countyscore
68.8
County Score
Cost of Living 95.5Disaster Risk 93.8Safety 87

County Report Card

About Menifee County, Kentucky

Menifee County Surges Past National Averages

Menifee County achieves a high composite score of 68.8, placing it well ahead of the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a highly desirable location for those looking beyond major metropolitan hubs.

One of Kentucky’s Top Living Options

At 68.8, Menifee County significantly outperforms the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It serves as a model for rural livability within the state’s eastern region.

Unmatched Affordability and Low Risk

The county boasts an exceptional cost score of 95.5 and an environmental risk score of 93.8. With a 0.500% effective tax rate and $111,500 median home values, it is one of the most affordable places to live.

Gaps in Income and Healthcare

Menifee struggles with an income score of 6.9, reflecting a modest median household income of $44,672. The health score of 30.2 also indicates significant challenges in local medical services and health outcomes.

Best for Retirees and Remote Workers

Menifee County is a sanctuary for those with external income sources who want to maximize their purchasing power. Its safety and low cost of living make it an attractive retreat for budget-conscious residents.

Score breakdown

Tax85.7Cost95.5Safety87Health30.2Schools54.8Income6.9Risk93.8Water18.4Weather68.9
🏛85.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠95.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼6.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡87
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤30.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓54.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡93.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧18.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤68.9
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

Bath County
Kentucky
56.2
Wolfe County
Kentucky
71
Powell County
Kentucky
60.1
Morgan County
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Montgomery County
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Rowan County
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Lee County
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Estill County
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Deep Dives

Menifee County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Menifee County

via TaxByCounty

Menifee has the lightest tax touch

At 0.500%, Menifee County has the lowest effective property tax rate in this eight-county group and significantly outperforms the national median of 0.71%. Homeowners here pay just $558 in median annual property taxes—just 21% of the national median of $2,690.

Well below Kentucky's typical rate

Menifee County's 0.500% rate is substantially lower than Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, making it one of the state's most affordable counties for property taxation. At $558 in median annual taxes, residents pay roughly 51% of the state median of $1,093.

The region's most tax-friendly county

Menifee County's 0.500% effective rate is the lowest in the entire eight-county region, undercutting even second-place Morgan County's 0.757%. This advantage translates to the lowest median tax bill of $558 annually among all comparable nearby counties.

Median home assessment yields $558 tax

A home valued at Menifee County's median of $111,500 generates approximately $558 in annual property taxes. Accounting for mortgage insurance and related costs, that figure rises to about $646 for mortgaged properties.

Even light assessments can be appealed

Even in Menifee County's favorable tax environment, some homeowners may still be overassessed relative to recent comparable sales. Filing an appeal with the county assessor's office is free and may help ensure you're paying only what's fair.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Menifee County

via CostByCounty

Menifee County faces affordability challenges

Menifee County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% matches Kentucky's state average exactly but reflects deeper challenges: the median household income here is just $44,672—38% below the national median of $74,755. Renters pay $634 monthly, which is manageable in isolation but stretches tighter incomes.

Lowest incomes, average rents

Menifee County sits at the state's 17.0% rent-to-income average, but its median household income of $44,672 is among Kentucky's lowest. This combination means housing costs consume roughly the same share of income as elsewhere in the state, but on much smaller paychecks.

Cheap rents, lower incomes

Menifee's $634 rent is lower than Meade County's $976 and comparable to McLean's $602, yet Menifee's median income of $44,672 is notably lower than both neighbors. This income gap makes affordability ratios less meaningful—residents here earn less even as housing costs remain modest.

Housing costs: rent vs. ownership

Renters in Menifee pay $634 monthly (17.0% of income), while homeowners spend $464 monthly with a median home value of just $111,500. Ownership is more affordable here than renting, and home prices reflect the county's economic challenges and lower demand.

Menifee works if jobs are secure

Menifee offers the region's cheapest housing, but consider the trade-off: median incomes lag significantly behind neighboring counties, suggesting limited job opportunities. If you're relocating with secure remote work or a job lined up, Menifee's low costs make it attractive; otherwise, explore counties with stronger employment prospects.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Menifee County

via IncomeByCounty

Menifee lags well behind nation

Menifee County's median household income of $44,672 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $30,083—a substantial 40% gap. This significant shortfall places Menifee among the lowest-earning counties nationally and signals economic challenges requiring local attention.

Among Kentucky's poorest counties

At $44,672, Menifee County's median household income falls $11,237 below the Kentucky state median of $55,909. This 20% deficit means Menifee residents earn notably less than most other Kentuckians, reflecting limited job opportunities and lower wages in the local economy.

Menifee struggles most locally

Menifee County's $44,672 median household income ranks lowest among its surrounding counties, well below Mercer County ($63,115) and Morgan County ($47,493). The county's economic disadvantage is pronounced compared to higher-earning neighbors to the west and south.

Housing costs strain budgets

Menifee County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% consumes a significant portion of household earnings, leaving limited resources for other expenses. Though the median home value of $111,500 is modest, renters and homebuyers alike face tight budgets that can make emergencies financially devastating.

Build financial resilience first

Menifee residents should prioritize establishing emergency savings of three to six months' expenses before investing. Consider free financial literacy programs, employer retirement plans, and community credit counseling to maximize limited resources and gradually build long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Menifee County

via CrimeByCounty

A National Leader in Public Safety

Menifee County is exceptionally safe, posting a total crime rate of 291.6 per 100,000 people. This is a fraction of the U.S. national average of 2,385.5, earning the county a high safety score of 99.5. Families here experience much lower crime levels than the rest of the country.

Outperforming the State Average

Menifee County’s total crime rate is less than half of the Kentucky average of 786.2 per 100,000. Its safety score of 99.5 puts it well ahead of the state’s average rating of 98.8. Two local agencies coordinate to ensure these low numbers reflect the daily reality for residents.

Safer Than Nearby Morgan County

Menifee County maintains a lower total crime rate at 291.6 than neighbor Morgan County at 368.5. However, Menifee’s violent crime rate of 81.0 is higher than both Morgan’s 36.1 and the state average of 78.1. Local residents should remain aware of this specific trend despite low overall crime.

Property Crime Levels Are Notably Low

Property crime in Menifee County occurs at just 210.6 per 100,000 residents, far below the national rate of 2,015.7. Violent crime accounts for 81.0 incidents per 100,000, which is higher than some neighbors but still low in a national context. The data highlights a community where theft and burglary are relatively rare.

Protecting Your Menifee County Home

With property crime rates this low, simple home security habits go a long way. Securing windows and using basic alarm systems can effectively manage the remaining risks. Maintaining community awareness helps keep Menifee County one of the safest spots in Kentucky.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Menifee County

via HealthByCounty

Menifee faces serious health challenges

At just 70.0 years, Menifee County's life expectancy falls 4.0 years below the U.S. average (74.0) and 2.2 years below Kentucky's state average (72.2). A striking 27.2% of residents report poor or fair health—among the highest rates in the state—signaling deep underlying health vulnerabilities.

Shortest life expectancy in dataset

Menifee ranks near the bottom of Kentucky counties by longevity and shows one of the highest rates of self-reported poor health in the state. These metrics point to significant socioeconomic, lifestyle, and healthcare access barriers that require urgent community attention.

Struggles compared to local peers

Menifee's 70.0-year life expectancy trails all nearby counties, including Morgan (73.0), Metcalfe (71.8), and even the statewide average. Remarkably, Menifee has 48 primary care providers per 100,000 and 334 mental health providers per 100,000—the highest mental health staffing in the region—yet health outcomes remain poor.

Mental health access outpaces outcomes

Despite exceptional mental health provider density (334 per 100,000), Menifee's 27.2% poor health rate suggests barriers beyond availability—likely poverty, transportation, or stigma limiting actual care engagement. At 6.7% uninsured and with 48 primary care providers per 100,000, insurance and provider supply are present but insufficient to reverse health decline.

Comprehensive care starts with coverage

Menifee residents facing health crises need consistent, comprehensive insurance to access the region's available mental and primary care providers. Visit kynect.ky.gov or call 1-855-4-KY-HEALTH to explore Medicaid and financial assistance options that remove coverage barriers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Menifee County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Rural Education Services

Menifee County maintains a small, efficient footprint with 3 public schools serving 955 total students. The infrastructure is comprised of one elementary school and two high school programs, including one alternative facility.

Reliable Academic Outcomes in Frenchburg

The county reports a 92.0% graduation rate, which sits comfortably above the national average of 87%. Menifee County invests $7,145 per pupil, a figure that exceeds the Kentucky state average of $6,894 and supports a school score of 54.9.

Menifee County's Single District Model

A single school district manages all 955 students, with no charter schools currently operating in the area. This unified structure ensures that resources are concentrated within the traditional public school framework.

Small-Scale Schools in Rural Settings

Every school in the county is located in a rural locale, fostering a sense of community with an average school size of 318 students. Menifee Central School is the largest hub with 662 students, contrasting sharply with the Frenchburg Success Academy, which serves only 6 students.

Your Rural Gateway to Quality Schools

Families seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with a supportive school environment should explore Menifee County real estate. The district's higher-than-average spending per pupil makes it a compelling choice for those prioritizing educational investment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Menifee County

via RiskByCounty

Menifee ranks among safest counties nationally

With a composite risk score of just 6.20, Menifee County is exceptionally safe compared to the national average. This Very Low rating reflects minimal hazard exposure across nearly all disaster types.

Kentucky's safest county profile

Menifee's 6.20 score dramatically outperforms Kentucky's 44.21 average, making it one of the state's lowest-risk counties. The gap underscores how unusual and protective this location truly is.

Distinctly safer than surrounding areas

Menifee's 6.20 score far exceeds neighboring Morgan (22.07) and Monroe (26.65) counties, creating a pocket of exceptional safety. Wildfire risk (51.53) is the notable exception here, though still well-managed statewide.

Wildfire and flood are manageable concerns

Wildfire risk peaks at 51.53 in Menifee—the county's main hazard—but remains relatively contained due to landscape and forest management. Tornado (19.75), earthquake (20.42), and flood (21.76) risks all stay well below state benchmarks.

Standard coverage is likely sufficient

Your homeowners policy will cover most natural hazards in Menifee's low-risk environment, though brush-clearing around your home reduces wildfire exposure. Flood insurance is optional unless your property lies in a designated flood zone.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Menifee County

via WeatherByCounty

High Precipitation in the Appalachian Foothills

Menifee County records 52.4 inches of annual precipitation, which is significantly higher than the state average of 50.6 inches. While annual temperature data is currently unavailable, the county sits in a moist, temperate climate zone common to the Eastern United States.

A Wetter Profile Than Most Kentucky Counties

The county receives about two extra inches of rain per year compared to the Kentucky average of 50.6 inches. This high moisture level defines the local ecology and sets it apart from drier regions in the western part of the state.

Damp Conditions Compared to Western Neighbors

Menifee is notably wetter than nearby Montgomery County, which receives only 48.5 inches of annual rain. This nearly four-inch difference in precipitation creates a lusher, more humid environment within the county borders.

Consistent Moisture Through the Seasons

Detailed seasonal temperature records are limited, but the county maintains a consistent rainfall pattern year-round. Residents experience the full force of Kentucky's humid climate across all four seasons.

Manage Moisture and Plan for Damp Days

With 52.4 inches of rain annually, homeowners should prioritize gutter maintenance and basement waterproofing. Outdoor gear should include high-quality rain protection for year-round exploration of the Daniel Boone National Forest.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Menifee County

via SoilByCounty

Gateway to the Mountains

Menifee County’s soil identity is currently unrecorded in this dataset, though Appalachian soils are typically acidic and rocky. Growers usually find that pH levels sit well below the national median of 6.5.

Rugged Textures of the Plateau

Exact sand, silt, and clay data is not available for this mountainous region. Local soils often vary between silty valley bottoms and sandy ridge tops, requiring different management strategies for drainage.

Focusing on Organic Health

Without specific local figures, the state average of 3.55% organic matter provides a goal for Menifee County gardeners. High organic content is especially important here to improve water retention on sloped terrain.

Strategic Water Management

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not listed for the county. Because mountain soils can drain rapidly or pool in valleys, site-specific testing is the best way to plan your garden.

Hardy Growth in Zone 7a

Being in Hardiness Zone 7a allows for a wide variety of crops, from leafy greens to hardy perennials. Dig into the earth this spring and try planting native berries that thrive in the local climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Menifee County

via LawnByCounty

Menifee County Lawn Ease Above Average

Menifee County carries a lawn difficulty score of 68.1, placing it well above the national median and the Kentucky state average of 66.3. Its position in hardiness zone 7a allows for a wide variety of turfgrass options to thrive.

High Moisture Supports Turf Health

The county receives 52.4 inches of rain annually, which is slightly more than the state average and plenty to sustain a healthy lawn. While specific heat data is limited, this ample precipitation typically reduces the need for supplemental irrigation during the growing season.

Building a Healthy Soil Base

Specific soil metrics are not currently available for Menifee County, so local testing remains the best strategy for success. Ensuring your lawn has adequate drainage is vital given the county's higher-than-average annual rainfall.

Resilient Landscapes in Menifee

With only 2 weeks spent in drought over the last year, the county currently shows no signs of abnormal dryness. This consistent moisture profile makes it easier to maintain lawn density without constant water management.

Start Your Menifee Lawn Today

Transition zone grasses like Tall Fescue are highly recommended for the local climate. Because local frost dates are not recorded, monitoring local weather stations for the first and last freezes is essential for successful seeding.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Menifee County's county score?
Menifee County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 68.8 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 Menifee County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Menifee County ranks #9 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 Menifee County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Menifee County is $558, with an effective tax rate of 0.50%. This earns Menifee County a tax score of 85.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Menifee County?
The median household income in Menifee County, Kentucky is $44,672 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Menifee County earns an income score of 6.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Menifee County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Menifee County scores 68.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Menifee 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 Menifee 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.