countyscore
72.6
County Score
Cost of Living 92.4Disaster Risk 87.8Safety 87.4

County Report Card

About Elliott County, Kentucky

A national standout for livability

Elliott County achieves an impressive 72.6 composite score, placing it in the top tier of US counties. It significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0 across nearly every category.

Top-tier performance in Kentucky

With a 72.6 score, Elliott County is well above the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It is a state leader in providing a high quality of life at an accessible price point.

High scores across the board

The county boasts excellent cost (92.4), risk (87.8), safety (87.4), and water (86.0) scores. Median gross rent is an incredibly low $427, making it one of the most affordable places in the nation.

The local income gap

The primary challenge is the income score of 2.8, with a median household income of $40,074. Residents may find few high-paying local jobs despite the otherwise excellent livability metrics.

The ultimate rural lifestyle choice

Elliott County is perfect for anyone with a stable remote income or retirement savings. It offers a rare combination of safety, high-quality infrastructure, and extreme affordability that is hard to find elsewhere.

Score breakdown

Tax64.3Cost92.4Safety87.4Health54Schools72.2Income2.8Risk87.8Water86Weather61.5
🏛64.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠92.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼2.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡87.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤54
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓72.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡87.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨50.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱68.4
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

Carter County
Kentucky
66.3
Rowan County
Kentucky
58.7
Morgan County
Kentucky
62.4
Lawrence County
Kentucky
61.4
Johnson County
Kentucky
67.4
Menifee County
Kentucky
68.8
Boyd County
Kentucky
45.1
Magoffin County
Kentucky
64.8

Deep Dives

Elliott County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Elliott County

via TaxByCounty

Elliott's taxes are substantially below national norm

Elliott County's 0.689% effective tax rate ranks near the 50th percentile nationally, right at the median. Yet its median home value of just $97,400 results in a $671 annual property tax—less than 25% of the national median of $2,690.

Nearly in line with Kentucky's state average

Elliott County ranks 63rd in Kentucky with its 0.689% effective rate, just slightly below the state average of 0.719%. Its $671 median property tax is 39% below Kentucky's $1,093 state median, thanks to lower home values.

Comparable to Clay County in this analysis

Elliott County's 0.689% rate mirrors Clay County's rate almost exactly, though Elliott homes are slightly less valuable ($97,400 vs. $87,300). Both rank above the region's lowest-tax counties but well below Daviess and Clark.

Modest taxes on modest property values

The median home in Elliott County is worth $97,400, resulting in an estimated $671 annual property tax. With mortgage escrow included, homeowners pay approximately $822; without a mortgage, closer to $494.

Small county, same appeal rights as large ones

Elliott County residents have the same right as any homeowner to challenge an unfair assessment. If your property's tax bill seems high relative to recent comps, file an appeal with the county assessor.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Elliott County

via CostByCounty

Elliott County Offers Rock-Bottom Rents

Elliott County renters spend just 12.8% of their income on housing, the lowest rent-to-income ratio in this dataset and well below Kentucky's 17% state average. At just $427 monthly rent and $40,074 median household income, Elliott delivers exceptional housing affordability despite limited local wages.

Kentucky's Most Affordable Rental Market

Elliott County's 12.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the absolute most affordable counties in Kentucky. This extreme affordability stems from exceptionally low rents ($427) that remain well below regional peers, even as incomes stay modest.

Unbeatable Rent Prices in Eastern Kentucky

Elliott County's $427 median rent is the lowest among all eight counties in this dataset, undercutting Cumberland ($553) and Clinton ($629) by significant margins. This deep discount reflects Elliott's remote location and limited local job market.

Homeownership Costs More Than Renting

Renters pay just $427 monthly while homeowners spend $589, with median home values at $97,400. At 12.8% of income devoted to housing, Elliott County renters enjoy the most generous affordability cushion in this comparison.

Maximum Affordability for Remote Workers

Elliott County's $427 rent is unmatched in this region and among the lowest in Kentucky, making it ideal for remote workers and retirees on fixed incomes. Compare Elliott's rock-bottom costs to Cumberland ($553) and Clinton ($629) if you're willing to trade convenience for deep affordability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Elliott County

via IncomeByCounty

Elliott County income severely lagging nationwide

Elliott County's median household income of $40,074 falls 46% below the national median of $74,755, ranking it among America's lowest-income counties. Per capita income of $18,287 plummets 38% below Kentucky's state average of $29,616, indicating extreme economic hardship.

Lowest tier income county in Kentucky

Elliott County ranks at the very bottom of Kentucky's income distribution with a median household income 28% below the state average of $55,909. The county's Appalachian location and narrow economic base drive persistent poverty and limited employment.

Among the poorest in eastern Kentucky

Elliott County's $40,074 income ranks among the lowest in eastern Appalachia, comparable to neighboring Magoffin County and Breathitt County. This clustering reflects the region's structural economic challenges tied to coal dependence and geographic isolation.

Low housing costs offer modest relief

Elliott County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.8% is the lowest among these eight counties, providing relief for renters and buyers. However, median home values of $97,400 remain high relative to incomes, limiting homeownership accessibility for many families.

Invest in skills and regional development

Elliott County residents should prioritize income-boosting strategies through job training, trade certifications, and remote work opportunities that bypass geographic constraints. Connect with community development organizations, microlenders, and federal programs designed to support entrepreneurship in distressed Appalachian counties.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Elliott County

via CrimeByCounty

High Safety Scores in Elliott

Elliott County holds a high safety score of 99.6, with a crime rate of 271.1 per 100K. This rate is nearly nine times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Beating State Safety Benchmarks

The county is much safer than the typical Kentucky community, recording a crime rate far below the state average of 786.2. It easily beats the state average safety score of 98.8.

Reporting Caution for Residents

Reports come from a single agency, so residents should interpret these low numbers with some caution. Even so, the violent crime rate of 54.2 remains well below the national average.

Low Crime Across Categories

Property crime sits at 216.9 per 100K, while violent crime accounts for 54.2 incidents. Both metrics indicate a much lower risk profile than national property and violent crime benchmarks.

Smart Security for Peace

Maintaining security awareness is important even in low-crime areas like Elliott. Installing modern locks or a smart doorbell provides an extra layer of protection for your property.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Elliott County

via HealthByCounty

Elliott County has nation's healthiest residents

At 76.3 years, Elliott County boasts the highest life expectancy in this analysis—4.9 years above the U.S. average of 71.4. However, 27.6% report poor or fair health, exceeding the national rate of 21%, revealing a disconnect between longevity and disease burden.

Exceptional longevity, coverage strength

Elliott County's 76.3-year life expectancy dominates Kentucky's 72.2-year average by 4.1 years, representing remarkable health resilience. At only 5.1% uninsured, Elliott County has the lowest uninsured rate in this analysis—excellent coverage.

Longest living county in the region

Elliott County's 76.3-year life expectancy exceeds even Edmonson County (75.3) and far surpasses peer counties like Clay (68.3) and Crittenden (71.8). Yet its 27.6% poor/fair health rate suggests significant chronic disease despite exceptional longevity—a regional puzzle.

Excellent coverage, severe primary care shortage

With only 5.1% uninsured, Elliott County residents have exceptional health coverage—the best in this analysis. Yet only 14 primary care providers per 100,000 means residents must travel for routine care; 276 mental health providers per 100K is a bright spot.

Keep leading on coverage, fix provider access

Elliott County's 5.1% uninsured rate sets the standard for Kentucky; protect it by reminding residents to stay covered. While you have insurance, advocate for more primary care providers—coverage means nothing without access to doctors.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Elliott County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education with Great Reach

Elliott County operates 4 public schools that serve a total of 962 students through one unified district. The landscape includes two elementary schools divided by grade levels, one middle school, and one high school. This small student body allows for a very close-knit and manageable education system.

Exceptional Graduation and Solid Scores

Elliott County achieves a remarkable 97.0% graduation rate, placing it among the top performers compared to the 87.0% national average. The district invests $7,341 per student, which exceeds the Kentucky state average of $6,894. These efforts result in a high composite school score of 57.9.

Unified Public Schooling in Elliott

The Elliott County school district manages all 4 schools in the area, with 0.0% of students attending charter schools. This traditional public model is the sole provider for the county's 962 students, ensuring consistent leadership. The district successfully maintains specialized primary and intermediate centers for younger learners.

Small Rural Campuses Build Community

Learning is 100% rural in Elliott County, where the average school size is just 241 students. Elliott County High School is the largest campus with 302 students, while the Intermediate School is the smallest with 202 pupils. These low enrollment numbers ensure a personalized environment where every student is well-known by staff.

Find Your Place in a Top-Graduating County

For families prioritizing high graduation rates and small class sizes, Elliott County offers an ideal rural lifestyle. The 97% success rate at the high school level is a major draw for parents researching the best environment for their children. Search for homes in this quiet county to secure a place in a high-performing public district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Elliott County

via RiskByCounty

Elliott County ranks among America's safest

With a composite risk score of 12.21, Elliott County ranks among the lowest nationally for natural disaster risk, earning a Very Low rating. Your county experiences minimal multi-hazard exposure compared to virtually all U.S. counties.

Second-safest county in Kentucky

Elliott County scores 12.21 against Kentucky's state average of 44.21, placing it second only to Edmonson County in overall hazard resilience. Your county's standing reflects exceptional safety across Kentucky's natural disaster landscape.

Safer than all surrounding counties

Elliott County's 12.21 score is meaningfully lower than those of neighboring Morgan, Breathitt, and Rowan counties, making it the east-central region's safest area. Your county's favorable position provides a distinct advantage for community resilience planning.

Wildfire risk is your primary hazard

Wildfire risk at 57.32 is Elliott County's highest threat, though still below state averages, driven by forestland in the region. Tornado risk (24.11) and flood risk (32.89) remain comparatively low, creating a relatively straightforward local hazard profile.

Wildfire preparedness is your focus

Clear dead vegetation and overhanging branches from your roof and gutters, maintain a 30-foot defensible space around your home, and know your local evacuation routes. Beyond wildfire preparedness, Elliott County's minimal overall risk allows streamlined household emergency planning compared to higher-hazard areas statewide.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Elliott County

via WeatherByCounty

Standard National Median Temperatures

Elliott County's annual average temperature of 54.9°F sits right near the national median. While specific precipitation data is unavailable, it shares the humid subtropical climate of the region.

Slightly Cooler than Kentucky Average

The county's 54.9°F average temperature is 1.3 degrees cooler than the state average of 56.2°F. This indicates a climate that is slightly more temperate than the rest of the Commonwealth.

Warmer than Neighboring Carter County

Elliott County is slightly warmer than Carter County, with an average temperature of 54.9°F versus 53.3°F. Both counties experience a similar number of extreme heat days each year.

Warm Summers and Cold Nights

Summers reach an average of 74.4°F with 25 days of heat over 90°F. Winter nights are cold, as the January average temperature drops to 32.0°F.

Ensure Winter Heating Reliability

Because January averages hit the freezing mark of 32.0°F, reliable home heating is a top priority. Residents should also be ready for 25 days of extreme heat during the summer months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Elliott County

via SoilByCounty

High Carbon in the Eastern Hills

Elliott County features an acidic soil profile with an average pH of 5.49, falling below the Kentucky state average. Despite this acidity, the county maintains a soil score of 50.9. These mountain soils are unique and require specific management to thrive.

Light and Coarse Soil Texture

The soil is relatively coarse, consisting of 30.9% sand and 28.1% silt with only 12.0% clay. This low clay content means the soil won't get as 'gumbo' or sticky as other Kentucky clays. It is easy to dig, making it a favorite for manual gardening and root development.

Unrivaled Organic Matter Content

Elliott County has a staggering organic matter content of 20.52%, the highest in this group. However, its Available Water Capacity is low at 0.134 in/in, which is significantly below the state average. This means while the soil is incredibly rich in nutrients, it does not hold onto water very well.

Rapid Drainage and Low Retention

Although specific hydrologic data are missing, the combination of high sand and low clay indicates very rapid drainage. Rainwater passes through the soil quickly, which prevents root rot but can lead to thirsty plants during dry spells. Adding mulch is essential here to help conserve what little moisture the soil can hold.

Thriving in a 6b Climate

Elliott County’s Zone 6b climate is perfect for cool-weather crops and native Appalachian plants. The massive organic matter levels provide a huge head start for any gardener willing to manage the water needs. Start a compost-rich garden today and watch your plants take off in this nutrient-dense soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Elliott County

via LawnByCounty

Elliott County offers a fair lawn environment

A lawn difficulty score of 68.4 puts Elliott County slightly ahead of the Kentucky state average. Zone 6b conditions provide a classic four-season environment that is generally favorable for cool-season grasses.

Mild summers benefit local yards

With only 25 extreme heat days per year, Elliott County stays cooler than the Kentucky average of 30 days. The 3,840 growing degree days ensure that there is plenty of warmth for a productive and healthy growing season.

Low pH requires a lime boost

The soil pH of 5.49 is quite acidic, which can prevent your lawn from utilizing fertilizer effectively. Adding lime can help balance the soil, especially since the low 12.0% clay content means the soil may not hold onto nutrients as tightly as other regions.

Stable water conditions for now

Elliott County is currently at 0% drought coverage and faced only four weeks of drought over the past year. This stability allows for a more relaxed watering schedule compared to the state's drier western counties.

Take advantage of the autumn window

The first fall frost typically arrives around October 31, giving you a perfect window for September seeding. Grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass are well-suited for the zone 6b climate and the county's mild summer profile.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Elliott County's county score?
Elliott County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 72.6 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 Elliott County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Elliott County ranks #2 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 Elliott County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Elliott County is $671, with an effective tax rate of 0.69%. This earns Elliott County a tax score of 64.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Elliott County?
The median household income in Elliott County, Kentucky is $40,074 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Elliott County earns an income score of 2.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Elliott County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Elliott County scores 72.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Elliott 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 Elliott 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.