Fleming County scores 76.8 on the livability index, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This strong performance places it in the top tier of U.S. counties overall.
2 / 5
Kentucky's Top Performers
Fleming County's score of 76.8 exceeds Kentucky's state average of 75.0, making it one of the Commonwealth's best-performing counties. It ranks among the state's most livable communities.
3 / 5
Exceptional Affordability Throughout
Fleming County boasts a cost score of 87.9 with median rent at $677 and median home values of $115,200. Its tax score of 82.2 and 0.715% effective tax rate enhance the overall value proposition.
4 / 5
Income Remains Below Regional Standard
The income score of 15.8 reflects a median household income of $49,663, limiting economic dynamism. Data gaps on health, schools, and safety leave important livability dimensions unmeasured.
5 / 5
Perfect for Rural Affordable Living
Fleming County appeals to families and retirees seeking rural Kentucky charm with exceptional affordability and low taxes. It's ideal for those comfortable with modest incomes in exchange for stable, inexpensive living.
Fleming County scores 76.8 on the livability index, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This strong performance places it in the top tier of U.S. counties overall.
Kentucky's Top Performers
Fleming County's score of 76.8 exceeds Kentucky's state average of 75.0, making it one of the Commonwealth's best-performing counties. It ranks among the state's most livable communities.
Exceptional Affordability Throughout
Fleming County boasts a cost score of 87.9 with median rent at $677 and median home values of $115,200. Its tax score of 82.2 and 0.715% effective tax rate enhance the overall value proposition.
Income Remains Below Regional Standard
The income score of 15.8 reflects a median household income of $49,663, limiting economic dynamism. Data gaps on health, schools, and safety leave important livability dimensions unmeasured.
Perfect for Rural Affordable Living
Fleming County appeals to families and retirees seeking rural Kentucky charm with exceptional affordability and low taxes. It's ideal for those comfortable with modest incomes in exchange for stable, inexpensive living.
Score breakdown
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🏛82.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.