countyscore
64.8
County Score
Safety 90.9Water Quality 86Cost of Living 84.5

County Report Card

About Lewis County, Kentucky

Lewis County Beats National Trends

Lewis County earns a composite score of 64.8, nearly 15 points higher than the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a high-performing rural area compared to the broader United States.

A Top Contender in the Bluegrass

Lewis County significantly exceeds the state average of 58.6 with its 64.8 composite score. This performance highlights the county's success in providing a stable and safe environment for its residents.

Safe Streets and Reliable Utilities

With a Safety Score of 90.9 and a Water Score of 86.0, the county offers peace of mind and quality infrastructure. Taxes are also a major draw, with an effective rate of just 0.648%.

Bridging the Health and Income Gap

The Health Score of 25.8 and Income Score of 3.9 represent the county's main areas for growth. A median household income of $41,632 reflects a local economy that is still in development.

Perfect for Quiet, Secure Living

Lewis County is an ideal match for individuals who prioritize safety and low taxes. It offers a reliable utility base and affordable housing that makes it a stable, long-term home for those on a fixed income.

Score breakdown

Tax68.8Cost84.5Safety90.9Health25.8Schools58Income3.9Risk58.5Water86Weather58.6
🏛68.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼3.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡90.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤25.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓58
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡58.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨52.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱67.5
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

Adams County
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55.6
Carter County
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66.3
Greenup County
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58.8
Scioto County
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Mason County
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Fleming County
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Rowan County
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Elliott County
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Deep Dives

Lewis County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lewis County

via TaxByCounty

Lewis County among America's lowest

Lewis County's effective tax rate of 0.648% ranks in the bottom 10% of US counties for property tax burden. The median annual tax of just $558 is only 21% of the national median of $2,690.

Below Kentucky average, favorable rates

Lewis County's 0.648% rate sits below Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, making it one of the more affordable counties statewide. The median bill of $558 is well below the state median of $1,093.

Second-lowest rate in the region

Lewis County's 0.648% rate trails only Leslie County's 0.718% among eastern Kentucky peers, and significantly beats Lee County (0.848%) and Letcher County (0.932%). This positions Lewis as one of the most tax-friendly counties in Appalachia.

Median home: $86,100, annual tax $558

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $86,100 pays approximately $558 per year in property taxes. That's roughly $47 monthly—or $720 annually including mortgage-related tax assessments.

Low taxes don't mean accurate assessments

Even in tax-friendly Lewis County, properties can be assessed above fair market value. Filing an appeal with recent comparable sales data can ensure you're paying only what you legally owe.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lewis County

via CostByCounty

Lewis County's rent burden tops regional peers

Lewis County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.8% exceeds typical American affordability thresholds and signals housing stress for renters on local wages. With median household income of just $41,632—44% below the national average—the $757 monthly rent hits household budgets hard.

Among Kentucky's least affordable rentals

Lewis County's 21.8% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Kentucky's state average of 17.0%, making it one of the state's least affordable counties for renters. Median rent of $757 matches the state average exactly, but Lewis incomes are substantially lower.

Most expensive rent in the regional cluster

Lewis County's $757 median rent is the highest among its neighboring counties—$164 above Leslie and $106 above Letcher. Combined with the region's lowest median household income relative to rent costs, Lewis renters face the tightest affordability squeeze.

Housing consumes over one-fifth of income

Monthly rent of $757 and homeowner costs of $493 reveal that Lewis renters face notably higher expenses than homeowners here. With median household income of $41,632 annually, rent alone consumes 21.8% of typical household budgets—well above comfortable levels.

Lewis: choose carefully if renting

Lewis County's high rent-to-income ratio makes it challenging for renters, though homebuyers find median homes at reasonable $86,100 prices. Prioritize verifying stable local employment before relocating, as the county's economic situation requires dual-income or above-average wages to maintain comfort.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lewis County

via IncomeByCounty

Lewis County income substantially below national

Lewis County's median household income of $41,632 falls 44% short of the national median of $74,755. This income gap reflects limited job diversity and wage opportunities in the rural northeastern Kentucky economy.

Below-average income for Kentucky

Lewis County's $41,632 median household income sits 26% below Kentucky's state average of $55,909, ranking among the state's lower-income counties. Economic diversification beyond agriculture and small manufacturing remains a critical need.

Slightly ahead of struggling southeastern peers

Lewis County's $41,632 income edges ahead of Lee, Leslie, and Letcher counties in the $34,000-$40,500 range, though it lags more prosperous northern neighbors. Regional transportation networks and distance from urban centers limit wage-earning potential.

Housing costs pinch household budgets

Lewis County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.8% is among the highest in this county group, meaning housing consumes over a fifth of median income. The median home value of $86,100 requires careful financial planning on a $41,632 base income.

Prioritize emergency savings and debt reduction

Lewis County households earning $41,632 should aim to build 3-6 months of emergency savings before aggressive investing. Pursuing certifications, trade skills, or remote work opportunities can unlock higher wages and expand wealth-building potential.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lewis County

via CrimeByCounty

Lewis County Beats National Safety Averages

Lewis County's safety score of 99.7 reflects a very low total crime rate of 160.8 per 100K. This is a massive improvement over the national average of 2,385.5.

A High Standard for State Safety

The county's rate of 160.8 per 100K is far below the Kentucky average of 786.2. Residents enjoy a safety score that consistently outperforms the state benchmark of 98.8.

Steady Safety Across the Region

Lewis County is safer than Lincoln County but reports slightly more activity than Letcher County. Two agencies work diligently to keep the total crime rate well under control.

Minimal Violent Crime Reported

Violent crime is nearly non-existent at 7.7 per 100K, which is a fraction of the national 369.8 average. Property crime represents most local activity at 153.1 per 100K.

Securing the Home Front

Maintaining strong window and door locks is the simplest way to deter property crime. Even in a high-safety county like Lewis, these habits keep the community secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lewis County

via HealthByCounty

Lewis County faces eight-year life gap

Lewis County residents live to 70.0 years on average, falling 8.9 years short of the U.S. average of 78.9 years. Nearly three in ten residents (28.9%) report poor or fair health, significantly exceeding the national average of 11%.

Among Kentucky's lower-tier health performers

At 70.0 years, Lewis County's life expectancy trails Kentucky's state average of 72.2 years by 2.2 years. The county's 28.9% poor/fair health rate reflects substantial chronic disease burden across the population.

Mid-range Eastern Kentucky health profile

Lewis County's 70.0-year life expectancy sits between Leslie County (68.7) and Lincoln County (70.5), with the lowest primary care provider density among peers at just 15 per 100,000 residents. With only 46 mental health providers per 100,000, Lewis County faces the region's most constrained behavioral health access.

Higher uninsured rate compounds access barriers

Lewis County's 7.6% uninsured rate exceeds both the state average (7.0%) and national trends, and the county's severe provider shortage (15 primary care providers per 100K) means even insured residents struggle to find care. This one-two punch of coverage gaps and limited supply creates a critical access crisis.

Coverage is your first step to care

With one in thirteen residents uninsured and few providers available, every covered resident has a better chance of accessing needed care. Visit healthcare.gov today to check your coverage and ensure you're connected to the health system your community needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lewis County

via SchoolsByCounty

Lewis County's Rural School Infrastructure

Lewis County manages seven public schools within a single district, serving a total of 2,036 students. The system includes four elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools to support learners at every stage.

Elite Graduation Rates for Rural Learners

The county achieves a stellar 97.0% graduation rate, which is 10 percentage points higher than the national average. Despite a lower per-pupil expenditure of $6,222, the county's school score of 55.5 matches the state's average performance.

The Lewis County District Hub

All seven schools and 2,036 students are part of the Lewis County district. There are no charter schools in the area, meaning local families rely on a unified public system for all educational needs.

Quiet Rural Learning Environments

All seven schools are set in rural locales with an average enrollment of 339 students per school. Lewis County High School is the largest with 621 students, while Tollesboro Elementary represents a smaller, community-focused option with 281 students.

Home Buying in Lewis County

Families seeking high-performing schools in a peaceful rural setting should explore Lewis County real estate. With graduation rates among the best in the state, it is a smart place to invest in a family home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lewis County

via RiskByCounty

Lewis County maintains below-average risk

Lewis County's composite risk score of 41.48 sits slightly below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, earning a very low risk rating. This modest advantage reflects relatively balanced hazard exposure across the county's landscape.

Slightly safer than state average

Lewis County ranks just below the Kentucky state average with a composite score of 41.48 versus 44.21, placing it in the lower-risk half of the state's counties. The county benefits from lower wildfire exposure compared to many Appalachian peers.

Middle ground in regional risk

Lewis County (41.48) falls between higher-risk Letcher County (66.60) and lower-risk Lee County (7.51), making it a moderate-risk area regionally. Unlike Letcher, Lewis faces significantly lower wildfire threat due to different forest composition and land use patterns.

Flooding and tornadoes top the list

Flood risk (64.92) and tornado risk (35.72) are Lewis County's most significant hazards, with flooding substantially exceeding the state average. Earthquake risk (27.00) and hurricane risk (34.13) pose secondary threats, while wildfire risk (15.33) remains relatively low.

Prioritize flood and tornado coverage

Lewis County residents should secure flood insurance given the county's flood risk score of 64.92, well above the state average. Review your homeowners policy's tornado coverage and consider additional protection if you live in areas with history of severe weather impact.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Lewis County

via SoilByCounty

Typical Kentucky Acidity

Lewis County soils feature a pH of 5.79, nearly identical to the Kentucky state average of 5.80. This acidic profile falls well below the national median of 6.5, suggesting a frequent need for soil amendments like lime.

Silt-Driven Soil Mix

The soil mix is silt-heavy at 56.5%, balanced by 24.1% sand and 19.3% clay. This high silt content provides excellent workability but requires careful management to prevent surface crusting and compaction.

Standard Nutrient Capacity

Organic matter levels reach 2.46%, which beats the national average of 2.0% but lags behind the Kentucky average of 3.55%. The available water capacity stands at 0.181 inches, offering standard hydration support for local crops.

Moisture Management Needed

Specific drainage class data is currently unavailable, though the high silt percentage typically indicates moderate permeability. Builders and farmers should perform site-specific tests to ensure stable foundations and healthy roots.

Diverse Options in Zone 6b

Located in Zone 6b, Lewis County is ideal for growing apples, berries, and a wide variety of cool-season vegetables. Start a backyard garden today to take advantage of these established silty soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lewis County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Maintenance in Lewis County

Lewis County features a lawn difficulty score of 67.5, performing slightly better than the Kentucky average of 66.3. Situated in hardiness zone 6b, this area provides a stable environment for traditional Kentucky lawns.

Consistent Rain and Manageable Heat

The county receives 47.9 inches of annual precipitation, which falls comfortably within the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawn health. With 21 extreme heat days annually, the summers are milder than the state average of 30, reducing the need for intensive irrigation.

Addressing Acidic Soil Levels

The soil here is naturally acidic with a pH of 5.79, sitting just below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turf. To balance the 19.3% clay and 24.1% sand mix, homeowners often need to apply lime to unlock essential nutrients for the grass.

Managing Short-Term Dry Spells

The county saw five weeks of drought over the past year, though current conditions show no immediate dry areas. To stay resilient, use deep, infrequent watering during those occasional five-week dry stretches to encourage deep root growth.

Best Bets for Zone 6b

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass are the standard choice for this climate and 6b zone. Focus on soil amendments in the early spring to correct the 5.79 pH before the growing season fully accelerates.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lewis County's county score?
Lewis County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 64.8 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 Lewis County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Lewis County ranks #29 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 Lewis County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Lewis County is $558, with an effective tax rate of 0.65%. This earns Lewis County a tax score of 68.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lewis County?
The median household income in Lewis County, Kentucky is $41,632 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lewis County earns an income score of 3.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lewis County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Lewis County scores 64.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #29 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Lewis 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 Lewis 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.