 8 primary care providers serve 100,000—a severe shortage. With 40 mental health providers per 100K, mental health access is also limited, suggesting aging population or provider workforce challenges.

Ensure coverage despite provider scarcity

Edmonson County's provider shortage makes insurance even more critical—without it, access is nearly impossible. At 8.0% uninsured, check kynect.ky.gov to get covered; consider telehealth options to bridge local access gaps.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Edmonson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Complete Rural Educational Pathway

Edmonson County supports 1,888 students through 5 public schools within a single district. The county provides two elementary schools, two middle schools (including a 5/6 center), and one central high school. This layout creates a very structured progression as students move through the grade levels together.

Strong Graduation Outcomes on Leaner Budgets

The county reports a 92.0% graduation rate, outperforming the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure sits at $6,106, which is lower than the Kentucky state average and less than half of the national average. Despite this, the schools maintain a respectable 52.6 score, reflecting efficient academic delivery.

One District Dedicated to Rural Youth

The Edmonson County school district manages all 5 schools, educating 100% of the county's public school students. Charter schools do not operate within the county, keeping all resources focused on the traditional public system. The district's structure includes a unique 5/6 center to ease the transition between primary and secondary years.

A Consistent 100% Rural School Environment

Every student in Edmonson County attends school in a rural setting, with an average school size of 378 students. Edmonson County High School is the largest campus with 592 students, while the 5/6 Center is the smallest with 253 students. This uniform rural locale creates a cohesive educational experience across the county.

Make a Home in Edmonson's Rural Heartland

Families looking for a reliable school system in a quiet setting will appreciate Edmonson County's 92% graduation rate. The single-district model ensures that all local students receive the same community support and resources. Consider browsing homes in this area to benefit from a focused, rural public education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Edmonson County

via RiskByCounty

Edmonson County enjoys lowest national risk

Edmonson County's composite risk score of 11.04 is one of the lowest nationally, earning a Very Low risk rating. Your county faces minimal natural disaster exposure compared to the vast majority of U.S. counties across all major hazard types.

Kentucky's safest county by far

At 11.04, Edmonson County achieves the lowest composite risk score among all Kentucky's 120 counties, far below the state average of 44.21. Your county represents the commonwealth's best-case scenario for natural disaster resilience.

Dramatically safer than surrounding areas

Edmonson County's 11.04 score substantially undercuts neighboring Warren and Metcalfe counties, establishing it as south-central Kentucky's safest community. Your county's exceptionally low risk profile is distinct even among the region's generally safer areas.

Tornado risk is your only notable concern

Tornado risk at 40.90 is Edmonson County's primary hazard, though still moderate and well below state averages. Flood and wildfire risks are exceptionally low at 18.58 and 3.50 respectively, reflecting your county's minimal overall hazard exposure.

Focus on tornado preparedness essentials

Identify a safe shelter room in your home—ideally a basement or interior bathroom on a lower floor—and practice reaching it within minutes of a tornado warning. Keep a flashlight, battery-powered weather radio, and first-aid kit readily accessible during spring storm season; otherwise, Edmonson County's exceptional safety allows for streamlined disaster planning.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Edmonson County's county score?
Edmonson County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 65.5 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 Edmonson County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Edmonson County ranks #24 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 $795, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Edmonson County a tax score of 76.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Edmonson County?
The median household income in Edmonson County, Kentucky is $54,512 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Edmonson County earns an income score of 24.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Edmonson County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Edmonson County scores 65.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #24 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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