countyscore
70.1
County Score
Cost of Living 98.4Safety 91.6Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Leslie County, Kentucky

A National Leader in Livability

Leslie County secures an impressive composite score of 70.1, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This high ranking places the county among the top tier of US counties for general desirability.

A Top-Performing Kentucky County

At 70.1, Leslie County significantly outperforms the state average of 58.6. Its regional dominance is fueled by a rare combination of extreme affordability and high public safety.

Unmatched Affordability and Safety

The county shines with a Cost Score of 98.4 and a Safety Score of 91.6. Median gross rent is just $520, and the effective tax rate sits at a low 0.718%, leaving more money in residents' pockets.

Addressing Income and Health Needs

Economic growth remains a challenge with an Income Score of 2.9 and a median household income of $40,176. Public health also trails other metrics with a score of 34.3, highlighting a path for future community investment.

A Sanctuary for Safe, Low-Cost Living

Leslie County is perfect for families seeking a secure environment without the financial strain of urban prices. It offers a peaceful lifestyle supported by some of the lowest housing costs in the nation.

Score breakdown

Tax61.2Cost98.4Safety91.6Health34.3Schools69.3Income2.9Risk68.3Water86Weather62.8
🏛61.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠98.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼2.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡91.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤34.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓69.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡68.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤62.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱65.9
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

Perry County
Kentucky
60.6
Harlan County
Kentucky
58.1
Clay County
Kentucky
56.3
Lee County
Virginia
52.2
Owsley County
Kentucky
68.8
Letcher County
Kentucky
62.3
Knox County
Kentucky
56.5
Bell County
Kentucky
53

Deep Dives

Leslie County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Leslie County

via TaxByCounty

Leslie County among lowest US tax rates

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Leslie County

via CostByCounty

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Leslie County

via IncomeByCounty

Leslie County income trails U.S. median sharply

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Leslie County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Levels in Leslie County

Leslie County boasts a nearly perfect safety score of 99.8. Its total crime rate of 143.3 per 100K is a small fraction of the 2,385.5 national average.

Leading the State in Public Safety

The county's crime rate of 143.3 per 100K is significantly lower than the Kentucky average of 786.2. Leslie County ranks well above the typical state safety score of 98.8.

One of the Region's Quietest Jurisdictions

With only 143.3 crimes per 100K, Leslie is much safer than nearby Lee County. Two local agencies effectively monitor the community to keep incident numbers at these low levels.

Violent Crime is Remarkably Rare

Violent crime occurs at a rate of just 9.6 per 100K, far below the national 369.8 average. Property crime is also minimal, affecting only 133.7 residents per 100K.

Keep Your Property Secure

Basic precautions like locking all entry points help Leslie County maintain its exceptional safety record. Even in very safe areas, community awareness remains the best defense.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Leslie County

via HealthByCounty

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Leslie County

via SchoolsByCounty

Leslie County's Unified Rural School System

Leslie County maintains a single school district that oversees six public schools for 1,658 students. The landscape consists of four elementary schools and two high schools, providing a focused educational path for local youth.

Outperforming State Averages in Leslie County

The county boasts an impressive 97.0% graduation rate, surpassing the state average of 93.8% and the national average of 87.0%. With a school score of 57.5 and per-pupil spending of $7,132, the district is investing more per student than the state average to drive results.

One District Leading the Way

The Leslie County school district serves all 1,658 students in the area across its five primary campuses. Charter schools have not yet entered the local market, ensuring all public resources stay within the traditional district framework.

A Rural Network of Elementary Hubs

Every school in Leslie County is set in a rural locale, offering an average enrollment of 332 students per building. Mountain View Elementary is the largest school with 506 students, while Hayes Lewis Elementary offers a very intimate setting with just 124 students.

Discover a Home in Leslie County

High graduation rates and strong school scores make Leslie County a prime destination for families. Consider the local school quality as you browse available homes in this dedicated rural community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Leslie County

via RiskByCounty

Leslie County's risk is below average

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Leslie County

via SoilByCounty

Mountainous Soil Profiles

Leslie County lacks specific pH data, but regional trends suggest values near the state average of 5.80. This acidic profile is much lower than the national median of 6.5, often requiring amendments for sensitive crops.

Rocky Mountain Composition

Official percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not currently available for this county. The rugged mountain landscape typically features shallow, rocky soils that require careful management of topsoil and erosion.

Measuring Growing Potential

Organic matter and water capacity data remain unlisted for Leslie County. Growers should aim for the state organic matter average of 3.55% to ensure their soil can support healthy plant development.

Water Movement in Appalachia

Dominant drainage classes are not officially recorded here, but steep topography ensures rapid runoff. Understanding your specific site's hydrology is vital before starting any major construction or agricultural project.

Extended Seasons in Zone 7a

Leslie County enjoys the warmer winters of USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. This climate allows for a longer growing season, making it a great place to plant hardy greens and summer vegetables.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Leslie County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growth in Leslie County

Leslie County's lawn difficulty score of 65.9 aligns closely with the Kentucky average of 66.3 and remains much easier than the national baseline. Operating in hardiness zone 7a, homeowners here enjoy a relatively hospitable environment for establishing permanent turf.

High Rainfall Meets Summer Heat

The area sees 50.5 inches of annual rainfall, slightly exceeding the ideal turf range but providing ample moisture for thirsty lawns. However, 31 extreme heat days—just above the state average of 30—mean that mid-summer dormancy is a risk for cool-season varieties.

Foundational Testing is Essential

With specific soil measurements currently unavailable for this county, testing for pH and drainage is a top priority for new lawns. Most regional soils benefit from the addition of organic matter to improve the structure and ensure nutrients remain accessible during the rainy season.

Low Drought Risk for Growers

The county recorded only one week of drought over the past year, maintaining high moisture levels for local landscapes. Because current data shows no abnormally dry areas, standard watering schedules are usually sufficient to maintain green coverage.

Zone 7a Planting Strategies

Leveraging Leslie County's 7a hardiness zone allows for a mix of cool-season and heat-tolerant grasses. Focus on early fall seeding to take advantage of the 50.5 inches of rain while avoiding the peak of the 31 annual high-heat days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Leslie County's county score?
Leslie County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 70.1 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 Leslie County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Leslie County ranks #5 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 Leslie County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Leslie County is $532, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Leslie County a tax score of 61.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Leslie County?
The median household income in Leslie County, Kentucky is $40,176 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Leslie County earns an income score of 2.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Leslie County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Leslie County scores 70.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Leslie 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 Leslie 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.