Grayson County's composite score of 77.9 ranks 56% above the national median of 50.0, placing it among the most livable counties nationally. This exceptional standing is driven by standout affordability and tax structure that rival the best-performing U.S. counties.
2 / 5
Kentucky's Top-Tier Livability County
Grayson County leads Kentucky with the highest composite score of 77.9, outpacing the state average of 75.0 by nearly 4 points. It ranks as one of the most desirable counties in the state by this composite measure.
3 / 5
Unbeatable Affordability and Tax Efficiency
Grayson County delivers the lowest effective tax rate in this group at 0.560%, paired with a cost score of 87.0 and median home values of $160,100. Monthly rents average just $653, making it among the most budget-friendly counties in Kentucky.
4 / 5
Lower Income Potential Limits Growth
The income score of 16.0 and median household income of $49,893 represent one of the lowest earning profiles in this county cohort. Missing data on safety, schools, and health prevents a fuller assessment of quality-of-life factors.
5 / 5
Perfect for Frugal Living, Rural Preference
Grayson County is ideal for individuals prioritizing minimal housing costs and low taxes over employment income or urban services. It appeals most to retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, and those seeking a rural Kentucky lifestyle at minimal expense.
Grayson County's composite score of 77.9 ranks 56% above the national median of 50.0, placing it among the most livable counties nationally. This exceptional standing is driven by standout affordability and tax structure that rival the best-performing U.S. counties.
Kentucky's Top-Tier Livability County
Grayson County leads Kentucky with the highest composite score of 77.9, outpacing the state average of 75.0 by nearly 4 points. It ranks as one of the most desirable counties in the state by this composite measure.
Unbeatable Affordability and Tax Efficiency
Grayson County delivers the lowest effective tax rate in this group at 0.560%, paired with a cost score of 87.0 and median home values of $160,100. Monthly rents average just $653, making it among the most budget-friendly counties in Kentucky.
Lower Income Potential Limits Growth
The income score of 16.0 and median household income of $49,893 represent one of the lowest earning profiles in this county cohort. Missing data on safety, schools, and health prevents a fuller assessment of quality-of-life factors.
Perfect for Frugal Living, Rural Preference
Grayson County is ideal for individuals prioritizing minimal housing costs and low taxes over employment income or urban services. It appeals most to retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, and those seeking a rural Kentucky lifestyle at minimal expense.
Score breakdown
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🏛86.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Grayson County's effective tax rate of 0.560% is among the lowest in the nation, well below the national median effective rate of roughly 0.85%. The median property tax of $896 represents just one-third of what homeowners pay nationally.
Kentucky's most tax-friendly county measured
Grayson County's 0.560% effective rate is notably below Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, ranking it among the state's most affordable options for property taxation. Residents pay a median of $896 versus the state median of $1,093, saving about $197 annually.
Lowest taxes in its regional group
Grayson County's $896 median tax is competitive with nearby Graves County ($929) and significantly lower than Grant County ($1,339). The similar median home value of $160,100 means Grayson offers exceptional value for property owners.
What your Grayson County home costs
A homeowner with a median-valued property of $160,100 pays approximately $896 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,162 when including escrow and insurance; without a mortgage, it drops to $695.
Appeal keeps more money in your pocket
Grayson County's low baseline tax rate doesn't mean every homeowner is assessed fairly—outdated valuations still exist. Filing an appeal with the Grayson County Property Valuation Administrator is straightforward and could reduce your already-modest tax burden further.
Grayson County renters spend just 15.7% of income on housing, a solid showing against national standards where renters typically devote 28-30% of earnings to rent. At $653 monthly on a $49,893 median income, the county delivers genuine affordability.
Among Kentucky's most affordable
With a 15.7% rent-to-income ratio, Grayson County beats Kentucky's 17.0% state average and ranks toward the affordability-friendly end of the state's county spectrum. Median rent of $653 is the lowest in this dataset, though local incomes are similarly modest.
Lowest rents in the region
Grayson County's $653 rent undercuts all comparable counties, including Graves County ($713) and Green County ($612)—actually tied with Green for the region's lowest. This affordability advantage compounds the county's appeal to budget-conscious renters.
Tight but manageable housing costs
Renters in Grayson pay $653 monthly while homeowners carry $648 on a median household income of $49,893. Both rent and mortgage consume roughly 15-16% of household earnings, a sustainable level for most families.
Budget movers, take note
Grayson County offers some of Kentucky's lowest rents without sacrificing affordability ratios, making it compelling for those prioritizing low housing costs. Cross-check local job availability and wages in your field to ensure the income side matches this housing bargain.
Grayson County's median household income of $49,893 is 33.3% lower than the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting limited access to high-paying employment sectors. This significant gap underscores the county's economic challenges.
Below state average in rural Kentucky
At $49,893, Grayson County's median income runs 10.8% below Kentucky's state average of $55,909, ranking it among the state's lower-income communities. The county shares similar economic pressures with rural neighbors.
Slightly better off than some regional peers
Grayson County's $49,893 median income slightly exceeds Green County ($41,087) but trails Graves County ($50,576) and Greenup County ($59,613). The variation suggests pockets of stronger economic opportunity nearby.
Housing remains proportionally affordable
A rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% keeps housing costs reasonable as a share of household earnings, though the lower overall income limits discretionary spending. A median home value of $160,100 is accessible but represents a larger portion of annual earnings than in wealthier counties.
Focus on accessible financial tools
Grayson County residents benefit from building emergency savings before investing, given tighter household budgets. Community credit unions and low-cost index funds offer accessible pathways to long-term wealth building without high fees.
At 71.0 years, Grayson County's life expectancy falls 1 year below the U.S. average of 72.0 years, signaling shorter lifespans than most Americans. With 23.9% of residents reporting poor or fair health—well above the national average—Grayson faces steeper health headwinds than the nation overall.
Grayson County trails Kentucky average
Grayson's 71.0-year life expectancy lags Kentucky's 72.2-year state average by more than a year, placing it among the state's less healthy counties. The 7.5% uninsured rate also exceeds Kentucky's 7.0% average, meaning fewer residents have health insurance here than statewide.
Strong doctor access despite health gaps
Grayson County leads neighboring Grant (40) and Graves (27) counties with 60 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, offering good access to routine care. With 127 mental health providers per 100K, Grayson ranks among the highest in the region for behavioral health access.
Healthcare access is available but gaps remain
Despite having the region's best primary care access at 60 providers per 100K, Grayson County's 23.9% poor/fair health rate suggests barriers beyond provider availability—possibly affordability, transportation, or chronic disease. The 7.5% uninsured rate means roughly 1 in 13 residents skip doctor visits due to cost.
Insurance changes everything
If you're among the 7.5% of uninsured Grayson County residents, signing up for coverage takes one visit to Healthcare.gov or a call to a local health center. Health insurance means preventive care, prescription coverage, and peace of mind you can afford.
Grayson County scores 45.26 on the composite risk scale with a Relatively Low rating, just above Kentucky's state average of 44.21. It represents a moderate-risk profile for the nation's standards.
Middle-of-the-road Kentucky risk profile
Grayson County ranks near Kentucky's median disaster risk, with its 45.26 score clustering it among the state's average-risk counties. It avoids both the highest and lowest risk tiers statewide.
Riskier than Grant, safer than Graves
Grayson County's 45.26 score positions it between nearby Grant County (16.29) and Graves County (83.97). Its flood risk of 48.28 and tornado risk of 70.77 exceed Grant County's but fall short of Graves County's extremes.
Tornados and earthquakes top the list
Tornado risk at 70.77 is Grayson County's leading hazard, followed closely by earthquake risk at 70.29. Flooding at 48.28 rounds out the county's top three concerns.
Standard coverage plus earthquake rider
Grayson County homeowners should obtain standard homeowners insurance with both tornado and earthquake riders to address the county's primary hazards. Adding flood insurance strengthens protection, especially in flood-prone zones.