Elliott County's composite score of 78.4 ranks it in the top 30% of U.S. counties, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. The county's exceptional cost profile—the highest in this group—drives its strong national position.
2 / 5
Among Kentucky's top-scoring counties
Elliott's 78.4 score exceeds Kentucky's 75.0 state average and places it firmly in the commonwealth's livability upper tier. The county punches above its economic weight statewide.
3 / 5
Unmatched affordability and fair taxes
Elliott's 92.2 cost score is the absolute highest in this cohort, with median rent of just $427/month and median home value of $97,400—unbeatable housing affordability. An 82.9 tax score and 0.689% effective rate complete the fiscal picture.
4 / 5
Income levels lag significantly
Elliott's income score of 9.6 and median household income of $40,074 reflect limited local wage opportunities, tying for lowest in this group. Data on safety, health, schools, environmental quality, and risk factors remain unavailable.
5 / 5
Ideal for retirees and remote workers
Elliott County is tailor-made for retirees living on fixed incomes and remote workers seeking maximum housing affordability with minimal tax burden. Those dependent on local wages should look elsewhere.
Elliott County's composite score of 78.4 ranks it in the top 30% of U.S. counties, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. The county's exceptional cost profile—the highest in this group—drives its strong national position.
Among Kentucky's top-scoring counties
Elliott's 78.4 score exceeds Kentucky's 75.0 state average and places it firmly in the commonwealth's livability upper tier. The county punches above its economic weight statewide.
Unmatched affordability and fair taxes
Elliott's 92.2 cost score is the absolute highest in this cohort, with median rent of just $427/month and median home value of $97,400—unbeatable housing affordability. An 82.9 tax score and 0.689% effective rate complete the fiscal picture.
Income levels lag significantly
Elliott's income score of 9.6 and median household income of $40,074 reflect limited local wage opportunities, tying for lowest in this group. Data on safety, health, schools, environmental quality, and risk factors remain unavailable.
Ideal for retirees and remote workers
Elliott County is tailor-made for retirees living on fixed incomes and remote workers seeking maximum housing affordability with minimal tax burden. Those dependent on local wages should look elsewhere.
Score breakdown
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🏛82.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.