countyscore
51.8
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 74.4Lawn Care 74.4

County Report Card

About Mason County, Kentucky

Mason County Matches National Expectations

Mason County scores a 51.8, placing it slightly above the national median of 50.0. It provides a baseline quality of life that is consistent with the broader United States experience.

Trailing the Kentucky State Average

While competitive nationally, Mason County's 51.8 score falls short of the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It struggles to compete with top-tier Kentucky counties in safety and income metrics.

Excellent Water and Low Taxes

The county shines with a water score of 86.0 and a tax score of 70.4. An effective tax rate of just 0.634% makes this an attractive spot for homeowners protecting their wealth.

Safety and Income Concerns

Safety is the county's most significant hurdle, with a score of 27.9. Low local income scores of 17.6 also suggest a need for more high-paying job opportunities in the area.

A Choice for Value-Seeking Homeowners

Mason County is a solid fit for those who prioritize low property taxes and high-quality infrastructure. It appeals to residents who can manage their own security needs while enjoying affordable housing.

Score breakdown

Tax70.4Cost74.4Safety27.9Health35.3Schools52.1Income17.6Risk60.8Water86Weather59.9
🏛70.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼17.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡27.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤35.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡60.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨64
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱74.4
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

Mason County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Mason County

via TaxByCounty

Mason's rate ranks among nation's lowest

Mason County's 0.634% effective tax rate is less than one-quarter the national median tax bill of $2,690 on a $281,900 home, making it exceptionally tax-friendly by national standards. With a median home value of $157,500, Mason combines low rates with modest property values.

Mason lowest-rate county in Kentucky group

At 0.634%, Mason County boasts the lowest effective tax rate of any county in this analysis, falling 12% below Kentucky's 0.719% state average. The $998 median tax bill runs 9% above the state median of $1,093 despite the lowest tax rate.

Mason lowest by far among peers

Mason County's 0.634% rate decisively undercuts all regional neighbors: Marion County (0.708%), Magoffin County (0.728%), Marshall County (0.717%), Madison County (0.739%), McCracken County (0.734%), and Martin County (0.774%). Mason is the region's tax haven.

Median Mason home costs $998 annually

A typical $157,500 home in Mason County generates approximately $998 in yearly property taxes, or about $83 monthly for owners without mortgages. Mortgage-inclusive assessments bring the total to roughly $1,241.

Even Mason County has overpayment risk

Mason County's low rates don't guarantee fair assessments; homeowners still face potential overvaluation relative to recent market comparables. A simple appeal with the county assessor can verify whether your property is correctly valued and recover any overpayment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mason County

via CostByCounty

Mason matches Kentucky's housing burden

Mason County residents spend 16.9% of income on rent, matching nearly exactly Kentucky's 17.0% state average while earning $51,473—well below the national median of $74,755. This alignment suggests Mason follows typical state housing pressures.

Square with Kentucky's average

Mason County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio sits virtually at Kentucky's 17.0% state average, placing it in the middle tier of county affordability. The $724 median rent slightly exceeds Kentucky's $771 median, offset by below-average household income.

Mid-range costs, mid-range income

Mason's $51,473 median income ranks lower than Marshall ($63,611) or Madison ($62,407) but exceeds Martin ($46,185) and Magoffin ($33,632). The $724 rent reflects this middle position within the region.

Rent and ownership near parity

Mason renters spend $724 monthly (16.9% of income) while owners pay $712, both amounts consuming similar budget shares from the $51,473 median household income. The median home value of $157,500 requires meaningful savings but remains within reach for working families.

Mason offers typical Kentucky value

Mason provides a straightforward regional option without extreme affordability or cost premiums, but also without standout advantages over Marion or Marshall. If you're scanning the region, Marion ($731 rent, 15.8% ratio) edges Mason on pure affordability metrics.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Mason County

via IncomeByCounty

Mason falls short of national median income

Mason County's median household income of $51,473 trails the national median of $74,755 by 31%, typical of rural Kentucky communities. Per capita income of $33,031 exceeds the state average of $29,616 by 11%, showing concentrated earning potential.

Below-average but respectable statewide

Mason County's median household income of $51,473 falls $4,436 below Kentucky's state average of $55,909, placing it in the lower-middle tier. The county shows moderate economic capacity relative to state norms.

Mid-range performer regionally

Mason County's $51,473 income ranks ahead of Martin County ($46,185) and below Marion County ($55,404) and Marshall County ($63,611) in central Kentucky. It reflects average conditions for smaller counties in the region.

Housing costs edge toward stress threshold

Mason County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% approaches the federal affordability concern zone, indicating modest housing pressure. With median home values at $157,500, homeownership becomes feasible but requires careful household budgeting.

Balanced budget enables gradual wealth building

Mason County households should prioritize reducing housing-cost burden and establish consistent savings habits to build equity. Local residents can leverage stable homeownership costs to invest in retirement and education—keys to long-term prosperity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Mason County

via CrimeByCounty

Mason County maintains safer national profile

Mason County reports 1,740.1 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is better than the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 97.3 out of 100. Despite local challenges, the area remains safer than many urban centers across the U.S.

Comparing Mason to the state average

Mason County’s crime rate of 1,740.1 is more than double the Kentucky state average of 786.2. Its safety score of 97.3 is lower than the statewide benchmark of 98.8. Two reporting agencies monitor and respond to activity within the county borders.

Mason vs. other Kentucky counties

Mason County has a higher crime rate than nearby Madison County, which sits at 1,454.5. It also shows more activity than McCracken County’s 1,670.8. This suggests Mason faces more public safety demands than many of its counterparts in the region.

Property crime drives the local rate

Property crime is the primary concern in Mason County, occurring at a rate of 1,599.5 per 100,000. Violent crime is less frequent at 140.6, though this is higher than the Kentucky state average of 78.1. Most local law enforcement activity centers on theft and property-related incidents.

Protecting your home and property

Since property crime is the most common issue, home security should be a priority. Installing a security system or video doorbell can provide peace of mind and deter potential thieves. Simple steps like keeping porch lights on at night help enhance the safety of the whole street.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Mason County

via HealthByCounty

Mason County matches national average

At 72.2 years, Mason County's life expectancy equals Kentucky's state average but falls slightly below the U.S. average of 72.3 years. Nearly 1 in 4 residents (24.5%) report poor or fair health, above the national average of 17.9%, indicating a population managing significant chronic disease.

Exactly average for Kentucky

Mason County's 72.2-year life expectancy matches Kentucky's state average precisely, placing it at the median for the state. The 24.5% poor/fair health rate is above Kentucky's statewide average, suggesting Mason residents live to an average age but with more chronic disease burden.

Middle performer, mental health leader

Mason County's 72.2-year life expectancy sits in the middle of its peer group—above Magoffin and Martin but below Marshall and Madison. What sets Mason apart dramatically is mental health resources: 493 providers per 100,000 residents—far exceeding any neighboring county and among the highest statewide.

Adequate coverage with exceptional mental health care

Mason County's 7.3% uninsured rate is slightly above Kentucky's 7.0%, but coverage access is reasonable. The county's standout strength is mental health: 493 providers per 100,000 residents means residents facing depression, anxiety, or substance use disorder have abundant access to care—a rare advantage in rural Kentucky.

Leverage your mental health advantage

Mason County's exceptional mental health provider network is a community asset—use it. Visit kynect.ky.gov to ensure you're covered, then don't hesitate to seek mental health services; Mason residents have easier access to therapists and psychiatrists than most of Kentucky.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Mason County

via SchoolsByCounty

Efficient Education in Mason County

Mason County manages five public schools that cater to 2,608 students within a single school district. The landscape features two elementary, one middle, and two high schools to support the local community.

Solid Graduation and Spending Metrics

The graduation rate stands at 92.0%, comfortably ahead of the national 87.0% average. Per-pupil expenditure is $6,950, which is slightly higher than the Kentucky state average of $6,894.

Focusing on Traditional Public Excellence

The Mason County school district oversees all 2,608 students, with no charter schools operating in the area. This centralization allows the district to maintain a high average school size of 652 students.

Town-Based Learning Environments

Three of the five schools are located in town settings, making them central hubs for student life. Mason County High School is the largest campus with 841 students, followed closely by Charles Straub Elementary.

Find a Home in a Historic School Town

Mason County's blend of town-centered schools and respectable academic metrics makes it a top choice for regional families. Invest in a home near these campuses to provide your children with a stable and high-achieving environment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mason County

via RiskByCounty

Mason is well below national disaster risk

Mason County's composite risk score of 39.19 places it in the 'very low' category, substantially below the national average of 50.19. Wildfire risk is exceptionally minimal at 6.55—among the lowest in the nation—making Mason one of Kentucky's safest overall counties.

Mason ranks among Kentucky's safest counties

Mason's composite score of 39.19 falls below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, positioning it as one of the commonwealth's lower-risk areas. The county's negligible wildfire risk of 6.55 is a standout—the lowest among its regional peers.

Mason is safer than Madison but comparable to Marion

Mason's score of 39.19 closely mirrors nearby Marion County (30.22) while being substantially lower than Madison County (74.84). Both Mason and Marion offer residents well-below-average disaster risk, making them among the state's most favorable locations.

Tornadoes and flooding pose modest concerns

Tornado risk at 57.86 is Mason's highest hazard, though it remains below state averages for that threat. Flooding (56.17) is a secondary concern during seasonal wet periods, while wildfire exposure is negligible.

Maintain basic tornado and flood preparedness

Despite low overall risk, ensure you have a tornado safe room or basement shelter for severe weather season and keep gutters clear to manage seasonal drainage. Standard homeowner's insurance adequately covers tornado damage, but consider flood coverage if you're in a mapped floodplain.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Mason County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Midwestern Influence on the River

Mason County's 54.7°F annual average reflects its northern position along the Ohio River. This makes it slightly cooler than the national median temperature for mid-latitude counties.

Among Kentucky's Cooler Northern Counties

The county is significantly cooler than the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. Its northern latitude leads to shorter summers and more pronounced winter chill.

Cooler and Drier than the South

Mason County is roughly four degrees cooler on average than western Marshall County. Its 48.3 inches of rain also falls below the state average of 50.6 inches.

Crisp Winters and Moderate Heat

January is cold with an average of 32.0°F, while July stays relatively mild at 75.9°F. The county sees only 26 extreme heat days, far fewer than the southern parts of the state.

Prepare for Freezing River Winds

Residents should prioritize winter weatherization given that average January temperatures hover at the freezing mark. Reliable heating and moisture control for the 48 inches of rain are essential for home maintenance.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Mason County

via SoilByCounty

Mason County's Balanced Soil Profile

Mason County earns a strong soil score of 64.0, outperforming the state average of 56.2. Its average pH of 6.19 is the highest in this group, sitting very close to the national median of 6.5.

Silt-Heavy Soils for Farming

A high silt content of 59.0% gives these soils a smooth, workable texture. This is balanced by 21.7% clay and 19.3% sand, a mix that provides excellent structure and nutrient retention for various crops.

Solid Moisture and Nutrient Foundation

Organic matter stands at 2.34%, which beats the national average of 2.0% but is lower than the Kentucky average. The available water capacity is high at 0.194 in/in, ensuring better-than-average hydration for local plants.

Reliable Performance for Growers

While specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are unmapped, the soil score suggests a very productive landscape. The balanced silt and clay levels provide a stable foundation for both agriculture and construction.

Harvesting in Zone 6b

Mason County is in Hardiness Zone 6b, which is slightly cooler than its southern neighbors. The healthy pH level makes this an ideal spot to grow a wide range of vegetables, from brassicas to beans.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Mason County

via LawnByCounty

Lawn Success in Zone 6b

Mason County's lawn difficulty score of 74.4 makes it one of the better locations for turf in the state. As the only county in this group in hardiness zone 6b, it offers unique advantages for cool-season grass varieties.

Perfect Precipitation and Moderate Heat

Annual precipitation of 48.3 inches is nearly perfect for healthy grass, falling right in the 30-50 inch ideal window. With only 26 extreme heat days, your lawn faces less summer burn than the state average of 30.

Ideally Balanced Mason Soils

The soil pH of 6.19 is almost perfect, falling within the recommended 6.0-7.0 range for nutrient uptake. A balanced texture of 21.7% clay and 19.3% sand provides an excellent mix of drainage and moisture retention.

Consistent Moisture for Greener Lawns

The county is currently at 0% drought status and has seen only 4 weeks of drought over the past year. This reliable moisture makes it easy to maintain a lush lawn without heavy reliance on automated sprinklers.

Time to Plant in Mason County

Kentucky bluegrass is the gold standard for zone 6b and should thrive in these soil conditions. Begin your seeding once the danger of frost passes, which is usually after April 18.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mason County's county score?
Mason County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 51.8 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 Mason County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Mason County ranks #93 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 Mason County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Mason County is $998, with an effective tax rate of 0.63%. This earns Mason County a tax score of 70.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mason County?
The median household income in Mason County, Kentucky is $51,473 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mason County earns an income score of 17.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mason County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Mason County scores 51.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #93 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Mason 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 Mason 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.