countyscore
46.1
County Score
Water Quality 86Weather & Climate 63.1Property Tax 59.4

County Report Card

About McCracken County, Kentucky

McCracken County Below National Median

With a composite score of 46.1, McCracken County ranks below the national median of 50.0. This lower score is primarily driven by environmental risks and safety concerns that outweigh its infrastructure strengths.

Ranking Behind the Kentucky Average

McCracken County's 46.1 score is well below the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It faces tougher challenges than many of its neighbors, particularly regarding natural disasters and crime.

Clean Water and Reliable Infrastructure

The county's brightest spot is its water score of 86.0, indicating high-quality public utilities. It also maintains a decent tax score of 59.4, supporting a median household income of $62,385.

High Risk and Safety Challenges

The county faces a very low risk score of 10.3, indicating high vulnerability to natural hazards. Safety also presents a concern with a score of 29.8, the second-lowest dimension for the area.

Best for High-Income Urbanites

McCracken County suits individuals who prioritize higher-than-average Kentucky incomes and urban-style infrastructure. Residents here must be comfortable managing higher environmental risks in exchange for clean water.

Score breakdown

Tax59.4Cost48Safety29.8Health47.5Schools48.9Income46.1Risk10.3Water86Weather63.1
🏛59.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠48
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼46.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡29.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤47.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡10.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱53.3
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

McCracken County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in McCracken County

via TaxByCounty

McCracken's rate trails national average

McCracken County's 0.734% effective tax rate is less than one-third the national median tax bill of $2,690 on a $281,900 home. With a median home value of $182,900, McCracken offers moderate property values in the region and substantially lower taxes than national norms.

McCracken slightly above Kentucky average

At 0.734%, McCracken's effective rate exceeds Kentucky's 0.719% state average by about 2%, placing it slightly above the statewide norm. The county's median tax of $1,342 runs 23% above Kentucky's $1,093 state median, reflecting higher home values.

McCracken mid-range in regional context

McCracken County's 0.734% rate clusters with Madison County (0.739%) and McCreary County (0.734%), sitting above Marion County (0.708%) and Marshall County (0.717%) but below Martin County (0.774%). The county represents a balanced middle ground regionally.

Median McCracken home pays $1,342 yearly

A typical $182,900 home in McCracken County incurs approximately $1,342 in annual property taxes, or about $112 monthly for owners without mortgages. Mortgage-related assessments push the average bill to $1,476.

McCracken homeowners can appeal assessments

Many McCracken County residents carry assessments above what comparable homes sold for recently, representing potential overpayment. Filing a no-cost appeal with the county assessor can identify overvaluation and unlock tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in McCracken County

via CostByCounty

McCracken rents stress middle-class budgets

McCracken County residents spend 16.6% of income on rent—just below Kentucky's 17% average but above many peer counties—while earning $62,385 close to but still below the national $74,755. The $861 monthly rent is the region's highest, reflecting more competitive local housing.

Slightly above average housing burden

McCracken's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio edges above Kentucky's 17.0% state average, while its $861 median rent exceeds the state median of $771 by $90. This combination signals McCracken's housing is pricier relative to state norms.

Region's priciest rental market

McCracken's $861 median rent tops all neighbors—Madison ($851), Marshall ($773), Marion ($731), Mason ($724), and Martin ($441)—reflecting its larger urban center (Paducah) and stronger regional demand. Only Madison approaches these rent levels.

Ownership costs rival high rents

McCracken renters pay $861 monthly (16.6% of income) while owners spend nearly identical $851, both sums reflecting a competitive housing market. The median home value of $182,900 positions homeownership as a modest step up from renting but still substantial for a $62,385 household.

McCracken offers amenities at a price

McCracken's higher costs reflect a more developed regional economy (Paducah), so compare the $861 rent against job opportunities and services before deciding. If rural affordability matters more than urban access, Marion ($731) or Marshall ($773) offer better value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in McCracken County

via IncomeByCounty

McCracken rivals top-earning Kentucky counties

McCracken County's median household income of $62,385 sits 17% below the national median of $74,755, but ranks among Kentucky's strongest earners. Per capita income of $38,598 exceeds the state average of $29,616 by 30%, the highest per capita of the eight counties.

Top-tier income performer statewide

McCracken County's median household income of $62,385 tops the state average of $55,909 by $6,476, placing it firmly in Kentucky's upper-earning tier. The county's strong per capita income signals robust wage distribution.

Western Kentucky economic anchor

McCracken County's $62,385 household income nearly matches Madison County ($62,407) and trails only Marshall County ($63,611), making it a regional economic powerhouse. It substantially outpaces Marion County ($55,404) and Mason County ($51,473) in the same areas.

Housing costs moderate despite higher values

McCracken County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% remains healthy, despite median home values of $182,900—the highest among the eight counties. Households enjoy strong purchasing power relative to housing supply.

High per capita income fuels investing opportunity

McCracken County's exceptional per capita income of $38,598 enables aggressive wealth-building through diversified investments and homeownership. Residents should maximize retirement accounts and explore real estate appreciation opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in McCracken County

via CrimeByCounty

McCracken County is safer than U.S. average

McCracken County reports a total crime rate of 1,670.8 per 100,000 people, well below the national average of 2,385.5. This gives the county a safety score of 97.4 out of 100. Residents live in a community that is statistically more secure than much of the country.

McCracken's standing within Kentucky

The county's crime rate of 1,670.8 is higher than the Kentucky state average of 786.2. While the state average safety score is 98.8, McCracken follows closely behind at 97.4. Four reporting agencies coordinate to manage public safety across the county's various jurisdictions.

Local comparisons for McCracken residents

McCracken County has a higher crime rate than neighboring Marshall County, which reports 965.1. However, it is slightly more secure than Mason County, where the rate is 1,740.1. As a regional hub, McCracken sees more activity than its more rural neighbors.

Understanding the violent and property split

Property crime is the most frequent issue, with a rate of 1,506.5 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime occurs at a rate of 164.3, which is higher than the state average of 78.1 but less than half the national average of 369.8. Residents are most likely to encounter property-related offenses if they experience crime at all.

Securing your home in McCracken County

Because property crime is the main driver of local statistics, home defense is key. Ensure all windows and doors have sturdy locks and consider adding a smart security camera. These proactive measures help keep your family safe and support lower community crime rates.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in McCracken County

via HealthByCounty

McCracken County exceeds national standards

McCracken County residents live to 73.8 years on average—1.5 years longer than the U.S. average of 72.3 years. With 22.0% reporting poor or fair health—above but closer to the national average of 17.9%—McCracken demonstrates solid overall health outcomes.

Outperforms Kentucky average

McCracken County's 73.8-year life expectancy exceeds Kentucky's 72.2-year state average by 1.6 years, placing it among the state's healthier counties. The 22.0% poor/fair health rate is better than Kentucky's statewide average, consistent with its above-average ranking.

Urban advantage with strong resources

McCracken County's 73.8-year life expectancy matches Madison County and trails only Marshall, reflecting its position as a regional health hub. The real differentiator is provider density: 101 primary care providers and 320 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—double or triple most rural peer counties—thanks to Paducah's medical infrastructure.

Best-resourced county in peer group

McCracken County's 6.6% uninsured rate beats Kentucky's 7.0% average, and with 101 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the highest in this group—most people have convenient access to doctors. The 320 mental health providers per 100K also provide abundant mental health options compared to rural alternatives.

Use your healthcare advantage well

McCracken County residents have rare access to providers and competitive insurance rates—lock in coverage now at kynect.ky.gov. Don't delay preventive care or mental health services; your access to doctors is better than most Kentucky counties, so take advantage of it for routine checkups and early intervention.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in McCracken County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse and Large Educational Network

McCracken County is home to 22 public schools serving 10,087 students across three different districts. The infrastructure includes 10 elementary, four middle, and three high schools, plus five specialized campuses.

Stable Performance in a Large System

The county maintains a 91.2% graduation rate, exceeding the national average by over four points. Per-pupil expenditure is $6,991, supporting a broad range of programs across the diverse district landscape.

A Multi-District Educational Structure

The McCracken County district serves 6,968 students, while Paducah Independent manages 3,119. There are no charter schools in the county, though three alternative schools provide specialized support for students.

Large Campuses in an Active Town Locale

With 17 schools located in town settings, the area has a bustling, centralized feel. McCracken County High School is one of the state's largest with 1,999 students, significantly higher than the county average of 504.

Join a Community That Values Education

McCracken County offers diverse housing options near some of the region's largest and most established schools. Families often move here to take advantage of the variety of programs offered by the Paducah and McCracken County districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in McCracken County

via RiskByCounty

McCracken faces the state's highest disaster risk

McCracken County's composite risk score of 89.66 ranks it as 'relatively moderate'—significantly above the national average of 50.19 and the highest among Kentucky's eight most at-risk counties. Earthquake risk at 97.55 is among the nation's most severe, placing McCracken in an extraordinarily precarious seismic position.

McCracken is Kentucky's riskiest county overall

McCracken's composite score of 89.66 far exceeds Kentucky's state average of 44.21 by more than double, making it the riskiest county in the commonwealth. Its earthquake risk of 97.55 is the highest statewide, combined with elevated tornado (85.72) and flood risks (80.41).

McCracken vastly exceeds regional peers

McCracken's score of 89.66 dwarfs all other regional counties, with even the next-riskiest neighbor, Madison (74.84), scoring 15 points lower. McCracken's earthquake risk of 97.55 stands alone—unmatched in severity by any comparable county.

Earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods converge here

McCracken faces a dangerous triad: earthquake risk at 97.55 (nearly catastrophic), tornado risk at 85.72, and flooding at 80.41. No other Kentucky county combines such severe multi-hazard exposure, making comprehensive preparedness and mitigation essential for every resident.

Invest urgently in earthquake and flood resilience

Foundation bolting, water heater bracing, and furniture anchoring are non-negotiable with earthquake risk at 97.55—engage a certified seismic retrofit specialist immediately. Obtain separate earthquake and flood insurance policies with adequate limits, maintain a secure tornado shelter, and complete a household disaster plan tailored to multi-hazard threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in McCracken County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Sunny Western Kentucky

McCracken County is warmer than the national median, with an average annual temperature of 58.5°F. It sits in a high-precipitation zone that receives 50.5 inches of rain annually.

Exceeding the State Temperature Norm

The county is over two degrees warmer than the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. Its location near the confluence of major rivers contributes to its humid and warm climate profile.

Similar to Its Western Peers

McCracken mirrors the warmth of neighboring Marshall County, though it is slightly cooler. It experiences significantly more extreme heat days than eastern counties like McCreary.

Sweltering Summers and Light Snow

July is hot with an average of 79.3°F and 47 days of extreme heat above 90°F. Winters are mild compared to the rest of the state, with only 8.9 inches of annual snowfall.

Manage the Summer Heat Stress

With nearly 50 days of extreme heat, high-capacity cooling systems are a necessity. Residents should also prepare for high humidity which can make the 79°F July average feel much warmer.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in McCracken County

via SoilByCounty

The Mystery of McCracken Soils

Specific soil scores and pH levels for McCracken County are not available in current mapped records. Generally, this region's soils differ from the national median pH of 6.5 due to local geological influences.

Alluvial Influences near the River

The percentages of sand, silt, and clay are not currently listed for the county's dominant soil types. Located at the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers, the land likely features a complex mix of river-deposited sediments.

Productivity in the Jackson Purchase

Organic matter and available water capacity data are currently unrecorded for this area. Local growers can still thrive by aiming for the state organic matter average of 3.55% through soil amendments.

Water Management near the Delta

There is no dominant drainage class or hydrologic group listed in the current dataset. Given the proximity to major rivers, understanding local floodplains and runoff is essential for any land use project.

Gardening Success in Zone 7a

McCracken County is in Hardiness Zone 7a, offering a generous window for warm-weather crops like sweet potatoes. Take advantage of the mild climate and start your growing journey this spring.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in McCracken County

via LawnByCounty

Managing the McCracken Landscape

McCracken County has a lawn difficulty score of 53.3, which is below the Kentucky average of 66.3. While still slightly easier than the national median, homeowners in zone 7a face specific local challenges.

High Heat Impacts Your Mowing

The area experiences 47 extreme heat days annually, significantly higher than the state average of 30. Despite 50.5 inches of annual rain, the high heat increases evaporation rates, making summer watering critical.

Optimizing Soil for Summer Stress

While county-wide soil data is limited, the high heat suggests a need for organic matter to improve water holding capacity. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 to ensure your grass can survive the intense summer growth.

Preparing for Abnormally Dry Conditions

Currently, 100% of McCracken County is abnormally dry, following 9 weeks of drought over the past year. Deep watering early in the morning is essential to combat the current moisture deficit and high heat.

Resilient Grasses for Hot Summers

Heat-tolerant grasses like tall fescue or Bermuda grass are the best fit for these 47 extreme heat days. With the last spring frost typically occurring around April 5, you can start your lawn projects earlier than many neighbors.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is McCracken County's county score?
McCracken County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 46.1 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 McCracken County rank among counties in Kentucky?
McCracken County ranks #112 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 McCracken County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in McCracken County is $1,342, with an effective tax rate of 0.73%. This earns McCracken County a tax score of 59.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in McCracken County?
The median household income in McCracken County, Kentucky is $62,385 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. McCracken County earns an income score of 46.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is McCracken County, Kentucky a good place to live?
McCracken County scores 46.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #112 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate McCracken 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 McCracken County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.