CountyScore

Laurel County

Kentucky · KY

#82 in Kentucky
69.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Laurel County, Kentucky

Top Performer Nationally

Laurel County scores 76.9 on the composite index, ranking among the highest in this group and substantially above the national median of 50.0. This southeastern Kentucky county demonstrates genuine livability strengths across multiple dimensions.

Best Performer in This Group

With a score of 76.9, Laurel County leads these eight counties and exceeds Kentucky's state average of 75.0, ranking in the upper tier of the state's 120 counties. The county achieves this through balanced strength in multiple areas.

Tax Efficiency and Affordability Balance

Laurel County leads with the lowest effective tax rate of 0.589% and a tax score of 85.7, while also offering a cost score of 84.4 with median rent of $789/month and home values at $143,400. This combination creates genuine overall livability.

Income Remains Below Potential

The county's income score of 20.6 reflects a median household income of $56,999, indicating opportunity for stronger wage growth and job diversification. Data on safety, health, schools, and water quality would complete the full livability assessment.

Best Overall Choice for Balance

Laurel County suits families and retirees seeking the best combination of low taxes, affordability, and moderate income in a smaller-county setting. It's the standout pick for those wanting multiple livability advantages without extremes.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax85.7Cost84.4SafetyComing SoonHealth63.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome20.6Risk28.3WaterComing Soon
🏛85.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤63.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡28.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Laurel County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Ketchikan Gateway Borough
Alaska
69.6
Median income: $89,155
Lawrence County
Arkansas
69.6
Median income: $44,164
Logan County
Colorado
69.6
Median income: $55,074
Jasper County
Georgia
69.6
Median income: $59,574
Pickens County
Georgia
69.6
Median income: $75,293

Deep Dives

Laurel County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Laurel County

via TaxByCounty

Laurel offers low national tax rates

Laurel County's 0.589% effective rate is among the lowest profiled and stands well below the national median of 0.85%, giving homeowners a clear tax advantage. The median property tax of $845 is just 31% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting both modest home values and a notably low rate.

Well below Kentucky's average rate

Laurel's 0.589% rate is the lowest among the eight counties examined and substantially undercuts Kentucky's state average of 0.719%. The median tax of $845 falls below the state median of $1,093, driven by both lower property values and Laurel's exceptionally favorable effective rate.

Southern Kentucky's tax leader

Laurel's 0.589% rate edges out Johnson County (0.645%) to rank as the lowest in this sample and beats all eastern and central Kentucky comparables. This southeastern Kentucky county delivers the most tax-efficient property ownership among the eight profiled.

What $143,400 home costs yearly

A median Laurel County homeowner pays approximately $845 per year in property taxes on a typical $143,400 home. With a mortgage, that climbs to $1,077; without one, it falls to $566.

Appeals protect your tax advantage

Laurel County's already-low tax burden makes property ownership exceptionally affordable, but assessments can still be challenged if overvalued. Protecting your advantage through periodic assessment reviews ensures you keep the most competitive rate in the region.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Laurel County

via CostByCounty

Laurel close to state and national norms

Laurel County renters spend 16.6% of income on rent, slightly above Kentucky's 17.0% state average but well below the national 30% affordability threshold. With a median household income of $56,999 and $789 median rent, the county offers accessible housing for working households.

Middle-ground affordability in Kentucky

Laurel's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio sits near Kentucky's state average of 17.0%, placing it in the moderate tier of the state's housing affordability landscape. The county represents neither exceptional value nor unusual stress for renters.

Solid eastern Kentucky middle ground

Laurel County's $789 median rent and $56,999 median income position it between more distressed eastern counties and stronger central Kentucky markets. The $143,400 median home value reflects a stable, if modest, local real estate market.

Balanced housing and income

Renters allocate 16.6% of their $56,999 income to $789 monthly rent, leaving a solid margin for other necessities and emergency savings. Homeowners spend $647 monthly (13.6% of income) on median homes worth $143,400, making homeownership particularly attractive for those with financing access.

Reliable option for southeastern relocators

Laurel County delivers straightforward affordability without the economic challenges of more distressed neighbors or the premium pricing of stronger markets. If you're relocating to southeastern Kentucky, Laurel's near-average rent ratio and moderate home values offer a reliable, stable housing foundation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Laurel County

via IncomeByCounty

Laurel earns close to national median income

Laurel County's median household income of $56,999 is just 24% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting stable middle-class earnings. While below the national average, Laurel's income suggests a functional local economy relative to many rural Kentucky counties.

Slightly above Kentucky's average income

Laurel's $56,999 median income exceeds the state average of $55,909 by just 2%, placing it near the middle of Kentucky's income distribution. Per capita income of $27,944 is slightly below the state average, suggesting income concentration in larger households.

Mid-range performer among regional peers

Laurel's $56,999 income positions it above Johnson ($43,014), Knox ($33,153), and Knott ($37,736) counties but below Jessamine ($74,886) and Kenton ($79,421). This reflects Laurel's status as a regional economic hub in southeastern Kentucky.

Housing affordability remains within healthy range

Laurel's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% means households dedicate reasonable housing budget shares, well below affordability crisis thresholds. With a median home value of $143,400, homeownership remains accessible for families earning at or near the county median.

Build wealth through consistent saving habits

Laurel County residents have modest but meaningful room to invest beyond basic necessities. Starting with automatic transfers to a dedicated savings account and exploring employer retirement benefits creates compound growth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Laurel County

via HealthByCounty

Laurel County's health sits near national norms

Laurel's 72.5-year life expectancy falls 1.3 years short of the U.S. average, and 24% report poor or fair health versus the national 21%. The county shows middling health outcomes compared to the nation.

Nearly aligned with Kentucky's average

Laurel's 72.5-year life expectancy tracks close to Kentucky's 72.2-year average, and its 24% poor/fair health rate sits just below the state's 25%. The county represents Kentucky's middle tier of health performance.

Modest health outcomes for the region

Laurel's 72.5-year life expectancy places it between Larue (72.7 years) and Lawrence (70.5 years) but well behind Kenton (76.3 years). With 38 primary care providers per 100K, Laurel has moderate but insufficient access.

Average uninsured rate, limited providers

Laurel's 7.2% uninsured rate aligns with the state average, yet only 38 primary care providers per 100K means gaps in healthcare delivery. Mental health access is similarly constrained at 103 providers per 100K.

Strengthen your family's coverage

If uninsured, kynect.ky.gov or 1-855-4-KYNECT can help you find affordable plans in minutes. Once covered, connect with a primary care provider to build a relationship for ongoing health management.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Laurel County

via RiskByCounty

Laurel faces above-average U.S. risk

Laurel County's composite risk score of 71.66 exceeds the national average, with a "Relatively Low" rating. This mountain county experiences moderate-to-high natural hazard exposure across multiple categories.

Among Kentucky's highest-risk counties

Laurel's score of 71.66 substantially exceeds Kentucky's 44.21 state average, ranking it near the top statewide. Its mountainous terrain and forest coverage drive vulnerability across multiple hazards.

Wildfire and tornado risk dominate region

Laurel County's wildfire risk of 89.50 is the highest among neighboring Rockcastle and Knox counties. Its tornado risk of 83.52 also ranks among the region's greatest threats.

Wildfires, tornadoes, and earthquakes

Wildfire risk at 89.50 and tornado risk at 83.52 are Laurel's critical hazards, followed by earthquake risk at 77.26. Flood risk at 64.95 adds a fourth significant threat across the county.

Comprehensive disaster insurance critical

Wildfire preparedness is essential—create defensible space and upgrade to fire-resistant roofing and siding materials. Combine this with robust flood and earthquake coverage, plus a documented homeowners policy with sufficient wind protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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