McLean County's composite score of 78.5 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties for overall livability. This 57% advantage reflects strong fundamentals in affordability and tax efficiency that appeal to cost-conscious families.
2 / 5
Above-Average in Kentucky
McLean ranks above the Kentucky state average of 75.0, making it one of the more livable counties in the commonwealth. Its 3.5-point advantage signals solid performance across the measurable dimensions of tax burden and housing costs.
3 / 5
Low Taxes, Affordable Housing
McLean's tax score of 83.3 and cost score of 87.2 are its standout strengths, reflecting an effective tax rate of just 0.676% and median rent of $602/month. These factors combine with a median home value of $145,600 to create genuine affordability for middle-income households earning around $70,549.
4 / 5
Income Levels Need Growth
The county's income score of 29.4 lags significantly, suggesting median household earnings around $70,549 trail regional peers. Complete data on safety, health, schools, and water quality remain unavailable, limiting a fuller picture of community wellbeing.
5 / 5
Ideal for Budget-Conscious Families
McLean County suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over higher incomes or urban amenities. Its strong composite score reflects real value for those seeking a stable, cost-efficient Kentucky community.
McLean County's composite score of 78.5 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties for overall livability. This 57% advantage reflects strong fundamentals in affordability and tax efficiency that appeal to cost-conscious families.
Above-Average in Kentucky
McLean ranks above the Kentucky state average of 75.0, making it one of the more livable counties in the commonwealth. Its 3.5-point advantage signals solid performance across the measurable dimensions of tax burden and housing costs.
Low Taxes, Affordable Housing
McLean's tax score of 83.3 and cost score of 87.2 are its standout strengths, reflecting an effective tax rate of just 0.676% and median rent of $602/month. These factors combine with a median home value of $145,600 to create genuine affordability for middle-income households earning around $70,549.
Income Levels Need Growth
The county's income score of 29.4 lags significantly, suggesting median household earnings around $70,549 trail regional peers. Complete data on safety, health, schools, and water quality remain unavailable, limiting a fuller picture of community wellbeing.
Ideal for Budget-Conscious Families
McLean County suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over higher incomes or urban amenities. Its strong composite score reflects real value for those seeking a stable, cost-efficient Kentucky community.
Score breakdown
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🏛83.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.676%, McLean County's effective property tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.71%, putting homeowners in a favorable position nationally. The median property tax here is just $984 annually—less than 37% of the national median of $2,690—because homes are valued lower than the U.S. average.
Below Kentucky's typical burden
McLean County's rate of 0.676% runs slightly below Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, meaning residents pay less in property taxes relative to their home values than most other Kentucky counties. At $984 in median annual taxes, McLean also trails the state median of $1,093.
Among the lowest in the region
McLean County's effective rate of 0.676% is competitive with nearby Menifee County (0.500%), though it edges above Morgan County (0.757%) and Mercer County (0.819%). The region shows significant variation, with rates ranging from 0.500% to 0.819% across these eight-county group.
What a median home costs annually
On a median home valued at $145,600, McLean County residents pay approximately $984 per year in property taxes. With mortgage insurance and fees included, that figure rises to about $1,020 for mortgaged properties.
Many homeowners could appeal assessments
If you believe your home is overvalued or your assessment is too high, Kentucky law allows you to file a property tax appeal. Speaking with a local tax assessor or reviewing recent home sales in your neighborhood is a free way to determine if an appeal might lower your annual tax bill.
At 10.2%, McLean County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national norm and beats Kentucky's state average of 17.0%. Renters here spend about $602 monthly on housing while earning a median household income of $70,549—a level of affordability that's genuinely rare in today's market.
Among Kentucky's most affordable
McLean County ranks among the state's most housing-affordable counties, with its 10.2% rent-to-income ratio significantly outperforming the 17.0% state average. This advantage extends to median home values too, at $145,600, making both rental and ownership options accessible.
McLean beats nearby counties
Compared to surrounding counties, McLean offers the lowest rent-to-income burden in the region at 10.2%, versus Mercer County's 15.3% or Morgan County's 16.9%. Median rent in McLean is just $602, well below the state average of $771 and cheaper than nearby Meade County's $976.
Housing costs: rent vs. ownership
Renters in McLean County spend $602 monthly (10.2% of income), while homeowners carry an $697 monthly cost with a median home value of $145,600. Together, these figures show that both paths to housing remain manageable on a median income of $70,549.
Consider McLean for value
If affordable housing is your priority, McLean County delivers: low rents, low ownership costs, and a rent-to-income ratio that's nearly half the state average. It's worth comparing against other Kentucky counties if you're weighing a move to the region.
McLean County's median household income of $70,549 sits just $4,206 below the national median of $74,755, placing this county in the upper tier nationally. While not quite matching the U.S. average, McLean's earnings position it well above most Kentucky counties and demonstrate strong local economic health.
Second richest in Kentucky
At $70,549, McLean County ranks among the highest-earning counties in Kentucky, significantly outpacing the state median household income of $55,909 by nearly $15,000. This 26% advantage over the state average reflects a robust local economy and higher earning potential for residents.
McLean leads surrounding counties
McLean County's $70,549 median household income substantially exceeds nearby Meade County ($70,163) and Mercer County ($63,115). The county's competitive wages reflect a stronger job market and higher cost of living compared to its less affluent neighbors to the south and east.
Rent remains highly affordable
With a rent-to-income ratio of just 10.2%, McLean County residents spend far less on housing than the national comfort threshold of 28%. This exceptional affordability—nearly three percentage points below the national standard—leaves households with substantial disposable income for savings and other needs.
Build on McLean's earning advantage
McLean County's strong median income and low housing costs create an ideal foundation for wealth-building through retirement accounts, investment portfolios, and real estate. Start by maximizing tax-advantaged savings accounts and consulting a financial advisor to turn your above-average earnings into long-term prosperity.
At 74.5 years, McLean County residents live longer than the U.S. average of 74.0 years—a solid win for this western Kentucky community. That advantage persists even when comparing to Kentucky's state average of 72.2 years, suggesting better-than-typical health outcomes for the region.
Among Kentucky's healthier counties
McLean ranks well within Kentucky, where life expectancy varies from 70 to 75 years across counties. With 20.1% of residents reporting poor or fair health, McLean sits below many state peers, reflecting a relatively health-conscious population.
Outpacing nearby rural counties
McLean's 74.5-year life expectancy edges out neighboring Meade County (75.1) and Mercer County (73.4), though mental health support lags considerably at 44 per 100,000 residents compared to Meade's 73 per 100,000. Limited primary care data makes full comparison difficult, but McLean appears to hold its own among regional peers.
Uninsured rate matches state average
McLean's 7.0% uninsured rate matches Kentucky's state average exactly, meaning roughly one in every 14 residents lacks health coverage. Primary care provider data is unavailable, but mental health providers serve the county at 44 per 100,000—lower than many neighboring areas.
Check your coverage options today
If you're among the 7% of McLean County without health insurance, navigating options shouldn't feel overwhelming. Visit kynect.ky.gov or call local health departments to explore Medicaid, private plans, and financial assistance tailored to your situation.
With a composite risk score of 40.71, McLean County ranks as Very Low risk—meaningfully safer than the national median. This score reflects a community where most hazards pose minimal threat to residents and property.
Below average for Kentucky
McLean's 40.71 score falls slightly below Kentucky's average of 44.21, placing the county in the safer half of the state's 120 counties. This modest gap underscores relatively low vulnerability across most natural hazards.
Safer than nearby counties
McLean's Very Low rating compares favorably to neighboring Meade County (40.90) and Mercer County (41.41), which face notably higher tornado risk. The county's earthquake risk of 84.64 stands out regionally, though absolute harm risk remains low in practice.
Watch for earthquake and flood
Earthquake risk scores 84.64 in McLean—the highest hazard here—though Kentucky earthquakes rarely cause structural damage. Flooding poses secondary concern at 45.83, with lower but still notable tornado risk at 37.56.
Basic coverage meets your needs
Standard homeowners insurance covers wind and hail damage from tornadoes, but you'll need a separate flood policy if you're in a mapped flood zone. Consider earthquake coverage only if you're in a high-risk zone or own older masonry structures.