CountyScore

Metcalfe County

Kentucky · KY

#13 in Kentucky
74
County Score

County Report Card

About Metcalfe County, Kentucky

Metcalfe Ranks High Nationally

Metcalfe County's composite score of 77.8 towers above the national median of 50.0, placing it among the most livable counties in America. This 56% advantage reflects exceptional affordability and low tax burden.

Top Tier in Kentucky

Metcalfe's score of 77.8 exceeds Kentucky's state average of 75.0 by 2.8 points, making it one of the commonwealth's more desirable counties. Its ranking reflects strong fundamentals in both taxes and housing costs.

Ultra-Affordable, Low Taxes

Metcalfe's cost score of 90.3 and tax score of 82.0 represent extraordinary affordability, with an effective tax rate of 0.721%, median home value of $103,100, and rent of just $549/month. These figures make Metcalfe one of Kentucky's most accessible counties for budget-constrained households.

Incomes and Opportunity Limited

Metcalfe's income score of 15.1 reflects median household income of $48,572, significantly below state and regional peers. The absence of data on safety, health, schools, and water quality prevents a complete assessment of community conditions beyond affordability.

Best for Cost-Conscious Families

Metcalfe County excels for families and retirees who prioritize minimal housing costs and tax burden above all else. Its strong composite score masks limited income opportunities, making it ideal for those with stable, portable income sources.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax82Cost90.3SafetyComing SoonHealth62.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome15.1Risk78.2WaterComing Soon
🏛82
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠90.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤62.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡78.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Metcalfe County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Bibb County
Alabama
74
Median income: $51,215
Crenshaw County
Alabama
74
Median income: $49,040
Fremont County
Idaho
74
Median income: $72,767
Trimble County
Kentucky
74
Median income: $67,813
Madison Parish
Louisiana
74
Median income: $37,267

Deep Dives

Metcalfe County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Metcalfe County

via HealthByCounty

Metcalfe's life expectancy lags nationally

At 71.8 years, Metcalfe County's life expectancy falls 2.2 years short of the U.S. average (74.0) and falls just below Kentucky's state average (72.2). One in four residents (25.7%) reports poor or fair health, reflecting significant chronic disease burden in this south-central Kentucky community.

Below-average health outcomes in Kentucky

Metcalfe's 71.8-year life expectancy and 25.7% poor health rate place it among Kentucky's lower-performing counties, though not at the bottom. The 6.4% uninsured rate actually trails the state average, suggesting coverage access isn't the primary driver of poor outcomes.

Struggles despite provider availability

Metcalfe's 71.8-year life expectancy ranks below McLean (74.5), Mercer (73.4), and Monroe (72.3), though its 19 primary care providers per 100,000 is the lowest among immediate peers. With 105 mental health providers per 100,000, the county has respectable mental health capacity, yet health indicators remain weak.

Lowest primary care access in region

Metcalfe has just 19 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest density among neighboring counties—potentially limiting access to preventive and chronic disease management. At 6.4% uninsured, coverage exists for most, but the scarcity of primary care doctors may be forcing residents into crisis care.

Secure coverage, find local providers

Metcalfe residents need both insurance and reliable provider relationships to overcome the county's primary care shortage. Check kynect.ky.gov to confirm your coverage and ask your doctor for referrals to available primary care physicians.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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