countyscore
58.1
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 77.9Lawn Care 67.9

County Report Card

About Meade County, Kentucky

Meade County Hits Above National Marks

Meade County secures a composite score of 58.0, which sits comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a solid baseline of livability compared to the typical U.S. county.

Matching the Kentucky State Average

The county’s score of 58.0 aligns almost perfectly with the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It represents the quintessential Kentucky living experience in terms of overall quality and resource distribution.

Excellent Water and High Public Safety

Meade County shines with a water score of 86.0 and a strong safety score of 77.9. A median household income of $70,163 supports a stable local economy for its residents.

Addressing Housing Costs and Schools

A cost score of 36.1 highlights a tighter housing market, with median home values reaching $195,000. The school score of 48.8 also points to an opportunity for investment in local education systems.

A Choice for Secure, Moderate-Income Living

This county suits established professionals who prioritize high-quality infrastructure and personal safety. While housing is more expensive than neighboring counties, the reliable utilities and safe environment provide a balanced trade-off.

Score breakdown

Tax61.9Cost36.1Safety77.9Health56.8Schools48.8Income66.7Risk59.1Water86Weather61.6
🏛61.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠36.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼66.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡77.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤56.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡59.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱67.9
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

Harrison County
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60.1
Breckinridge County
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65
Perry County
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Crawford County
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Hardin County
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Floyd County
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Bullitt County
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Jefferson County
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Deep Dives

Meade County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Meade County

via TaxByCounty

Meade taxes below the national median

Meade County's effective tax rate of 0.711% remains nearly identical to the national median, making it representative of typical property tax burdens across America. However, median property taxes here are just $1,386 annually—roughly 52% of the national median of $2,690—reflecting lower home values in the region.

Nearly aligned with Kentucky average

Meade County's rate of 0.711% practically mirrors Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's tax landscape. The median annual tax of $1,386 is 27% higher than the state median of $1,093, reflecting Meade's higher median home values.

Mid-range burden among nearby counties

Meade County's 0.711% rate falls between Menifee County's low of 0.500% and Mercer County's high of 0.819% in this eight-county region. It ranks as the second-highest payer in median dollars ($1,386), trailing only Mercer County's $1,553.

Median home costs $1,386 annually

Owners of a median-valued home in Meade County at $195,000 pay approximately $1,386 per year in property taxes. That amount reaches $1,585 annually when mortgage insurance and related fees are factored in.

Appeal your assessment if overvalued

Many Meade County homeowners may be paying taxes on inflated assessments without realizing it. Kentucky allows property owners to formally appeal their assessments during designated periods—a process that costs nothing and could result in significant annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Meade County

via CostByCounty

Meade County rents strain household budgets

Meade County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% sits just below Kentucky's state average of 17.0% but significantly exceeds the national norm. Renters here pay $976 monthly on a median household income of $70,163, placing housing costs well above the affordable threshold.

Middle of the Kentucky pack

Meade County's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio places it near the state average of 17.0%, making it a middle-tier option for housing affordability in Kentucky. Neither a bargain nor particularly expensive, Meade reflects statewide cost pressures.

Costlier rents than nearby counties

Meade's $976 monthly rent is the highest among its regional neighbors—nearly 60% above McLean County's $602 and well above Menifee County's $634. This rent premium reflects higher housing demand and values in Meade, where the median home price reaches $195,000.

Housing costs: rent vs. ownership

Renters in Meade County spend $976 monthly (16.7% of income), while homeowners face an $893 monthly cost with a median home value of $195,000. Housing consumes a notably larger share of household budgets here compared to more affordable counties in the region.

Budget carefully in Meade County

Meade County's housing costs run near the state average, making it a reasonable option for those with steady incomes but not ideal for budget-conscious relocators. Compare rent and home prices carefully against nearby McLean or Menifee before committing to a move.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Meade County

via IncomeByCounty

Meade nearly matches national income

Meade County's median household income of $70,163 falls just $4,592 short of the national median of $74,755. This strong showing places Meade among the more prosperous U.S. counties and signals a healthy local economy comparable to much of America.

Meade ranks third statewide

At $70,163, Meade County ranks among Kentucky's highest-earning counties, exceeding the state median household income of $55,909 by over $14,000. This 25% advantage demonstrates that Meade's residents earn substantially more than typical Kentuckians.

Meade keeps pace with McLean

Meade County's $70,163 income nearly matches nearby McLean County ($70,549) and substantially outpaces Mercer County ($63,115) to the south. The two northern counties form a higher-income corridor distinct from the surrounding rural economy.

Housing costs demand attention

Meade County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% exceeds the national comfort standard of 28%, but remains manageable for most households. The median home value of $195,000 is reasonable relative to local incomes, though renters should budget carefully to avoid financial strain.

Leverage Meade's strong earnings

Meade County's above-average income provides excellent opportunity for building equity through homeownership and investment. With housing relatively affordable, residents can pursue down payments on homes or allocate surplus income to retirement accounts and diversified portfolios.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Meade County

via CrimeByCounty

Meade County Boasts a High Safety Rating

Meade County holds a safety score of 99.2, signaling a very secure environment for its residents. The total crime rate of 524.0 per 100,000 is less than a quarter of the national average of 2,385.5. Most citizens live with far less exposure to crime than the average American.

Exceeding Kentucky Safety Benchmarks

The county's total crime rate of 524.0 sits comfortably below the Kentucky state average of 786.2. At a 99.2 safety score, Meade is officially safer than the average Kentucky county, which scores 98.8. Three reporting agencies contribute to this data, providing a reliable picture of local security.

Comparing Safety With Regional Neighbors

Meade County’s crime rate of 524.0 is higher than McLean County’s 327.0, yet it remains extremely competitive for the region. Its violent crime rate of 70.1 is slightly higher than McLean's 54.5 but lower than Menifee County's 81.0. Overall, the county remains a regional anchor for public safety.

Property Crimes Drive Local Stats

The vast majority of reported incidents are property crimes, which occur at a rate of 453.9 per 100,000. Violent crime is rare, with only 70.1 incidents per 100,000 residents compared to the national average of 369.8. This breakdown suggests that physical safety is a hallmark of life in Meade County.

Enhancing Security in a Safe Community

Low crime rates offer peace of mind, but proactive home protection is always wise. Installing motion-sensor lights or home security cameras can help deter the opportunistic property crimes found in local data. These steps help maintain the high safety standards Meade County residents expect.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Meade County

via HealthByCounty

Meade exceeds national health benchmarks

Meade County residents live to an average of 75.1 years—outpacing both the U.S. average (74.0) and Kentucky's state average (72.2) by meaningful margins. Just 20.3% report poor or fair health, suggesting a relatively robust population health profile for this north-central Kentucky county.

Among Kentucky's longest-living counties

Meade ranks among the top counties in Kentucky by life expectancy, with only a handful of peers reaching 75+ years. The county's 6.3% uninsured rate trails the state average of 7.0%, indicating broader insurance coverage access than most Kentucky communities.

Leads region in mental health staffing

Meade's 75.1-year life expectancy tops McLean (74.5) and surpasses many rural neighbors like Mercer (73.4) and Monroe (72.3). With 73 mental health providers per 100,000 residents and 23 primary care providers per 100,000, Meade offers stronger healthcare infrastructure than most adjacent counties.

Strong primary and mental health access

Meade boasts 23 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—above many rural Kentucky benchmarks—and 73 mental health providers per 100,000. Only 6.3% lack health insurance, among the lowest rates in the state and suggesting good accessibility to care overall.

Maintain your coverage, stay healthy

With strong provider access already in place, keeping your health insurance active is key to maximizing Meade's healthcare advantages. If circumstances change and you need coverage options, kynect.ky.gov connects you to plans quickly.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Meade County

via SchoolsByCounty

Scaling Education for Five Thousand Students

Meade County manages a robust system of 12 public schools serving a total enrollment of 5,028 students. The county's facilities are distributed across four elementary, three middle, and five high school programs.

Strong Graduation Outcomes Despite Lean Spending

With a 95.0% graduation rate, Meade County schools perform well above the national 87% benchmark. The district achieves these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,813, which is lower than both the state average and the national average of $13,000.

One District Leading the Way

The Meade County district oversees nearly the entire student body with 4,966 students enrolled across its main campuses. There are no charter schools present in the county, ensuring all public resources flow through the traditional district system.

Predominantly Rural with Large-Scale Campuses

The county features 11 rural schools and one city-based location, with an average school size of 457 students. Meade County High School is the largest facility by far with ,1515 students, while specialized alternative programs provide much smaller, targeted settings.

Invest in a Community Focused on Students

Prospective homeowners will find a school system that balances large-scale resources with high graduation success. When researching homes in Meade County, consider proximity to the major hubs like Meade County High to take advantage of local secondary education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Meade County

via RiskByCounty

Meade faces very low national risk

At 40.90, Meade County's composite risk score puts it well below the national average, earning a Very Low rating. The county's hazard profile is broadly manageable across most disaster types.

Slightly below Kentucky average

Meade's 40.90 sits just below the state mean of 44.21, ranking the county among Kentucky's safer areas. This modest advantage reflects balanced but generally low vulnerability statewide.

Tornado risk outpaces nearby peers

Meade's tornado risk of 75.92 significantly exceeds neighboring McLean (37.56) and Mercer (69.12), making severe weather the county's defining hazard. Flood risk (45.20) and earthquake threat (61.29) remain secondary concerns.

Tornado risk stands out sharply

Meade County faces elevated tornado danger at 75.92—well above the state average—requiring serious preparation and awareness during severe weather season. Earthquake (61.29) and flood (45.20) risks remain substantially lower but warrant baseline preparedness.

Prioritize tornado and wind coverage

Your homeowners policy covers tornado damage, but verify it includes full wind and hail protection given Meade's elevated tornado risk. A separate flood policy is essential if your property sits in a FEMA flood zone or low-lying area.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Meade County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Climate with Heavy Rainfall

Meade County averages 55.2°F annually, aligning with the mid-latitude national median. However, its 53.3 inches of annual rainfall is significantly higher than the national average.

Cooler and Wetter than Average

Meade is exactly one degree cooler than the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. It is also wetter than the state norm, receiving nearly three extra inches of rain per year.

Cooler Than Its Western Neighbors

Meade County is nearly four degrees cooler than Marshall County on average. Its 27 extreme heat days are moderate compared to the 51 days seen further west.

Balanced Seasons and Cold Januaries

July averages 75.7°F, while January temperatures drop to a chilly 32.8°F. The county experiences roughly four weeks of extreme heat each summer.

Prepare for a Rainy Climate

High rainfall totals of 53.3 inches require residents to maintain clear gutters and effective yard drainage. Homeowners should also prepare for freezing winter nights where temperatures regularly dip below 33°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Meade County

via SoilByCounty

Ohio River Border Soil Profiles

Data on taxonomic order and pH is currently unavailable for Meade County, but regional soils usually trend toward mild acidity. Most Kentucky soils require lime applications to approach the national median pH of 6.5.

Classic Kentucky Silt and Clay

While exact composition percentages are missing, the region typically features silty loams that are productive but prone to compaction. These soils generally offer good nutrient retention for both pastures and crops.

Nurturing the Organic Foundation

Meade County lacks specific organic matter data, so the state average of 3.55% serves as a useful benchmark for local growers. Improving available water capacity is vital for consistent yields during the peak of summer.

Navigating Karst and River Drainage

Though specific drainage classes aren't listed, the county's geology influences how water moves through the soil. Identifying whether your soil is well-drained is critical before starting any building or large-scale farming project.

A Long Season in Zone 7a

The 7a Hardiness Zone provides a generous window for growing everything from orchard fruits to southern staple crops. It is the perfect environment to establish a backyard vegetable garden or a native pollinator meadow.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Meade County

via LawnByCounty

Reliable Growing in Meade County

Meade County sports a lawn difficulty score of 67.9, outperforming the national median and the Kentucky state average. This zone 7a region offers a relatively hospitable climate for homeowners seeking lush green spaces with moderate effort.

Abundant Rainfall Drives Growth

At 53.3 inches of annual precipitation, Meade County exceeds the state average of 50.4 inches and the ideal lawn range. While 27 extreme heat days are lower than the state average, the high moisture levels may require more frequent mowing and careful fungal monitoring.

Prepping for Saturated Soils

Limited local soil data exists for Meade County, but the high annual rainfall suggests a need for well-draining soil structures. Adding organic matter can improve drainage if heavy clay is present in your specific yard.

Navigating Abnormally Dry Conditions

Approximately 19.3% of the county is currently classified as abnormally dry, following 3 weeks of drought in the past year. Maintaining a higher mowing height during these dry spells helps shade the soil and retain essential moisture.

Timing Your Meade County Turf

Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue are excellent choices for this region's moisture profile. Plan your primary seeding for late spring after the April 19th frost or in early autumn before the October 24th frost date.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Meade County's county score?
Meade County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 58.1 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 Meade County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Meade County ranks #72 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 Meade County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Meade County is $1,386, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Meade County a tax score of 61.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Meade County?
The median household income in Meade County, Kentucky is $70,163 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Meade County earns an income score of 66.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Meade County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Meade County scores 58.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #72 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Meade 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 Meade 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.