countyscore
65.1
County Score
Cost of Living 89.1Water Quality 86Safety 80.5

County Report Card

About Fleming County, Kentucky

A National Leader in Livability

Fleming County excels with a composite score of 65.1, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This performance places the county among the more desirable rural areas in the United States.

Outperforming the Kentucky Average

With a score of 65.1, Fleming County outperforms the Kentucky state average of 58.6 by a significant margin. It stands out as a regional leader in balancing affordability with community safety.

Low Costs and Clean Water

Affordability is the headline here, with a cost score of 89.1 and a median gross rent of $677. The county also earns high marks for water quality at 86.0 and safety at 80.5.

Wages and Wellness Gaps

Low wages remain the primary drawback, as the income score of 13.8 reflects a median household income of $49,663. Additionally, health outcomes score a 32.4, suggesting a need for better medical access.

The Ideal Rural Retreat

This county is perfect for families looking for a safe, low-cost rural lifestyle without sacrificing school quality. It offers a peaceful environment where a dollar goes much further than in the city.

Score breakdown

Tax61.5Cost89.1Safety80.5Health32.4Schools61.3Income13.8Risk69Water86Weather63.1
🏛61.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠89.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼13.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡80.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤32.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓61.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡69
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨54.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱70.4
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

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56.2
Nicholas County
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Mason County
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51.8
Rowan County
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Robertson County
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Montgomery County
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Lewis County
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Deep Dives

Fleming County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Fleming County

via TaxByCounty

Fleming taxes well below national norms

Fleming County's 0.715% effective tax rate is less than a third of the national median property tax burden, placing it in roughly the bottom 25% nationally. The median tax of $824 is roughly 69% less than the national median of $2,690.

Nearly at Kentucky average rate

Fleming County's 0.715% rate sits just slightly below Kentucky's 0.719% state average, putting it squarely in the middle tier of the state's tax burden. Its median tax of $824 lags the state median of $1,093 by about $269 annually.

Competitive with nearby counties

Fleming County's 0.715% rate mirrors neighboring Estill County (0.691%) and Gallatin County (0.808%), keeping it near the regional average. All three northern-tier counties offer relatively affordable property tax structures compared to state leaders like Fayette.

Median home costs $824 annually

A homeowner with Fleming County's median property value of $115,200 pays roughly $824 in annual property taxes. Including mortgage escrow, annual payments typically reach about $995.

Review assessments for accuracy

Property owners in Fleming County who believe their assessment exceeds market value can request a reassessment from the county's property tax assessor. The process is straightforward and could reduce your annual tax liability.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Fleming County

via CostByCounty

Fleming leads Kentucky affordability

Fleming County boasts Kentucky's best rent-to-income ratio at 16.4%, beating both the state average (17.0%) and falling comfortably below the national 30% threshold. Median rent of $677/month ranks among the state's lowest, though median household income ($49,663) trails the U.S. average by 34%.

Most affordable Kentucky county

Fleming's 16.4% rent-to-income ratio leads all Kentucky counties surveyed, delivering the best rental affordability in the state. At $677/month, local rents run 12% below the state median, giving residents the most breathing room in their housing budgets across the commonwealth.

Rural affordability champion

Fleming's $677 rent undercuts most regional peers: Estill ($689), Garrard ($793), and Fayette ($1,101) all charge more. Combined with Fleming's lean 16.4% ratio, the county emerges as the most affordable option for renters across this cluster of central Kentucky communities.

Balanced housing budget

Fleming households earning $49,663 annually spend $677 on rent (16.4% of income) or $560 on mortgage payments for homes valued around $115,200. This leaves substantial income for other necessities—a rare luxury in rural Kentucky labor markets.

Fleming: Kentucky's affordability gem

If housing affordability tops your relocation criteria, Fleming County delivers the best rent-to-income ratio in the state at just 16.4%, with rents 12% below the Kentucky average. Factor in rural lifestyle trade-offs and job availability, but if you can secure remote work or compatible employment, Fleming offers unbeatable housing value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fleming County

via IncomeByCounty

Fleming lags national median by 34%

Fleming County's median household income of $49,663 falls 34% below the U.S. median of $74,755, a shortfall of $25,092. This reflects the rural income challenges facing many northeastern Kentucky counties.

Midfield in Kentucky rankings

Fleming's income of $49,663 sits 11% below Kentucky's average of $55,909, placing it in the middle tier of state counties. Its per capita income of $26,611 trails the state average by $3,005.

Mid-range earner among regional peers

Fleming ($49,663) ranks third among its comparison group, earning more than Estill ($43,905) and Floyd ($41,582) but less than Gallatin ($62,247). Fleming sits between lower-income coal counties and more prosperous northern neighbors.

Favorable rent ratio, steady housing values

Fleming's rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% is the lowest among profiled counties, indicating strong housing affordability for renters. Median home values of $115,200 align well with household earning capacity.

Prudent investing builds generational wealth

Fleming households averaging $49,663 can redirect the savings gained from affordable housing toward retirement accounts and investments. Even modest, consistent contributions to employer 401(k)s or IRAs compound significantly over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Fleming County

via CrimeByCounty

Fleming County maintains an Elite Safety Score

Fleming County reports a total crime rate of 463.2 per 100,000 residents, roughly one-fifth of the national average of 2,385.5. This translates to an exceptional safety score of 99.3.

Top-Tier Safety Among Kentucky Counties

Fleming County's safety score of 99.3 exceeds the Kentucky state average of 98.8. This performance places the county in the top tier of safety across the state's 120 counties.

Lower Crime than State Benchmarks

The local crime rate of 463.2 is nearly half the state average of 786.2. Compared to more populated Kentucky regions, Fleming remains a low-crime stronghold for its residents.

Property Concerns Outweigh Violent Crime

The county sees 39.7 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and 423.5 property crimes. Most reported activity involves non-violent property issues, while personal safety threats remain statistically very low.

Securing a Peaceful Community

High safety scores are a point of pride, but residents should still stay vigilant about their belongings. Simple locks and keeping valuables out of sight can further reduce the already low property crime rate.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Fleming County

via HealthByCounty

Fleming's health tracks below the nation

Fleming County's 72.6-year life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.1 years by 3.5 years. With 26.4% reporting poor or fair health—well above the national average of 18%—chronic disease and preventive care gaps are evident.

Slightly above Kentucky's struggling average

Fleming's 72.6-year life expectancy edges out Kentucky's 72.2-year state average by just 0.4 years. Its 26.4% poor/fair health rate reflects the state's broader health crisis, ranking among the highest in this county cohort.

Healthier than some rural peers

Fleming's life expectancy surpasses Estill (69.5), Floyd (67.0), and Fulton (68.3) counties, though it lags urban Fayette (76.7). Its poor/fair health rate of 26.4% mirrors struggles in adjacent rural areas, pointing to systemic healthcare access challenges.

Few doctors serving rural residents

Fleming has just 33 primary care providers and 58 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—forcing many to travel for basic care. With 7.7% uninsured and limited local resources, rural residents often delay or skip needed medical visits.

Cover yourself for unexpected health costs

Fleming's uninsured residents face steep financial risk—use kynect.ky.gov or call 1-855-4-KYNECT to find affordable coverage. Marketplace plans and Medicaid expansion cover preventive visits at no cost, helping you stay healthy and safe.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Fleming County

via SchoolsByCounty

Compact and Community-Focused Education

Fleming County maintains a small, efficient network of 6 public schools for its 2,186 students. The system includes four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school under a single district. This structure ensures that every student progresses through a familiar, interconnected path from kindergarten to graduation.

State-Leading Graduation Success

Fleming County boasts an impressive 97.0% graduation rate, far surpassing the state average of 93.8% and the national 87% mark. Despite a per-pupil expenditure of $6,495, which is lower than the national average, the county achieves a school score of 56.1. These results demonstrate high efficiency and a strong commitment to student outcomes.

One District Serving the Entire County

The Fleming County school district manages all 2,186 students across its 6 traditional public schools. There are no charter schools in the area, resulting in a 0% charter share of the local market. The district oversees everything from the large Fleming County High School to smaller rural primary centers.

A Traditional Rural Learning Environment

Four of the county's six schools are located in rural areas, while two serve the local town. Fleming County High School is the largest site with 654 students, while E P Ward Elementary offers a much smaller environment with only 180 students. The average school size is 364, fostering close relationships between teachers and families.

Peaceful Living Near Top Schools

If you are looking for a home in a district with exceptional graduation rates, Fleming County is a standout choice. The mix of rural beauty and high academic performance makes this an ideal spot for family-oriented home buyers. Consider the quiet neighborhoods surrounding the town's central middle and high school campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fleming County

via RiskByCounty

Fleming ranks very low nationally

Fleming County's composite risk score of 30.98 places it well below the national average, indicating minimal exposure to major natural disasters. This very low rating reflects a relatively fortunate geographic position across all primary hazard categories.

Among Kentucky's safest counties overall

Fleming's score of 30.98 ranks it significantly below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, placing the county in the lower-risk tier. The county enjoys one of the state's most favorable natural disaster risk profiles.

Safer positioning in northeast region

Fleming's risk profile is substantially lower than Fayette County (92.05) to its south and moderately better than Gallatin County (17.27), its closest low-risk neighbor. Fleming occupies a relatively protected position in northeastern Kentucky's risk landscape.

Tornado and flood risks merit attention

Fleming's tornado risk of 54.23 represents its highest exposure, though still moderate compared to state and national standards. Flood risk (47.07) poses a secondary concern, primarily affecting properties near streams and low-lying areas.

Basic coverage provides adequate protection

Standard homeowner insurance with tornado and wind riders should adequately cover Fleming County residents' needs given the county's low overall risk profile. Adding flood insurance makes sense for any properties in mapped flood zones or historically flood-prone areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Fleming County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Mid-South Conditions

Fleming County maintains an average annual temperature of 54.6°F, placing it near the national middle ground. It experiences the four distinct seasons typical of the humid continental climate zone.

Cooler Than State Norms

The county is slightly cooler than the Kentucky average of 56.2°F. Its 54.6°F mean makes it one of the more temperate areas in the northern part of the state.

Moderate Rainfall and Typical Humidity

Fleming receives 49.8 inches of rain annually, which is just below the Kentucky average of 50.6 inches. This rainfall is consistent with the levels seen in nearby Fayette County.

Balanced Seasonal Extremes

Summer temperatures average 73.9°F with 21 days reaching 90°F or higher. Winters are cool at 34.7°F, accompanied by a manageable 8.8 inches of annual snowfall.

Winterize and Stay Cool

With 21 extreme heat days, summer electricity bills can rise, so efficient insulation is key. Residents should also prepare for the 8.8 inches of snow that usually falls during the winter months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Fleming County

via SoilByCounty

Near-State Average pH in Fleming

Fleming County features an average pH of 5.77, which sits very close to the state average of 5.80. This is more acidic than the national median of 6.5, suggesting a need for lime in many agricultural applications.

Silt-Dominant Textures

The soil is composed of 58.3% silt and 21.1% clay, creating a heavy but nutrient-rich profile. With only 20.6% sand, these soils may feel slick when wet but offer strong structural support for crops.

Solid Water Retention Potential

Organic matter levels at 2.37% exceed the national average of 2.0% but lag behind the Kentucky state average of 3.55%. Its water capacity of 0.189 in/in is slightly better than the state benchmark, keeping crops hydrated.

Monitoring Silt Compaction

The high silt content suggests the soil holds onto moisture effectively for farming. However, managers should monitor for compaction, as these fine-textured silts can settle tightly over time.

Planting Roots in Zone 6b

Located in Hardiness Zone 6b, Fleming County is ideal for growing corn, soybeans, and hardy berries. The soil score of 54.9 indicates solid agricultural potential for anyone looking to start a farm.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Fleming County

via LawnByCounty

Fleming County Lawns Thrive with Support

Fleming County earns a lawn difficulty score of 70.4, placing it well above the national median and the state average of 66.3. As a 6b hardiness zone, the county offers a reliable environment for traditional Kentucky turf varieties.

Balanced Rain Supports Regular Mowing

The county enjoys 49.8 inches of annual precipitation, which falls within the ideal window for minimizing supplemental irrigation. With 3,735 growing degree days, you can expect steady growth that requires consistent weekly mowing throughout the spring.

Amend Acidic Soils for Better Growth

Local soils show an average pH of 5.77, which is slightly more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for grass. Incorporating lime can help balance the 21.1% clay content and improve nutrient uptake for your lawn.

Resilient Landscapes Manage Short Dry Spells

Despite four weeks of drought in the past year, the area is currently free of abnormal dryness. Applying mulch to landscape beds and maintaining a thick lawn canopy will help preserve the moisture provided by the 49.8 inches of annual rain.

Watch the Frost for Seeding Success

Aim to plant new seed after the final frost on April 12 or before the first frost on October 30. Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass perform best here, thriving in the moderate 21 extreme heat days each year.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fleming County's county score?
Fleming County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 65.1 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 Fleming County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Fleming County ranks #27 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 Fleming County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Fleming County is $824, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Fleming County a tax score of 61.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fleming County?
The median household income in Fleming County, Kentucky is $49,663 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fleming County earns an income score of 13.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fleming County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Fleming County scores 65.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Fleming 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 Fleming 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.