58.8
County Score
Safety 85.3Lawn Care 83.7Weather & Climate 62.9

County Report Card

About Greenup County, Kentucky

Better Than the National Average

Greenup County scores a 58.8 on the composite index, outperforming the national median of 50.0. It provides a reliable and steady quality of life for its population.

Aligned with Kentucky Standards

At 58.8, Greenup County sits right at the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It serves as a representative example of a well-balanced Kentucky county.

High Public Safety and Solid Schools

Public security is the county's hallmark, with a Safety Score of 85.3. A School Score of 60.1 also indicates a strong commitment to education compared to many regional peers.

Higher Tax Burdens and Water Issues

The county faces a Tax Score of 42.3 due to an effective tax rate of 0.941%, which is higher than many neighbors. Additionally, the Water Score of 40.1 suggests infrastructure improvements are needed.

A Secure Choice for Families

Greenup County is ideal for families who value safety and education above all else. With homes averaging $135,300, it remains an accessible option for those seeking a traditional suburban feel.

Score breakdown

Tax42.3Cost62.6Safety85.3Health46.3Schools60.1Income37.8Risk47.4Water40.1Weather62.9
🏛42.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠62.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼37.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡85.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
46.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓60.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
47.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧40.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤62.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱83.7
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

Greenup County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Greenup County

via TaxByCounty

Greenup County taxes are moderate nationally

Greenup County's effective tax rate of 0.941% exceeds the national median of roughly 0.85%, placing it in the upper-middle range of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax of $1,273 remains well below the national median of $2,690.

Above Kentucky's state average

Greenup County's 0.941% effective rate significantly exceeds Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, making it one of the higher-tax counties in the commonwealth. Residents pay a median of $1,273 versus the state median of $1,093, resulting in about $180 more annually.

Highest-tax option in its region

Greenup County's $1,273 median tax is substantially higher than Graves County ($929), Grayson County ($896), and Green County ($752). The 0.941% effective rate reflects Greenup's higher relative tax burden compared to its peers.

What your Greenup County home costs

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $135,300 pays approximately $1,273 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,804 when including escrow and insurance; without a mortgage, it drops to $879.

Appeals are especially valuable here

Given Greenup County's above-average tax rate, challenging an inflated assessment could yield substantial savings. Contact the Greenup County Property Valuation Administrator to review your assessment—if your property is overvalued, an appeal could cut hundreds off your annual tax bill.

Cost of Living in Greenup County

via CostByCounty

Greenup County balances rent and income

Greenup County renters spend 16.8% of income on housing, sitting comfortably below national norms while earning a median of $59,613—stronger than peers like Graves and Grayson. At $836 monthly rent, the county offers reasonable affordability on mid-range wages.

Slightly below Kentucky average

Greenup County's 16.8% rent-to-income ratio edges below Kentucky's 17.0% state average, landing it in the affordability-friendly half of the state's counties. The median rent of $836 exceeds the state average of $771, but local incomes support the higher price.

Mid-tier pricing, solid wages

Greenup County's $836 rent ranks in the middle of this regional cluster, below Hardin County ($947) but above most others, while its $59,613 median income outpaces Graves, Grayson, and Green counties. The county offers balanced housing and earning power.

Sustainable housing costs

Renters pay $836 monthly while homeowners carry $690 against a median household income of $59,613. Housing consumes roughly 17% for renters and 14% for owners—both within manageable ranges for household budgets.

Solid middle ground for relocation

Greenup County combines moderate rents with above-average local incomes for this dataset, offering genuine balance without extreme trade-offs. If you're seeking a Kentucky county with reasonable housing costs and decent earning potential, Greenup merits serious consideration.

Income & Jobs in Greenup County

via IncomeByCounty

Greenup County approaches national income average

Greenup County's median household income of $59,613 sits 20.3% below the U.S. median of $74,755, yet outpaces many rural Kentucky counties. The figure reflects a more diverse local economy with moderate earning potential.

Above Kentucky's statewide average

At $59,613, Greenup County's median household income surpasses Kentucky's state average of $55,909 by 6.6%, placing it among the state's better-performing communities. The county benefits from stronger regional economic connections.

Regional income leader in eastern cluster

Greenup County's $59,613 median income outearns all nearby sampled counties, including Grayson County ($49,893), Graves County ($50,576), and Green County ($41,087). Its per capita income of $32,864 is also the highest in this peer group.

Housing costs well-balanced

A rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% indicates housing costs consume a manageable portion of household earnings, aligning with broader Kentucky patterns. A median home value of $135,300 remains accessible for median-income families.

Leverage strong local economy

Greenup County's above-average income and relatively affordable housing create a solid foundation for building household wealth through consistent saving and investment. Consider maximizing retirement account contributions and exploring real estate opportunities in this appreciating market.

Safety in Greenup County

via CrimeByCounty

Greenup County offers elite security

Greenup County earns a safety score of 99.5, indicating it is much safer than the average American community. Its total crime rate of 334.7 per 100K is nearly seven times lower than the national average.

A leader in Kentucky safety

The safety score of 99.5 in Greenup County places it well above the state average of 98.8. Its crime rate of 334.7 per 100K is less than half of the Kentucky average of 786.2.

Collaborative safety across nine agencies

Nine separate reporting agencies coordinate to maintain Greenup County's safety, resulting in a rate of 334.7 per 100K. This level of security compares favorably to neighbors like Grant County (629.9).

Minimal violent and property offenses

Violent crime is extremely low at 41.8 per 100K, roughly nine times safer than the national average. Property crime also stays minimal at a rate of 292.9 per 100K.

Keeping Greenup County homes safe

High safety scores are best maintained through consistent residential security habits. Motion-activated lights and visible security cameras are effective ways to protect property in this peaceful county.

Health in Greenup County

via HealthByCounty

Greenup County healthier than national average

At 72.5 years, Greenup County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 72.0 years, and its 21.4% poor/fair health rate beats the national average of 21%, indicating a relatively healthy county. Greenup ranks in the top tier of U.S. counties for both longevity and perceived health status.

Greenup outperforms Kentucky on most measures

Greenup's 72.5-year life expectancy tops Kentucky's 72.2-year state average, and its 21.4% poor/fair health rate is among the state's best. The county's 6.1% uninsured rate significantly beats Kentucky's 7.0% average, meaning more residents here have health coverage.

Strong primary care and mental health access

Greenup County's 51 primary care providers per 100,000 residents rank it among the region's best, ahead of Grant (40) but behind Grayson (60). With 219 mental health providers per 100K, Greenup offers excellent behavioral health access—top-tier for rural Kentucky.

Strong coverage and provider access drive health

Only 6.1% of Greenup County residents lack health insurance, one of the best rates in the state, and 51 primary care providers per 100K offer solid access to routine care. These factors help explain why Greenup's 21.4% poor/fair health rate ranks among Kentucky's best.

Keep Greenup County healthy

Even though Greenup has one of Kentucky's lowest uninsured rates at 6.1%, the roughly 600 uninsured residents should explore Healthcare.gov and Medicaid options. Health coverage strengthens community health and protects families from medical bankruptcy.

Schools in Greenup County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Suburban School Network

Greenup County hosts 17 public schools across three districts, serving a total of 5,852 students. The county's infrastructure is robust, featuring seven elementary, four middle, and six high schools.

Elite Graduation Rates for the Region

The county achieves a stellar 97.0% graduation rate, ten points higher than the national average. Despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,392, the school score of 55.9 remains above the state average.

Three Distinct Learning Districts

Greenup County district serves 2,634 students, while Russell Independent and Raceland-Worthington Independent serve 2,132 and 1,132 students respectively. No charter schools operate here, as the existing districts provide high-quality options.

Suburban Focus with Personal Attention

With 14 schools in suburban settings, the county offers a residential feel with an average school size of 390. Greenup County High is the largest school with 849 students, while Russell Primary provides a specialized early start for 486 children.

Join a High-Achieving Suburban Community

Greenup County's exceptional graduation rates make it a magnet for families prioritizing secondary education success. Look for homes within the Russell or Greenup districts to benefit from this proven academic track record.

Disaster Risk in Greenup County

via RiskByCounty

Greenup County faces elevated risks

Greenup County scores 52.61 on the composite risk scale with a Relatively Low rating, exceeding Kentucky's state average of 44.21 by roughly 19%. This reflects above-average exposure to multiple natural disaster hazards.

Upper-middle risk tier in Kentucky

Greenup County ranks in the upper-middle portion of Kentucky's disaster risk distribution, with its 52.61 score placing it notably above the state average. Approximately one-third of Kentucky counties face comparable or greater risk.

Notably riskier than nearby counties

Greenup County's 52.61 score substantially exceeds surrounding Grayson County (45.26) and significantly tops Grant County (16.29). Its flood risk of 68.45 is particularly pronounced compared to regional peers.

Flooding and wildfire are major threats

Flood risk at 68.45 is Greenup County's leading hazard, followed by wildfire risk at 40.24—both well above Kentucky's state average. Tornado risk at 41.54 adds a third significant concern for county residents.

Flood insurance is strongly recommended

Greenup County residents should prioritize flood insurance alongside standard homeowners coverage, given the county's flood risk of 68.45. Adding wildfire and tornado riders further strengthens protection against the county's diverse hazard profile.

Weather & Climate in Greenup County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Temperatures and Above-Average Snow

Greenup County averages 54.5°F annually, which is slightly cooler than many of its Midwestern counterparts. Its 13.7 inches of annual snowfall is notably higher than the national median, reflecting its position in the Appalachian foothills.

Drier and Cooler Than State Benchmarks

Greenup is significantly cooler than the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. It also receives only 42.9 inches of precipitation, making it much drier than the state average of 50.6 inches.

Lower Heat Risk Than Central Kentucky

Compared to Green County, Greenup enjoys much milder summers with only 21 extreme heat days. However, it deals with nearly double the snowfall of many central Kentucky counties.

Mild Summers and Snowy Winters

The county sees a moderate summer average of 72.7°F, rarely suffering through prolonged heat waves. Winters bring 13.7 inches of snow and a January average of 33.0°F, requiring regular winter maintenance.

Prepare for Winter Road Conditions

The 13.7 inches of snow mean residents should keep winter emergency kits in their vehicles and salt on hand. Since the county is relatively dry, garden irrigation may be necessary during the warmer months to compensate for lower rainfall.

Soil Quality in Greenup County

via SoilByCounty

Northeastern Kentucky Soil Profile

Specific taxonomic data and pH levels for Greenup County are currently unlisted. Growers typically find that local soils trend toward the state average pH of 5.80, which is more acidic than the national 6.5 median.

Working with Local Textures

Sand, silt, and clay data are not available for this county in the current dataset. Because this region borders the Ohio River, textures may vary significantly from silty floodplains to rocky uplands.

Fertility Goals for Local Growers

Missing organic matter and water capacity data means growers should focus on building their own soil health. Aim to exceed the national organic matter average of 2.0% to improve your garden's resilience.

Understanding Local Hydrology

No dominant drainage class is recorded, so gardeners must monitor how water moves across their specific landscape. Proper drainage is essential for preventing root rot and ensuring structural stability.

Vibrant Growth in Zone 7a

Greenup County enjoys a Zone 7a hardiness rating, providing a long and productive growing season. Start your seeds early to take full advantage of the warm Kentucky summers.

Lawn Care in Greenup County

via LawnByCounty

Kentucky's Lawn Paradise

Greenup County is one of the easiest places to grow a lawn, boasting a high difficulty score of 83.7. This is far superior to the state average of 66.3 and the national average of 50. Residents in this 7a zone enjoy a significant advantage in maintaining beautiful green spaces.

Mild and Manageable Climate

The area sees only 21 extreme heat days, which is much lower than the Kentucky average of 30. With 42.9 inches of annual precipitation, the climate is less prone to the disease issues found in wetter counties. This moderate weather reduces the need for constant intervention and heavy watering.

Healthy Soil Potential

While detailed soil data is not available, the county's high lawn score points to a very productive environment. Basic maintenance, such as regular fertilizing and overseeding, should be enough to keep turf thriving. Always perform a local soil test to confirm nutrient levels for your specific site.

Excellent Drought Stability

Greenup County is currently drought-free and saw only five weeks of dry conditions over the last year. This consistency means lawns rarely enter stressful dormancy periods due to lack of water. You can rely on the predictable weather to keep your grass growing steadily.

Ideal Growing Window

Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues flourish in the moderate 3,596 growing degree days of Greenup. Target your seeding efforts between the April 20th spring frost and the October 22nd fall frost. With such high scores, your lawn is likely to be the envy of the neighborhood.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greenup County's county score?
Greenup County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 58.8 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 Greenup County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Greenup County ranks #68 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 Greenup County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Greenup County is $1,273, with an effective tax rate of 0.94%. This earns Greenup County a tax score of 42.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Greenup County?
The median household income in Greenup County, Kentucky is $59,613 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Greenup County earns an income score of 37.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Greenup County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Greenup County scores 58.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #68 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Greenup 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 Greenup County with other counties side by side.