countyscore
63.7
County Score
Property Tax 80.1Safety 80Disaster Risk 71.1

County Report Card

About Lyon County, Kentucky

Lyon County Leads National Median

Lyon County earns a 63.7 composite score, significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This strong rating reflects its status as a desirable place to live by national standards.

Superior Quality in Kentucky

The county's score of 63.7 places it well above the state average of 58.6. It is one of the top-tier counties in the region for financial stability and public safety.

Minimal Taxes and Safe Communities

Lyon County excels with a Tax Score of 80.1, thanks to an exceptionally low effective rate of 0.553%. This is paired with a Safety Score of 80.0 and a solid Income Score of 52.0.

Infrastructure Challenges Remain

The Water Score of 21.5 is the county's most significant weakness, indicating a need for utility upgrades. While the income is good at $64,464, the cost of housing is rising, leading to a Cost Score of 59.9.

Top Pick for Prosperous Retirees

Lyon County is the premier choice for those seeking the lowest possible tax burden alongside a safe, high-income environment. It is particularly well-suited for families or retirees who value financial efficiency and security.

Score breakdown

Tax80.1Cost59.9Safety80Health52Schools52.6Income52Risk71.1Water21.5Weather64
🏛80.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠59.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼52
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡80
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤52
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡71.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧21.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤64
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱45.2
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

Marshall County
Kentucky
56.8
Caldwell County
Kentucky
63.9
Trigg County
Kentucky
60
Livingston County
Kentucky
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Crittenden County
Kentucky
63.7
Pope County
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Calloway County
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55
McCracken County
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46.1

Deep Dives

Lyon County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lyon County

via TaxByCounty

Lyon County among America's lowest taxed

Lyon County's effective rate of 0.553% ranks in the bottom 1% of US counties for property tax burden. The median annual tax of $1,016 is just 38% of the national median of $2,690.

Lowest rate in all of Kentucky

Lyon County's 0.553% rate is significantly lower than Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, making it the most tax-favorable county in the commonwealth. The median bill of $1,016 remains below the state median of $1,093 despite higher home values.

Unmatched low rates in western Kentucky

Lyon County's 0.553% rate beats all nearby comparables, including Logan County (0.624%), Livingston County (0.628%), and all eastern counties. This makes Lyon an exceptional choice for property buyers prioritizing tax savings.

Median home: $183,600, annual tax $1,016

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $183,600 pays approximately $1,016 per year in property taxes. That's roughly $85 monthly—or $1,332 annually including mortgage-related tax assessments.

Lowest rates make appeals especially valuable

Lyon County's extremely favorable tax environment means fewer dollars leave your pocket annually—making any overassessment proportionally more painful. Verifying your assessment against recent comparable sales ensures you benefit fully from the county's low-tax advantage.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lyon County

via CostByCounty

Lyon County balances higher homes and wages

Lyon County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% sits well below national affordability stress levels, with renters spending a manageable share of income on housing. The county's median household income of $64,464 is the region's highest and 14% below the national median, yet housing remains proportionally affordable.

Strong affordability with above-average income

Lyon County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio beats Kentucky's state average of 17.0%, placing it among the state's most affordable counties. With median household income of $64,464—among the highest in rural Kentucky—residents enjoy both strong earnings and reasonable housing costs.

Highest incomes, highest home values

Lyon County's $809 median rent is mid-range regionally, but its $64,464 median household income is the cluster's highest, delivering excellent affordability. The county's $183,600 median home value is also the highest here, reflecting a stronger overall economic profile.

Premium homes command proportional owner costs

Renters pay $809 monthly while homeowners spend $762, making ownership competitive with renting despite the county's premium home values of $183,600. With median household income of $64,464, housing consumes only 15.1% of renter income and roughly 14% for owners—the region's best balance.

Lyon County: best overall housing value proposition

Lyon County offers the region's strongest income-to-housing balance, with the highest median incomes and excellent affordability ratios for both renters and buyers. If you seek higher-quality homes in a stable economic environment, Lyon County's $183,600 median home value delivers genuine regional value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lyon County

via IncomeByCounty

Lyon County income reaches near-national median

Lyon County's median household income of $64,464 sits 86% of the national median of $74,755, representing the strongest income performance in this group. This income level reflects Lyon County's successful economic development and competitive regional job market.

Tops Kentucky with upper-tier income

Lyon County's $64,464 median household income runs 15% above Kentucky's state average of $55,909, positioning it among the state's highest-income counties. This advantage reflects Lyon County's prosperity and economic advantages within the commonwealth.

Leading income earner in this county group

Lyon County's $64,464 income surpasses all seven peer counties, significantly outpacing struggling southeastern peers and even exceeding prosperous northern neighbors Logan ($61,535) and Livingston ($59,713). Lyon County has emerged as an economic leader in the region.

Lowest rent-to-income ratio in the group

Lyon County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% is among the best, with housing consuming less than one-sixth of median income. Median home values of $183,600 are well-supported by the $64,464 median income, reflecting a healthy real estate market.

Lyon County can pursue ambitious wealth goals

Households earning $64,464 have capacity to maximize retirement contributions, fund education savings plans, and build diversified investment portfolios with real wealth-building potential. Consider consulting a financial planner about real estate appreciation, business investments, and long-term wealth preservation strategies for retirement and intergenerational transfers.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lyon County

via CrimeByCounty

Lyon County Enjoys High Safety Ratings

With a total crime rate of 470.2 per 100K, Lyon County is five times safer than the national average. It holds a high safety score of 99.3.

Stronger Safety Than State Average

Lyon County's crime rate of 470.2 per 100K is much lower than the Kentucky average of 786.2. Its 99.3 safety score beats the state average of 98.8.

Maintaining Peace in the Region

Lyon County is significantly safer than Logan County, though it reports more incidents than Lee County. Two local agencies actively monitor the area to maintain this secure environment.

Violent Crime Remains Very Low

Violent crime is rare at 45.9 per 100K, while property crime accounts for 424.3. Both figures are small fractions of the national averages of 369.8 and 2,015.7.

Smart Security for Your Home

Visible cameras are a powerful deterrent against property crimes, which make up most local reports. Lyon County stays safe when residents take simple steps to protect their property.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lyon County

via HealthByCounty

Lyon County approaches national health average

Lyon County residents live to 76.0 years on average—just 2.9 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years and substantially ahead of most Kentucky peers. Only one in five residents (20.2%) report poor or fair health, indicating a notably healthier population.

Kentucky's healthiest county profile

At 76.0 years, Lyon County's life expectancy far exceeds Kentucky's state average of 72.2 years by 3.8 years—the highest among all 120 Kentucky counties in this analysis. The county's 20.2% poor/fair health rate represents exceptional performance statewide.

Far outpaces Eastern Kentucky health metrics

Lyon County's 76.0-year life expectancy represents a 6.3-year advantage over Lee County (68.3 years) and 2.2 years over Logan County (73.8 years), despite having moderate provider density at 34 primary care and 54 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. This health success story merits closer study.

Higher uninsured rate amid better outcomes

Interestingly, Lyon County's 8.6% uninsured rate—the highest in the comparison set and above Kentucky's 7.0% average—exists alongside the county's exceptional health outcomes. This suggests strong provider supply (34 primary care per 100K) and health-conscious behaviors compensate for coverage gaps.

Close the coverage gap in your county

Even though Lyon County leads statewide in life expectancy, nearly 1 in 12 residents still lack health insurance. Visit healthcare.gov to explore coverage options and ensure every resident can access the preventive care that keeps your county healthy.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lyon County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Schooling in Lyon County

Lyon County operates five public schools for 998 students within a single unified district. This includes one elementary, one middle, and one high school, alongside two specialized 'other' category schools.

High Graduation and Sustainable Spending

Lyon County achieves a 95.0% graduation rate, beating both the state and national averages. Despite spending $6,174 per pupil—less than the state average—the county maintains a solid school score of 54.4.

The Lyon County Unified District

The Lyon County district serves the entire local student population across its five facilities. There are no charter schools in the county, keeping all 998 students within the local public school system.

Small Rural Schools with Close Ties

All schools in the county are classified as rural, with an average enrollment size of 333 students. Lyon County Elementary is the largest with 457 students, while the Middle School provides a smaller environment with 243 students.

Make Your Home in Lyon County

A high graduation rate and small-town feel make Lyon County an excellent choice for families. Look for homes near the central elementary campus to join this high-achieving rural community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lyon County

via RiskByCounty

Lyon County maintains very low risk

Lyon County's composite risk score of 28.88 is 35% below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, making it one of the state's safest counties for natural disasters. This very low rating reflects minimal overall hazard exposure.

Safer than Kentucky average

Lyon County ranks in the lower-risk tier statewide with a composite score of 28.88, about one-third below the state average of 44.21. The county benefits particularly from very low wildfire (12.75) and flood (18.16) exposure compared to Kentucky norms.

Comparable to regional peers

Lyon County (28.88) ranks slightly higher-risk than Livingston County (27.13) but significantly safer than Logan County (54.64), making it one of the region's lower-risk areas. The county's low wildfire and flood scores provide distinct advantages over many Kentucky counties.

Earthquake and tornado pose risks

Earthquake risk (82.00) and tornado risk (48.03) are Lyon County's most elevated hazards, though the county's overall risk remains very low. Flood risk (18.16) and wildfire risk (12.75) are exceptionally low compared to state averages, while hurricane risk (17.81) remains minimal.

Consider earthquake coverage option

Lyon County's very low composite risk score means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most residents. Given the county's elevated earthquake risk score of 82.00, consider consulting your insurance agent about earthquake coverage options as an additional protective measure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lyon County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical influence and high warmth

Lyon County is exceptionally warm for the region, averaging 60.9°F annually. This temperature is significantly higher than the national median, reflecting a deep subtropical influence.

The group's warmest county

Lyon is the warmest in this group, sitting 4.7 degrees above the Kentucky state average. It also sees 50 extreme heat days, more than double the frequency of most other Kentucky counties.

Hottest in the regional set

Compared to Livingston, Lyon is nearly 4 degrees warmer and sees 12 more extreme heat days. It is the hottest county in this regional set, with July averages topping 80°F.

Extreme summer heat, mild winters

Summer is long and hot, featuring 50 days of 90°F weather and a 79.2°F average. Winters are the mildest in the region, staying well above freezing with a 41.3°F average.

Invest in heavy-duty cooling

This climate demands heavy-duty cooling systems and heat-tolerant landscaping. Prepare for 50 days of extreme heat and ensure outdoor activities are scheduled for early morning or late evening.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lyon County

via SoilByCounty

Western Kentucky Soil Identity

While specific pH data for Lyon County is N/A, the region typically mirrors the state average of 5.80. This level is more acidic than the national 6.5 median, suggesting that most gardeners will benefit from regular soil testing.

Unspecified Soil Texture

Sand, silt, and clay percentages are not currently mapped for Lyon County. Most soils in this part of Kentucky are loess-derived, meaning they likely feature a silty texture that provides good nutrient retention and workability.

Fertility Targets

Organic matter and water capacity data are currently unavailable for this area. To achieve the best results, local growers should aim to build organic matter toward the Kentucky state average of 3.55%.

Hydrology Near the Lakes

Formal drainage classifications are currently not listed for Lyon County. Given the proximity to major water bodies, understanding local groundwater levels is essential for any gardening or building project.

Garden Readiness in Zone 7a

Lyon County is located in Hardiness Zone 7a, which is perfect for a wide variety of vegetables and flowering perennials. The mild winters and long summers make it an excellent place to start your gardening journey.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lyon County

via LawnByCounty

Lyon County’s High-Difficulty Turf

Lyon County presents a significant challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 45.2, falling below both the state (66.3) and national (50.0) benchmarks. Maintaining a green space in this 7a zone requires diligent attention to heat and moisture levels.

Kentucky’s Summer Heat Peak

This county leads the region with 50 extreme heat days per year—20 more than the state average. Although 53.1 inches of rain falls annually, the massive 5,132 growing degree days mean that lawns consume moisture at an accelerated rate.

Prioritize Soil Health Checks

Specific soil data is missing for Lyon County, but the high rainfall suggests a risk of nutrient leaching and potential acidity. Before the season begins, test your soil to ensure it can handle the heavy 53.1 inches of annual precipitation without becoming waterlogged.

Battling Current Dry Spells

The area is currently 100% abnormally dry and suffered through 10 weeks of drought over the past year. To protect your lawn during these stretches, avoid fertilizing in the heat of summer and prioritize deep watering in the early morning hours.

Long Season, High Demands

The spring frost clears early on March 27, and the first fall frost doesn't arrive until November 8. This exceptionally long growing season is perfect for warm-season grasses like Bermuda, which thrive during the county's 50 annual heat days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lyon County's county score?
Lyon County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 63.7 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 Lyon County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Lyon County ranks #36 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 Lyon County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Lyon County is $1,016, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Lyon County a tax score of 80.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lyon County?
The median household income in Lyon County, Kentucky is $64,464 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lyon County earns an income score of 52/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lyon County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Lyon County scores 63.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Lyon 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 Lyon 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.