CountyScore

McCreary County

Kentucky · KY

#54 in Kentucky
71.2
County Score

County Report Card

About McCreary County, Kentucky

McCreary County ranks nationally competitive

McCreary County's composite score of 77.0 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 54%, placing it among the nation's more livable counties. This exceptional ranking reflects outstanding affordability and tax advantages.

Above-average performer in Kentucky

McCreary County ranks notably above Kentucky's state average composite score of 75.0 by 2 points, establishing it as a strong performer among the commonwealth's counties. This distinction indicates better-than-typical livability statewide.

Exceptional housing affordability drives performance

McCreary County leads with a cost score of 90.9, featuring median home values of just $77,000 and rents of only $588 monthly. Combined with a tax score of 81.6 and 0.734% effective rate, this creates extraordinary affordability for budget-conscious residents.

Income levels critically low locally

McCreary County's income score of 7.8 reflects a median household income of only $37,355, among the state's weakest earning potential. The limited local economy presents significant challenges for wage-dependent households seeking economic advancement.

McCreary suits remote and independent workers

McCreary County is ideal for remote workers, retirees, and those with non-local income sources who seek maximum affordability and minimal expenses. Its extraordinary housing costs make it unbeatable for households not dependent on local wage employment.

Score breakdown

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

Tax81.6Cost90.9SafetyComing SoonHealth54.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome7.8Risk74.7WaterComing Soon
🏛81.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠90.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼7.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤54.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡74.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare McCreary County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Alamosa County
Colorado
71.2
Median income: $51,445
Grand County
Colorado
71.2
Median income: $84,558
Bingham County
Idaho
71.2
Median income: $76,842
Hamilton County
Illinois
71.2
Median income: $61,520
Hancock County
Indiana
71.2
Median income: $91,326

Deep Dives

McCreary County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in McCreary County

via TaxByCounty

McCreary's rate far below national median

McCreary County's 0.734% effective tax rate is less than one-quarter the national median property tax bill of $2,690 on a $281,900 home. With the lowest median home value in this analysis at $77,000, McCreary homeowners face minimal tax burdens by any national measure.

McCreary matches state average rate

At 0.734%, McCreary's effective rate slightly exceeds Kentucky's 0.719% state average, placing it near the statewide median. The $565 median tax bill represents the lowest in this county group—49% below Kentucky's $1,093 state median, driven by exceptionally low property values.

McCreary low-tax but similar to peers

McCreary's 0.734% rate matches McCracken County exactly and sits between lower-tax Mason County (0.634%) and higher-tax Marion County (0.708%). The county's extremely low median home value of $77,000 keeps absolute tax bills modest despite moderate tax rates.

Median McCreary home costs $565 yearly

A typical $77,000 home in McCreary County generates approximately $565 in annual property taxes, translating to just $47 monthly for owners without mortgages. Mortgage-inclusive assessments bring the bill to an average of $800.

Appeals matter for all homeowners

Even in economically challenged McCreary County, assessments sometimes exceed market reality, particularly for lower-valued properties. A free appeal with the county assessor can verify fair value and potentially recover overpayment, regardless of home price.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in McCreary County

via CostByCounty

McCreary confronts real affordability strain

McCreary County residents spend 18.9% of income on rent—well above Kentucky's 17% average and edging toward the national affordability crisis threshold. The median household income of $37,355 creates genuine hardship despite bargain $588 monthly rents.

Above-average housing burden

McCreary's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Kentucky's 17.0% state average by nearly 2 percentage points, placing it in the stressed tier of county affordability. This burden reflects very low household income relative to even modest regional rents.

Second-lowest income in region

McCreary's $37,355 median income ranks second-lowest after Magoffin ($33,632), making housing costs proportionally heavier despite $588 rent being moderate for the area. The income constraint, not housing prices, drives affordability stress.

Low rents can't offset low income

McCreary renters spend $588 monthly (18.9% of income) while owners manage better at $472, but both situations strain a $37,355 median household budget. The median home value of $77,000 is lowest in the region but still difficult for jobless or underemployed families.

McCreary: cheap housing, limited jobs

McCreary's $588 rent and $77,000 median home price are among the region's lowest, but the $37,355 median income signals economic struggle. Unless you have external income (remote work, pensions), compare job prospects in Martin ($46,185) or Magoffin ($33,632) before settling.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in McCreary County

via IncomeByCounty

McCreary faces steep national income gap

McCreary County's median household income of $37,355 trails the national median of $74,755 by 50%, among Kentucky's most economically challenged counties. Per capita income of just $16,972 runs 43% below the state average of $29,616, the lowest of the eight counties.

Ranked among Kentucky's lowest earners

McCreary County's median household income of $37,355 falls $18,554 below Kentucky's state average of $55,909, placing it near the bottom statewide. The county faces severe structural economic pressures.

Eastern Kentucky economic distress zone

McCreary County's $37,355 income exceeds only Magoffin County ($33,632) among the eight counties, indicating concentrated hardship in eastern Kentucky. It substantially trails Martin County ($46,185), Marion County ($55,404), and all other regional peers.

Housing costs consume significant income share

McCreary County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.9% is the second-highest among the eight counties, indicating housing stress despite low median home values of $77,000. Renters face particular budget pressure in this low-income community.

Education and skills unlock earnings potential

McCreary County residents benefit from the state's most affordable housing, with median values of $77,000, creating homeownership opportunity despite lower incomes. Pursuing vocational training, education, and remote work opportunities can significantly expand earning potential and long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in McCreary County

via HealthByCounty

McCreary County's health emergency

Life expectancy in McCreary County is just 69.6 years—nearly 3 years below the U.S. average of 72.3 years. An alarming 30.7% of residents report poor or fair health—nearly double the national average of 17.9%—while 8.0% lack health insurance entirely, the highest uninsured rate in this county group.

Kentucky's most challenged county

McCreary County's 69.6-year life expectancy ranks among Kentucky's lowest, 2.6 years below the state average of 72.2 years. The combination of low life expectancy, high poor/fair health rate (30.7%), and highest uninsured rate (8.0%) positions McCreary as one of Kentucky's most health-challenged counties.

Critical provider shortage

McCreary County's 69.6-year life expectancy trails all peer counties except Martin, but the crisis deepens with provider access: only 6 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—a critical shortage that forces residents to travel 45+ minutes for basic care. Mental health access at 129 per 100K is also inadequate for a population with 30.7% poor/fair health rates.

Uninsured and desperately under-resourced

McCreary County's 8.0% uninsured rate is the highest in this peer group—affecting roughly 1 in 12 residents. The catastrophic shortage of primary care providers (just 6 per 100K) means even insured residents struggle to find a doctor willing to take new patients or with appointment availability within weeks.

Urgent: secure coverage and find care pathways

McCreary County faces a healthcare emergency—uninsured residents and those without nearby providers must act now. Visit kynect.ky.gov or call 1-855-MY-KYNCT to enroll in coverage; ask about community health center sliding-scale services, telehealth options, and regional hospitals that serve as safety-net providers for rural residents.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in McCreary County

via RiskByCounty

McCreary ranks among Kentucky's safest counties

McCreary County's composite risk score of 25.32 places it in the 'very low' category and well below the national average of 50.19. The county's minimal exposure across most hazards makes it one of Kentucky's most favorable locations for disaster resilience.

McCreary is among the state's lowest-risk counties

McCreary's composite score of 25.32 sits substantially below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, ranking it among the commonwealth's safest areas. The county's minimal wildfire risk of 74.17 is lower than many peers, though wildfire remains its most prominent hazard.

McCreary is safer than most regional counties

McCreary's score of 25.32 is lower than neighboring Marion (30.22), Mason (39.19), and Martin (49.94), making it among the region's most hazard-resilient counties. Only its wildfire exposure at 74.17 approaches moderate levels; all other threats remain well-controlled.

Wildfire is McCreary's primary hazard

Wildfire risk at 74.17 is McCreary's leading threat, though it remains below state averages and manageable with proper planning. Tornado (48.16) and hurricane risks (48.48) are secondary concerns, while flooding and earthquakes pose minimal danger.

Prioritize wildfire prevention measures

Clear dead vegetation and overhanging branches within 30 feet of your home to reduce wildfire ignition risk despite the county's overall low profile. Ensure your homeowner's policy covers wildfire damage, and maintain gutters clear of debris to manage seasonal water drainage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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