countyscore
56
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 73.7Property Tax 66.6

County Report Card

About Graves County, Kentucky

Solid Performance Against National Standards

Graves County earns a composite score of 56.0, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This ranking highlights the county's ability to provide a higher-than-average standard of living.

Competitive Within the Kentucky Landscape

The county's 56.0 composite score is slightly below the state average of 58.6. Despite this, it remains a robust contender among Kentucky's 120 counties, particularly in terms of affordability.

Clean Water and Affordable Living

The county shines with a Water Score of 86.0 and a Cost Score of 73.7. Rent is notably low at a median of $713 per month, making it one of the most budget-friendly areas in the region.

Income and Environmental Risk Factors

Graves County faces hurdles with an Income Score of 15.9 and a Risk Score of 16.0. Low median earnings and higher vulnerability to natural hazards are the primary trade-offs for its low cost of living.

A Haven for Budget-Conscious Renters

Graves County is best suited for individuals or retirees who prioritize low housing costs and reliable infrastructure. It offers a quiet, affordable lifestyle for those who can navigate its environmental risk profile.

Score breakdown

Tax66.6Cost73.7Safety48.9Health41.2Schools62.4Income15.9Risk16Water86Weather64
🏛66.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠73.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡48.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤41.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓62.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡16
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤64
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨49.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱43.9
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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Deep Dives

Graves County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Graves County

via TaxByCounty

Graves County taxes are well below U.S. average

Graves County's effective tax rate of 0.668% ranks significantly lower than the national median effective rate of approximately 0.85%, placing it in the lowest quartile nationwide. The median property tax of $929 is less than one-third the national median of $2,690.

Among Kentucky's lowest-tax counties

Graves County's 0.668% effective rate sits below Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, making it one of the more affordable counties for property taxation in the commonwealth. At $929 in median tax, Graves residents pay about $164 less than the typical Kentucky homeowner.

One of the region's tax bargains

Graves County's $929 median tax is the lowest among its regional peers, undercutting Grant County ($1,339) and Grayson County ($896) significantly. The lower tax reflects Graves's modest median home value of $139,000, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious homebuyers.

What your Graves County home costs

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $139,000 pays approximately $929 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,136 when including escrow and insurance; without a mortgage, it drops to $712.

Challenge your assessment if needed

Even in a low-tax county like Graves, some homeowners are overassessed due to outdated property records or inflated valuations. If you believe your home's assessed value is too high, contact the Graves County Property Valuation Administrator to request an appeal and potentially lower your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Graves County

via CostByCounty

Graves County rents eat more income

Renters in Graves County spend 16.9% of income on housing, slightly below the national benchmark but meaningful on a median household income of just $50,576. At $713 monthly, rent is cheaper in raw dollars than the nation's typical rental.

Nearly at state average affordability

Graves County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Kentucky's 17.0% state average, placing it near the middle of state county rankings. The median rent of $713 is notably lower than the state's $771, though local incomes are also below state medians.

Lower rents, lower incomes nearby

Graves County's $713 rent is among the lowest in its region, undershooting Hancock County ($752) and Hardin County ($947). However, its median income of $50,576 is also on the lower end, making the affordability ratio competitive but not exceptional.

Stretching dollars in Graves County

Renters allocate $713 monthly while homeowners pay $741, both on a median household income of $50,576. Housing—whether rented or owned—claims roughly 17% of income, leaving tight budgets for other costs like healthcare and transportation.

Affordability with trade-offs

Graves County offers genuinely low rents at $713, but median incomes lag state averages, suggesting lower-wage job markets. Relocators should verify employment opportunities align with your salary expectations before making the move.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Graves County

via IncomeByCounty

Graves County lags national income standards

Graves County's median household income of $50,576 falls 32.3% below the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting economic pressures facing many rural Kentucky communities. The gap suggests limited high-wage employment opportunities locally.

Below Kentucky's average income

At $50,576, Graves County's median household income trails Kentucky's state average of $55,909 by 9.5%, placing it in the lower-middle tier statewide. The county faces economic headwinds shared by several rural Kentucky regions.

Similar struggles in surrounding counties

Graves County's $50,576 income mirrors the challenges of nearby Grayson County ($49,893) and Green County ($41,087), suggesting a regional economic pattern. Greenup County ($59,613) offers a notable contrast with stronger earning power just to the east.

Housing costs squeeze household budgets

A rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% indicates manageable housing costs, though the lower overall income means less financial cushion for emergencies. A median home value of $139,000 aligns with local earning capacity but limits savings potential.

Invest in income growth strategies

Graves County households should prioritize skill-building and education to unlock higher-wage opportunities, both locally and regionally. Starting small with automated savings and employer retirement plans can help build wealth despite current income constraints.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Graves County

via CrimeByCounty

Graves County stays well below national crime

Graves County maintains a safety score of 98.2, reflecting a safe community compared to broader national trends. Its total crime rate of 1147.1 per 100K is significantly lower than the national figure of 2,385.5.

Navigating state safety rankings

The county's safety score of 98.2 is slightly lower than the Kentucky state average of 98.8. Its total crime rate of 1147.1 per 100K is higher than the state average of 786.2, though it remains within a safe range.

Security trends versus nearby counties

Graves County reports a crime rate of 1147.1 per 100K, which is higher than the rate seen in neighboring Grayson County (691.5). Three local agencies collaborate to manage these public safety challenges across the county.

A focus on property-related incidents

Violent crime in Graves County is 103.5 per 100K, which is significantly lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crimes represent the majority of local activity, recorded at 1043.6 per 100K.

Securing property in Graves County

Because property crime accounts for most local offenses, simple home security upgrades can make a major difference. Lighting and alarm systems help discourage opportunistic theft and maintain neighborhood safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Graves County

via HealthByCounty

Graves County residents live slightly longer

At 73.0 years, Graves County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 72.0 years, suggesting residents here enjoy better longevity than most Americans. The county's 22.6% poor/fair health rate aligns closely with the national average, indicating typical health status for a rural county.

Graves ranks above Kentucky average

Graves County's 73.0-year life expectancy tops Kentucky's 72.2-year state average, placing it among the state's healthier counties. The uninsured rate of 7.3% slightly exceeds the state average of 7.0%, meaning slightly fewer residents have coverage than typical in Kentucky.

Graves County faces provider shortages

With just 27 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Graves County has fewer doctors than Grant County (40) and significantly fewer than Grayson County (60). Mental health access at 99 providers per 100K is strong compared to some neighbors, though below more urban counties.

Uninsured rate slightly above state average

Graves County's 7.3% uninsured rate means about 1 in 13 residents lack health coverage, slightly higher than Kentucky's 7.0% average. Finding a primary care doctor may require travel, as the county has only 27 providers per 100,000 residents—below the rural Kentucky standard.

Uninsured? Find coverage now

The 7.3% of Graves County residents without insurance can check Healthcare.gov or contact local community health centers to learn about Medicaid and marketplace plans. Coverage is affordable and protects you and your family from catastrophic medical debt.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Graves County

via SchoolsByCounty

Extensive Rural Education Infrastructure

Graves County supports 5,924 students through a network of 14 public schools, including seven elementary and five high schools. Two distinct school districts manage these facilities, ensuring broad coverage for the region's families.

Exceptional Graduation and Academic Success

The county achieves a remarkable 96.3% graduation rate, far exceeding the national 87% benchmark. This success is supported by a $6,730 per-pupil expenditure and a school score of 56.3, which outperforms the state average.

Graves County and Mayfield Independent Districts

The Graves County district is the larger of the two, educating 3,977 students across 10 schools. Mayfield Independent serves nearly 2,000 students across three schools, and the county currently does not host any charter schools.

Large High Schools and Rural Roots

Nine schools sit in rural locales, while five serve town centers with an average school size of 456 students. Graves County High School is the largest at 1,096 students, providing a comprehensive secondary experience for local youth.

Secure Your Family's Future in Graves County

High graduation rates and strong school scores make Graves County a premier choice for families relocating to Kentucky. Consider the proximity to top-rated schools like Mayfield Elementary when searching for your next home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Graves County

via RiskByCounty

Graves County faces moderate disaster risk

Graves County scores 83.97 on the composite risk scale with a Relatively Moderate rating, nearly doubling Kentucky's state average of 44.21. This makes it one of the state's higher-risk counties for natural disasters.

Among Kentucky's riskier counties

Graves County ranks in the upper portion of Kentucky's disaster risk distribution, with its 83.97 score significantly above the state mean. Only a handful of Kentucky counties face comparable overall natural disaster exposure.

Riskier than surrounding counties

Graves County's 83.97 score substantially exceeds nearby Grayson County (45.26) and Green County (14.03). Its earthquake risk of 96.91 is particularly elevated compared to all regional peers.

Earthquakes and tornadoes dominate risk

Graves County faces exceptional earthquake risk at 96.91—among Kentucky's highest—paired with tornado risk at 70.61. Flooding also poses a notable threat at 56.81, affecting property and infrastructure across the county.

Comprehensive coverage is essential here

Graves County residents should prioritize homeowners insurance with earthquake and tornado riders, given the county's elevated scores in both hazards. Consider separate flood insurance as well, since standard policies exclude water damage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Graves County

via WeatherByCounty

High Precipitation in a Subtropical Climate

Graves County experiences a humid subtropical climate with a substantial 53.0 inches of annual precipitation. This rainfall total significantly exceeds the national median, placing the county among the wetter regions in the United States.

Wet and Mild West Kentucky Weather

While specific annual temperature data is unavailable, the county's 53.0 inches of rain sits well above the Kentucky state average of 50.6 inches. This moisture supports the local agricultural landscape common in the state's western tip.

Less Snow Than Neighboring Regions

Graves County sees just 1.4 inches of annual snowfall, which is notably lower than neighbors like Grayson County. The region stays relatively damp but rarely faces the heavy snow accumulations seen further east.

Damp Winters and Minimal Snowfall

The county averages only 1.4 inches of snow per year, suggesting winters are dominated by rain rather than frozen precipitation. Long-term heat data is limited, but the high annual rainfall indicates high humidity levels throughout the peak growing season.

Prepare for Rain and Humidity

Residents should prioritize robust storm drainage systems to manage the 53.0 inches of annual rainfall. Moisture-wicking clothing and reliable dehumidifiers are essential for staying comfortable in this damp, subtropical environment.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Graves County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Silts of the Purchase Region

Graves County soil is notably acidic with an average pH of 5.43. This is more acidic than the state average of 5.80 and sits far below the national median of 6.5.

Silt-Heavy Soils Drive Agriculture

The soil contains a high silt percentage of 67.9%, with 17.4% sand and 14.8% clay. This mix offers excellent workability but requires protection from surface crusting and erosion.

Moisture Retention Outpaces the State

Organic matter sits at 1.76%, falling below the state average of 3.55%. However, the available water capacity of 0.205 in/in is higher than the state average, helping plants survive during dry Kentucky summers.

Water Flow and Surface Care

Specific drainage classes are not provided, but the high silt content suggests the soil holds water well while remaining easy to till. Watch for compaction in high-traffic areas to keep the ground breathing.

Garden Success in Zone 7a

A long growing season in Zone 7a allows for a diverse harvest of corn, peppers, and beans. Take advantage of the high water capacity to establish a thriving home vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Graves County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Graves

Graves County presents significant challenges for lawn care, with a difficulty score of only 43.9. This is well below the national median of 50 and the Kentucky state average of 66.3. Maintaining a green yard here requires more effort and resources than in neighboring counties.

High Rainfall Needs Management

The county receives a robust 53.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the state average of 50.4 inches. While this provides plenty of water, it can lead to drainage issues and fungal diseases in the humid 7a hardiness zone. Homeowners must balance this high moisture with careful mowing practices.

Acidic Soil Adjustments

The soil in Graves County is quite acidic with a pH of 5.43, falling short of the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most grasses. With 14.8% clay and 17.4% sand, the ground often requires lime applications to neutralize acidity and improve nutrient availability. Adding organic matter can help stabilize the soil structure for better root growth.

Extended Dry Spells

Resilience is a major concern as the county spent 20 weeks in drought over the last year. Currently, 100% of the area is classified as abnormally dry, requiring supplemental irrigation to prevent turf dormancy. Focus on deep, infrequent watering to encourage roots to grow deeper into the soil.

Tough Grass Choices

Because of the 7a zone and recent drought history, heat-tolerant varieties like Bermuda grass or turf-type tall fescue are recommended. These species handle the acidity and dry spells better than traditional bluegrass. Plan your lawn improvements during the spring to establish a strong base before the peak summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Graves County's county score?
Graves County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 56 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 Graves County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Graves County ranks #86 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 Graves County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Graves County is $929, with an effective tax rate of 0.67%. This earns Graves County a tax score of 66.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Graves County?
The median household income in Graves County, Kentucky is $50,576 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Graves County earns an income score of 15.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Graves County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Graves County scores 56/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #86 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Graves 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 Graves 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.