countyscore
59.1
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 82.8Safety 81.8

County Report Card

About Gallatin County, Kentucky

Strong National Performer

Gallatin County earns a strong 59.1 composite score, outperforming the national median of 50.0. Its high ranking is driven by a combination of safety and environmental stability.

Beating the State Average

Gallatin County sits just above the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It provides a more balanced profile than many of its neighbors, avoiding the extreme lows seen elsewhere in the region.

Resilient and Secure Environment

Environmental resilience is a major draw, with a risk score of 82.8 and a water quality score of 86.0. The county also maintains high safety standards, earning an 81.8 in that category.

Infrastructure Needs Improvement

Health and schools are the main areas for improvement, scoring 40.2 and 46.3 respectively. These scores suggest that while the physical environment is safe, social infrastructure still has room to grow.

Perfect for Outdoor Families

This county is ideal for families seeking a safe, low-risk environment with moderate housing costs. It offers a secure Kentucky lifestyle with strong foundational environmental and safety metrics.

Score breakdown

Tax52.5Cost59.1Safety81.8Health40.2Schools46.3Income45.8Risk82.8Water86Weather61.8
🏛52.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠59.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼45.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡81.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤40.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡82.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱74.8
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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Deep Dives

Gallatin County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Gallatin County

via TaxByCounty

Gallatin taxes well below U.S. average

Gallatin County's 0.808% effective tax rate is less than one-third the national property tax burden, placing it in the bottom 35% nationally. The median tax of $1,368 is about 49% below the national median of $2,690.

Above Kentucky's average rate

At 0.808%, Gallatin County's rate exceeds Kentucky's 0.719% state average by about 12%, ranking it in the upper-middle tier of state counties. Its median tax of $1,368 is 25% above the state median of $1,093, reflecting above-average property values.

Higher than nearby rural counties

Gallatin County's 0.808% rate exceeds most neighboring rural counties like Estill (0.691%), Fleming (0.715%), and Garrard (0.720%), but falls below Fayette County's 0.891%. The county's proximity to the Cincinnati metro area and higher property values explain the elevated rate.

Median home costs $1,368 annually

A homeowner with Gallatin County's median property value of $169,400 pays roughly $1,368 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, the escrow-included payment typically reaches about $1,562 annually.

Check your assessment for accuracy

Gallatin County homeowners should compare their assessed values to recent comparable sales in their neighborhoods. If your assessment appears high, filing an appeal with the county assessor could reduce your annual tax liability.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gallatin County

via CostByCounty

Gallatin balances income and affordability

Gallatin County's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Kentucky's best, where median household income of $62,247 sits only 17% below the national average and supports rents of $858/month comfortably. This northern Kentucky county offers a rare combination: above-average local incomes paired with reasonable housing costs.

Strong affordability with decent wages

Gallatin's 16.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks in Kentucky's top tier, trailing only Fleming (16.4%) and Garrard (15.2%) for affordability. At $858/month, rents run 11% above the state median of $771, but the county's higher median income ($62,247) makes the housing burden notably lighter than statewide averages.

Northern Kentucky sweet spot

Gallatin's $858 rent and 16.5% ratio position it between rural Fleming ($677, 16.4%) and urban Fayette ($1,101, 19.5%), capturing the advantages of both worlds. The county's median income ($62,247) exceeds most rural peers while staying below Fayette levels, offering a balanced market for families seeking affordability without sacrificing access to regional employment hubs.

Comfortable housing proportion

Gallatin households earning $62,247 annually dedicate $858 to rent (16.5% of income) or $699 to mortgage payments on homes valued around $169,400. This leaves 83% of income for savings, food, healthcare, and other priorities—a comfortable proportion for working families.

Gallatin balances affordability and income

Gallatin County offers an underrated relocation option: affordability approaching Fleming's best-in-state ratio (16.5%) combined with median incomes significantly above most rural counties. If you're seeking northern Kentucky's proximity to greater Cincinnati with modest housing burdens, Gallatin's $858 rent and strong 16.5% ratio deliver genuine value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gallatin County

via IncomeByCounty

Gallatin closes 17% of national gap

Gallatin County's median household income of $62,247 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $12,508, or 17%. This positions Gallatin solidly above median for American counties and reflects its northern Kentucky location.

Above-average Kentucky earner

Gallatin's income of $62,247 exceeds Kentucky's state average of $55,909 by $6,338, placing it in the upper tier of state counties. Its per capita income of $30,216 modestly outpaces the state average of $29,616.

Strong peer among northern counties

Gallatin ($62,247) ranks fourth among the eight profiled counties, trailing only Fayette and Franklin but competitive with Garrard ($62,572). Gallatin's proximity to the Cincinnati metropolitan area supports stronger income growth.

Manageable housing costs, solid fundamentals

Gallatin's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% is the second-lowest among profiled counties, reflecting strong housing affordability. Median home values of $169,400 align reasonably with household earning power.

Gallatin families can prioritize investing

With $62,247 median household income, Gallatin residents have meaningful capacity to fund college savings, retirement accounts, and diversified investments. Strategic financial planning positions households for generational wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gallatin County

via CrimeByCounty

Gallatin County Outperforms National Safety Benchmarks

Gallatin County reports 435.8 crimes per 100,000 residents, far below the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a strong safety score of 99.3.

Above-Average Safety for Kentucky

The county’s safety score of 99.3 is higher than the state average of 98.8. Law enforcement successfully maintains a safety profile that ranks well within the Commonwealth's standards.

Strong Regional Performance

With a total rate of 435.8, Gallatin is much safer than the state average of 786.2. It maintains a low-crime reputation even when compared to larger neighbors along the Ohio River.

Low Violent Crime Incident Rates

The violent crime rate is just 45.9 per 100,000, while property crime stands at 389.9. These numbers indicate that serious violent crime is infrequent in this close-knit community.

Maintaining a Secure Household

Maintaining a secure home is straightforward with such low local crime rates. Keep your property well-lit and stay connected with neighbors to preserve the county's safe environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Gallatin County

via HealthByCounty

Gallatin's health lags the national standard

At 71.6 years, Gallatin County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.1 years by 4.5 years. With 22.4% reporting poor or fair health—above the national average of 18%—the county faces moderate but meaningful health challenges.

Slightly below Kentucky's struggling average

Gallatin's 71.6-year life expectancy falls 0.6 years short of Kentucky's 72.2-year state average. Its 22.4% poor/fair health rate aligns with the state's broader health struggles, reflecting the rural health barriers common across Appalachian Kentucky.

Mid-range outcomes among rural peers

Gallatin's 71.6-year life expectancy ranks above Estill (69.5), Floyd (67.0), and Fulton (68.3) but below urban Fayette (76.7). Its 22.4% poor/fair health rate reflects typical rural challenges, though better than the most-distressed neighboring counties.

Moderate providers stretch thin resources

Gallatin has 46 primary care providers and 80 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—better than isolated rural counties but insufficient for modern demand. At 6.6% uninsured, most residents can technically access care, yet transportation and provider scarcity still delay needed treatment.

Get insured and stay healthy

Gallatin's 6.6% uninsured rate means nearly 1 in 15 residents lack protection—visit kynect.ky.gov to close coverage gaps. Health insurance ensures preventive care access and protects your family from catastrophic medical debt.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Gallatin County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Streamlined Rural Education System

Gallatin County manages 4 public schools that serve 1,532 students in a single-district model. The infrastructure is divided into two elementary levels, one middle school, and one high school. This straightforward arrangement ensures that the entire student population stays within the same peer group throughout their academic career.

Reliable Graduation and Consistent Scores

The county reports a 92.0% graduation rate, which is well above the national benchmark of 87.0%. Gallatin County spends $6,480 per pupil, maintaining a competitive school score of 53.5. While spending is slightly below the state average, the county continues to deliver results that exceed national expectations.

One Unified Gallatin County District

The Gallatin County district is the sole educational authority, managing all 4 schools and 1,532 students. Charter schools do not exist in the county, leaving traditional public schools as the primary choice for families. The district oversees Gallatin County High School, the largest facility with 493 students.

Exclusively Rural and Appropriately Sized

All four schools in Gallatin County are located in rural locales, providing a consistent environment for all students. The average school size is 383 students, which balances resources with a personal touch. Gallatin County Lower Elementary (423 students) and Upper Elementary (290 students) allow for focused age-group development.

Buying Near the Gallatin County Schools

Families seeking a peaceful rural lifestyle will find Gallatin County's consolidated school system a major advantage. With all schools located in rural settings, you can find a home with acreage without leaving your preferred school zone. The county's high graduation rate makes it a smart choice for those prioritizing their children's future success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gallatin County

via RiskByCounty

Gallatin ranks among nation's lowest-risk counties

Gallatin County's composite risk score of 17.27 places it well below the national average, making it one of America's safest counties from natural disaster perspective. This very low ranking indicates minimal exposure across all major hazard categories.

Kentucky's lowest-risk county

Gallatin's score of 17.27 ranks it at the absolute bottom of Kentucky's natural disaster risk spectrum, less than half the state average of 44.21. The county enjoys the state's most favorable safety profile.

Notably safer than all neighboring areas

Gallatin's risk profile (17.27) is substantially lower than all nearby counties, including Fleming County (30.98), Garrard County (30.25), and Fayette County (92.05). Gallatin occupies an exceptionally protected position in northern Kentucky.

Tornado risk is highest, but still modest

Gallatin's tornado risk of 46.66 represents its peak hazard exposure, though it remains well below state and national averages. Flood risk (33.87) is the only other notable concern, affecting scattered low-lying properties but posing minimal countywide threat.

Standard coverage provides excellent protection

Gallatin County residents can rely on basic homeowner insurance with standard tornado and wind riders for adequate coverage given the county's exceptionally low risk profile. Flood insurance is advisable only for properties in documented flood zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Gallatin County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Ohio Valley Climate

Gallatin County averages 55.2°F annually, placing it above the national median for temperature. Its location on the Ohio River helps moderate the local weather patterns.

Cooler Northern Exposure

At 55.2°F, Gallatin is a full degree cooler than the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. It represents the cooler, northernmost climate profile in the state.

Low Precipitation for Kentucky

The county receives 47.8 inches of rain per year, which is nearly 3 inches below the state average. This makes it one of the drier counties in the northern Bluegrass region.

Hot Summers and Light Snow

The county faces 26 days of extreme heat over 90°F during its 74.5°F average summer. Winter is relatively mild with only 6.5 inches of annual snowfall on average.

Light Winter, Heavy Cooling

While 6.5 inches of snow is manageable with basic supplies, the 26 days of extreme heat require robust cooling. Residents should also account for the slightly drier conditions when planning local gardens.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Gallatin County

via SoilByCounty

Northern Kentucky River Soils

Gallatin County's soil characteristics, including pH and taxonomic order, are currently unavailable in this database. As a northern Kentucky county in Zone 6b, it experiences typical Ohio River Valley seasonal variations.

Alluvial Deposit Potential

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are missing for Gallatin. Historically, these river-adjacent soils offer a mix of alluvial deposits that can be quite productive for local agriculture.

Improving Local Fertility

While organic matter data is not listed, the county's potential is framed by the state's 3.55% organic matter average. Local growers can utilize the state average soil score of 56.2 as a benchmark for improvement.

Navigating the Ohio River Basin

Hydrologic and drainage class details are not provided for the county. Those building or farming near the Ohio River should be particularly mindful of seasonal water level changes and potential saturation.

Reliable Rainfall in Zone 6b

Hardiness Zone 6b is an excellent environment for traditional Kentucky crops and summer vegetables. Residents are encouraged to test their local soil and take advantage of the reliable rainfall in this region.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gallatin County

via LawnByCounty

Gallatin County Lawns Benefit from Balance

Gallatin County features a lawn difficulty score of 74.8, suggesting a high rate of success for local homeowners. This score is significantly better than the Kentucky state average of 66.3, thanks to a manageable 6b hardiness zone climate.

Rainfall Hits the Sweet Spot

With 47.8 inches of annual rain, Gallatin falls right in the middle of the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawn health. The county experiences 26 extreme heat days, requiring a balanced approach to summer irrigation to prevent heat stress.

Check Your Local Drainage Class

Soil data is not currently recorded for Gallatin, so a manual drainage test is highly recommended before planting. Ensuring your soil can handle the 47.8 inches of rain without waterlogging is key to preventing root rot in zone 6b.

Minimal Drought History Protects Turf

The county spent only two weeks in drought conditions over the past year, making it one of the more stable areas for moisture. To maintain this health, avoid mowing your grass too short, which helps the soil retain its natural moisture.

Maximize the Fall Planting Window

The period between the last frost on April 17 and the first frost on October 29 offers ample time for turf establishment. Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass will thrive given the 3,803 growing degree days available annually.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gallatin County's county score?
Gallatin County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 59.1 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 Gallatin County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Gallatin County ranks #66 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 Gallatin County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Gallatin County is $1,368, with an effective tax rate of 0.81%. This earns Gallatin County a tax score of 52.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gallatin County?
The median household income in Gallatin County, Kentucky is $62,247 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gallatin County earns an income score of 45.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gallatin County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Gallatin County scores 59.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #66 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Gallatin 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 Gallatin 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.