Livingston County

Kentucky · KY

#20 in Kentucky
73.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Livingston County, Kentucky

Livingston County outperforms nationwide

Livingston County's composite score of 76.0 bests the national median of 50.0 by 52%, placing it among stronger U.S. counties overall. This advantage reflects solid economic fundamentals across measured dimensions.

Above Kentucky state average

Livingston County scores 76.0, exceeding Kentucky's state average of 75.0. The county ranks as a reliable performer among state peers.

Highest regional incomes, lowest taxes

Livingston County leads the region with an Income Score of 22.4 and median household income of $59,713. A Tax Score of 84.6 with effective rate of 0.628% ranks among the state's lowest.

Housing costs rising with prosperity

As the county's income advantages climb, the Cost Score of 82.9 reflects moderate affordability with median home value of $116,300 and rents at $912/month. Safety, health, schools, and water quality data are not yet available.

Perfect for skilled workers and families

Livingston County suits professionals and families earning above-regional incomes who value low taxes. The county offers the region's best income levels combined with minimal tax burden, making it ideal for upwardly mobile households.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax84.6Cost82.9SafetyComing SoonHealth67.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome22.4Risk72.9WaterComing Soon
🏛84.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠82.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼22.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
67.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
72.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Livingston County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Livingston County

via TaxByCounty

Livingston County well below national average

Livingston County's effective tax rate of 0.628% ranks in the bottom 5% of US counties for property tax burden. The median annual tax of $731 is just 27% of the national median of $2,690.

Well below Kentucky's statewide average

Livingston County's 0.628% rate is notably lower than Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, making it one of the most tax-friendly counties in the state. The median bill of $731 is substantially below the state median of $1,093.

Among lowest rates in western Kentucky

Livingston County's 0.628% rate beats all nearby comparables, including Lyon County (0.553%), Logan County (0.624%), and the eastern counties. This positions Livingston as an exceptionally affordable property tax destination.

Median home: $116,300, annual tax $731

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $116,300 pays approximately $731 per year in property taxes. That's roughly $61 monthly—or $1,061 annually including mortgage-related tax assessments.

Your assessment deserves a second look

Even in Kentucky's most tax-friendly counties, individual properties can be overvalued on assessor's books. Comparing your assessed value to recent local market sales and appealing if necessary protects your investment.

Cost of Living in Livingston County

via CostByCounty

Livingston County rents affordable on local wages

Livingston County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% sits comfortably within national affordability norms, and the county's median household income of $59,713 exceeds most rural Kentucky neighbors by 20%+. At $912 monthly, rent remains manageable for the county's relatively stronger earning households.

Above Kentucky average in both rent and income

Livingston County's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio edges slightly above Kentucky's state average of 17.0%, while its $912 median rent is $141 higher than the state average. However, the county's median household income of $59,713 is notably higher than most Kentucky counties, offsetting the rent premium.

Higher rent, but stronger incomes justify it

Livingston County's $912 median rent is the highest in the regional cluster, but its $59,713 median household income is second only to Lyon County among these eight. The combination delivers reasonable affordability despite higher absolute rent levels.

Renters pay more, but earn more too

Monthly rent averages $912 while homeowner costs are $591, with median home values at $116,300—substantially higher than rural Appalachian neighbors. Livingston's median household income of $59,713 is the second-highest in the region, making the higher housing costs proportionally manageable.

Livingston offers stronger income-to-housing balance

Livingston County combines higher housing costs with meaningfully higher incomes, making it appealing to workers with steady employment or professional roles. If your income expectations align with the county's median of $59,713+, Livingston delivers reasonable affordability and higher home values.

Income & Jobs in Livingston County

via IncomeByCounty

Livingston County approaches national income levels

Livingston County's median household income of $59,713 reaches 80% of the national median of $74,755, representing a significantly smaller gap than most Kentucky counties. This income profile reflects a more robust local economy and diverse employment opportunities.

Exceeds Kentucky state average income

Livingston County's $59,713 median household income runs 7% above Kentucky's state average of $55,909, positioning it in the state's upper-middle income tier. Economic strength and wage competitiveness give Livingston County an advantage over many rural peers.

Part of emerging northern Kentucky prosperity

Livingston County's $59,713 income significantly exceeds struggling southeastern counties like Lee ($34,182) and Leslie ($40,176), while staying below even stronger northern neighbors Lyon ($64,464) and Logan ($61,535). The county sits in a prosperous regional band reflecting northern Kentucky's economic momentum.

Housing costs remain very manageable

Livingston County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% is healthy, and median home values of $116,300 are well-aligned with the $59,713 median income. Households have substantial flexibility to cover housing plus other essentials with discretionary income remaining.

Livingston County can pursue wealth strategies

Families earning $59,713 should prioritize maximizing employer retirement plans, building college savings accounts, and exploring home equity strategies. Consider working with a financial advisor to develop investment portfolios, evaluate real estate appreciation, and plan for long-term wealth accumulation.

Health in Livingston County

via HealthByCounty

Livingston County shows stronger health trajectory

Livingston County residents live to 71.0 years on average, trailing the U.S. average of 78.9 years by about 8 years. Only one in five residents (20.2%) report poor or fair health—among the lowest rates in the county comparison set.

Above Eastern Kentucky average, below state

At 71.0 years, Livingston County's life expectancy runs 1.2 years below Kentucky's state average of 72.2 years but outperforms most Eastern Kentucky peers. The county's 20.2% poor/fair health rate represents one of the region's better health profiles.

Eastern Kentucky's emerging health leader

Livingston County's 71.0-year life expectancy ranks it among the healthiest in its region, with 34 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 68 mental health providers per 100,000. This provider infrastructure supports the county's measurably better health outcomes compared to peers.

Strong coverage rates support health access

Livingston County's 5.7% uninsured rate—well below Kentucky's 7.0% average—means strong insurance penetration across the population. Combined with moderate primary care supply (34 per 100K), most residents have the coverage and access foundation needed for preventive care.

Keep your coverage active and current

Livingston County's above-average insurance coverage directly supports its better health outcomes. Maintain your health coverage at healthcare.gov and continue taking advantage of your county's relatively strong provider network.

Disaster Risk in Livingston County

via RiskByCounty

Livingston County enjoys very low risk

Livingston County's composite risk score of 27.13 is 39% below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, placing it among the state's safest counties. This very low rating reflects minimal exposure to most major natural disaster hazards.

Among Kentucky's safer counties

Livingston County ranks well below the state average with a composite score of 27.13, making it one of Kentucky's lower-risk counties. The county benefits from low wildfire (6.52) and flood (23.35) exposure compared to state norms.

Safest in its region overall

Livingston County (27.13) is the lowest-risk county in its region, even safer than nearby Lyon County (28.88) and significantly safer than Logan County (54.64). The county's low wildfire and flood scores provide distinct advantages over neighboring areas.

Earthquake and tornado need attention

Earthquake risk (82.06) and tornado risk (49.08) are Livingston County's most elevated hazards, though the county's overall risk remains very low. These scores reflect the county's location in a seismic zone and its exposure to severe weather patterns common to the region.

Standard coverage generally sufficient

Livingston County's very low composite risk score means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most residents. Consider adding earthquake coverage given the county's elevated earthquake risk score of 82.06, and review your policy's tornado protection annually.

ByCounty Network

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