countyscore
50.9
County Score
Weather & Climate 64Cost of Living 61.5Safety 61.5

County Report Card

About Hopkins County, Kentucky

Hopkins County Hits National Median

Hopkins County earns a composite score of 50.9, placing it squarely in line with the national median of 50.0. It provides a standard level of American livability across its core metrics.

Seeking Parity with State Averages

With a score of 50.9, Hopkins County trails the Kentucky state average of 58.6. This suggests that while it meets national standards, it has room to grow to match state leaders.

Affordable Housing and Moderate Safety

The county performs well in housing affordability with a cost score of 61.5, supported by a median home value of $128,800. Its safety score of 61.5 also provides a respectable baseline for community security.

Addressing Environmental and Economic Risks

Risk and water scores are low at 27.5 and 38.2, respectively, indicating vulnerability to natural hazards and infrastructure needs. Income also lags with a score of 31.9, reflecting a median household income of $57,610.

Balanced Living for Budget-Conscious Households

Hopkins County suits those looking for a middle-of-the-road experience with low entry costs for homeownership. It offers a functional, affordable lifestyle for people who are comfortable navigating moderate economic risks.

Score breakdown

Tax51.4Cost61.5Safety61.5Health38.4Schools47.2Income31.9Risk27.5Water38.2Weather64
🏛51.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠61.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡61.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤38.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡27.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧38.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤64
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨58.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱50.8
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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Deep Dives

Hopkins County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hopkins County

via TaxByCounty

Hopkins County taxes run well below national average

Hopkins County's 0.821% effective rate sits near the national average, but its median property tax of $1,057 is just 39% of the national median of $2,690. The gap widens because Hopkins's median home value of $128,800 is less than half the national median of $281,900.

Above Kentucky's tax rate average

At 0.821%, Hopkins County exceeds Kentucky's state average effective rate of 0.719%, matching Henry County as one of the higher-tax counties profiled. However, its median property tax of $1,057 sits just below the state median of $1,093, owing to lower home values.

Mid-range taxes for the region

Hopkins's 0.821% rate matches Henry County but trails Henderson County (0.878%), while beating Hart County (0.750%) and Harrison County (0.679%). For this region, Hopkins represents a moderate-to-high tax burden.

Modest tax on modest-value homes

A median Hopkins County home valued at $128,800 carries an annual property tax of $1,057. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,238 per year; those without mortgages pay $795—relatively affordable given the county's rate.

File an appeal if overassessed

Hopkins County homeowners should compare their assessed values to recent comparable sales in the neighborhood. If your assessment appears inflated, filing a free appeal with the county assessor could lower your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hopkins County

via CostByCounty

Hopkins County edges above affordability threshold

Renters in Hopkins County spend 17.5% of income on housing, notably above Kentucky's 17.0% state average and above the national affordability comfort zone. Median rent of $841 runs substantially higher than the state median of $771, while median income of $57,610 provides limited cushion at 23% below the national median.

Below-average affordability within Kentucky

Hopkins County's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio places it in the least affordable quartile of Kentucky counties. Higher housing costs relative to local incomes suggest households here face tighter housing budgets.

High rents on modest incomes

Hopkins County's $841 rent is second-highest in this region behind only Henry County ($871), yet its median income of $57,610 is the lowest among the eight counties. This combination creates the steepest housing-to-income challenge here.

Housing absorbs significant income share

Renters pay $841 monthly while homeowners pay $693, a reversal that makes owning potentially more affordable than renting. On $57,610 income, renters spend 17.5% on housing while owners spend roughly 14%—suggesting a path to ownership might ease the affordability squeeze.

Hopkins requires careful financial planning

Hopkins County works best for renters willing to transition to ownership, where costs drop meaningfully, or for households earning $65,000+. If you're considering Hopkins, prioritize understanding the local job market and homeownership pathways.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hopkins County

via IncomeByCounty

Hopkins trails national income average

Hopkins County's median household income of $57,610 falls about 23% below the national median of $74,755. The per capita income of $28,979 dips slightly below the state average, suggesting more modest individual earning power.

Near Kentucky's average income

Hopkins County households earn $57,610, about 3% above Kentucky's state average of $55,909. The county ranks solidly in the middle range of Kentucky counties.

Hopkins lags stronger county peers

Hopkins County's $57,610 trails Harrison ($63,205), Hickman ($63,750), and Henry ($60,736) but exceeds Hart ($49,653). The county ranks in the lower-middle tier of its region.

Housing costs strain budgets

At 17.5% of median income, Hopkins County's rent-to-income ratio edges toward affordability problems. A median home value of $128,800 represents 2.2 times median household income, requiring careful financial planning.

Start small with consistent saving

Hopkins County residents should prioritize building emergency savings first, then gradually increase investment contributions as budgets allow. Automatic transfers to savings accounts make wealth building habitual and achievable even with moderate incomes.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hopkins County

via CrimeByCounty

Hopkins County Maintains Solid Security

Hopkins County holds a safety score of 98.6, indicating it is safer than many parts of the United States. Its total crime rate of 886.8 per 100K is less than half of the national average of 2,385.5.

Aligning Close to State Averages

The county’s total crime rate of 886.8 is slightly higher than the Kentucky state average of 786.2. Consequently, its safety score of 98.6 sits just below the statewide average of 98.8.

Balanced Regional Safety Profile

Hopkins faces more crime than nearby Hart County, but it is significantly safer than Henderson County to the north. Three reporting agencies work to manage safety across this mid-sized county.

Property Incidents as Primary Concern

Property crime drives the local statistics at 776.2 per 100K, while violent crime is 110.6. While higher than some neighbors, the violent crime rate is still much lower than the national average.

Visible Deterrents Discourage Theft

Visible security measures can deter property crime, which is the most common issue in Hopkins. Consider a video doorbell or a perimeter alarm to increase your home's security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hopkins County

via HealthByCounty

Hopkins Lags National Life Expectancy

Hopkins County residents live to 72.3 years on average, nearly 5.8 years below the U.S. average of 78.1 years. One in four people report poor or fair health (24%), reflecting a population managing significant chronic disease burden.

Barely Matches State Average, Underperforms

At 72.3 years, Hopkins County life expectancy matches Kentucky's 72.2-year state average, but its 24% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state norm. The county sits squarely in Kentucky's middle tier, with outcomes neither notably strong nor notably weak.

Best Primary Care Access in Region

Hopkins County's 72.3-year life expectancy ranks midway among its peers, but its 100 primary care providers per 100,000 residents is the highest in the region—double Henry County's 58 and nearly quadruple Jackson's 23. This strong primary care presence supports community health management.

Excellent Access, Better-Than-Average Coverage

Hopkins County's 6.8% uninsured rate sits below Kentucky's 7% average, and the county leads its peers in primary care density at 100 providers per 100,000 residents. Mental health resources are also robust at 138 providers per 100,000, supporting both physical and behavioral health care.

Maintain Hopkins' Healthcare Strength

Hopkins County's strong provider base and good insurance coverage support better health outcomes. If you're among the 6.8% uninsured, visit kynect.ky.gov to activate coverage—strong care access here means you'll benefit immediately.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hopkins County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Educational Network in Hopkins County

Hopkins County features a extensive network of 22 public schools serving 6,892 total students. This infrastructure includes nine elementary schools, five high schools, and three alternative schools across two districts. This large-scale system provides diverse options for specialized learning and extracurricular engagement.

Steady Academic Achievement and Graduation

Hopkins County maintains a 92.3% graduation rate, which is higher than the national 87.0% average. While the school score of 53.4 is slightly below the state average of 55.3, the district operates on a per-pupil expenditure of $6,373. This investment level is consistent with rural and town-based districts across Kentucky.

Hopkins County and Dawson Springs Independent

The Hopkins County district is the primary provider with 19 schools and 6,358 students, while Dawson Springs Independent serves 534 students. No charter schools are present, meaning the local public districts remain the sole focus for educational funding and community support. This two-district model offers residents a choice between a large regional system and a smaller independent district.

Diversity of Town and Rural Settings

Thirteen schools are located in town settings, while nine serve rural communities, offering a versatile range of locales. Madisonville North Hopkins High School is the largest campus with 1,189 students, contrasted by schools like Pride Elementary with 475 students. The average school size of 405 ensures that even the town-based schools maintain a community feel.

Your New Home in Hopkins County

With a wide range of schools from Madisonville to Dawson Springs, families have plenty of options for their children's education. Proximity to specialized campuses like Hopkins County Central High is a major factor for local buyers. Explore homes today to find a neighborhood that fits your academic and lifestyle needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hopkins County

via RiskByCounty

Hopkins County exceeds state risk average

Hopkins County's composite risk score of 72.55 earns a Relatively Low rating but exceeds Kentucky's state average of 44.21 by 64%. The county faces substantially elevated multi-hazard exposure compared to most of the commonwealth.

Among Kentucky's highest-risk counties

Hopkins County ranks in the upper tier of Kentucky's 120 counties for natural disaster risk. Its Relatively Low rating reflects significant exposure to tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods.

Riskier than most regional peers

Hopkins County's 72.55 score closely mirrors Henderson County (73.16) and far exceeds safer neighbors like Harrison (33.78) and Henry (15.74). The elevated tornado risk (79.61) and earthquake exposure (91.67) drive this regional distinction.

Tornadoes and earthquakes pose major threats

Tornado risk reaches 79.61 in Hopkins County—the highest among these eight counties—with earthquake risk following at 91.67. Flood risk (66.63) presents a significant third concern for communities near waterways.

Don't skip earthquake or tornado coverage

Hopkins County residents must ensure homeowners insurance includes tornado protection and should prioritize earthquake coverage given the county's above-state-average seismic risk. Consider a safe room or shelter to supplement insurance for tornado protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hopkins County

via WeatherByCounty

Significant warmth in the Ohio Valley

Hopkins County is quite warm, with an average annual temperature of 59.5°F that sits well above the national median. This humid subtropical climate is characterized by long, hot summers and relatively short winters.

One of Kentucky's warmest regions

At 59.5°F, this county is significantly warmer than the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. It also exceeds the state average for rainfall, recording 51.9 inches of precipitation annually.

Warmer than nearby Henderson County

Hopkins County averages nearly 3 degrees warmer per year than Henderson County to the north. This temperature gap is most visible in the summer, where Hopkins reaches a July average of 79.6°F.

Frequent extreme heat during summer

The county endures 53 days of extreme heat above 90°F, far exceeding many of its neighbors. Winters remain mild by comparison, with a January average of 36.5°F and a winter seasonal average of 39.1°F.

Focus on cooling and moisture

With 53 days of extreme heat, heavy-duty cooling systems and hydration are critical for summer safety. Residents should also prepare for high rainfall by ensuring proper home sealing against the 51.9 inches of annual moisture.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hopkins County

via SoilByCounty

Acidity and Soil Health

Hopkins County has a soil score of 58.6, slightly higher than the Kentucky average of 56.2. Its average pH is 5.72, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and nearly identical to the state average.

The Power of Silt

This soil is dominated by silt at 65.4%, with 21.9% clay and a very low 10.4% sand. This composition creates a dense soil that retains nutrients well but may drain slowly due to the lack of large sand particles.

Solid Foundation for Crops

The organic matter sits at 2.80%, which is well above the national average of 2.0%. Combined with an available water capacity of 0.193 in/in, these soils are quite resilient and provide a steady water supply to plants.

Working with Silty Soils

Specific drainage classifications are not available, but the high silt-to-sand ratio suggests the soil may stay heavy and wet. Proper aeration and avoiding traffic on wet soil will prevent the compaction common in this texture.

Extended Growing in Zone 7a

With a 7a hardiness zone, Hopkins County supports a longer frost-free season than much of the state. It is a fantastic environment for growing sweet potatoes and berries that benefit from consistent water and acidic soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hopkins County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Heat in Hopkins County

Hopkins County has a lawn difficulty score of 50.8, placing it right at the national average but well below the Kentucky average of 66.3. As a Zone 7a region, it faces specific climate pressures that make turf management a more active task. Homeowners should prepare for a high-maintenance environment compared to their northern neighbors.

Kentucky's Peak Heat Zone

With 53 extreme heat days per year, Hopkins County is one of the warmest areas in the state. This heat is coupled with 51.9 inches of rain, which is slightly above the ideal range and can lead to high humidity and fungal issues. A massive 4,871 growing degree days means your mower will be working overtime from spring through fall.

Addressing Acidic Soil Conditions

The soil pH in Hopkins County is 5.72, which is more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turfgrass. This acidity can lock out nutrients, so applying lime is often a necessary step for local lawns. The soil texture is heavy with 21.9% clay, which helps hold onto the abundant rainfall but may drain slowly.

Staying Ahead of Dry Spells

The county experienced 5 weeks of drought last year, and currently 48.2% of the area is abnormally dry. Despite the high annual rainfall, the extreme heat can dry out the top inches of soil very quickly. Regular monitoring of soil moisture is required to keep grass from entering early summer dormancy.

Timing for a Resilient Lawn

Given the 53 heat days, choosing a heat-tolerant fescue or a warm-season grass like Zoysia is your best bet. The growing season is long, with the last spring frost on April 2 and the first fall frost not arriving until November 1. This gives you ample time to establish a strong root system before and after the summer peak.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hopkins County's county score?
Hopkins County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 50.9 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 Hopkins County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Hopkins County ranks #98 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 Hopkins County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Hopkins County is $1,057, with an effective tax rate of 0.82%. This earns Hopkins County a tax score of 51.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hopkins County?
The median household income in Hopkins County, Kentucky is $57,610 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hopkins County earns an income score of 31.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hopkins County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Hopkins County scores 50.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #98 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Hopkins 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 Hopkins 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.