63.5
County Score
Safety 84.5Cost of Living 81.7Disaster 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.

Score breakdown

Tax59.5Cost81.7Safety84.5Health33.2Schools62.6Income16.4Risk67.5Water52Weather62.4
🏛59.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠81.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼16.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡84.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
33.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓62.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
67.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧52
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤62.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱
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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Deep Dives

Lincoln County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

Cost of Living in Lincoln County

via CostByCounty

Lincoln County rent burden near national average

Lincoln County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% sits just above Kentucky's state average and reflects healthy housing affordability by national standards. The county's median household income of $50,862 is 32% below the national average, yet housing remains proportionally accessible.

Solidly affordable within Kentucky

Lincoln County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio nearly matches Kentucky's state average of 17.0%, placing it among the state's middle-tier counties for affordability. At $730 per month, median rent runs slightly below the state average, offering good value for renters.

Better value than Livingston and Lyon

Lincoln County's $730 median rent sits between Lee County's $593 and Livingston's $912, offering a reasonable middle ground for the region. Its 17.2% rent-to-income ratio beats nearly all neighboring counties, making it a solid choice for affordability-conscious renters.

Homeownership carries higher monthly costs

Lincoln County renters pay $730 monthly while homeowners spend $597, though the median home value of $139,300 is substantially higher than neighboring counties. With median household income of $50,862, housing consumes a reasonable 17% of income for renters and roughly 14% for owners.

Lincoln County balances affordability and value

Lincoln County delivers solid rental affordability with median homes valued at $139,300—higher than rural neighbors but lower than wealthier regions. The county's moderate incomes and reasonable housing costs create a balanced option for families prioritizing stability over rapid wealth building.

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.

Health in Lincoln County

via HealthByCounty

Lincoln County spans eight-year life expectancy gap

Lincoln County residents live to 70.5 years on average, trailing the U.S. average of 78.9 years by 8.4 years. About one in five residents (22.8%) report poor or fair health—roughly double the national average of 11%.

Performs better than most Eastern peers

At 70.5 years, Lincoln County's life expectancy falls 1.7 years below Kentucky's state average of 72.2 years, but outperforms most neighboring counties in the region. Its 22.8% poor/fair health rate is among the stronger rates in Eastern Kentucky.

Eastern Kentucky's health middle ground

Lincoln County's 70.5-year life expectancy ranks it between Lewis County (70.0) and Livingston County (71.0), with 25 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 105 mental health providers per 100,000. This mid-tier profile reflects a county with better-than-average mental health resources for the region.

Uninsured rate above state, primary care moderate

Lincoln County's 7.6% uninsured rate exceeds Kentucky's 7.0% average, yet the county maintains 25 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—a modest but functional supply. Even with limited coverage, those with insurance have better access to routine care than many Eastern Kentucky peers.

Secure your coverage to maximize access

Lincoln County's primary care capacity means that coverage translates directly into care access. Check your health insurance status at healthcare.gov and take advantage of your county's provider network to manage your health proactively.

Schools in Lincoln County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Educational Landscape of Lincoln County

Lincoln County operates eight public schools serving a large student body of 3,416. This includes five elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools, all managed by a single county-wide district.

Robust Investment and Competitive Scores

The county invests $7,752 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the state average of $6,894. This investment yields a school score of 56.2 and a graduation rate of 92.0%, both of which beat national averages.

A Unified District Experience

The Lincoln County district manages all eight schools and 3,416 students without any charter school competition. This unified approach allows the district to maintain diverse campuses ranging from small elementary schools to a large regional high school.

Rural Schools with Diverse Enrollment

Every school in the county is classified as rural, but sizes vary significantly with an average enrollment of 488 students. Lincoln County High is the largest at 951 students, while Crab Orchard Elementary provides a smaller environment for 298 children.

Settle Down in Lincoln County

High per-pupil spending and solid academic scores make Lincoln County a top choice for families. Search for homes near Stanford or Hustonville to take advantage of these well-funded public schools.

Disaster Risk in Lincoln County

via RiskByCounty

Lincoln County poses minimal disaster risk

Lincoln County's composite risk score of 32.57 falls 26% below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, marking it as very low risk nationally. Residents face below-average exposure to major natural disaster hazards.

Lower-risk Kentucky county

Lincoln County ranks in the lower-risk half of Kentucky with a composite score of 32.57, about 26% below the state average. The county's position reflects generally manageable hazard exposure for most of its residents.

Comparable to surrounding counties

Lincoln County (32.57) has similar risk to neighboring Leslie County (31.71) and Lewis County (41.48), making it a moderate-risk area regionally. All three counties face lower hazard exposure than Letcher County (66.60) to the east.

Earthquake risk stands out most

Earthquake risk (57.38) is Lincoln County's most elevated hazard, significantly exceeding the state average, though the county's overall risk remains low. Tornado risk (39.63) and hurricane risk (42.47) also rank above state norms, while flood risk (44.21) sits at the state average and wildfire risk (24.33) remains low.

Earthquake insurance merits consideration

Lincoln County residents should review their homeowners policies carefully, particularly regarding earthquake coverage given the county's elevated risk score of 57.38. Standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most hazards, but consider additional earthquake protection if your home's construction predates modern seismic codes.

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 63.5 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 #39 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 $1,020, with an effective tax rate of 0.73%. This earns Lincoln County a tax score of 59.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lincoln County?
The median household income in Lincoln County, Kentucky is $50,862 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lincoln County earns an income score of 16.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lincoln County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Lincoln County scores 63.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #39 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.