countyscore
62.3
County Score
Cost of Living 94.3Safety 93Lawn Care 76.8

County Report Card

About Letcher County, Kentucky

Strong Standing on the National Stage

Letcher County posts a composite score of 62.3, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that is superior to many rural and suburban counties across the country.

Above the Kentucky Average

The county’s score of 62.3 sits well above the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It remains a competitive choice for Kentuckians looking for a balance of safety and school quality.

High Safety and Great Housing Value

Safety is a primary asset here, reflected in a high score of 93.0. This is paired with an excellent Cost Score of 94.3, where median home values average a very accessible $70,500.

Infrastructure and Environmental Risks

Water quality and environmental risk are the primary concerns, with scores of 14.8 and 33.4 respectively. These figures suggest that while the cost of living is low, infrastructure improvements are a critical need.

Best for Families and Bargain Hunters

Letcher County suits families who value community safety and low-cost homeownership above all else. It is an excellent fit for those who can navigate infrastructure limitations in exchange for high-quality schools and security.

Score breakdown

Tax43Cost94.3Safety93Health29.6Schools65.3Income3.2Risk33.4Water14.8Weather72.4
🏛43
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠94.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼3.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡93
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤29.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓65.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡33.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧14.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤72.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱76.8
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

Wise County
Virginia
54
Knott County
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67.8
Norton city
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47.5
Perry County
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Harlan County
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Dickenson County
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Leslie County
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Floyd County
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Deep Dives

Letcher County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Letcher County

via TaxByCounty

Letcher County above national average taxes

Letcher County's effective rate of 0.932% exceeds the national median of 0.86%, placing it in the upper-middle range of US counties. Despite the higher rate, the median tax bill of $657 remains just 24% of the national median of $2,690.

Highest tax rate in eastern Kentucky

Letcher County's 0.932% effective rate significantly exceeds Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, ranking it among the higher-taxed counties in the commonwealth. The median bill of $657 surpasses the state median of $1,093, adjusted for lower home values.

Steepest rate among regional counties

Letcher County's 0.932% rate tops all nearby comparables, including Lee County (0.848%), Leslie County (0.718%), and Lewis County (0.648%). Homeowners here bear the heaviest property tax load in the eastern mountain region.

Median home: $70,500, annual tax $657

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $70,500 pays approximately $657 per year in property taxes. That amounts to roughly $55 monthly—or $823 annually when mortgage-related assessments apply.

Higher rates make appeals even more valuable

In higher-tax counties like Letcher, an overassessment directly costs you more each year. Challenging an inflated assessment with comparable market data can result in hundreds of dollars in annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Letcher County

via CostByCounty

Letcher rent-to-income ratio tracks national norms

Letcher County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% aligns closely with typical American housing burden levels, meaning renters here spend a reasonable share of income on housing. Yet the county's median household income of $40,501—just 54% of the national average—undercuts this affordability advantage.

Above state average in affordability pressure

Letcher County's 19.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Kentucky's state average of 17.0%, placing housing affordability slightly above the statewide norm. Median rent of $651 sits well below the state average of $771, though local incomes lag proportionally.

Mid-range rent among Appalachian peers

Letcher County's $651 median rent falls between Leslie County's $520 and Lewis County's $757, positioning it squarely in the regional middle. However, Letcher's 19.3% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among nearby counties, signaling tighter household affordability.

Rent costs outpace homeownership expenses

Renters in Letcher pay $651 monthly compared to homeowners' $473, making purchase significantly more affordable than renting. Median home value of $70,500 combined with a median household income of $40,501 makes homeownership a realistic goal for many residents.

Letcher suits buyers more than renters

If you're ready to buy, Letcher County offers affordable homes and manageable owner costs, though renters face above-average affordability pressure. Investigate local employment in your field—coal mining's decline has reshaped the county's job market significantly.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Letcher County

via IncomeByCounty

Letcher County earns less than half U.S. median

Letcher County's median household income of $40,501 represents just 54% of the national median of $74,755, a 46% income deficit. This gap underscores the persistent economic disadvantage facing many Appalachian coal-mining communities.

Lower-income county in Kentucky rankings

At $40,501, Letcher County's median household income trails the state average of $55,909 by 28%, placing it in Kentucky's lower-income tier. The county's dependence on extractive industries has limited wage diversity and economic resilience.

Part of struggling eastern Kentucky cluster

Letcher County's $40,501 median closely mirrors Leslie County's $40,176 and Lee County's $34,182, forming a regional income band. These counties share similar occupational structures and face comparable challenges attracting higher-wage employers.

Rent costs edge slightly higher here

Letcher County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% is reasonable but climbing, indicating housing absorbs nearly a fifth of median income. With median home values at $70,500, homeownership is within reach for many families, though saving for a down payment requires discipline.

Wealth-building starts with intentional saving

Letcher County households can build financial security by automating savings transfers and exploring employer retirement benefits. Working with a financial counselor to eliminate high-interest debt and invest in education or skills training opens pathways to higher future earnings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Letcher County

via CrimeByCounty

Letcher County Near Top of Safety Rankings

Letcher County reports just 93.1 crimes per 100K, yielding a near-perfect safety score of 99.9. This is over 25 times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Far Safer Than the Average Kentucky County

Letcher's crime rate is roughly 8.5 times lower than the Kentucky average of 786.2 per 100K. This makes it one of the most secure counties in the Commonwealth.

Broad Agency Coverage Keeps Rates Low

Six reporting agencies collaborate to keep the crime rate at 93.1 per 100K, lower than neighboring Leslie County. This high level of coverage contributes to a very secure local environment.

Property and Violent Crimes are Negligible

Property crime sits at an incredibly low 79.1 per 100K, compared to 2,015.7 nationally. Violent crimes are equally scarce, occurring at a rate of 14.0 per 100K.

Vigilance Protects Your Investment

Installing a smart doorbell is an easy way to help keep property crimes at these record lows. Letcher County residents play a key role in maintaining this exceptional safety score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Letcher County

via HealthByCounty

Letcher County faces decade-long life expectancy gap

Letcher County residents live to just 67.7 years on average—11.2 years shorter than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. Nearly one in four residents (24.9%) report poor or fair health, more than double the national average of 11%.

Lowest life expectancy in Kentucky

At 67.7 years, Letcher County has Kentucky's shortest life expectancy, trailing the state average of 72.2 years by 4.5 years. This represents one of the starkest health disparities in the Commonwealth.

Lowest life expectancy, but middle primary care access

Letcher County's 67.7-year life expectancy ranks lowest among its Eastern Kentucky neighbors, yet it leads in primary care access with 57 providers per 100,000 residents—more than double Leslie County's 20. With 93 mental health providers per 100,000, Letcher also maintains robust mental health infrastructure.

Uninsured rate matches state average

Letcher County's 7.1% uninsured rate runs slightly above Kentucky's 7.0% average, and despite stronger primary care provider density (57 per 100K), nearly 1 in 14 residents still lack coverage. This gap suggests that even when providers exist, financial barriers prevent access to care.

Enroll today to access better care

Letcher County's solid provider network means health coverage directly connects you to available care. Visit healthcare.gov or your local Medicaid office to explore coverage options and reduce the barriers keeping your community's life expectancy so low.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Letcher County

via SchoolsByCounty

Broad School Options in Letcher County

Letcher County features 11 public schools including five elementary, two middle, and three high schools. These facilities support 3,071 students across two distinct school districts.

Academic Excellence and Strong Graduation

Letcher County schools earn a 56.7 score, outperforming the state average of 55.3. The 96.0% graduation rate is significantly higher than the national 87.0% benchmark, backed by per-pupil spending of $6,990.

Two Districts Serving Local Students

The Letcher County district is the largest, serving 2,596 students across nine schools, while Jenkins Independent serves 475 students. There are no charter schools in the county, though one alternative school is available to meet diverse student needs.

Cozy Rural Campuses and Specialized Schools

All 11 schools are located in rural settings, maintaining an average school size of 307 students. Letcher County Central High is the largest with 779 students, while West Whitesburg Elementary offers a mid-sized environment with 415 students.

Find Your Future in Letcher County

With high academic scores and a variety of school sizes, Letcher County is an excellent place for growing families to settle. Check out nearby listings to secure a home in a district that prioritizes graduation success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Letcher County

via RiskByCounty

Letcher County faces elevated hazard exposure

Letcher County's composite risk score of 66.60 exceeds Kentucky's state average of 44.21 by 51%, placing it in the relatively low risk category nationally. This above-average exposure stems primarily from the county's mountainous terrain and vegetation patterns.

Highest risk among its peers

Letcher County ranks among Kentucky's higher-risk counties with a composite score of 66.60, nearly 50% above the state average. The county faces more significant hazard exposure than most other Kentucky counties, particularly for flooding and wildfires.

Letcher's risks far exceed neighbors

Letcher County's score of 66.60 dramatically exceeds neighboring Leslie County (31.71) and Lee County (7.51), making it the highest-risk county in its region. Flood risk of 83.11 and wildfire risk of 76.49 are particularly elevated compared to surrounding areas.

Flooding and wildfire dominate the threat

Flood risk (83.11) and wildfire risk (76.49) are Letcher County's most serious natural disaster threats, each far exceeding state averages. Earthquake risk (52.48) and hurricane risk (41.18) also exceed state norms, while tornado risk (27.83) remains more moderate.

Flood and wildfire insurance critical

Letcher County residents must prioritize flood insurance due to the county's exceptionally high flood risk of 83.11. Homeowners in or near forested areas should also carefully review wildfire coverage, as the county's wildfire risk of 76.49 places it among Kentucky's most vulnerable areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Letcher County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and wet national comparison

Letcher County's 56.0°F average temperature sits comfortably above the national median. Its humid climate delivers nearly 50 inches of rain annually, which is far wetter than the US average.

Mirroring state weather patterns

The county temperature is nearly identical to the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. It also matches state precipitation trends, falling just shy of the 50.6-inch state mean.

Snowier but cooler than Madison

Letcher is cooler than Madison County, but it receives over 15 more inches of annual snow. It also sees fewer extreme heat days than any other county in this group, with only 15.

Moderate summers and snowy winters

Summer temperatures are moderate, averaging 73.5°F and yielding only 15 days above 90°F. However, winters are snowy, with 16.7 inches of accumulation and January lows near 35.5°F.

Focus on winter vehicle prep

Focus on winter vehicle maintenance to navigate the 16.7 inches of annual snow. The lower frequency of extreme heat days makes this a more outdoor-friendly summer location than western neighbors.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Letcher County

via SoilByCounty

The Soils of Appalachia

While taxonomic data is limited, Letcher County likely follows the regional trend of acidic soils below the national 6.5 pH median. Understanding local acidity is the first step to successful gardening in this mountainous terrain.

Working with Variable Textures

Specific sand and clay percentages are not recorded for Letcher County at this time. Most growers in the area find success by focusing on building up organic matter to compensate for variable soil textures.

Potential for Productivity

Letcher County data for organic matter is currently N/A. To maximize fertility, locals can aim to meet or exceed the Kentucky state average of 3.55% organic matter through composting and mulching.

Navigating High-Runoff Areas

The lack of official drainage class data means site-specific observation is necessary. The high-relief landscape typically leads to fast drainage on slopes and potential saturation in narrow valley bottoms.

Zone 7a Gardening Success

The 7a hardiness zone designation means Letcher County can support a variety of fruit trees and warm-weather crops. Start a garden today and explore the unique growing potential of these mountain soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Letcher County

via LawnByCounty

The Easiest Lawns in the Region

Letcher County boasts an impressive lawn difficulty score of 76.8, making it one of the easiest places in Kentucky to grow a lawn. This score is significantly higher than both the state average of 66.3 and the national average of 50.0.

Cooler Summers Aid Turf Health

The climate is exceptionally favorable, with only 15 extreme heat days per year—half of the Kentucky average. An annual precipitation of 49.9 inches keeps the 3,809 growing degree days well-watered without the typical stress of southern heat waves.

Soil Prep for Peak Performance

Local soil data is limited, so gardeners should conduct home tests to check for the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH range. Given the high rainfall, ensuring your soil has proper drainage is the most important prep work to prevent root rot during wet springs.

A Drought-Free Growing Year

Letcher County experienced zero weeks of drought over the past year, a rare and beneficial statistic for any lawn enthusiast. With no current dry zones, your main water conservation strategy should involve collecting rainwater for the occasional dry spell.

Optimal Planting Window

The final spring frost typically occurs on April 18, signaling the start of the primary growing window in zone 7a. Tall Fescue thrives here due to the cool summer temperatures and the consistent 49.9 inches of annual moisture.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Letcher County's county score?
Letcher County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 62.3 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 Letcher County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Letcher County ranks #45 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 Letcher County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Letcher County is $657, with an effective tax rate of 0.93%. This earns Letcher County a tax score of 43/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Letcher County?
The median household income in Letcher County, Kentucky is $40,501 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Letcher County earns an income score of 3.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Letcher County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Letcher County scores 62.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Letcher 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 Letcher 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.