Lawrence County scores 76.6 on the composite index, significantly exceeding the national median of 50.0. This northeastern Kentucky county demonstrates solid livability fundamentals typical of the region's rural strengths.
2 / 5
Outperforming State Average
The county's 76.6 score exceeds Kentucky's state average of 75.0, placing it in the upper third of the state's 120 counties. This ranking reflects distinctive competitive advantages in cost and tax efficiency.
3 / 5
Outstanding Affordability Package
Lawrence County delivers a cost score of 87.4 with median rent of just $729/month and home values at $108,100, while the tax score of 83.2 ensures an effective rate of 0.678%. The combination creates substantial purchasing power for residents.
4 / 5
Limited Income and Job Growth
The county's income score of 13.2 reflects a median household income of $45,584, indicating limited opportunities for wage growth and economic advancement locally. Safety, health, school, and water quality data remain unavailable for complete livability review.
5 / 5
For Affordable Rural Living
Lawrence County appeals to retirees, remote workers, and households prioritizing low living costs over local income opportunities. It's a solid choice for those seeking genuine rural affordability combined with reasonable housing quality.
Lawrence County scores 76.6 on the composite index, significantly exceeding the national median of 50.0. This northeastern Kentucky county demonstrates solid livability fundamentals typical of the region's rural strengths.
Outperforming State Average
The county's 76.6 score exceeds Kentucky's state average of 75.0, placing it in the upper third of the state's 120 counties. This ranking reflects distinctive competitive advantages in cost and tax efficiency.
Outstanding Affordability Package
Lawrence County delivers a cost score of 87.4 with median rent of just $729/month and home values at $108,100, while the tax score of 83.2 ensures an effective rate of 0.678%. The combination creates substantial purchasing power for residents.
Limited Income and Job Growth
The county's income score of 13.2 reflects a median household income of $45,584, indicating limited opportunities for wage growth and economic advancement locally. Safety, health, school, and water quality data remain unavailable for complete livability review.
For Affordable Rural Living
Lawrence County appeals to retirees, remote workers, and households prioritizing low living costs over local income opportunities. It's a solid choice for those seeking genuine rural affordability combined with reasonable housing quality.
Score breakdown
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🏛83.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Lawrence County's 0.678% effective rate sits comfortably below the national median of 0.85%, offering homeowners a meaningful tax advantage. The median property tax of $733 is just 27% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's lower property values and favorable tax structure.
Slightly below Kentucky's state rate
Lawrence's 0.678% rate comes in just below Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, positioning it favorably within the state's tax landscape. The median tax of $733 falls substantially below Kentucky's state median of $1,093, driven primarily by the county's lower home values.
Eastern Kentucky's competitive rate
Lawrence County's 0.678% rate is the second-lowest in the eastern Kentucky cluster, just above Laurel County (0.589%) and below Knott County (0.719%). It ranks in the lower-tax tier among the eight counties profiled, appealing to cost-conscious property owners.
What $108,100 home costs yearly
A median Lawrence County homeowner pays approximately $733 per year in property taxes on a typical $108,100 home. With a mortgage, that rises to $889; without one, it falls to $552.
Verify your assessment accuracy today
Lawrence County homeowners should periodically verify their assessed values reflect current market conditions, as overassessment can occur in any county. A simple appeal request could identify and correct errors, reducing your annual tax bill.
Lawrence County renters spend 19.2% of income on rent, exceeding Kentucky's 17.0% state average and reflecting a median household income of $45,584—about 39% below the national median. The county's rent-to-income stress reflects broader economic challenges in eastern Kentucky.
Below-average Kentucky affordability
Lawrence County's 19.2% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average of 17.0%, placing it among Kentucky's less affordable counties. While median rent ($729) is below state average, local income weakness drives the affordability disadvantage.
Modest rents, modest incomes
Lawrence County's $729 median rent is typical for eastern Kentucky, but the $45,584 median household income trails many comparable counties. This earnings weakness translates into a rent burden 2.2 percentage points above the state average.
Rent takes substantial income share
Lawrence County renters devote 19.2% of their $45,584 annual income to $729 monthly rent, a notably larger burden than state norms. Homeowners fare better: $526 monthly payments equal 13.8% of income, making homeownership ($108,100 median value) a considerably easier path if financing is available.
Weigh housing costs against employment
Lawrence County appeals to remote workers and retirees seeking low absolute housing costs, but traditional job seekers should carefully research employment prospects. If relocating, verify your income matches or exceeds $45,584 to avoid experiencing housing stress above the state average.
Lawrence County's median household income of $45,584 trails the national median of $74,755 by 39%, placing the county in the lower third of U.S. income distribution. This gap reflects Lawrence's limited economic base and exposure to regional manufacturing decline.
Below Kentucky average but not lowest-tier
Lawrence's $45,584 median income ranks 18% below Kentucky's state average of $55,909, placing it in the lower half statewide. Per capita income of $24,027 trails the state average by 19%, indicating limited individual earning opportunities.
Similar economic challenges to eastern Kentucky cluster
Lawrence's $45,584 income mirrors Johnson County ($43,014) and sits above only Knott ($37,736) and Knox ($33,153) among the eight counties. This clustering reflects shared economic vulnerabilities in eastern Kentucky's struggling communities.
Housing costs strain household financial capacity
Lawrence's rent-to-income ratio of 19.2% means households spend roughly 1/5 of income on housing, approaching affordability stress. With a median home value of $108,100, even modest housing costs represent significant household budget burdens.
Stabilize finances before pursuing investments
Lawrence County residents should prioritize emergency savings and debt reduction given income constraints. Look for free or low-cost financial literacy resources through local organizations and consider income-boosting strategies like skills training.
Lawrence's 70.5-year life expectancy runs 3.3 years below the U.S. average, and 24.5% report poor or fair health above the national 21%. The county struggles with serious health disparities.
Below Kentucky's average health profile
Lawrence's 70.5-year life expectancy falls 1.7 years below Kentucky's 72.2-year average, and its 24.5% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state's 25% by a narrow margin. The county underperforms on most health metrics.
Mid-tier health outcomes in troubled region
Lawrence's 70.5-year life expectancy ranks higher than Knott (67.1 years) and Knox (69.5 years) but trails Jessamine (75.7 years). With only 37 primary care providers per 100K, the county faces access challenges despite an unusual strength in mental health resources.
Above-average uninsured, limited primary care
Lawrence's 7.7% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 7%, and only 37 primary care providers per 100K creates access bottlenecks. The county uniquely boasts 1,506 mental health providers per 100K, suggesting specialized mental health infrastructure.
Close the coverage gap
Call 1-855-4-KYNECT or visit kynect.ky.gov to explore Medicaid and marketplace options—Lawrence's above-average uninsured rate shows room for improvement. Mental health support is available; ask your provider about integrating behavioral health into your care.
Lawrence County's composite risk score of 53.28 is slightly above the national average, earning a "Relatively Low" rating. This northeastern Appalachian county sits in a zone of moderate hazard exposure.
Above-average risk for Kentucky
Lawrence's score of 53.28 exceeds Kentucky's state average of 44.21, placing it in the higher-risk tier. However, it ranks lower than most neighboring eastern Kentucky counties.
Comparable risk to Johnson County
Lawrence County's flood risk of 73.00 and wildfire risk of 66.95 closely match neighboring Johnson and Pike counties. Tornado risk at 20.48 remains low compared to regional peers.
Floods and wildfires pose main threats
Flood risk at 73.00 and wildfire risk at 66.95 dominate Lawrence County's natural hazard profile. Earthquake risk at 32.89 and tornado risk at 20.48 present comparatively lower concerns.
Prioritize flood and wildfire coverage
Federal flood insurance or a private flood policy is essential for Lawrence County residents, especially near waterways. Add a comprehensive homeowners policy with fire coverage and clear brush around your property to reduce wildfire risk.