countyscore
69.7
County Score
Safety 85.5Cost of Living 83Lawn Care 68.1

County Report Card

About McLean County, Kentucky

McLean County Outperforms the National Median

McLean County earns a robust composite score of 69.7, significantly outpacing the national median of 50.0. This score places the county in the top tier of American communities for overall livability and balance.

A Leader in the Bluegrass State

With a composite score nearly 11 points higher than the Kentucky state average of 58.6, McLean County stands out as a regional high-performer. It offers a higher quality of life profile than many of its immediate neighbors.

Safe Streets and Low Living Costs

The county excels in safety with a score of 85.5 and affordability with a cost score of 83.0. Residents enjoy a low median gross rent of just $602 and a very competitive 0.676% effective tax rate.

Improving Local Infrastructure and Health

The county faces significant hurdles in water quality, where it scores a low 12.4. Additionally, the health score of 52.2 suggests room for improvement in community wellness outcomes and healthcare access.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Families

McLean County is a perfect fit for families seeking a safe, low-cost environment with a median household income of $70,549. It rewards those who value financial stability and public safety over urban amenities.

Score breakdown

Tax65.9Cost83Safety85.5Health52.2Schools67.9Income67.8Risk59.3Water12.4Weather64.5
🏛65.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼67.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡85.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤52.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓67.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡59.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧12.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤64.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱68.1
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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Nearby counties

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50.9
Daviess County
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Webster County
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Deep Dives

McLean County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in McLean County

via TaxByCounty

McLean's tax rate beats the nation

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in McLean County

via CostByCounty

McLean County rents hit a sweet spot

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in McLean County

via IncomeByCounty

McLean outearns the nation

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in McLean County

via CrimeByCounty

McLean County Ranks Exceptionally High for Safety

McLean County reports a total crime rate of just 327.0 per 100,000 residents, drastically lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a nearly perfect safety score of 99.5 out of 100. Residents enjoy a security level far exceeding the typical American experience.

A Top Performer in the Commonwealth

With a safety score of 99.5, McLean County outpaces the Kentucky state average of 98.8. Its total crime rate of 327.0 is less than half of the state average of 786.2 per 100,000. These figures place McLean among the safest jurisdictions in the region.

Stronger Safety Metrics Than Northern Neighbors

McLean County maintains a lower total crime rate than neighboring Meade County, which reports 524.0 per 100,000 residents. While McLean’s 54.5 violent crime rate is also lower than Meade's 70.1, it is important to note these stats come from a single reporting agency. This high safety standing remains consistent across local comparisons.

Low Risk Across Crime Categories

Property crime accounts for 272.5 incidents per 100,000 people, while violent crime remains low at 54.5. Both figures sit significantly below the national benchmarks of 2,015.7 and 369.8 respectively. These numbers suggest that local law enforcement effectively manages both types of threats.

Preserving Peace of Mind at Home

While crime rates are low, maintaining basic home security helps preserve this quiet environment. Simple measures like smart doorbells and improved lighting can deter the property crimes that do occur. Staying vigilant ensures the county's safety score remains one of the best in the nation.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in McLean County

via HealthByCounty

McLean lives longer than average

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in McLean County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small, Focused Rural School Infrastructure

McLean County operates a concentrated network of 6 public schools serving 1,405 students under a single unified district. The infrastructure includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools to support the local student population.

Exceptional Graduation Rates Outpace State Benchmarks

The county boasts an impressive 97.0% graduation rate, significantly exceeding the national average of 87% and the state average of 93.8%. While per-pupil expenditure is modest at $7,020, the composite school score of 57.3 remains above the Kentucky state average of 55.3.

The Unified McLean County School District

The McLean County district manages all 1,405 students across its six campuses, maintaining a centralized approach to local education. Currently, there are no charter schools in operation within the county, representing 0% of the total school landscape.

Intimate Rural Learning Environments

All six schools in the county are classified as rural, featuring a small average school size of 234 students. McLean County High School is the largest campus with 413 students, while Marie Gatton Phillips Elementary offers a more intimate setting with just 121 students.

Find Your Home Near High-Performing Schools

Families looking for high graduation rates and a close-knit rural atmosphere should prioritize homes within this district. Exploring local real estate offers the chance to benefit from a school system that consistently outperforms state academic averages.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in McLean County

via RiskByCounty

McLean's risk sits well below average

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in McLean County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Central Basin Climate

McLean County's 57.2°F annual average is warmer than the national median. It is drier than many of its neighbors, receiving 45.6 inches of precipitation annually.

Slightly Warmer than the Kentucky Average

The county stays one degree warmer than the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. It is also one of the drier counties in the state, falling five inches below the state precipitation mean.

The Drier Choice in the Region

McLean is notably drier than Meade and Marion counties to the east. It shares the characteristic heat of western Kentucky but with less annual snowfall than central regions.

Hot Summers and Very Little Snow

July heat averages 77.5°F with 34 days exceeding 90°F. Winters are manageable with a 34.3°F January average and only 4.3 inches of annual snow.

Low Snow Means Easy Winters

Minimal snowfall of just over 4 inches makes winter travel easier than in eastern Kentucky. Focus on efficient cooling for the month-long stretch of 90-degree summer days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in McLean County

via SoilByCounty

A Mystery in the Western Coalfields

While specific taxonomic data for McLean County is currently limited, regional profiles suggest the acidic soil common to Western Kentucky. Local growers should expect a pH level that requires management to reach the national median of 6.5.

Fine-Grained River Valley Deposits

Detailed sand and clay percentages are not recorded, but the county's proximity to the Green River typically results in silty textures. These soils often provide a balance between moisture retention and workability for row crops.

Building on State Benchmarks

Without specific local metrics, farmers can look to the Kentucky state average organic matter of 3.55% as a target for soil health. Maintaining high water capacity is essential to sustain crops through the humid summers.

Managing Water in the Lowlands

Specific drainage classes are unavailable, but the local topography often necessitates drainage management for optimal farming. Understanding your specific plot's hydrologic group is the first step toward successful land use.

Abundant Growth in Zone 7a

McLean County sits in Hardiness Zone 7a, offering a long growing season for corn, soybeans, and summer vegetables. Start your garden today with heat-loving crops like peppers and tomatoes that thrive in this climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in McLean County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions for McLean County Lawns

McLean County earns a lawn difficulty score of 68.1, making it easier to maintain than the national median of 50.0 and slightly above the state average of 66.3. Situated in hardiness zone 7a, the region provides a warm but manageable environment for most common grass varieties.

High Heat and Consistent Growth

With 4,293 growing degree days and 34 extreme heat days, lawns here face more thermal stress than the state average of 30 days. However, the annual precipitation of 45.6 inches falls within the ideal 30-50 inch range, supporting steady mowing schedules from April through October.

Understanding Local Soil Needs

While specific local soil texture data is unavailable, regional trends suggest monitoring for typical Kentucky clay levels. Homeowners should conduct a soil test to determine if their pH aligns with the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for nutrient uptake.

Managing Short Dry Spells

The county experienced 5 weeks in drought over the past year, though current conditions show no immediate abnormal dryness. Residents should practice deep, infrequent watering during peak summer to encourage resilient root systems.

Planting Success in Zone 7a

Tall fescue and bermudagrass thrive in this climate, offering a balance of heat tolerance and durability. Aim to seed after the last spring frost on April 2nd or during the fall cooling period before November 1st.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is McLean County's county score?
McLean County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 69.7 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 McLean County rank among counties in Kentucky?
McLean County ranks #7 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 McLean County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in McLean County is $984, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns McLean County a tax score of 65.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in McLean County?
The median household income in McLean County, Kentucky is $70,549 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. McLean County earns an income score of 67.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is McLean County, Kentucky a good place to live?
McLean County scores 69.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate McLean 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 McLean 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.