Leslie County's composite score of 78.2 beats the national median of 50.0 by 56%, placing it solidly in the upper tier of U.S. counties. This performance exceeds neighboring Appalachian counties and reflects meaningful economic advantage.
2 / 5
Above-average standing in Kentucky
Leslie County scores 78.2, outpacing Kentucky's state average of 75.0 by nearly 4 points. This above-average performance positions it among the commonwealth's stronger counties for livability metrics.
3 / 5
Lowest taxes and top affordability
Leslie County boasts the region's lowest effective tax rate at 0.718% (Tax Score: 82.1) and exceptional housing affordability with a Cost Score of 92.5—median home values of $74,100 and rents at just $520/month. This combination delivers genuine economic breathing room.
4 / 5
Modest income levels constrain growth
Despite tax and cost advantages, Leslie County's Income Score of 9.6 reflects a median household income of $40,176, below state norms. Safety, health, schools, and water quality data remain unavailable, preventing comprehensive assessment.
5 / 5
Ideal for cost-conscious remote workers
Leslie County serves remote workers, retirees, and families seeking maximum affordability without sacrificing tax efficiency. The county's lowest-in-region tax burden paired with rock-bottom housing costs makes it attractive for those with flexible income sources.
Leslie County's composite score of 78.2 beats the national median of 50.0 by 56%, placing it solidly in the upper tier of U.S. counties. This performance exceeds neighboring Appalachian counties and reflects meaningful economic advantage.
Above-average standing in Kentucky
Leslie County scores 78.2, outpacing Kentucky's state average of 75.0 by nearly 4 points. This above-average performance positions it among the commonwealth's stronger counties for livability metrics.
Lowest taxes and top affordability
Leslie County boasts the region's lowest effective tax rate at 0.718% (Tax Score: 82.1) and exceptional housing affordability with a Cost Score of 92.5—median home values of $74,100 and rents at just $520/month. This combination delivers genuine economic breathing room.
Modest income levels constrain growth
Despite tax and cost advantages, Leslie County's Income Score of 9.6 reflects a median household income of $40,176, below state norms. Safety, health, schools, and water quality data remain unavailable, preventing comprehensive assessment.
Ideal for cost-conscious remote workers
Leslie County serves remote workers, retirees, and families seeking maximum affordability without sacrificing tax efficiency. The county's lowest-in-region tax burden paired with rock-bottom housing costs makes it attractive for those with flexible income sources.
Score breakdown
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🏛82.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Leslie County's effective rate of 0.718% ranks in the bottom fifth of American counties for property tax burden. The median annual tax of just $532 represents only 20% of the national median of $2,690.
Lowest taxes in Kentucky
Leslie County matches Kentucky's state average effective rate of 0.719%, placing it among the fairest-taxed counties statewide. The median bill of $532 falls well below the state median of $1,093.
Lowest rate in eastern Kentucky
At 0.718%, Leslie County's tax rate beats all nearby comparables—undercutting Lee County (0.848%), Lewis County (0.648%), and Letcher County (0.932%). This makes Leslie one of the most affordable counties in the Appalachian region.
Median home: $74,100, annual tax $532
A homeowner with a median-valued property of $74,100 pays roughly $532 per year in property taxes. That's approximately $44 monthly—or $933 annually with mortgage-related tax assessments included.
Low rates don't guarantee fair assessment
Even in low-tax counties, individual properties can be overvalued relative to market conditions. Reviewing your assessment against recent local sales and filing an appeal if necessary can protect your wallet.
Leslie County rents stay well below national stress
Leslie County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% sits comfortably below the national median household income burden, and renters here spend less of their paycheck on housing than most Americans. However, Leslie's median household income of $40,176 remains 46% below the national average of $74,755.
One of Kentucky's most affordable counties
Leslie County ranks among Kentucky's most housing-affordable counties, with a 15.5% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average of 17.0%. At just $520 per month, median rent is the lowest in the state and $251 below Kentucky's average.
Leslie leads region in rental affordability
Leslie County's $520 median rent is the cheapest among neighboring Appalachian counties—$73 less than Lee County and $131 below Letcher. Combined with reasonable local incomes, Leslie offers the best rent affordability ratio in this cluster.
Strong value for renters and buyers alike
Renters pay $520 monthly while homeowners spend $452, making Leslie one of the few counties where ownership is more affordable than renting. With a median home value of just $74,100 and median household income of $40,176, housing remains accessible for working families.
Leslie County: Appalachia's affordability leader
If rock-bottom housing costs are your priority, Leslie County delivers—among the nation's cheapest rents and home values. Verify local job opportunities align with your skills before committing, as the county's limited economic diversity is reflected in modest household incomes.
Leslie County's median household income of $40,176 falls 46% below the national median of $74,755, placing it among lower-earning counties nationwide. This income gap reflects the region's economic structure and limited wage opportunities.
Ranked low among Kentucky counties
Leslie County's median income of $40,176 sits 28% below Kentucky's state average of $55,909, positioning it in the lower third of the state's counties. Strong wage growth in other parts of Kentucky has widened the income gap for eastern mountain communities.
Slightly better off than Lee, peers with Letcher
Leslie County's $40,176 median exceeds nearby Lee County ($34,182) but runs nearly even with Letcher County ($40,501). These three counties form an income cluster reflecting similar economic challenges across southeastern Kentucky.
Rent remains affordable relative to income
Leslie County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% is healthier than many rural areas, suggesting housing costs consume a reasonable portion of household budgets. The median home value of $74,100 is achievable for families earning $40,176, though down payments and mortgages still require careful financial planning.
Small investments compound into real wealth
Leslie County workers earning $40,176 can accelerate wealth-building by maximizing employer 401(k) matches and opening Individual Retirement Accounts. Community banks and credit unions offer low-cost savings programs and financial literacy workshops to help families build cash reserves and invest for retirement.
Leslie County trails U.S. life expectancy by nine years
Leslie County residents live to an average of 68.7 years compared to the national average of 78.9 years, a gap of nearly a decade. About one in four residents (26.7%) report poor or fair health—more than double the national average of 11%.
Among Kentucky's lowest-performing counties
At 68.7 years, Leslie County's life expectancy falls 3.5 years below Kentucky's state average of 72.2 years. With 26.7% of residents in poor or fair health, the county significantly underperforms the state health profile.
Slightly better than western peers
Leslie County's 68.7-year life expectancy edges Lee County (68.3 years) and matches broader regional trends, though it lags Letcher County's 67.7 years is slightly better. The county maintains 20 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 61 mental health providers per 100,000—modest supply for rural demand.
Below-average uninsured rate, limited primary care
Leslie County's 5.4% uninsured rate is the lowest among peer counties and well below Kentucky's 7.0% average, yet only 20 primary care providers per 100,000 residents serve the population. This means coverage exists but accessing routine medical care remains a daily challenge for many.
Make sure your insurance is current
Though Leslie County has strong insurance coverage, routine access to primary care remains strained. Check your health plan coverage at healthcare.gov and ensure you're connected with a primary care provider who can manage preventive care and chronic conditions.
Leslie County's composite risk score of 31.71 falls below both the national average and Kentucky's state average of 44.21, earning a very low risk rating. This means residents face less disaster exposure than typical counties across the United States.
Lower-risk county in Kentucky
Leslie County ranks in the lower-risk tier statewide with a score of 31.71, about 28% below Kentucky's 44.21 average. The county's position reflects manageable hazard exposure compared to higher-risk Eastern Kentucky counties.
Moderate risk compared to region
Leslie County (31.71) sits between Lee County's very low risk (7.51) and Letcher County's higher risk (66.60), making it a middle ground in its region. Letcher County faces significantly more flood and wildfire threat due to its terrain and vegetation.
Wildfire and flood are top concerns
Wildfire risk (62.82) and flood risk (57.09) dominate Leslie County's hazard profile, each scoring above the state average. Earthquake risk (39.69) and hurricane risk (31.50) contribute moderately to overall exposure, while tornado risk remains relatively low at 22.04.
Consider flood and wildfire coverage
Leslie County residents should prioritize flood insurance, as flooding poses the county's second-highest risk at 57.09. Review your homeowners policy's wildfire exclusions, and consider additional coverage if you live in or near forested areas.