countyscore
58.3
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 77.9Income & Jobs 72

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.

2040608010062.835.577.956.848.87259.18661.6Tax62.8Cost35.5Safety77.9Health56.8Schools48.8Income72Risk59.1Water86Weather61.658.3/100
This county
National avg
5 above average1 below average

Meade County DNA

Foverall

How Meade County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Meade County excels in 5 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Water Quality (86/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Cost of Living (35.5/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
62.8+10.799999999999997
Cost
35.5-12.5
Safety
77.9+22.900000000000006
Health
56.8
Schools
48.8
Income
72+21
Risk
59.1+12.100000000000001
Water
86+28
Weather
61.6
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$207,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,026/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$207,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$41,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $74,355/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

3.3

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

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Median income: $50,354
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Sullivan County
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Madison County
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Comanche County
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Mora County
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Potter County
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Nearby counties

Harrison County
Indiana
61.4
Breckinridge County
Kentucky
65.1
Perry County
Indiana
59.3
Crawford County
Indiana
61.5
Hardin County
Kentucky
48.6
Floyd County
Indiana
43.8
Bullitt County
Kentucky
49.8
Jefferson County
Kentucky
33.9

Deep Dives

Meade County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 58.3 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 $1,408, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Meade County a tax score of 62.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Meade County?
The median household income in Meade County, Kentucky is $74,355 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Meade County earns an income score of 72/100 on CountyScore.
Is Meade County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Meade County scores 58.3/100 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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