Hickman County's composite score of 76.2 outperforms the national median of 50.0 by 52%, making it one of the nation's more livable counties. It ranks in the top tier of American counties for overall livability.
2 / 5
Top performer in Kentucky
At 76.2, Hickman County leads Kentucky's state average of 75.0 by 1.2 points and ranks among the commonwealth's strongest counties. It represents the best that Kentucky livability has to offer.
3 / 5
Affordability champion with stable income
Hickman County excels with the dataset's strongest cost score (86.7) featuring the lowest median home values at just $92,300 and competitive rents at $717/month. Median household income of $63,750 and a tax score of 79.2 round out solid financial fundamentals.
4 / 5
Limited data prevents fuller picture
While Hickman County shows consistent strength across available metrics, missing safety, health, school, and environmental data prevent a complete livability assessment. These gaps may hide regional factors affecting quality of life.
5 / 5
Ideal for value-seeking families
Hickman County is a standout choice for families and retirees prioritizing maximum housing value and stable middle-class income in a tax-friendly environment. It delivers Kentucky's best livability for those who value affordability.
Hickman County's composite score of 76.2 outperforms the national median of 50.0 by 52%, making it one of the nation's more livable counties. It ranks in the top tier of American counties for overall livability.
Top performer in Kentucky
At 76.2, Hickman County leads Kentucky's state average of 75.0 by 1.2 points and ranks among the commonwealth's strongest counties. It represents the best that Kentucky livability has to offer.
Affordability champion with stable income
Hickman County excels with the dataset's strongest cost score (86.7) featuring the lowest median home values at just $92,300 and competitive rents at $717/month. Median household income of $63,750 and a tax score of 79.2 round out solid financial fundamentals.
Limited data prevents fuller picture
While Hickman County shows consistent strength across available metrics, missing safety, health, school, and environmental data prevent a complete livability assessment. These gaps may hide regional factors affecting quality of life.
Ideal for value-seeking families
Hickman County is a standout choice for families and retirees prioritizing maximum housing value and stable middle-class income in a tax-friendly environment. It delivers Kentucky's best livability for those who value affordability.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛79.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Hickman County's 0.819% effective rate lies near the national average, but its median property tax of just $756 is barely 28% of the national median of $2,690. The county's low median home value of $92,300—among the state's lowest—explains this dramatic difference.
Above-average rate, below-average taxes
Although Hickman's 0.819% effective rate exceeds Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, the county's median property tax of $756 falls well below the state median of $1,093. This paradox reflects Hickman's exceptionally low home values—the county's median is the second-lowest among these eight profiled.
Lower tax bills despite high rate
Hickman's 0.819% rate ranks among the region's higher rates, yet its $756 median property tax is far lower than neighboring Henry County ($1,489) and Henderson County ($1,455) because homes here are worth substantially less.
Lowest tax bill in this comparison
A median Hickman County home at $92,300 generates just $756 in annual property tax—the lowest figure among these eight counties. With a mortgage, homeowners pay $989 annually; without one, they pay only $616.
Verify your assessment even at low rates
Even in a low-income county like Hickman, overassessment occurs and appeals are free to file. If your home's assessed value seems out of step with comparable local properties, contact the county assessor about a formal reassessment.
Hickman County shows strong affordability advantage
Renters in Hickman County spend just 13.5% of income on housing—one of the best rates among these eight counties and well below Kentucky's 17.0% state average. Median rent of $717 runs low while median household income of $63,750 provides solid support, positioning Hickman as genuinely affordable.
Among Kentucky's most affordable options
Hickman County's 13.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks it in the top 20% of Kentucky counties for housing affordability. Few counties in the state offer this combination of reasonable rents and stable incomes.
Low rent, lowest home values
Hickman County's $717 rent ties with Jackson County as the lowest in the region, while its $92,300 median home value is the lowest across all eight counties. For renters and first-time homebuyers on tight budgets, Hickman offers real relief.
Minimal housing burden on budgets
Monthly housing costs are $717 for renters and just $585 for homeowners—both remarkably low. On a $63,750 income, this means housing consumes only 13.5% for renters and under 11% for owners, leaving substantial room for savings and other needs.
Hickman delivers genuine affordability
If housing affordability is your priority, Hickman County delivers—low costs without requiring a move to an economically struggling area. Your $63,750 income goes further here than in nearly any other Kentucky county.
Hickman County's median household income of $63,750 trails the national median of $74,755 by about 15%. The per capita income of $30,587 stays close to the state average, reflecting a balanced earning structure.
Hickman leads Kentucky counties
At $63,750, Hickman County households earn 14% more than Kentucky's state average of $55,909. The county ranks among the highest-earning counties in the state.
Top earner in its region
Hickman County's $63,750 median income ties with Harrison ($63,205) and exceeds Henderson ($58,239), Henry ($60,736), and Hopkins ($57,610). The county ranks as one of the region's strongest earners.
Best affordability in the region
Hickman County's 13.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks best among its peer counties, indicating strong housing affordability. A median home value of just $92,300 provides exceptional value, leaving households with surplus income for savings and investments.
Hickman's low cost creates wealth opportunity
With superior affordability and above-average income, Hickman County residents can aggressively build wealth through investments and retirement savings. The combination of earning power and low housing costs positions households to achieve significant long-term financial goals.
Hickman County residents live to just 71.5 years on average—6.6 years below the U.S. average of 78.1 years. Over one in five people report poor or fair health (21.8%), suggesting chronic disease and limited preventive care access in this rural county.
Below Kentucky Average on All Measures
At 71.5 years, Hickman County falls below Kentucky's 72.2-year state average, ranking in the state's lower third for life expectancy. Its 21.8% poor/fair health rate and high uninsurance compound these challenges across the county's population.
Rural Isolation Limits Health Resources
Hickman's 71.5-year life expectancy ranks second-worst among its peers, ahead only of Jackson (71.1). Data on primary care providers is unavailable, but with just 23 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, the county clearly faces a rural access crisis.
Limited Data Reflects Rural Healthcare Gaps
Hickman County's 7.2% uninsured rate sits slightly above Kentucky's average, while primary care provider data remains unavailable—likely signaling that few practices operate here. With only 23 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, the county's residents often travel long distances for any specialized care.
Rural Coverage: Act Now for Hickman
Rural Hickman needs residents to secure health insurance before medical crises strike. Even without robust local providers, coverage from kynect.ky.gov ensures you can access care when needed and protect your family from catastrophic costs.
Hickman County's composite risk score of 35.81 earns a Very Low rating and runs slightly below Kentucky's state average of 44.21. The county ranks in the safer tier of Kentucky regions overall.
Well-protected among Kentucky counties
Hickman County maintains a Very Low risk classification among Kentucky's 120 counties. Its score reflects relatively low exposure to tornadoes and floods, though earthquake risk is elevated.
Comparable to Harrison, safer than Hart
Hickman County's 35.81 score aligns closely with Harrison County (33.78) but trails Hart County (41.13). The similarity reflects comparable tornado and flood profiles, though Hickman's earthquake risk (90.87) slightly exceeds Harrison's.
Earthquake risk is the primary concern
Earthquake risk dominates at 90.87, making it Hickman County's most significant hazard and among the highest in the state. Tornado risk (41.44) is moderate, while flood and wildfire risks remain relatively low.
Secure earthquake coverage now
Hickman County residents should prioritize earthquake insurance given the county's exceptionally high seismic risk (90.87)—nearly double the state average. This specialized coverage is not included in standard homeowners policies and should be obtained through a separate endorsement or policy.