countyscore
66.8
County Score
Safety 90.3Cost of Living 88.2Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Knott County, Kentucky

Outperforming the National Average

Knott County achieves a robust composite score of 67.8, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This high ranking stems from extreme affordability and a very high level of safety.

Top-Tier in the State

With a score of 67.8, Knott County is one of the higher-rated counties in Kentucky, beating the state average of 58.6. It offers a unique combination of security and low expenses that is hard to find elsewhere.

Exceptional Safety and Value

A safety score of 90.3 and a cost score of 89.1 define this county as a secure haven for the budget-conscious. Homes are remarkably affordable, with a median value of just $74,600.

Persistent Economic Headwinds

The income score is among the lowest in the nation at 1.9, with a median household income of $37,736. Health services also face hurdles, as the health score of 25.3 indicates limited local medical resources.

Best for Budget Conscious Retirees

Knott County is a fantastic option for retirees or those with fixed incomes who prioritize personal safety and low property taxes. It offers a peaceful, low-cost life in a community where your dollar goes further.

2040608010055.988.290.325.381.33.347.98672.5Tax55.9Cost88.2Safety90.3Health25.3Schools81.3Income3.3Risk47.9Water86Weather72.566.8/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Knott County DNA

D+overall

How Knott County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Knott County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (88.2/100) but notably weak in Income (3.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
55.9
Cost
88.2+40.2
Safety
90.3+35.3
Health
25.3-24.7
Schools
81.3+27.299999999999997
Income
3.3-47.7
Risk
47.9
Water
86+28
Weather
72.5+16.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$77,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$756/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$77,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $41,761/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

28.5

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Hale County
Alabama
Median income: $39,250
66.7
Monroe County
Kentucky
Median income: $51,280
66.7
Cameron Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $75,278
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Traverse County
Minnesota
Median income: $62,989
66.7
Yellow Medicine County
Minnesota
Median income: $74,000
66.7
Cedar County
Nebraska
Median income: $73,578
66.7
Stanton County
Nebraska
Median income: $80,687
66.7
Aleutians East Borough
Alaska
Median income: $65,365
66.9

Nearby counties

Floyd County
Kentucky
62.1
Letcher County
Kentucky
61.6
Perry County
Kentucky
61
Breathitt County
Kentucky
60.9
Magoffin County
Kentucky
63.2
Pike County
Kentucky
57.1
Wise County
Virginia
53.5
Leslie County
Kentucky
67.9

Deep Dives

Knott County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 8 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Knott County

via TaxByCounty

Knott County far below national taxes

Knott's effective rate of 0.719% sits comfortably below the national median of 0.85%, and its median property tax of $536 is less than one-fifth the national median of $2,690. This rural eastern Kentucky county offers exceptional property tax affordability by national standards.

Right at Kentucky's state average

Knott County's 0.719% effective rate matches Kentucky's state average exactly, placing it in the middle of the state's tax landscape. However, the median tax of $536 trails the state median of $1,093, reflecting the county's notably lower property values rather than a lower rate.

Mid-range for eastern Kentucky

Knott's 0.719% rate sits between Lawrence County (0.678%) and Knox County (0.735%), positioning it squarely in the middle of eastern Kentucky's tax tier. Among the eight counties profiled, only Johnson County offers a meaningfully lower rate.

What $74,600 home costs annually

A median Knott County homeowner pays roughly $536 per year in property taxes on a typical $74,600 home. With a mortgage, the figure rises to $1,155; without one, it drops to $356.

Assessment appeals work in rural counties too

Even modest property values in Knott County can be overassessed, and rural homeowners should not overlook appeal opportunities. A successful challenge to an inflated assessment could reduce your already-low annual bill by a meaningful percentage.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Knott County

via IncomeByCounty

Knott struggles far below national baseline

Knott County's median household income of $37,736 falls nearly $37,000 short of the national median of $74,755—a deficit of 50%. This places Knott among America's lowest-income counties and reflects the severe economic distress of eastern Kentucky's coal-dependent communities.

Among Kentucky's most economically challenged counties

Knott's $37,736 median income ranks in Kentucky's bottom tier, 33% below the state average of $55,909. Per capita income of $21,353 trails the state by 28%, indicating very limited individual earning power throughout the county.

Economic hardship alongside Knox and Lawrence

Knott County's income is slightly above Knox ($33,153) but comparable to Lawrence ($45,584) and Johnson ($43,014) counties. This cluster of distressed counties reflects a regional economic crisis tied to coal industry collapse and limited alternative employment.

Housing costs consume unsustainable income share

A rent-to-income ratio of 23.3% means Knott households spend nearly 1/4 of earnings on housing—well above the 30% affordability crisis threshold. With a median home value of only $74,600, even modest housing costs strain household budgets severely.

Focus on financial stability first

Knott County residents facing income constraints should prioritize debt reduction and basic emergency savings before investing. Local nonprofits and credit counseling services can help households create realistic budgets and identify income-boosting opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Knott County

via CrimeByCounty

Knott County Among the Safest Nationally

Knott County holds an incredible safety score of 99.7, placing it at the top of national rankings. Its total crime rate of 189.0 per 100K is a tiny fraction of the national average of 2,385.5. For those seeking peace of mind, this county offers one of the most secure environments in the U.S.

Leading the Pack in Kentucky Safety

Knott County's safety score of 99.7 comfortably beats the state average of 98.8. With a total crime rate of only 189.0, it is much safer than the Kentucky average of 786.2. These metrics place it among the elite low-crime areas in the state.

Unmatched Safety Compared to Neighbors

The crime rate in Knott County (189.0) is even lower than that of its safe neighbor, Johnson County (247.5). It is also significantly lower than Lawrence County, which sits at 579.3. This region of Kentucky overall presents a very low risk for criminal activity.

Zero Reported Violent Crimes in 2022

Knott County reported a violent crime rate of 0.0 per 100K in 2022, an extraordinary achievement for any community. The entire crime rate of 189.0 is comprised of property crimes. This means residents face virtually no statistical risk of violent incidents compared to the rest of the nation.

Keeping Knott County Secure

While crime is exceptionally low, maintaining vigilant habits helps keep the community safe. Simple measures like locking vehicles and using outdoor lighting effectively deter opportunistic property crime. Your proactive steps ensure Knott County remains a safe haven for everyone.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Soil Quality in Knott County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles of Knott County

The taxonomic identity of Knott County soils is currently being updated, though they likely mirror the state’s 5.80 pH average. This is more acidic than the national median of 6.5, a common trait in Kentucky’s coal country. These conditions favor acid-loving plants and require careful management for traditional row crops.

Managing Soil Structure and Mix

Specific data on sand, silt, and clay percentages is currently unavailable for this area. However, the physical mix of these particles determines how well the soil supports heavy equipment and plant roots alike. Understanding local texture is vital for maintaining soil stability on the county's famous rolling hills.

Potential for High Organic Growth

Knott County shares Kentucky’s impressive 3.55% state average for organic matter, which beats the national average of 2.0% by a wide margin. The state's 0.186 in/in water capacity benchmark suggests the soil is well-equipped to sustain life between rains. This natural richness provides a strong start for any local reforestation or gardening project.

Hydrology and Runoff Management

Current datasets do not specify a dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for this county tract. In this rugged terrain, managing water flow is essential to prevent soil loss and ensure healthy plant growth. Local residents are encouraged to monitor their land’s natural drainage patterns after heavy storms.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 7a

Knott County is located in Hardiness Zone 7a, providing a long and productive growing season for local residents. This zone is ideal for summer favorites like squash, corn, and beans that thrive in the warm Appalachian sun. It is a great environment to build a self-sufficient garden or small-scale farm.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Knott County

via LawnByCounty

Standard Kentucky Growth in Knott County

Knott County resides in Hardiness Zone 7a, providing a reliable environment for diverse landscaping. While specific difficulty scores are unavailable, the region generally follows Kentucky's favorable growth trends compared to the national average.

Regional Weather Patterns Drive Growth

While local precipitation and heat data are limited, regional averages suggest a humid subtropical climate that supports vigorous grass growth. Monitoring local weather stations is the best way to time your mowing and fertilization schedules.

Professional Testing Required

Limited soil data for the county means professional testing is essential before making major landscaping investments. Most regional soils require balancing to reach the ideal pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal turf health.

Superior Resilience to Dry Spells

The county is exceptionally resilient, with only 1 week of drought recorded in the past year. Current conditions show 0.0% dryness, making this a stable environment for maintaining a green lawn with very little supplemental watering.

Hardy Grasses for Zone 7a

Zone 7a is perfect for transition zone grasses like tall fescue that tolerate both winter cold and summer humidity. Start your growing season as the soil warms in April to establish deep roots before any summer heat hits.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Knott County's county score?
Knott County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 66.8 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 Knott County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Knott County ranks #19 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 Knott County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Knott County is $571, with an effective tax rate of 0.74%. This earns Knott County a tax score of 55.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Knott County?
The median household income in Knott County, Kentucky is $41,761 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Knott County earns an income score of 3.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Knott County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Knott County scores 66.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Knott 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 Knott County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.