countyscore
63.6
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 84.9Cost of Living 78.9

County Report Card

About Hart County, Kentucky

Hart County Scores High on National Scale

With a composite score of 63.6, Hart County ranks significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a robust combination of safety and resource reliability.

Leading the Commonwealth in Livability

Hart County sits comfortably above the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It distinguishes itself as a premier destination for those seeking a high quality of life within the state.

Superior Water and Safety Ratings

The county boasts an impressive water score of 86.0 and a safety score of 84.9. Housing is also highly accessible, with a cost score of 78.9 and median home values at an affordable $124,600.

Economic Growth and Health Infrastructure Needs

Income levels remain a concern, as the county scores just 13.7 in that dimension with a median household income of $49,653. Additionally, a health score of 33.0 points to a need for improved medical service access.

Best for Low-Cost, Resource-Rich Living

Hart County is best suited for retirees or remote workers who value safety and pristine water over local job market density. It provides an exceptionally stable environment at a very low price point.

Score breakdown

Tax57.6Cost78.9Safety84.9Health33Schools65.7Income13.7Risk58.9Water86Weather60.7
🏛57.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼13.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡84.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤33
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓65.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡58.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤60.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱68.8
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
Green County
Kentucky
68.3
Barren County
Kentucky
53.3
Larue County
Kentucky
61.6
Grayson County
Kentucky
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Metcalfe County
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Taylor County
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Hardin County
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48.1

Deep Dives

Hart County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hart County

via TaxByCounty

Hart County's tax rate exceeds national norm

At 0.750%, Hart County's effective property tax rate sits above the national median of 0.88% but close to the national average. However, Hart's median home value of $124,600 is less than half the national median of $281,900, resulting in a median property tax of just $935—one-third the national median.

Middle of the pack for Kentucky

Hart County's 0.750% effective rate sits just above Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, placing it in the middle tier among the state's 120 counties. The median property tax of $935 falls just below the state median of $1,093, reflecting Hart's lower home values.

Moderate rates in a high-tax region

Hart's 0.750% rate is lower than neighboring Henderson County (0.878%) and Henry County (0.821%), but higher than Harrison County (0.679%). For a county with modest home values, Hart's tax burden remains reasonable compared to regional counterparts.

Affordable taxes on modest homes

A median Hart County home valued at $124,600 carries an annual property tax of $935. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,186 annually in total taxes, while those without mortgages pay $612—making Hart an affordable option for buyers on a budget.

Appeal your assessment if overvalued

Hart County homeowners should verify their assessed values against comparable local sales; overassessment is common even in lower-value markets. Filing an appeal with the county assessor costs nothing and could reduce your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hart County

via CostByCounty

Hart County's affordability masks lower incomes

Hart County renters spend 16.7% of income on housing, just below Kentucky's 17.0% state average but higher than the national affordability threshold of 14%. The catch: median household income here is only $49,653, nearly 34% below the national median of $74,755, so lower rents don't offset lower wages.

Mid-range affordability within Kentucky

Hart County's rent-to-income ratio places it roughly at the state median—neither particularly affordable nor stretched. Among Kentucky's 120 counties, this represents a middle-ground housing situation tied to regional wage patterns.

Cheapest rents in the regional group

Hart County offers the lowest median rent at $692 per month across this eight-county region, undercutting even Hickman County ($717). However, this affordability advantage is partly offset by the county's below-average median income of $49,653.

Low costs, but tight household budgets

Monthly housing runs $692 for renters and $691 for homeowners—essentially the same, and the lowest in the region. But with median income at just $49,653, housing absorbs 16.7% of earnings, leaving limited flexibility for other expenses.

Hart works if you're moving for income

Hart County's low housing costs make sense if you're relocating with a solid job already lined up or remote income. Without strong local wages to match the low rents, consider whether the area's job market aligns with your earning potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hart County

via IncomeByCounty

Hart County falls below national median

Hart County's median household income of $49,653 trails the national median of $74,755 by about 34%. The per capita income of $25,506 sits below both state and national averages, indicating a lower-earning population overall.

Below-average Kentucky income

Hart County households earn $49,653 annually, about 11% less than Kentucky's state average of $55,909. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier of Kentucky counties by household income.

Hart struggles among county peers

Hart County's $49,653 median income ranks below neighboring Henderson ($58,239) and Hickman ($63,750) counties. Only Jackson County ($41,410) among nearby areas shows lower household earnings.

Housing costs stretch budgets here

At 16.7% of median income, Hart County's rent-to-income ratio approaches the affordability threshold, indicating housing costs require careful budgeting. A median home value of $124,600 remains relatively accessible but leaves less room for other expenses.

Smart savings even on modest income

Hart County households can build wealth through automatic savings—even small contributions to a high-yield savings account or low-cost index fund add up over time. Consider meeting with a local financial advisor to create a budget that prioritizes emergency savings before investing.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hart County

via CrimeByCounty

Hart County Ranks Among Nation's Safest

Hart County earns a stellar safety score of 99.4, making it one of the most secure counties in the country. The total crime rate of 351.5 per 100K is nearly seven times lower than the national average.

Exceeding Kentucky Safety Benchmarks

Hart County surpasses the Kentucky state average safety score of 98.8, showing strong performance for the region. Its crime rate of 351.5 is less than half the state average of 786.2 per 100K.

Leading Nearby Counties in Security

Hart County is significantly safer than larger neighbors like Jefferson, which faces a much higher crime rate. It shares its peaceful profile with other rural leaders like Hickman County.

Low Rates Across All Categories

Property crime accounts for 289.5 incidents per 100K, while violent crime remains low at 62.0. These figures reflect a community where major safety incidents are the exception, not the rule.

Vigilance Keeps the Community Secure

Maintaining a high safety score requires community vigilance and basic home security. Ensure your entry points are secure and your neighbors look out for one another.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hart County

via HealthByCounty

Hart County Lags Far Behind National Health

Hart County residents live to 73.2 years on average—more than 4.9 years shorter than the U.S. average of 78.1 years. Nearly three in ten people report poor or fair health (27.1%), one of the highest rates in Kentucky and a warning sign of serious chronic disease burden.

Hart Ranks in Lower Third Statewide

At 73.2 years, Hart County's life expectancy is about 1 year above Kentucky's 72.2-year average, but its 27.1% poor/fair health rate far exceeds the state norm. This gap suggests Hart residents are surviving longer but living with more disease and disability.

Struggling Worse Than Most Neighbors

Hart's 27.1% poor/fair health rate is the worst among its peer counties, exceeding Jackson (29.5%) only by suffering higher disease burden than Henry, Harrison, and Henderson. Primary care availability here (26 per 100,000) is half that of Henry County (58) and a quarter of Hopkins County (100).

Uninsured Rate Higher, Care Access Limited

Hart County's 7.9% uninsured rate exceeds Kentucky's 7% average, leaving nearly 1 in 12 residents without coverage and delaying preventive care. The county offers only 26 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, but compensates somewhat with 122 mental health providers—suggesting behavioral health needs drive much local healthcare demand.

Get Covered Before Illness Strikes

With higher uninsurance and disease burden, Hart County residents need accessible coverage now. Apply at kynect.ky.gov today—financial assistance often makes premiums affordable, and early coverage can help manage chronic conditions before they worsen.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hart County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Education Excellence in Hart County

Hart County supports 2,684 students through a network of 8 public schools, including five elementary locations and two high schools. The single school district coordinates all local educational services across this sprawling rural landscape. This structure provides a focused educational path for residents from preschool through graduation.

Top-Tier Graduation Rates and Performance Scores

Hart County achieves a standout 97.0% graduation rate, which is well above the national 87.0% average and the Kentucky state average of 93.8%. The county's school score of 56.9 also leads the state average of 55.3. These outcomes are reached with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,869, reflecting efficient use of resources compared to the national $13,000 average.

Hart County District Leads the Way

The Hart County district is the primary educational authority, managing 2,347 of the county's students across its specialized campuses. Charter schools are not present in the county, meaning 100% of public school students benefit from the traditional district's oversight. The district maintains high standards that place it among the state’s more successful rural systems.

Consistent Rural Learning Environments

All eight public schools in Hart County are classified as rural, offering a consistent community-centric feel across the district. Hart County High School serves as the largest hub with 679 students, while Legrande Elementary provides a smaller setting for 294 learners. The average school size of 336 students ensures that teachers and administrators can provide personalized attention.

Explore Real Estate in Hart County

Exceptional graduation rates make Hart County an attractive destination for homebuyers with children. Proximity to well-regarded schools like Munfordville Elementary can significantly enhance your family's quality of life. Explore local listings to find your place in this high-achieving rural school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hart County

via RiskByCounty

Hart County sits just above state average

Hart County's composite risk score of 41.13 earns a Very Low rating, though it runs slightly below Kentucky's average of 44.21. The county remains in the lower-risk tier nationally for multi-hazard exposure.

Well-positioned in Kentucky rankings

Hart County maintains a Very Low risk classification among Kentucky's 120 counties, reflecting moderate hazard exposure across earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods. Its score places it safely in the lower-risk half statewide.

More vulnerable than Harrison County

Hart County's 41.13 score trails Harrison County (33.78) but significantly outpaces Henderson County's 73.16. The difference reflects Hart County's slightly elevated earthquake risk (63.49) compared to its western neighbor.

Earthquakes and tornadoes lead the hazards

Earthquake risk reaches 63.49 in Hart County, the dominant threat, followed closely by tornado risk at 63.84. Flood risk (49.71) presents a meaningful secondary concern for communities near water.

Prioritize earthquake and tornado coverage

Hart County residents should ensure homeowners insurance includes tornado protection and strongly consider standalone earthquake insurance given the county's elevated seismic risk. Most standard policies exclude earthquake damage entirely.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hart County

via WeatherByCounty

A mild climate above national averages

Hart County maintains an average annual temperature of 54.8°F, placing it slightly above the national median. As a humid subtropical climate, it experiences a blend of warm summers and moderately cool winters.

Cooler than the Kentucky state average

The county's 54.8°F annual average is notably cooler than the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. Despite being cooler, it receives 52.7 inches of annual precipitation, which is over two inches more than the state norm.

Milder winters than northern neighbors

Compared to Larue County at 56.7°F, Hart stays a bit cooler on an annual basis. However, its January average of 32.7°F is similar to regional trends, keeping the ground frequently frozen mid-winter.

Defined seasons with moderate heat

Summers are warm with a July average of 75.6°F, and the area faces 26 extreme heat days above 90°F each year. Winter brings a chilly average of 35.1°F during the coldest months from December through February.

Prepare for significant annual rainfall

With 52.7 inches of rain annually, residents should prioritize effective drainage and gutter maintenance. You will need reliable HVAC systems to manage 26 days of intense summer heat and sub-freezing January nights.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hart County

via SoilByCounty

Awaiting Local Soil Data

Detailed soil taxonomic and pH data are currently unavailable for Hart County in this specific survey. Historically, Kentucky soils in this region trend toward an acidic pH of 5.80, requiring lime for many garden crops.

Understanding Regional Texture

While sand, silt, and clay percentages are not recorded here, the surrounding karst landscape typically features limestone-derived clays. These soils generally offer high nutrient potential but can be challenging to work when wet.

Potential for Productivity

Specific organic matter and water capacity data are limited for this tract. However, local growers can look to the state average of 3.55% organic matter as a benchmark for building their own healthy garden beds.

Managing the Karst Landscape

Detailed drainage classifications are not provided for this area, but regional geology often results in rapid subsurface drainage through limestone. Gardeners should monitor their specific plots for fast-drying patches or sinkhole-related drainage patterns.

Warming Up in Zone 7a

Hart County sits in hardiness zone 7a, allowing for a longer growing season than its northern neighbors. This climate is ideal for heat-loving crops like tomatoes and peppers if you supplement the soil with organic compost.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hart County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Growing Conditions in Hart County

Hart County earns a lawn difficulty score of 68.8, placing it above both the national average and the Kentucky state average of 66.3. Situated in Hardiness Zone 7a, the region offers a longer growing window than northern parts of the state. This leads to a predictable and generally successful gardening experience for local residents.

Abundant Rainfall Fuels Growth

The county receives 52.7 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than the state average and slightly above the ideal lawn range. While this reduces the need for supplemental watering, 26 extreme heat days and 3,718 growing degree days ensure the grass stays active. Expect a vigorous mowing season that requires consistent equipment maintenance.

Preparing Your Local Soil

Specific soil data for pH and texture is currently unavailable for Hart County. In this part of Kentucky, homeowners should conduct a local soil test to determine if lime or sulfur is needed to hit the 6.0-7.0 target range. Generally, maintaining organic matter through mulching will improve any native soil type.

Monitoring Seasonal Dryness

The county experienced 6 weeks of drought over the last year, though current conditions show no immediate drought stress. Because rainfall is typically high, lawns may not be adapted to sudden dry spells. Installing a rain gauge can help you ensure your turf receives at least one inch of water per week when the clouds clear.

Starting Your Zone 7a Lawn

Tall fescue is highly recommended here for its heat tolerance and ability to handle the 7a climate. The last spring frost typically occurs around April 21, marking the start of the primary growing window. Plan for fall dormancy as the first frost usually arrives by October 18.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hart County's county score?
Hart County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 63.6 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 Hart County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Hart County ranks #38 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 Hart County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Hart County is $935, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns Hart County a tax score of 57.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hart County?
The median household income in Hart County, Kentucky is $49,653 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hart County earns an income score of 13.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hart County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Hart County scores 63.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #38 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Hart 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 Hart 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.