countyscore
62.1
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 84.8Property Tax 79.4

County Report Card

About Grayson County, Kentucky

A Strong National Standing

Grayson County's composite score of 62.1 is significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This indicates that the county provides a superior quality of life relative to the majority of U.S. counties.

Leading the State Average

With a score of 62.1, Grayson County outperforms the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It stands out as a high-value destination within the state's central region.

Exceptional Affordability and Low Taxes

Cost of living is a major strength here, evidenced by a Cost Score of 84.8 and a Tax Score of 79.4. An effective tax rate of just 0.560% keeps more money in the pockets of local residents.

Lags in Income and Health

The county struggles with an Income Score of 14.2 and a Health Score of 32.9. These numbers reflect lower median earnings of $49,893 and a need for improved healthcare infrastructure.

Perfect for Value-Seekers

Grayson County is an excellent match for families looking to maximize their purchasing power. Its combination of low taxes and high affordability makes it a top tier choice for those on fixed or modest incomes.

Score breakdown

Tax79.4Cost84.8Safety71Health32.9Schools46.5Income14.2Risk54.8Water86Weather55.2
🏛79.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼14.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡71
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤32.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡54.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨47.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱61.9
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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Nearby counties

Edmonson County
Kentucky
65.5
Breckinridge County
Kentucky
65
Hart County
Kentucky
63.6
Butler County
Kentucky
67.9
Ohio County
Kentucky
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Hardin County
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Warren County
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41.8
Meade County
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Deep Dives

Grayson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Grayson County

via TaxByCounty

Grayson County offers rock-bottom taxes

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Grayson County

via CostByCounty

Grayson County punches above affordability

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Grayson County

via IncomeByCounty

Grayson County earns well below national average

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Grayson County

via CrimeByCounty

Grayson County maintains high safety levels

Grayson County earns a safety score of 98.9, placing it far above the national average for security. Its total crime rate of 691.5 per 100K is roughly 70% lower than the national total of 2,385.5.

Performing better than the state average

With a safety score of 98.9, Grayson County outperforms the Kentucky average of 98.8. The local crime rate of 691.5 per 100K is also noticeably lower than the state's average rate of 786.2.

Comparative safety in the region

Grayson County's crime rate of 691.5 per 100K is considerably lower than neighbor Hardin County's rate of 1023.4. Four different reporting agencies provide data that confirms Grayson County's strong safety profile.

Low violent crime characterizes the area

The violent crime rate is just 86.9 per 100K, which is significantly safer than the national rate of 369.8. Most reported incidents are property crimes, which occur at a rate of 604.6 per 100K.

Proactive protection for your household

Since property crime is the most common local issue, residents should focus on basic home security like locking doors and windows. Community vigilance helps maintain Grayson County's standing as a safe place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Grayson County

via HealthByCounty

Grayson County faces health challenges

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Grayson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Unified Countywide School District

Grayson County consolidates its education system into a single district that manages nine public schools for 4,039 students. The landscape includes four elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools.

Reliable Graduation and Consistent Spending

The county maintains a 91.0% graduation rate, which remains above the national average of 87%. Investment in students is steady at $6,885 per pupil, almost exactly matching the Kentucky state average of $6,894.

Grayson County District Hub

The Grayson County district oversees all 4,039 students, ensuring a centralized approach to local education. No charter schools operate in the county, maintaining a focus on traditional public school excellence.

Significant School Sizes in Rural Kentucky

Schools here are relatively large for the region, with an average enrollment of 577 students. Grayson County High School leads with 1,252 students, while Clarkson Elementary serves a robust 609 students in a rural setting.

Build Your Life Near Grayson County Schools

With a single district providing consistent quality across the county, finding a home near your school of choice is straightforward. Education quality remains a top priority for families moving to this rural community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Grayson County

via RiskByCounty

Grayson County: slightly above-average risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Grayson County

via WeatherByCounty

A Typical Middle-American Climate Profile

Grayson County’s average annual temperature of 55.3°F closely aligns with the national median for a temperate climate. The area receives 50.6 inches of precipitation annually, which is significantly higher than the average U.S. county.

Slightly Cooler Than the Kentucky Average

At 55.3°F, Grayson County is nearly a full degree cooler than the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. Its annual precipitation perfectly matches the state benchmark of 50.6 inches, making it a representative model for Kentucky weather.

Hotter Summers Than Northern Neighbors

With 38 extreme heat days per year, Grayson is significantly hotter in the summer than Greenup County to the east. However, its 6.9 inches of annual snowfall is much lighter than the double-digit totals found in northern parts of the state.

Hot Summers and Manageable Winters

Summer highs often push past 90°F on 38 days each year, with July averaging a warm 76.2°F. Winters are chilly but not extreme, featuring a January average of 32.8°F and roughly 6.9 inches of total snow.

Invest in High-Efficiency Cooling

Given the 38 days of extreme heat, a well-maintained HVAC system is the most important home investment for Grayson residents. A standard snow shovel is usually sufficient for the modest winter snowfall that typically melts within a few days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Grayson County

via SoilByCounty

Western Coalfield Soil Identity

The average pH in Grayson County is 5.58, making it slightly more acidic than the Kentucky average of 5.80. This acidic profile is common across the state but remains well under the national median of 6.5.

A Balanced Mix with Clay Influence

With 59.4% silt and 23.7% clay, these soils are heavier and denser than those in neighboring counties. The 16.9% sand component provides a necessary break in the texture to assist with root penetration.

Hitting the National Fertility Mark

Organic matter levels reach 2.00%, matching the national average but trailing the state average of 3.55%. The available water capacity of 0.185 in/in aligns almost perfectly with the Kentucky state benchmark.

Managing Heavier Ground

The relatively high clay content suggests that drainage might be slower than in sandy regions. Homeowners should consider raised beds or surface drainage improvements to manage the soil's natural density.

Planting Prospects in Zone 7a

Grayson County's Zone 7a climate supports everything from tobacco to hardy fruit trees. Leverage the reliable water capacity of this soil to grow high-quality produce all season long.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Grayson County

via LawnByCounty

Standard Care in Grayson

Grayson County has a lawn difficulty score of 61.9, placing it slightly below the Kentucky average of 66.3. Despite being a bit more challenging than the state norm, it remains easier to manage than many lawns across the United States. In zone 7a, the environment supports a variety of common turfgrasses.

Managing the Summer Heat

Lawns here endure 38 extreme heat days annually, which is higher than the state average of 30. To compensate, the county receives 50.6 inches of annual precipitation, nearly matching the state average. This balance of heat and rain requires careful monitoring to prevent summer burnout.

Clay-Rich Foundation

The soil is relatively acidic with a pH of 5.58 and contains 23.7% clay, which can lead to compaction. Regular core aeration is necessary to help water and air reach the roots through the heavy clay. Applying lime will help bring the pH closer to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for optimal growth.

Fair Drought Recovery

The county spent four weeks in drought over the past year, showing decent resilience to dry spells. Currently, there are no abnormally dry conditions reported, allowing for a normal maintenance routine. Focus on maintaining a taller grass height during the hottest months to shade the soil.

Seeding for Success

Tall fescue is the most reliable choice for the 7a climate and 3,898 growing degree days. The window between the April 26th last frost and October 23rd first frost provides a solid timeframe for lawn projects. Aim to seed in early fall to allow roots to establish before the winter freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grayson County's county score?
Grayson County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 62.1 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 Grayson County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Grayson County ranks #46 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 Grayson County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Grayson County is $896, with an effective tax rate of 0.56%. This earns Grayson County a tax score of 79.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Grayson County?
The median household income in Grayson County, Kentucky is $49,893 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Grayson County earns an income score of 14.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Grayson County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Grayson County scores 62.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #46 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Grayson 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 Grayson 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.