Graves County's composite score of 75.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by more than 50%, positioning it in the upper tier of American counties. This strong performance reflects particularly attractive housing costs and low tax burden relative to national standards.
2 / 5
Slightly Above Average in Kentucky
Graves County ranks just above the Kentucky state average with a composite score of 75.6 versus the state's 75.0. This slight edge gives it a modest advantage over most peer Kentucky counties in overall livability metrics.
3 / 5
Ultra-Affordable Housing and Low Taxes
Graves County stands out with the lowest effective tax rate at 0.668% and a cost score of 84.4, supported by median home values of just $139,000 and rents at $713/month. This combination makes it one of the most affordable counties in the state for homebuyers and renters alike.
4 / 5
Income Levels Trail State Comparison
The county's income score of 16.4 reflects a median household income of $50,576, notably below both the state average and peer counties Grant and Hancock. Data gaps on safety, health, and education also limit visibility into other key livability dimensions.
5 / 5
Ideal for Cost-Conscious, Lower-Income Households
Graves County is best suited for retirees, remote workers, and families seeking minimal housing expense and tax burden. However, prospective residents should weigh affordability against lower local incomes when evaluating long-term financial stability.
Graves County's composite score of 75.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by more than 50%, positioning it in the upper tier of American counties. This strong performance reflects particularly attractive housing costs and low tax burden relative to national standards.
Slightly Above Average in Kentucky
Graves County ranks just above the Kentucky state average with a composite score of 75.6 versus the state's 75.0. This slight edge gives it a modest advantage over most peer Kentucky counties in overall livability metrics.
Ultra-Affordable Housing and Low Taxes
Graves County stands out with the lowest effective tax rate at 0.668% and a cost score of 84.4, supported by median home values of just $139,000 and rents at $713/month. This combination makes it one of the most affordable counties in the state for homebuyers and renters alike.
Income Levels Trail State Comparison
The county's income score of 16.4 reflects a median household income of $50,576, notably below both the state average and peer counties Grant and Hancock. Data gaps on safety, health, and education also limit visibility into other key livability dimensions.
Ideal for Cost-Conscious, Lower-Income Households
Graves County is best suited for retirees, remote workers, and families seeking minimal housing expense and tax burden. However, prospective residents should weigh affordability against lower local incomes when evaluating long-term financial stability.
Score breakdown
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🏛83.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.