countyscore
55.4
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 67.3Property Tax 65.5

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.

2040608010065.567.348.941.262.413.3168664Tax65.5Cost67.3Safety48.9Health41.2Schools62.4Income13.3Risk16Water86Weather6455.4/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Graves County DNA

Foverall

How Graves County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Graves County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Income (13.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
65.5+13.5
Cost
67.3+19.299999999999997
Safety
48.9
Health
41.2-8.799999999999997
Schools
62.4+8.399999999999999
Income
13.3-37.7
Risk
16-31
Water
86+28
Weather
64+8
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Many homeowners in Graves County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$147,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$775/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$147,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $50,772/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

8.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Hickman County
Kentucky
69.4
Marshall County
Kentucky
56.1
Carlisle County
Kentucky
63.9
Calloway County
Kentucky
55
Weakley County
Tennessee
51.4
McCracken County
Kentucky
45.5
Mississippi County
Missouri
37.4
Ballard County
Kentucky
57.6

Deep Dives

Graves County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 55.4 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 $970, with an effective tax rate of 0.66%. This earns Graves County a tax score of 65.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Graves County?
The median household income in Graves County, Kentucky is $50,772 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Graves County earns an income score of 13.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Graves County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Graves County scores 55.4/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.