countyscore
64
County Score
Cost of Living 93.8Water Quality 86Safety 79.2

County Report Card

About Metcalfe County, Kentucky

Metcalfe County Outpaces National Trends

Metcalfe County earns a composite score of 64.0, notably higher than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a county that provides a high level of essential services for its size.

A Strong Performer in Kentucky

Surpassing the state average of 58.6, Metcalfe County stands as a highly livable Kentucky community. It provides a better balance of cost and safety than the average county in the Commonwealth.

Premier Affordability and Quality Water

Metcalfe dominates in affordability with a cost score of 93.8 and a water quality score of 86.0. Median gross rent is exceptionally low at $549 per month, paired with a safe 79.2 safety score.

Income Growth and Education Needs

The county faces a low income score of 12.1, with median household earnings at $48,572. Improving the school score of 44.0 and health score of 36.3 remains a priority for long-term growth.

A Haven for Affordable Rural Living

Metcalfe County is ideal for individuals looking to minimize housing expenses while maintaining access to clean water and safe streets. It is a prime location for those who enjoy a quiet, low-cost lifestyle.

2040608010060.693.879.236.34412.178.28663.8Tax60.6Cost93.8Safety79.2Health36.3Schools44Income12.1Risk78.2Water86Weather63.864/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Metcalfe County DNA

D+overall

How Metcalfe County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Metcalfe County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (93.8/100) but notably weak in Income (12.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
60.6+8.600000000000001
Cost
93.8+45.8
Safety
79.2+24.200000000000003
Health
36.3-13.700000000000003
Schools
44-10
Income
12.1-38.9
Risk
78.2+31.200000000000003
Water
86+28
Weather
63.8
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$103,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$549/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$103,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$21,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $48,572/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

38.6

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
Compare Metcalfe County with Parke County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Cumberland County
Kentucky
70.5
Barren County
Kentucky
53.3
Adair County
Kentucky
65.7
Green County
Kentucky
68.3
Monroe County
Kentucky
66.2
Hart County
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63.6
Taylor County
Kentucky
60
Russell County
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65.5

Deep Dives

Metcalfe County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Metcalfe County

via TaxByCounty

Metcalfe's rate slightly tops the nation

Metcalfe County's effective tax rate of 0.721% slightly exceeds the national median of 0.71%, though the difference is marginal. Median property taxes here are $743 annually—just 28% of the national median of $2,690—due to considerably lower home values in the county.

Practically in line with state average

Metcalfe County's rate of 0.721% is nearly identical to Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, positioning it right at the state's typical tax burden. However, the median annual tax of $743 runs 32% below the state median of $1,093, reflecting Metcalfe's lower median home value of $103,100.

Mid-range rate in this eight-county region

Metcalfe County's 0.721% rate sits in the middle of the regional range, between Menifee County's low of 0.500% and Mercer County's high of 0.819%. In terms of dollars paid, Metcalfe's $743 median tax is among the lowest in the group.

Median home generates $743 annual tax

On a median home valued at $103,100, Metcalfe County residents pay approximately $743 per year in property taxes. Including mortgage insurance and related fees, that amount reaches about $934 for properties with mortgages.

Review your assessment for overvaluation

Metcalfe County homeowners should verify their property assessments match current market conditions and recent comparable sales. Filing an appeal is free and straightforward, and could result in meaningful tax savings if your assessment is outdated or inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Metcalfe County

via CostByCounty

Metcalfe County offers genuine affordability

Metcalfe County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.6% sits well below Kentucky's 17.0% state average and well within the affordable range nationally. Renters pay $549 monthly on a median household income of $48,572—low costs on limited income, but proportionally fair.

Among Kentucky's most affordable

At 13.6%, Metcalfe County's rent-to-income ratio ranks better than most Kentucky counties, trailing only a few like McLean (10.2%). This places Metcalfe among the state's best options for housing affordability.

Metcalfe leads in affordability ratios

Metcalfe's 13.6% rent-to-income ratio outperforms most neighboring counties, beating Monroe's 15.3% and Morgan's 16.9%. Rent at $549 is among the region's lowest, second only to McLean's $602.

Housing costs: rent vs. ownership

Renters in Metcalfe pay $549 monthly (13.6% of income), while homeowners spend $558 monthly with a median home value of $103,100. Ownership and rental costs are nearly identical here, offering flexibility in choosing a housing path.

Metcalfe: small town, big savings

Metcalfe delivers genuine affordability with one of Kentucky's lowest rent-to-income ratios and minimal housing costs overall. It's ideal for relocators prioritizing low expenses, though job opportunities may be limited given the county's smaller size and lower median income.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Metcalfe County

via IncomeByCounty

Metcalfe significantly below U.S. income

Metcalfe County's median household income of $48,572 trails the national median of $74,755 by $26,183—a stark 35% shortfall. This substantial gap places Metcalfe among the lower-income counties in America, indicating limited economic opportunity and lower average wages.

Metcalfe earns less than Kentucky

At $48,572, Metcalfe County's median household income falls $7,337 below the Kentucky state median of $55,909. This 13% deficit means Metcalfe residents earn considerably less than most other Kentuckians, reflecting a local economy with fewer high-wage job opportunities.

Metcalfe among the county poorest

Metcalfe County's $48,572 median household income ranks near the bottom of surrounding counties, only slightly exceeding Monroe County ($49,430) and substantially trailing Mercer County ($63,115). The county's economic challenges are evident when compared to more prosperous neighbors.

Housing costs are manageable

Metcalfe County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.6% is favorable compared to national standards, consuming a reasonable share of household earnings. The modest median home value of $103,100 keeps homeownership accessible, though limited household income means little room for unexpected expenses.

Start small, build steady

Metcalfe residents should prioritize establishing an emergency fund before pursuing investments, given limited income margins. Seek out employer retirement plans, government savings programs, and financial counseling to make meaningful progress toward long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Metcalfe County

via CrimeByCounty

Extremely Safe Standards in Metcalfe County

Metcalfe County achieves a total crime rate of 494.5 per 100,000, far below the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county an impressive safety score of 99.2. Residents enjoy a level of security that is significantly higher than the national standard.

Comparing Metcalfe to the Kentucky Average

The county's total crime rate of 494.5 is much lower than the Kentucky state average of 786.2. Metcalfe's safety score of 99.2 also outperforms the state average of 98.8. Three reporting agencies contribute to this data, reinforcing the county’s status as a safe regional haven.

A Leader in Local Violent Safety

Metcalfe County features a violent crime rate of only 9.7, which is dramatically lower than Mercer County’s 53.0. While its total crime rate of 494.5 is higher than Monroe County’s 185.4, it remains one of the safest in the area. This low violent crime makes the county a standout for personal safety.

Violent Crime is Nearly Non-Existent

Metcalfe County reports an incredibly low violent crime rate of 9.7 per 100,000 residents, compared to the U.S. average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 484.8, which is also well below the national rate of 2,015.7. These figures indicate that nearly all local crime involves property rather than personal harm.

Proactive Steps for Home Security

Residents can keep property crime rates low by securing garages and using motion-activated lights. Because violent crime is so rare, focusing on basic theft prevention is the most effective way to stay safe. Vigilance helps Metcalfe County maintain its excellent safety standing.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Metcalfe County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Traditional Three-Tier School System

Metcalfe County operates a straightforward public school landscape with 3 total schools serving 1,459 students. The county provides exactly one elementary, one middle, and one high school to cover all grade levels.

Stable Graduation and Balanced Scores

The county maintains a 92.0% graduation rate, which is five points higher than the national average. Despite a lower per-pupil expenditure of $6,286, the county maintains a school score of 53.0, staying competitive with neighboring rural areas.

Focused Leadership Under One District

The Metcalfe County school district manages all 1,459 students across its three campuses. The county does not host any charter schools, focusing all educational efforts on its primary district-run facilities.

Larger Campus Sizes in Rural Kentucky

All schools in the county are rural, with an average school size of 486 students that is higher than many neighboring counties. Metcalfe County Elementary is the largest campus with 636 students, followed by the high school with 456 students.

Quiet Living with Strong Public Schools

For those seeking a rural home without sacrificing school scale, Metcalfe County offers a perfect balance. High graduation rates and a simple, effective school structure make this a reliable area for family-oriented home buyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Metcalfe County

via RiskByCounty

Metcalfe ranks as exceptionally safe

With a 21.79 composite risk score, Metcalfe County sits well below the national average and earns a Very Low risk rating. Most natural hazards pose minimal threat across the county.

Much safer than Kentucky average

Metcalfe's 21.79 score runs sharply below Kentucky's 44.21 average, placing the county among the state's lower-risk areas. This significant gap reflects protective geography and hazard patterns.

Safer than surrounding counties

Metcalfe's 21.79 outperforms neighboring Monroe (26.65) and exceeds the broader region's hazard profile substantially. The county's wildfire risk (6.77) is among Kentucky's lowest, a major safety advantage.

Tornado and earthquake top concerns

Tornado risk at 48.70 and earthquake exposure at 50.54 are Metcalfe's primary hazards, though both remain below state averages. Flood (33.02) and hurricane (30.75) risks are minimal in comparison.

Standard homeowners policy sufficient

Your existing homeowners insurance will cover tornado, wind, and hail damage in Metcalfe's relatively safe environment. Flood insurance is optional unless you're in a flood zone, given the county's low flood risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Metcalfe County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Compliance Record for Metcalfe County

Metcalfe County achieves an 'A' grade with zero health-based drinking water violations over the past five years. Its violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents stands in contrast to the Kentucky average of 35.7. This performance reflects a high level of consistency in meeting federal safety standards.

Healthy Watershed Meets All Federal Standards

Metcalfe County has one assessed water body under the 2022 EPA reporting cycle, and it is currently 0.0% impaired. This assessment indicates that local surface water meets the necessary criteria for its designated uses under the Clean Water Act. The county maintains a healthy environment for aquatic life and recreational use.

Single Monitoring Site Tracks Inorganic Metals

A single monitoring site in Metcalfe County has recorded 731 measurements during the last five-year period. Data collection focuses on inorganics, physical characteristics, and major metals, providing a consistent look at one specific area. While the site count is low, the number of results per site is relatively high.

No Active USGS Streamgages in Metcalfe

There is currently no USGS streamgage providing real-time discharge data for Metcalfe County. In the absence of live flow statistics, water managers rely on regional precipitation patterns and drinking water compliance data to assess supply health. The county’s perfect compliance record suggests that source water remains stable.

A Reliable Foundation for Water Safety

Residents can take confidence in the county's 'A' grade and perfect watershed health score. Because real-time flow data is missing, it is wise to conserve water during dry periods to protect the single-site monitoring results we do have. Your local water quality remains a strong point for the county compared to state averages.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Metcalfe County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Kentucky Climate with Moderate Heat

Metcalfe County records an annual average temperature of 56.9°F and 49.6 inches of precipitation. These figures place the county very close to the Kentucky state averages of 56.2°F and 50.6 inches.

Tracking Closely with State Benchmarks

Metcalfe stays slightly warmer than the state average but remains within the typical range for southern Kentucky. Its precipitation levels are nearly identical to the state's median for moisture.

Higher Heat Frequency Than Northern Neighbors

Metcalfe experiences 34 extreme heat days per year, which is significantly more than the 24 days recorded in Nelson County. This makes the local summer feel more intense despite similar average temperatures.

Extreme Heat and Manageable Snowfall

Summers bring over a month of days reaching 90°F or higher, peaking with a July average of 76.2°F. Winter brings a modest 7.2 inches of annual snowfall and a January average of 35.8°F.

Prepare for Peak Heat and Humidity

Residents should ensure their HVAC systems are robust enough to handle 34 days of extreme heat. A basic snow shovel is sufficient for the county's average of 7.2 inches of winter accumulation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Metcalfe County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Soil Profiles

Metcalfe County soil is notably acidic with a pH of 5.49, significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This low pH suggests a regular need for lime to unlock nutrients for traditional crops.

Silty Texture with Clay Support

The soil profile consists of 57.2% silt and 20.2% clay, creating a heavy texture that retains moisture well. This mix provides moderate workability but requires care to avoid compaction during wet seasons.

Room for Organic Growth

Organic matter stands at 2.19%, which is slightly above the national average of 2.0% but trails the Kentucky average of 3.55%. The Available Water Capacity of 0.169 in/in also sits below the state average, suggesting lower drought resilience.

Slow and Steady Drainage

While specific drainage class data is absent, the high silt and clay content generally points to moderate drainage speeds. Farmers should monitor for runoff given the 22.6% sand content, which is relatively low for the state.

Bountiful Zone 7a Gardening

The 7a Hardiness Zone and silty soil are excellent for berry patches and native Kentucky wildflowers. Whether you're planting tomatoes or hydrangeas, your garden will thrive with consistent organic amendments.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Metcalfe County

via LawnByCounty

Tackling Challenges in Metcalfe County

With a lawn difficulty score of 60.0, Metcalfe County is more challenging for lawn care than the Kentucky average of 66.3. Though still easier than the national median, homeowners in this 7a zone must work harder to maintain lush turf.

High Heat Impacts Growing Schedules

Metcalfe faces 34 extreme heat days per year, exceeding the state average and putting significant stress on cool-season grasses. The 49.6 inches of annual precipitation is near the top of the ideal range, helping to mitigate some of that thermal stress.

Acidic Soils Require Attention

The soil pH in Metcalfe County is 5.49, which is significantly more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. With a soil composition of 20.2% clay and 22.6% sand, regular lime applications are likely necessary to balance the acidity for proper growth.

High Drought Exposure

The county endured 6 weeks of drought over the last year, the highest among its peers. While current conditions are stable, the history of dry spells suggests that installing a smart irrigation system could save your turf in the long run.

Tough Grasses for Metcalfe

Heat-tolerant varieties like Tall Fescue or Bermudagrass are best for this environment. Plant your seeds between the last spring frost on April 26th and the first fall frost on October 18th to maximize the growing window.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Metcalfe County's county score?
Metcalfe County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 64 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 Metcalfe County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Metcalfe County ranks #33 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 Metcalfe County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Metcalfe County is $743, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Metcalfe County a tax score of 60.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Metcalfe County?
The median household income in Metcalfe County, Kentucky is $48,572 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Metcalfe County earns an income score of 12.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Metcalfe County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Metcalfe County scores 64/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #33 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Metcalfe 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 Metcalfe County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.