countyscore
61.3
County Score
Safety 88.1Cost of Living 87.4Lawn Care 80.5

County Report Card

About Floyd County, Kentucky

Exceeding National Benchmarks

Floyd County earns a 61.3 composite score, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. Its overall livability is buoyed by exceptional safety and housing affordability.

Above the Kentucky Average

The county's 61.3 score beats the Kentucky state average of 58.6. While it faces environmental risk challenges, its community safety and low cost of living make it a strong state performer.

Safe Streets and Cheap Housing

Safety is a standout feature with a score of 88.1, while a cost score of 87.4 highlights a median home value of $93,300. Schools also perform well, earning a 66.7, which leads the local region.

Environmental and Economic Risks

Environmental risk is a critical concern, as the county scores a very low 5.8 for disaster resilience. Economic metrics also lag, with an income score of only 3.9 and household incomes near $41,582.

Best for Budget Families

Floyd County is an excellent match for families who prioritize safe neighborhoods and solid schools. It rewards those who are comfortable with rural environmental risks in exchange for extreme affordability.

Score breakdown

Tax58Cost87.4Safety88.1Health28.6Schools66.7Income3.9Risk5.8Water27.2Weather63.8
🏛58
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼3.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡88.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤28.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓66.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡5.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧27.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱80.5
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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Compare Floyd County with Henry County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Knott County
Kentucky
67.8
Pike County
Kentucky
56.7
Magoffin County
Kentucky
64.8
Martin County
Kentucky
67.3
Johnson County
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Letcher County
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Breathitt County
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Dickenson County
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64.1

Deep Dives

Floyd County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Floyd County

via TaxByCounty

Floyd taxes well below national median

Floyd County's 0.747% effective tax rate is less than one-third the national property tax burden, placing it in the bottom 30% nationally. The median annual tax of $697 is roughly 74% lower than the national median of $2,690.

Slightly above Kentucky average

At 0.747%, Floyd County's rate edges above Kentucky's 0.719% state average, ranking it in the upper-middle tier of state counties. Its median tax of $697 trails the state median of $1,093 by nearly $400.

Moderate rate among eastern counties

Floyd County's 0.747% rate sits between lower-taxed Estill County (0.691%) and higher-taxed Gallatin County (0.808%), positioning it as a moderate-tax area in eastern Kentucky. The county's lower property values explain its lighter overall tax burden compared to state averages.

Median home costs $697 annually

A homeowner with Floyd County's median property value of $93,300 pays roughly $697 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, the total annual payment climbs to approximately $1,063.

Challenge overvalued assessments

Many Floyd County homeowners may be assessed at values above comparable recent sales—a situation that justifies appealing your assessment. Contacting the county assessor to request a formal review could lower your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Floyd County

via CostByCounty

Floyd faces steepest housing burden

Floyd County's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Kentucky's most challenging, where households earning just $41,582 annually spend $713 on rent—nearly double the recommended 30% threshold when viewed as a percentage of already-strained budgets. This eastern Kentucky county's housing costs bite harder than the national average, despite below-national-average rents.

Highest affordability strain in survey

Floyd County shows the steepest rent-to-income ratio (20.6%) among surveyed Kentucky counties, exceeding the state average of 17.0% by 3.6 percentage points. With the state's lowest median household income at $41,582, Floyd residents face disproportionate housing pressure despite modest $713 monthly rents.

Struggling more than peers

Floyd's 20.6% ratio exceeds all nearby counties: Estill (18.8%), Fleming (16.4%), and Fayette (19.5%), making it the toughest rental market in this regional cluster. While Floyd's $713 rent runs only slightly above Estill's $689, the county's lower incomes push the affordability burden significantly higher.

Tight margins in eastern Kentucky

Floyd households earning $41,582 dedicate $713 monthly to rent (20.6% of income) or $539 to mortgage payments on homes averaging $93,300. With more than one-fifth of income claimed by housing, residents have little cushion for healthcare, transportation, and other essentials.

Floyd requires careful consideration

Floyd County's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio signals affordability challenges that should give prospective residents pause, especially if you're relocating for employment without a firm job offer. If you're considering Floyd, prioritize securing income above the county median ($41,582) before moving—even modest salary increases dramatically improve your housing affordability picture.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Floyd County

via IncomeByCounty

Floyd County trails U.S. by 44%

Floyd County's median household income of $41,582 falls $33,173 short of the national median of $74,755—a 44% gap. Floyd ranks among the lowest-earning counties nationally, reflecting its coal-dependent economy's structural decline.

Second-lowest in Kentucky

Floyd's median income of $41,582 ranks near the bottom statewide, trailing Kentucky's average of $55,909 by 26%. Only Fulton County earns less among all profiled Kentucky counties.

Lowest earner among peers

Floyd ($41,582) ranks eighth and last among the eight comparison counties, trailing even struggling Estill ($43,905). Floyd's median household income reflects the region's ongoing economic transition away from coal mining.

Housing costs strain tight budgets

Floyd's rent-to-income ratio of 20.6% is the highest among profiled counties, signaling housing cost pressure on working families. With median home values at $93,300, homeownership remains challenging despite lower absolute prices.

Strategic planning amid economic transition

Floyd households earning $41,582 face tight margins, making budgeting and emergency savings critical priorities. Even $25–50 monthly into a savings account builds resilience during economic transitions and job changes.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Floyd County

via CrimeByCounty

Floyd County: A Leader in Safety

Floyd County achieves an elite safety score of 99.6, backed by a total crime rate of only 257.1 per 100,000 residents. This is nearly ten times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Setting the Standard for Kentucky Safety

Floyd County significantly outperforms the Kentucky average safety score of 98.8. It stands as one of the safest counties in the state, with six agencies contributing to comprehensive reporting.

Far Below Regional Crime Averages

At 257.1, the total crime rate is far below the Kentucky average of 786.2. It offers a much higher level of statistical safety than many surrounding counties in the Appalachian region.

Minimal Violent and Property Incidents

Violent crime is minimal at 27.9 per 100,000, while property crime is also low at 229.2. These figures reflect a community where both personal and property risks are statistically rare.

Maintaining Excellence in Public Safety

With such low crime rates, Floyd County is an exceptionally safe place to call home. Continuing to participate in community watch programs helps local law enforcement maintain this standard of excellence.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Floyd County

via HealthByCounty

Floyd faces one of America's steepest declines

At 67.0 years, Floyd County's life expectancy ranks among the nation's worst—nearly 9 years below the U.S. average of 76.1 years. Nearly 25% report poor or fair health, reflecting an urgent health crisis in this Appalachian coal-mining community.

Kentucky's second-lowest life expectancy

Floyd's 67.0-year life expectancy falls 5.2 years below Kentucky's 72.2-year state average, ranking near the bottom statewide. Its 25.4% poor/fair health rate underscores the county's struggle with opioid dependency, chronic disease, and economic hardship.

Worse off than most surrounding counties

Floyd's 67.0-year life expectancy is the lowest among these eight counties, trailing even Fulton (68.3) and Estill (69.5). Its concentrated health crisis reflects legacy industries, poverty, and historic underinvestment in local healthcare infrastructure.

Paradox: abundant mental health, scarce doctors

Floyd reports 3,713 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—an outlier reflecting data from large regional facilities—yet only 57 primary care providers, limiting routine care access. With 7.2% uninsured and transportation barriers across mountainous terrain, preventive medicine remains elusive for many.

Health coverage is your lifeline

Floyd residents deserve accessible care—go to kynect.ky.gov or call 1-855-4-KYNECT to explore coverage options that fit your budget. Insurance opens doors to addiction treatment, chronic disease management, and preventive care your community urgently needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Floyd County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Broad Network in the Appalachian Foothills

Floyd County operates 15 public schools, including eight elementary and five high schools, serving 5,563 students. This comprehensive infrastructure is managed by a single district and includes one alternative school to support diverse learning needs. The system provides a mix of primary and secondary options tailored to the county's unique geography.

Competitive Performance and Above-Average Spending

The county achieves a 94.0% graduation rate, which sits above both the state average and the national 87% benchmark. Floyd County invests $7,498 per pupil, exceeding the Kentucky state average of $6,894. These investments have led to a solid school score of 56.7, indicating high-quality instruction.

The Floyd County District Footprint

The Floyd County district is the primary provider of education, overseeing 14 of the 15 schools and all 5,563 students. There are no charter schools in the county, maintaining a traditional public school model. The district manages large facilities like Prestonsburg Elementary and Betsy Layne Elementary, which both enroll over 600 students.

Rural Schools with Strong Town Links

With 10 rural schools and 5 town-based locations, Floyd County offers a blend of learning environments. Schools like Prestonsburg Elementary (649 students) provide a larger community feel, while the average school size across the county is 397 students. Most campuses are situated in scenic rural settings that reflect the county's natural character.

Home Buying in a High-Performing District

Families moving to Floyd County can find quality homes near well-funded schools that outperform state averages. The high graduation rates and healthy per-pupil spending are attractive factors for long-term residents. Look for properties in the Prestonsburg area to stay close to some of the county's largest and most central campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Floyd County

via RiskByCounty

Floyd ranks among nation's riskiest counties

Floyd County's composite risk score of 94.18 exceeds the national average dramatically, placing it in the highest tier of U.S. natural disaster exposure. The county faces severe compounded hazard threats across multiple categories, making disaster preparedness critical for all residents.

Kentucky's second-highest risk county

Floyd's score of 94.18 ranks it near the very top of Kentucky's risk hierarchy, more than double the state average of 44.21. Only a handful of Kentucky counties face comparable multi-hazard exposure.

Extreme risk even among Appalachian peers

Floyd's risk level (94.18) is nearly identical to neighboring Fayette County (92.05) and dramatically exceeds surrounding counties like Estill (41.79) and Fleming (30.98). Floyd occupies one of eastern Kentucky's most hazardous positions.

Flooding and wildfires pose severe threats

Floyd County faces exceptional flood risk with a score of 97.81—among the nation's highest—due to complex terrain and watershed vulnerabilities. Wildfire risk (86.32) compounds the danger, particularly across forested ridgelines and rural areas during dry seasons.

Comprehensive insurance is non-negotiable

Floyd County residents must secure flood insurance immediately—standard homeowner policies exclude water damage, and the county's extreme flood risk makes coverage essential. Adding wildfire/brush fire protection and earthquake coverage provides the most complete protection available.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Floyd County

via WeatherByCounty

Moist Appalachian Climate

Floyd County receives 47.6 inches of annual precipitation, which is high relative to the national average. While specific temperature data is limited, it follows the humid subtropical patterns of the region.

Drier Than the State Average

The county's 47.6 inches of rain is lower than the Kentucky state average of 50.6 inches. It stands out as one of the slightly drier areas in the eastern coalfields.

Unique Regional Moisture Levels

Compared to the state norm, Floyd County receives about 3 inches less rain per year. This distinguishes it from wetter neighbors further west and south.

Seasonal Variation in the Hills

While local temperature records are incomplete, the region generally experiences humid summers and cold winters. The 47.6 inches of precipitation are distributed throughout the year.

Focus on Moisture Management

Homeowners should prioritize basement waterproofing and gutter maintenance to manage 47.6 inches of rain. Even without specific heat data, residents should prepare for the humidity common to eastern Kentucky.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Floyd County

via SoilByCounty

Rugged Eastern Kentucky Terrain

Floyd County's soil identity reflects the rugged Appalachian landscape, though specific pH data is not currently available. Its Hardiness Zone 7a provides a relatively mild climate for Eastern Kentucky gardeners.

Sandstone and Shale Influence

Composition data for sand and clay are missing for this county. Local terrain often features a mix of sandstone and shale derivatives that shape the workability and texture of the land.

Building Healthy Appalachian Soil

Specific organic matter levels are not recorded here. For comparison, the Kentucky state average for organic matter is 3.55%, a goal local gardeners can strive for through composting.

Managing Hillside Runoff

While specific hydrologic data is absent, the steep slopes of Floyd County naturally dictate drainage patterns. This makes water management and erosion control top priorities for any local construction.

Mild Winters in Zone 7a

The Zone 7a classification means Floyd County residents can enjoy a diverse range of garden vegetables and flowering shrubs. Residents can use raised beds to overcome local terrain challenges and maximize the season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Floyd County

via LawnByCounty

Floyd County Leads in Lawn Ease

With a lawn difficulty score of 80.5, Floyd County is one of the easiest places in the country to grow grass. This score far exceeds the Kentucky state average of 66.3, providing a forgiving environment for novice gardeners in zone 7a.

Ideal Rainfall Minimizes Water Bills

Floyd County receives 47.6 inches of rain annually, falling squarely within the 30-50 inch ideal range for turf. This consistent natural hydration reduces the need for expensive irrigation systems compared to drier parts of the state.

Local Testing Unlocks Soil Potential

Because county-wide soil metrics are currently unavailable, we recommend a soil test through your local extension office. Knowing your specific site's drainage is vital in zone 7a to ensure the 47.6 inches of rain doesn't lead to standing water.

Outstanding Drought Resistance Recorded

Floyd County spent zero weeks in drought over the past year, marking it as a highly resilient region for landscaping. Maintaining a healthy soil structure through aeration will help your yard continue to absorb heavy rains effectively.

Hardiness Zone 7a Favors Versatility

The 7a climate supports a wide variety of grasses, including transition-zone favorites like tall fescue. Without specific frost data available, monitoring local soil temperatures is the best way to time your spring seeding for maximum germination.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Floyd County's county score?
Floyd County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 61.3 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 Floyd County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Floyd County ranks #52 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 Floyd County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Floyd County is $697, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns Floyd County a tax score of 58/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Floyd County?
The median household income in Floyd County, Kentucky is $41,582 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Floyd County earns an income score of 3.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Floyd County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Floyd County scores 61.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #52 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Floyd 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 Floyd 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.