countyscore
54.2
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 69.8Weather & Climate 68.2

County Report Card

About Garrard County, Kentucky

Above National Standards

Garrard County posts a 54.2 composite score, which sits above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a stable community with strong environmental and tax advantages.

Just Below State Average

The county’s score of 54.2 is slightly below the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It remains a competitive choice for residents who want to balance cost and safety in a rural setting.

Clean Water and Low Risks

Excellent water quality (86.0) and low environmental risk (69.8) are the county's leading attributes. A tax score of 60.9 also helps residents keep more of their $62,572 median household income.

Healthcare Access Lags

Healthcare access is the primary challenge, with the county scoring 36.1 in the health dimension. School performance also trails the national average with a score of 49.5.

Best for Commuting Families

Garrard County is a great fit for families who want a safe, low-tax environment within reach of larger employment hubs. It offers a high quality of life for those prioritizing environmental safety.

Score breakdown

Tax60.9Cost53.3Safety58.8Health36.1Schools49.5Income46.8Risk69.8Water86Weather68.2
🏛60.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠53.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼46.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡58.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤36.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡69.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤68.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱68
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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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Jessamine County
Kentucky
47.5
Boyle County
Kentucky
55.2
Lincoln County
Kentucky
63.5
Madison County
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Mercer County
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Rockcastle County
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Fayette County
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Clark County
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Deep Dives

Garrard County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Garrard County

via TaxByCounty

Garrard taxes well below national average

Garrard County's 0.720% effective tax rate is less than one-third the national property tax burden, placing it in the bottom 30% nationally. The median tax of $1,344 is roughly 50% below the national median of $2,690.

Essentially at Kentucky average

At 0.720%, Garrard County's rate nearly matches Kentucky's 0.719% state average, placing it solidly in the state's middle tier. Its median tax of $1,344 is 23% above the state median of $1,093, reflecting moderately higher property values than rural neighbors.

Moderate rate in central region

Garrard County's 0.720% rate sits between lower-taxed rural counties like Estill (0.691%) and Fleming (0.715%) and higher-taxed areas like Gallatin (0.808%) and Franklin (0.842%). The county occupies a middle ground in central Kentucky's tax landscape.

Median home costs $1,344 annually

A homeowner with Garrard County's median property value of $186,800 pays roughly $1,344 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, the total annual payment including escrow typically reaches about $1,449.

Verify your home's assessed value

Garrard County property owners should periodically check whether their assessed valuations align with recent comparable home sales. If your assessment seems inflated, requesting a formal reassessment from the county assessor could lower your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Garrard County

via CostByCounty

Garrard leads affordability ratio

Garrard County's 15.2% rent-to-income ratio represents Kentucky's best housing affordability in this survey, where households earning $62,572 comfortably support $793 monthly rent. This central Kentucky county combines moderate incomes with carefully balanced housing costs, creating genuine financial flexibility for residents.

Best rent-to-income in Kentucky

Garrard County's 15.2% rent-to-income ratio leads all surveyed Kentucky counties, surpassing even top-tier alternatives like Fleming (16.4%) and Gallatin (16.5%). At $793/month, rents run slightly above the state median while the county's strong median income ($62,572) keeps affordability at its absolute best statewide.

Central Kentucky champion

Garrard's 15.2% ratio outpaces all nearby competitors: Estill (18.8%), Fayette (19.5%), Gallatin (16.5%), and Franklin (17.1%) all show higher housing burdens. While Garrard's $793 rent doesn't offer rock-bottom pricing like Fleming, the county's combination of decent income and moderate costs creates unmatched affordability.

Best housing balance in survey

Garrard households earning $62,572 spend $793 on rent (15.2% of income) or $891 on mortgage payments for homes valued around $186,800. With nearly 85% of income remaining for other expenses, Garrard residents enjoy the most financial breathing room among all counties surveyed.

Garrard offers Kentucky's best balance

If you're relocating to Kentucky and prioritize maximum housing affordability while maintaining reasonable income levels, Garrard County delivers the best rent-to-income ratio (15.2%) in this entire survey. The county's $793 rent and $62,572 median income combination leaves more discretionary funds for savings and quality of life than any alternative.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Garrard County

via IncomeByCounty

Garrard within 16% of U.S. median

Garrard County's median household income of $62,572 trails the national median of $74,755 by $12,183, or 16%. This places Garrard among above-average earning counties nationwide.

Upper-tier Kentucky county

Garrard's median income of $62,572 exceeds Kentucky's state average of $55,909 by $6,663, ranking it firmly in the state's upper income tier. Its per capita income of $30,619 outpaces the state average of $29,616.

Tied for fourth among peer counties

Garrard ($62,572) virtually matches Gallatin ($62,247) and ranks fourth overall, behind Fayette and Franklin but ahead of smaller counties. Garrard's central location supports consistent income performance.

Best rent-to-income ratio in region

Garrard's rent-to-income ratio of 15.2% is the lowest among all eight profiled counties, indicating exceptional housing affordability. Median home values of $186,800 pair well with the median household income.

Strong foundation for wealth accumulation

Garrard households earning $62,572 can confidently fund retirement contributions, education savings, and long-term investments. The county's affordability advantage creates exceptional opportunity to build multi-generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Garrard County

via CrimeByCounty

Garrard County Safety by the Numbers

Garrard County has a total crime rate of 949.0 per 100,000, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score stands at 98.5 out of 100.

Matching the State Safety Average

The safety score of 98.5 is nearly identical to the Kentucky state average of 98.8. Two local agencies provide the data that keeps the community informed about its safety trends.

A Comparative View of Local Crime

Garrard's crime rate of 949.0 is slightly higher than the Kentucky state average of 786.2. It sees more reported incidents than some of its more rural neighbors like Estill or Floyd.

The Gap Between Property and Violent Crime

Property crime occurs at a rate of 838.4, significantly outpacing the violent crime rate of 110.6. Most safety concerns in the county involve theft or property damage rather than physical threats.

Protecting Your Assets in Garrard

Because property crime is the most common issue, basic home security is a worthwhile investment. Residents can improve safety by installing deadbolts and keeping high-value items out of plain sight.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Garrard County

via HealthByCounty

Garrard's life expectancy slightly trails nation

At 73.7 years, Garrard County's life expectancy falls 2.4 years short of the U.S. average of 76.1 years. With 23.7% reporting poor or fair health—above the national average of 18%—the county faces moderate health headwinds despite reasonable life expectancy.

Above Kentucky's average by small margin

Garrard's 73.7-year life expectancy ranks 1.5 years above Kentucky's 72.2-year state average, placing it among this cohort's stronger performers. Its 23.7% poor/fair health rate sits near the state middle, reflecting balanced but not exceptional healthcare outcomes.

Solid health standing among peers

Garrard's 73.7-year life expectancy trails only Fayette (76.7) and Franklin (73.0) among these eight counties, positioning it above most rural neighbors. Its 23.7% poor/fair health rate reflects moderate resource constraints typical of smaller Appalachian communities.

Limited providers, highest uninsured rate

Garrard has 23 primary care providers and 39 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—sparse for a health system. At 8.8% uninsured—the highest rate in this cohort—nearly 1 in 11 residents lack coverage, creating barriers to routine and preventive care despite moderate life expectancy.

Cover yourself and your family today

Garrard's 8.8% uninsured rate demands urgent action—go to kynect.ky.gov or call 1-855-4-KYNECT to explore affordable options now. Insurance protects your health and finances, ensuring your family can access care when it matters most.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Garrard County

via SchoolsByCounty

Growing Schools in Central Kentucky

Garrard County features a system of 6 public schools that serve 2,606 students. This includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools, all organized under one district. The county provides a balanced educational infrastructure that supports students from early childhood through graduation.

Strong Graduation with Efficient Funding

Garrard County achieves a 92.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national average of 87.0%. The district spends $6,768 per pupil, placing it just under the Kentucky state average of $6,894. With a school score of 54.1, the county demonstrates a solid return on its educational investment.

Focused Management by Garrard County

The Garrard County school district manages 5 of the 6 schools and all 2,606 students in the area. There are no charter schools in the county, ensuring 100% of students attend traditional district facilities. The largest school is Garrard County High School, which enrolls 801 students.

A Healthy Mix of Town and Rural

The county's schools are split evenly between town and rural settings, offering families a choice in atmosphere. Lancaster Elementary provides a town-based primary option with 469 students, while Paint Lick Elementary offers a smaller rural setting with 309 students. The average school size of 521 students suggests a growing and vibrant student body.

Finding Your Family Home in Garrard

Garrard County is an attractive market for families who want a blend of small-town and rural life. High graduation rates and a consistent school district make this area a reliable choice for long-term home ownership. Explore the neighborhoods around Lancaster for easy access to the county's largest and most central schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Garrard County

via RiskByCounty

Garrard ranks very low nationally

Garrard County's composite risk score of 30.25 sits well below the national average, indicating minimal exposure to major natural disasters. This very low ranking reflects a fortunate geographic position across virtually all primary hazard categories.

Among Kentucky's safest counties

Garrard's score of 30.25 ranks significantly below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, placing the county comfortably in the lower-risk tier. The county enjoys one of the commonwealth's most favorable natural disaster profiles.

Well-positioned in central Kentucky region

Garrard's risk level (30.25) is substantially lower than nearby Fayette County (92.05) and Franklin County (64.47), though slightly higher than Gallatin County (17.27) to its north. The county occupies a relatively protected zone in central Kentucky.

Tornado and flood risks merit monitoring

Garrard's tornado risk of 57.57 represents its highest exposure, though still moderate compared to state averages and significantly lower than neighboring high-risk counties. Flood risk (40.94) poses a secondary concern affecting properties near waterways and low-lying areas.

Standard insurance covers most exposures

Garrard County residents should obtain homeowner insurance with comprehensive tornado and wind protection to address the county's highest-risk category. Flood insurance is recommended only for properties in mapped flood zones or historically flood-prone locations.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Garrard County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical Mid-South Warmth

Garrard County’s 56.8°F average is significantly warmer than the national median. This climate supports a long outdoor season and mild autumn transitions.

Among the State's Warmest

Garrard is warmer than the Kentucky average of 56.2°F, coming in at 56.8°F. It is one of the more heat-exposed counties in the central part of the Commonwealth.

Plentiful Regional Rainfall

With 50.5 inches of annual rain, Garrard sits almost exactly at the state average of 50.6 inches. This ensures ample water for the county's famous agricultural land.

Warm Winters and Scorching Summers

Summer features 25 days of extreme heat over 90°F. Winter is notably mild for Kentucky, with an average temperature of 38.2°F and only 7.4 inches of annual snow.

Year-Round Outdoor Living

The mild 38.2°F winter means less heavy winter gear is required compared to northern neighbors. However, the 25 days of 90-degree heat necessitate high-performance home cooling.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Garrard County

via SoilByCounty

Outer Bluegrass Soil Profile

Garrard County is situated in Hardiness Zone 7a, though specific soil pH data is not provided. This zone offers a slightly longer growing window than the 6b regions to the north.

Working with Limestone Soils

Data regarding the sand, silt, and clay mix for Garrard is currently limited. The local landscape typically features the limestone-based soils characteristic of the outer Bluegrass region.

Targeting 3.55% Organic Matter

Organic matter and available water capacity stats are missing from this dataset. Local land managers can compare their own soil tests against the state's organic matter average of 3.55% to gauge fertility.

Topography and Water Movement

While specific drainage classes are not listed, the county’s rolling topography influences how water moves across the land. Proper site preparation is key for any new construction or agricultural expansion.

The Perfect Zone for Berries

Zone 7a is perfect for everything from berries to hearty vegetables and ornamental shrubs. Start a garden today to take advantage of the moderate climate and the natural beauty of Garrard County.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Garrard County

via LawnByCounty

Garrard County Lawns Face Standard Tasks

Garrard County earns a 68.0 lawn difficulty score, placing it slightly above the state average of 66.3. Residents in this 7a hardiness zone enjoy a slightly warmer climate that is generally favorable for most Kentucky turf types.

High Rainfall Meets High Growth

The county receives 50.5 inches of precipitation annually, just above the ideal range, which can lead to rapid spring growth. With 4,051 growing degree days, you will likely need to mow more frequently than your neighbors in cooler counties.

Test for Nutrient Balance Locally

Specific soil metrics are unavailable for Garrard, making a soil test kit your best investment this spring. Because the county has 25 extreme heat days, focus on building organic matter to help your soil hold onto its 50.5 inches of annual rain.

Prepare for Periodic Dry Spells

Garrard County faced four weeks of drought last year, though current conditions are stable and moist. Use a rain gauge to ensure your lawn gets at least one inch of water per week during those hot summer stretches.

Utilize a Long Growing Season

The typical frost-free window spans from April 18 to October 24, providing plenty of time for seeding and root development. Tall fescue is a top recommendation for zone 7a as it stands up well to the 25 days of extreme heat each year.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Garrard County's county score?
Garrard County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 54.2 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 Garrard County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Garrard County ranks #90 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 Garrard County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Garrard County is $1,344, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Garrard County a tax score of 60.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Garrard County?
The median household income in Garrard County, Kentucky is $62,572 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Garrard County earns an income score of 46.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Garrard County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Garrard County scores 54.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #90 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Garrard 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 Garrard 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.