countyscore
64
County Score
Safety 84.5Cost of Living 83.3Disaster Risk 67.5

County Report Card

About Lincoln County, Kentucky

Lincoln County Surpasses National Median

Lincoln County’s composite score of 63.5 puts it well ahead of the national median of 50.0. This reflects a high standard of living relative to many other regions in the United States.

Outperforming the State Average

The county achieves a 63.5 score, comfortably beating the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It is recognized as one of the more balanced counties in the state for both cost and safety.

Top-Tier Safety and Affordability

The county excels with a Safety Score of 84.5 and a Cost Score of 81.7. Residents enjoy a low effective tax rate of 0.732% and a reasonable median gross rent of $730.

Health and Income Progress Needed

The local Income Score of 16.4 and Health Score of 33.2 indicate room for improvement in high-wage jobs and healthcare services. Increasing the median household income of $50,862 remains a priority for local leaders.

A Balanced Choice for Families

Lincoln County is best suited for families looking for a safe, middle-ground option that balances cost and security. It offers a reliable rural lifestyle with a manageable tax burden and decent school quality.

2040608010057.883.384.533.262.616.267.55262.4Tax57.8Cost83.3Safety84.5Health33.2Schools62.6Income16.2Risk67.5Water52Weather62.464/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Lincoln County DNA

D+overall

How Lincoln County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Lincoln County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (83.3/100) but notably weak in Income (16.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
57.8
Cost
83.3+35.3
Safety
84.5+29.5
Health
33.2-16.799999999999997
Schools
62.6+8.600000000000001
Income
16.2-34.8
Risk
67.5+20.5
Water
52
Weather
62.4
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Think property taxes are too high in Lincoln County?

Many homeowners in Lincoln County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$147,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$698/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$147,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $52,440/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Lincoln County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 8 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lincoln County

via TaxByCounty

Lincoln County slightly above US average

Lincoln County's effective tax rate of 0.732% sits modestly above the national median of 0.86%, placing it in the middle range of American counties. The median annual tax of $1,020 is still less than 40% of the national median of $2,690.

Just above Kentucky's average rate

Lincoln County's 0.732% effective rate slightly exceeds Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, making it one of the more fairly-taxed counties in the commonwealth. The median bill of $1,020 is slightly below the state median of $1,093.

Mid-range rate among comparable counties

Lincoln County's 0.732% rate falls between Letcher County's 0.932% and Leslie County's 0.718%, making it a moderate option regionally. With a median home value of $139,300, Lincoln attracts a more diverse real estate market than nearby mountain counties.

Median home: $139,300, annual tax $1,020

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $139,300 pays approximately $1,020 per year in property taxes. That amounts to about $85 monthly—or $1,165 annually when mortgage-related assessments are included.

Higher home values increase appeal potential

Because Lincoln County properties command higher values, an overassessment can cost significantly more than in neighboring counties. Reviewing your assessment against recent comparable sales is especially worthwhile here.

Income & Jobs in Lincoln County

via IncomeByCounty

Lincoln County earns closer to national median

Lincoln County's median household income of $50,862 sits 32% below the national median of $74,755, representing a smaller gap than many neighboring counties. This positioning reflects Lincoln County's stronger economic foundations and more diverse employment base.

Outperforms Kentucky's state average

Lincoln County's $50,862 median household income falls just 9% below Kentucky's state average of $55,909, placing it in the state's middle income tier. Economic activity and proximity to larger regional markets support wages above many rural eastern Kentucky counties.

Leading income growth among regional peers

Lincoln County's $50,862 significantly exceeds struggling neighbors Lee ($34,182), Leslie ($40,176), Letcher ($40,501), and Lewis ($41,632), marking a clear income tier above southeastern peers. This advantage reflects Lincoln's more diversified economy and strategic location.

Housing affordable despite higher home values

Lincoln County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% keeps housing costs reasonable, and median home values of $139,300 become achievable for dual-income households. The higher home values reflect stronger property demand and economic stability in the county.

Lincoln County residents can invest aggressively

With income approaching state averages, Lincoln County households have increased capacity to fund retirement accounts, education savings, and investment portfolios. Families should maximize 401(k) contributions, consider real estate investment, and explore wealth-building strategies with a financial advisor.

Safety in Lincoln County

via CrimeByCounty

Lincoln County Offers High Security

Lincoln County earns a strong 99.4 safety score with a total crime rate of 361.8 per 100K. This is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Stronger Performance Than State Averages

The local crime rate of 361.8 per 100K is less than half of the Kentucky average of 786.2. Lincoln County's safety score exceeds the statewide average of 98.8.

Safety Verified by Multiple Agencies

Five reporting agencies contribute to a crime rate that is lower than Lyon County's but higher than Lee County's. This robust reporting provides a clear picture of local safety.

Low Risk to Personal Property

Property crimes are reported at 320.7 per 100K, while violent crimes occur at 41.1. Residents face much less risk than the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Active Awareness Keeps Homes Safe

Adding outdoor security lighting can help reduce the 320.7 property crime rate even further. Active community members help Lincoln County maintain its high safety standards.

Soil Quality in Lincoln County

via SoilByCounty

Bluegrass Border Soils

Lincoln County lacks specific pH and taxonomic data in current records. Gardeners should expect acidic conditions typical of the state, where the average pH of 5.80 is much lower than the national 6.5 median.

Unmapped Local Textures

Detailed percentages for sand and silt are currently N/A for this county. Local knowledge suggests a mix that supports both pastureland and row crops, though specific compositions vary by farm.

State-Level Fertility Benchmarks

With local organic matter data unavailable, the Kentucky average of 3.55% provides a useful target for soil health. High water capacity is generally a regional trait, supporting the county's diverse agricultural heritage.

Hydraulic Considerations

Specific drainage classes are not currently listed for Lincoln County. Inhabitants should watch for drainage patterns in low-lying areas, as silty soils common to the region can hold water longer than expected.

Planting in Zone 7a

Lincoln County’s 7a hardiness zone status offers a generous window for growing tomatoes, peppers, and various herbs. It is a fantastic environment for anyone looking to start a new garden project.

Lawn Care in Lincoln County

via LawnByCounty

Lincoln County Growing Profile

While a specific lawn difficulty score is currently unavailable for Lincoln County, its location in hardiness zone 7a suggests a versatile growing environment. Growers here should look to neighboring counties for general trends while prioritizing on-site data gathering.

Weathering Local Conditions

Climate data for Lincoln County is currently limited, necessitating a more observant approach to watering and mowing. Paying close attention to local rain gauges is vital, as neighbor benchmarks may not reflect your specific microclimate.

The Importance of Local Testing

Without specific soil data, a $20 soil test is the most valuable investment for any Lincoln County homeowner. Establishing your current pH and drainage class will determine if your lawn needs more sand for drainage or lime for acidity.

Monitoring Dry Cycles

The county experienced five weeks of drought in the past year, indicating that seasonal dry spells are a recurring factor. While 0.0% of the area is currently in drought, maintaining a mulching mower can help retain moisture when the next five-week dry spell hits.

Flexible Grass Selection

Zone 7a supports a wide range of turf, from hardy fescues to heat-tolerant Bermuda grass. Without specific frost dates available, monitor local soil temperatures and aim for a 55-degree threshold before starting your spring seeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lincoln County's county score?
Lincoln County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 64 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 Lincoln County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Lincoln County ranks #34 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 Lincoln County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Lincoln County is $1,066, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Lincoln County a tax score of 57.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lincoln County?
The median household income in Lincoln County, Kentucky is $52,440 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lincoln County earns an income score of 16.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lincoln County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Lincoln County scores 64/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #34 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Lincoln 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 Lincoln County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.