countyscore
56.8
County Score
Water Quality 86Weather & Climate 63.6Cost of Living 62.1

County Report Card

About Marshall County, Kentucky

Marshall County Bests the National Median

Marshall County earns a composite score of 56.8, positioning it above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a solid baseline for overall community health and infrastructure.

Aligning with the Kentucky Average

Marshall County's 56.8 score is nearly identical to the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It represents the quintessential Kentucky experience, balancing moderate costs with typical local challenges.

Superior Water and Low Tax Burden

A standout water score of 86.0 and a tax score of 61.3 are the county's primary drivers. Residents benefit from a median household income of $63,611 and an effective tax rate of 0.717%.

Concerns Over Risk and School Quality

Environmental risk factors lead to a lower score of 38.1 in that dimension. Additionally, the school score of 44.6 suggests that public education outcomes are trailing behind neighboring counties.

Best for Professionals Seeking Reliability

Marshall County suits established professionals who value high-quality infrastructure like clean water and reasonable taxes. It is a stable community for those who may not have school-aged children.

2040608010061.362.158.155.644.649.838.18663.6Tax61.3Cost62.1Safety58.1Health55.6Schools44.6Income49.8Risk38.1Water86Weather63.656.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average

Marshall County DNA

Foverall

How Marshall County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Marshall County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Schools (44.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
61.3+9.299999999999997
Cost
62.1+14.100000000000001
Safety
58.1
Health
55.6
Schools
44.6-9.399999999999999
Income
49.8
Risk
38.1-8.899999999999999
Water
86+28
Weather
63.6
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$173,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$773/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$173,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $63,611/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

9.5

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

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Marshall County
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Nearby counties

Lyon County
Kentucky
63.7
Livingston County
Kentucky
59
Calloway County
Kentucky
55
Trigg County
Kentucky
60
McCracken County
Kentucky
46.1
Graves County
Kentucky
56
Pope County
Illinois
67.4
Massac County
Illinois
43.2

Deep Dives

Marshall County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Marshall County

via TaxByCounty

Marshall's tax burden trails U.S. median

Marshall County's 0.717% effective tax rate is less than one-quarter the national median property tax bill of $2,690 on a $281,900 home. With a median home value of $173,700, Marshall homeowners enjoy both lower rates and lower-valued properties than national averages.

Marshall slightly below Kentucky average

At 0.717%, Marshall's rate falls just barely below Kentucky's 0.719% state average, placing it near the statewide median. The county's $1,246 median tax bill exceeds Kentucky's $1,093 state median by 14%, reflecting modest home values relative to the state.

Marshall mid-range among regional counties

Marshall County's 0.717% rate sits between lower-tax Mason County (0.634%) and higher-tax Martin County (0.774%), with Madison County (0.739%) and McCracken County (0.734%) nearby. The county occupies a balanced position in a regionally diverse tax landscape.

Median Marshall home costs $1,246 yearly

A typical $173,700 home in Marshall County generates approximately $1,246 in annual property taxes, roughly $104 monthly for owners without mortgages. Mortgage-related add-ons bring the effective bill to $1,376.

Review your assessment for accuracy

Marshall County residents should verify that their assessments align with recent neighborhood sales prices, as overassessment is common statewide. Filing an appeal costs nothing and may uncover significant overpayment opportunities.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Marshall County

via CostByCounty

Marshall avoids the affordability squeeze

Marshall County residents spend just 14.6% of income on rent—the lowest ratio among peer counties and well below Kentucky's 17% average. With a median household income of $63,611 nearing the national $74,755, Marshall combines stronger earnings with controlled housing costs.

Kentucky's affordability leaders

Marshall County ranks among Kentucky's best for housing affordability, with a 14.6% rent-to-income ratio that undercuts the state average by 2.4 percentage points. This efficiency reflects both reasonable rents and above-average household earnings for the state.

Strong income lifts affordability rank

Marshall's $63,611 median income tops all neighbors except Madison ($62,407), paired with $773 rent just above Marion's low of $731. This income strength makes Marshall's housing costs feel lighter than regional peers.

Balanced rent and ownership costs

Marshall renters allocate $773 monthly (14.6% of income) while owners pay $804, both figures consuming similar modest shares of the $63,611 median income. The median home value of $173,700 remains accessible to local wage earners.

Marshall combines income and value

Marshall offers perhaps the best overall package: strong median income ($63,611), low rent burden (14.6%), and a $173,700 median home value that won't stretch you thin. If you want regional stability with affordability, Marshall merits comparison to Madison and Marion.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marshall County

via IncomeByCounty

Marshall leads Kentucky income rankings

Marshall County's median household income of $63,611 sits 15% below the national median of $74,755, but ranks among the highest in Kentucky. Per capita income of $33,532 exceeds the state average of $29,616 by 13%.

Top earner tier statewide

Marshall County ranks in Kentucky's upper tier with median household income of $63,611, topping the state average of $55,909 by $7,702. It competes directly with the state's strongest-earning counties.

Leads region in household earnings

Marshall County's $63,611 income edges out Madison County ($62,407) and McCracken County ($62,385), making it the regional income leader. It substantially outpaces Marion County ($55,404) and Mason County ($51,473) in nearby areas.

Lowest housing burden in region

Marshall County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% is the lowest among regional peers, indicating efficient housing affordability. With median home values at $173,700, homeownership remains accessible for median-income households.

Strong income foundation for investing

Marshall County's above-average earnings position residents well for diversified wealth-building through homeownership, stocks, and retirement accounts. The favorable rent-to-income ratio frees resources for aggressive savings and long-term investment strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Marshall County

via CrimeByCounty

Marshall County is safer than national average

Marshall County earns a high safety score of 98.5 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 965.1 per 100,000 residents is roughly 60% lower than the national rate of 2,385.5. Local residents enjoy a much more secure environment than the typical American community.

Marshall's performance in the Bluegrass State

Marshall County's crime rate of 965.1 is higher than the Kentucky state average of 786.2. Consequently, its safety score of 98.5 is slightly below the state average of 98.8. Three reporting agencies work across the county to manage public safety and respond to incidents.

Analyzing Marshall and its regional neighbors

Marshall County is considerably safer than McCracken County, which reports a crime rate of 1,670.8. However, it sees more activity than Marion County, which maintains a lower rate of 682.7. These figures show Marshall is a relatively safe choice in the western Kentucky region.

Breaking down the crime statistics

Violent crime stands at 100.9 per 100,000, which is higher than the state average of 78.1 but well below the national 369.8. Property crime is the main contributor at 864.2 per 100,000 residents. Most interactions with law enforcement involve property disputes or thefts rather than violence.

Practical steps for a safer home

Property crime makes up the bulk of local reports, so securing your home is essential. Use deadbolts on all exterior doors and consider motion-sensing lights for your driveway. These small investments help protect your assets and maintain the community's overall safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Marshall County

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Foundations in Marshall County

Marshall County supports 4,495 students through a network of 12 public schools. The district is composed of six elementary, two middle, and three high schools, along with one additional specialized facility.

Consistent Performance in Western Kentucky

The county reports a 91.0% graduation rate, outperforming the national benchmark of 87.0%. Per-pupil spending stands at $6,739, supporting a solid educational foundation for the county's youth.

A Single Dedicated School District

The Marshall County school district operates all 12 schools in the county, maintaining a 0% charter school presence. This centralized management ensures that all 4,495 students benefit from shared district resources and alternative school options.

Spacious Campuses and Rural Settings

Ten of the county's 12 schools are located in rural areas, offering a quiet learning environment with an average school size of 409 students. Marshall County High School serves as the primary secondary hub with 1,256 students.

Your Future Starts in Marshall County

Marshall County offers a peaceful rural lifestyle paired with a reliable and high-performing school system. Real estate near these campuses provides families with a stable environment to raise and educate their children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marshall County

via RiskByCounty

Marshall faces above-average disaster exposure

With a composite risk score of 61.93, Marshall County ranks as 'relatively low' but sits above the national average of 50.19. Earthquake risk (92.59) is exceptionally high—among the most significant in the state—making seismic preparedness essential.

Marshall's earthquake risk is statewide standout

Marshall's composite score of 61.93 exceeds Kentucky's state average of 44.21, driven largely by its extraordinary earthquake risk of 92.59. This seismic vulnerability is one of the highest in Kentucky and demands serious mitigation planning.

Marshall stands out for earthquake threat

While Marshall's composite score of 61.93 is moderate among neighbors, its earthquake risk of 92.59 dramatically exceeds nearby McCracken County's 97.55—both among the state's highest. Marshall's tornado exposure (60.78) is comparable to regional peers but far lower than its seismic risk.

Earthquakes pose the dominant threat here

Earthquake risk at 92.59 is Marshall's defining hazard and among Kentucky's highest, warranting retrofit investments and emergency preparedness that most counties never need. Tornado risk (60.78) and flooding (47.26) are secondary but still significant concerns for the region.

Retrofit now for earthquake resilience

With earthquake risk at 92.59, secure your home's foundation, brace water heaters, and bolt heavy furniture to walls—measures that pay dividends when seismic activity strikes. Standard homeowner's insurance doesn't cover earthquake damage; obtain a separate earthquake policy and ensure your policy limits align with replacement costs.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Marshall County

via WaterByCounty

Marshall County Achieves Perfect Compliance Score

Marshall County maintains an A grade with zero health violations recorded over the past five years. This perfect record stands in sharp contrast to the state average of 35.7 violations per 100K residents. Local utilities are successfully meeting all Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.

Assessed Waters Meet All Federal Standards

All 5 water bodies assessed during the 2022 cycle meet Clean Water Act standards, resulting in a 0% impairment rate. This matches the state's average for assessed waters and suggests healthy local ecosystems. These results indicate that local runoff and land use are not currently degrading assessed streams.

Consistent Monitoring of Inorganic and Metal Levels

Three monitoring sites have captured 378 measurements over the last five years, providing a steady stream of data. These records focus on inorganic and metal concentrations to ensure environmental safety. This footprint offers a baseline for identifying any emerging contaminants in the watershed.

Local Streamflow Remains Unmonitored by USGS

No primary USGS streamgages are currently active in Marshall County to provide live discharge data. This leaves a data gap regarding real-time river volumes, forcing a heavier reliance on groundwater and utility reports. Residents lack immediate insight into how local droughts affect surface water levels.

Support Infrastructure to Maintain High Standards

Residents enjoy high-quality drinking water and a healthy watershed, so no immediate corrective actions are necessary. Maintaining the current zero-violation status depends on continued support for local infrastructure and watershed protection. Protecting this high-performing system is essential for the county's long-term health.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Marshall County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer and Wetter Than National Norms

Marshall County averages a warm 59.1°F annually, placing it significantly higher than the national median temperature. This region is characterized by high humidity and heavy rainfall totaling 55.8 inches per year.

One of Kentucky's Warmest Counties

At 59.1°F, Marshall County is nearly three degrees warmer than the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. It ranks as one of the warmest locations in the Commonwealth due to its western position.

A Leader in Regional Heat

Marshall is warmer than McCracken County to the west and Meade County to the east. Its 51 extreme heat days far outpace the state norm, marking it as a regional hotspot.

Intense Heat Without the Snow

July averages nearly 80°F, and the county endures 51 days each year where temperatures top 90°F. While specific snowfall data is limited, winter averages remain mild at 38.7°F.

Invest in High-Efficiency Cooling

The primary climate challenge here is managing nearly two months of extreme summer heat. Residents should prioritize air conditioning maintenance and stay hydrated during the humid summer peak.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Marshall County

via SoilByCounty

Western Kentucky Soil Potential

Marshall County's specific soil scores and pH levels are not currently mapped in the central database. While we lack a local average, most Kentucky soils trend more acidic than the national median of 6.5.

The Texture of the Jackson Purchase

Mapped data for sand, silt, and clay percentages is currently unavailable for this county. Local landscapes near the Tennessee River typically feature a mix of loess-derived silts and alluvial deposits.

Cultivating Fertile River Lands

Although organic matter and water capacity figures are unrecorded, the region's agricultural history remains strong. Growers should aim to meet or exceed the state organic matter average of 3.55% through consistent mulching.

Navigating Local Water Levels

The database does not list a dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for the county. Proper site assessment is critical for gardeners to identify areas where water might pool during the rainy season.

Start Growing in Zone 7a

Marshall County enjoys the mild climate of Hardiness Zone 7a, perfect for fruit trees and early spring greens. Don't let the lack of data stop you from testing your own soil and starting a garden today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marshall County

via LawnByCounty

Marshall County's Lawn Challenges

A lawn difficulty score of 45.4 indicates a challenging environment that falls below both the Kentucky average (66.3) and the national median. Homeowners in zone 7a will need a more intensive management strategy to keep turf healthy.

Intense Heat and High Growth

With 51 extreme heat days—far exceeding the state average of 30—lawns here face significant summer stress. Heavy precipitation of 55.8 inches combined with 4,786 growing degree days means your mowing schedule will be very active.

Building a Better Soil Base

While specific county soil metrics are limited, the heavy rainfall suggests a need for well-draining soil structures. Aim for a target pH of 6.0-7.0 through regular testing and local amendments.

Managing Dryness and High Evaporation

Currently, 100% of the county is considered abnormally dry, following 11 weeks of drought over the last year. These dry spells, paired with high heat, make consistent irrigation a necessity for maintaining green space.

Heat-Tolerant Choices for Marshall

Bermuda grass and tall fescue are essential to withstand the 51 days of extreme heat typical in this area. Start your lawn projects early in the spring, as the last frost usually occurs by March 30.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marshall County's county score?
Marshall County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 56.8 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 Marshall County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Marshall County ranks #76 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 Marshall County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Marshall County is $1,246, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Marshall County a tax score of 61.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marshall County?
The median household income in Marshall County, Kentucky is $63,611 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marshall County earns an income score of 49.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marshall County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Marshall County scores 56.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #76 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Marshall 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 Marshall County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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