countyscore
61.4
County Score
Cost of Living 86.3Water Quality 86Lawn Care 80.1

County Report Card

About Lawrence County, Kentucky

Impressive National Performance

Lawrence County boasts a composite score of 61.4, significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. It offers a compelling mix of affordability and high safety standards.

A Kentucky Standout

The county's score of 61.4 puts it ahead of the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It performs particularly well in basic infrastructure and community safety compared to other counties in the region.

Affordable Living and Clean Water

A cost score of 86.3 and a water score of 86.0 make daily living both affordable and high-quality. With safety scores at 75.8, residents enjoy a secure environment with median home values of $108,100.

Lower Incomes and Healthcare

Economic mobility is restricted by an income score of 7.9 and a median household income of $45,584. The health score of 30.0 also suggests that medical access is not as robust as other dimensions.

Top Choice for Simple Living

Lawrence County is perfect for those who value safety, clean water, and low costs over high-tech job markets. It provides a high baseline of livability for those with remote work or retirement income.

Score breakdown

Tax65.7Cost86.3Safety75.8Health30Schools53Income7.9Risk46.7Water86Weather61
🏛65.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼7.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡75.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤30
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓53
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡46.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱80.1
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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Nearby counties

Johnson County
Kentucky
67.4
Wayne County
West Virginia
55.5
Boyd County
Kentucky
45.1
Elliott County
Kentucky
72.6
Martin County
Kentucky
67.3
Carter County
Kentucky
66.3
Morgan County
Kentucky
62.4
Magoffin County
Kentucky
64.8

Deep Dives

Lawrence County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lawrence County

via TaxByCounty

Lawrence taxes fall well below national

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lawrence County

via CostByCounty

Lawrence faces above-average rent burden

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lawrence County

via IncomeByCounty

Lawrence falls short of national income standard

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lawrence County

via CrimeByCounty

Lawrence County: A Safe Place to Call Home

Lawrence County earns a solid 99.1 safety score, making it much safer than the national average. Its total crime rate of 579.3 per 100K is significantly lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5. Local residents enjoy a high level of security and peace.

Strong Safety Rankings Within Kentucky

Lawrence County is safer than the average Kentucky county, with a score of 99.1 versus the state's 98.8. Its total crime rate of 579.3 is also lower than the state average of 786.2. It stands out as a high-performing county for public safety.

Comparing Lawrence to Nearby Counties

Lawrence County’s crime rate of 579.3 is higher than Johnson County’s 247.5, but lower than Jessamine County’s 1532.3. It sits in the middle of regional safety rankings, providing a secure but active local environment. Law enforcement from two agencies maintains this balance.

Property and Violent Crime Statistics

The county reports a violent crime rate of 117.1 per 100K and a property crime rate of 462.2. While the violent crime rate is slightly above the state average, property crime is impressively low. Theft and burglary happen much less frequently here than in most other parts of the country.

Protecting Your Lawrence County Property

Maintaining the safety of Lawrence County starts with individual home security. Using smart locks and keeping valuables out of sight can further reduce the risk of property crime. These simple habits contribute to the high overall safety score the county enjoys today.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lawrence County

via HealthByCounty

Lawrence County faces significant health gaps

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lawrence County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Learning for Lawrence Families

Lawrence County operates a efficient system of six public schools that serve 2,442 students. The landscape is organized into four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. This centralized structure ensures that students have a clear and consistent path from their early years through graduation.

Solid Performance and Above-Average Spending

Lawrence County invests $7,016 per pupil, which is higher than the Kentucky state average of $6,894. This investment supports a 92.0% graduation rate, comfortably exceeding the national benchmark of 87%. The county’s school score of 54.6 indicates a steady performance that aligns with broader state trends.

A Single, Dedicated School District

The Lawrence County school district serves all 2,442 public school students in the area across its six facilities. There are no charter schools in the county, allowing for a concentrated focus on the success of the traditional public system. This unified approach simplifies the educational experience for local families.

Town-Centered Schools with Rural Roots

Most students attend one of the four schools located in town settings, though two rural schools remain vital to the community. Lawrence County High School is the largest in the county with 738 students, while the average school size is a manageable 407 students. This scale ensures that students are part of a recognizable community throughout their school years.

Join a Community That Values Education

Lawrence County’s high graduation rates and healthy per-pupil spending make it an attractive choice for families. The compact nature of the school system means that your home will likely be just a short distance from your child's campus. Explore the local housing market and see why Lawrence County is a great place to raise and educate children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lawrence County

via RiskByCounty

Lawrence faces moderate national risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lawrence County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate climate with heavy rain

Lawrence averages 54.0°F, placing it right at the national median for a temperate climate. It receives 46.6 inches of rain annually, nearly 8 inches above the US average.

One of the state's cooler counties

This is a cooler pocket of the region, falling 2.2 degrees below the Kentucky state average. Its precipitation is also slightly lower than the state norm of 50.6 inches.

Drier than neighbors to the west

Compared to nearby Lee County, Lawrence is 1.5 degrees cooler and significantly drier. While Lee receives 17.1 inches of snow, Lawrence's snowfall data remains unrecorded for this period.

Cool winters and moderate summers

Winter averages stay cool at 35.3°F, while summers reach a comfortable 72.3°F. Despite the mild average, the area still experiences 21 days of temperatures hitting 90°F or higher.

Prioritize heating and summer cooling

Focus on home heating efficiency to manage winter averages that dip below the state norm. Even without local snowfall data, residents should prepare for 21 days of intense summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lawrence County

via SoilByCounty

Northeastern Kentucky Soil Chemistry

Lawrence County’s soil taxonomy is currently being updated, but the area generally reflects the state’s 5.80 pH average. This is more acidic than the 6.5 national median, a trait that local farmers must account for when managing their fields. This baseline acidity is a key component of the county's natural landscape.

Composition and Soil Health

Specific data on sand, silt, and clay is currently unavailable for this area, yet these factors remain crucial for drainage and aeration. The textural mix determines how easy it is to work the soil and how well it supports building foundations. Knowing the physical makeup of your land is the key to sustainable management.

Natural Fertility and Water Storage

Lawrence County benefits from a state organic matter average of 3.55%, which is significantly higher than the 2.0% national average. The state's average water capacity of 0.186 in/in also highlights the soil's ability to store moisture for crops. These benchmarks represent a high potential for productive agricultural and forest land.

Water Flow in the Big Sandy Basin

The dominant drainage class and hydrologic group for this county record are currently unmapped. In the Big Sandy River region, understanding local hydrology is essential for avoiding flood damage and ensuring crop success. Residents should observe how water behaves on their property during the wet spring months.

Growing Strong in Zone 6b

Lawrence County is located in Hardiness Zone 6b, which supports a wide variety of cold-hardy plants and fruits. This zone is particularly good for apples, stone fruits, and winter-hardy vegetables like kale and garlic. It is a fantastic environment for anyone looking to cultivate a productive and diverse home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lawrence County

via LawnByCounty

Lawrence County: A Lawn Grower's Paradise

Lawrence County is a standout with a lawn difficulty score of 80.1, making it one of the easiest places in Kentucky to grow a lawn. This 6b hardiness zone offers a cooler climate that helps turf thrive with far less effort than the national average.

Moderate Temperatures for Manageable Growth

The county enjoys a moderate climate with 46.6 inches of rain and only 21 extreme heat days. A lower GDD of 3,436 means growth is steady and manageable, requiring fewer mowing sessions than its warmer neighbors.

Naturally Strong Soil Foundation

There is currently no specific data on the soil's pH or texture for Lawrence County. Given the high lawn score of 80.1, the natural foundation is likely very supportive, though a standard test will confirm if amendments are needed.

Minimal Drought Impact on Lawns

Only 4 weeks of drought occurred last year, and the county currently faces no dryness issues across its area. The moderate heat and reliable rainfall make Lawrence County a very resilient environment for all types of turf.

Early Autumn is Best for Seeding

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass are ideal for the 6b zone. Ensure your lawn is established before the relatively early first frost on October 17th to protect young shoots from the winter cold.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lawrence County's county score?
Lawrence County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 61.4 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 Lawrence County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Lawrence County ranks #50 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 Lawrence County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Lawrence County is $733, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Lawrence County a tax score of 65.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lawrence County?
The median household income in Lawrence County, Kentucky is $45,584 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lawrence County earns an income score of 7.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lawrence County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Lawrence County scores 61.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #50 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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.