Monroe County's composite score of 76.1 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking it among America's more livable counties. This 52% advantage demonstrates strong fundamentals in affordability and tax efficiency.
2 / 5
Solid Performance in Kentucky
Monroe's score of 76.1 edges past Kentucky's state average of 75.0, placing it in the upper tier of the commonwealth's counties. Its 1.1-point advantage signals competitive livability within the state.
3 / 5
Affordable, Tax-Friendly Living
Monroe's cost score of 87.8 and tax score of 80.7 form its foundation, with an effective tax rate of 0.767%, median home value of $116,300, and rent of $629/month. These metrics deliver genuine affordability for households earning the median of $49,430.
4 / 5
Income Opportunities Limited
Monroe's income score of 15.7 is among the lowest in this group, with median household income of $49,430 trailing regional peers and limiting economic mobility. Safety, health, school, and water quality data remain unavailable, preventing fuller assessment of community wellbeing.
5 / 5
Ideal for Frugal, Stable Households
Monroe County appeals to retirees, remote workers, and families with stable income sources seeking low costs and minimal taxes. Its strong composite score reflects genuine affordability for those not dependent on local job markets.
Monroe County's composite score of 76.1 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking it among America's more livable counties. This 52% advantage demonstrates strong fundamentals in affordability and tax efficiency.
Solid Performance in Kentucky
Monroe's score of 76.1 edges past Kentucky's state average of 75.0, placing it in the upper tier of the commonwealth's counties. Its 1.1-point advantage signals competitive livability within the state.
Affordable, Tax-Friendly Living
Monroe's cost score of 87.8 and tax score of 80.7 form its foundation, with an effective tax rate of 0.767%, median home value of $116,300, and rent of $629/month. These metrics deliver genuine affordability for households earning the median of $49,430.
Income Opportunities Limited
Monroe's income score of 15.7 is among the lowest in this group, with median household income of $49,430 trailing regional peers and limiting economic mobility. Safety, health, school, and water quality data remain unavailable, preventing fuller assessment of community wellbeing.
Ideal for Frugal, Stable Households
Monroe County appeals to retirees, remote workers, and families with stable income sources seeking low costs and minimal taxes. Its strong composite score reflects genuine affordability for those not dependent on local job markets.
Score breakdown
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🏛80.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Monroe County's effective tax rate of 0.767% runs 8% above the national median of 0.71%, reflecting a slightly heavier burden than typical. Median property taxes of $892 annually remain just 33% of the national median of $2,690, thanks to lower home valuations in the region.
Above Kentucky's typical burden
Monroe County's rate of 0.767% exceeds Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, placing it in the upper-middle tier of state tax burdens. The median annual tax of $892 is about 18% below the state median of $1,093, despite the higher rate.
Above-average rate for the region
Monroe County's 0.767% rate ranks third-highest in this eight-county group, behind only Mercer County (0.819%) and Metcalfe County (0.721%). Yet its median tax bill of $892 remains relatively modest due to lower median home values.
Median home costs $892 per year
On a median home valued at $116,300, Monroe County residents pay approximately $892 in annual property taxes. That figure rises to roughly $959 when mortgage insurance and related fees are factored in.
Challenge your assessment if warranted
Even though Monroe County's median tax bills are modest, some homeowners may still be overassessed relative to their home's true market value. Kentucky's appeal process is free and accessible—a smart step if you believe your property is valued too high.
Monroe County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% beats Kentucky's state average of 17.0% and falls within the affordable range nationally. With median rent at $629 and a median household income of $49,430, housing costs remain manageable despite modest incomes.
Above-average Kentucky affordability
Monroe County ranks in the upper tier for affordability across Kentucky with a 15.3% rent-to-income ratio, outperforming the state average of 17.0%. This positions Monroe as a solid housing value option within the commonwealth.
Monroe compares favorably to region
Monroe's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio matches Mercer County exactly and beats most other neighbors, though it trails Metcalfe's 13.6%. At $629 monthly rent, Monroe sits in the region's lower-cost tier.
Housing costs: rent vs. ownership
Renters in Monroe pay $629 monthly (15.3% of income), while homeowners carry a $623 monthly cost with a median home value of $116,300. Rental and ownership costs are nearly balanced, providing options across housing preferences.
Monroe County delivers steady value
Monroe County offers better-than-average affordability with modest rents, low home values, and housing costs that fit comfortably within tight budgets. It's a practical choice for relocators seeking small-town living with genuine housing value.
Monroe County's median household income of $49,430 falls $25,325 short of the national median of $74,755—a significant 34% gap. This substantial shortfall indicates Monroe faces economic challenges comparable to some of America's most disadvantaged counties.
Monroe below Kentucky baseline
At $49,430, Monroe County's median household income trails the Kentucky state median of $55,909 by $6,479. This 12% deficit reveals that Monroe residents earn less than average Kentuckians, suggesting limited job growth and lower wage opportunities in the local economy.
Monroe among region's lowest earners
Monroe County's $49,430 median household income ranks among the county's weakest neighbors, barely exceeding Metcalfe County ($48,572) and substantially below Mercer County ($63,115). The county's economic position reflects broader regional challenges in central Kentucky.
Housing remains affordable
Monroe County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% is manageable, keeping housing costs at a reasonable share of household earnings. The median home value of $116,300 is among the region's lowest, making homeownership accessible despite limited household income.
Build financial stability gradually
Monroe County residents should focus first on establishing emergency savings before pursuing major investments. Take advantage of employer retirement plans where available, seek free financial literacy resources, and consider ways to increase household income through education or skill development.
Monroe County's 72.3-year life expectancy trails the U.S. average (74.0) by 1.7 years, though it slightly exceeds Kentucky's state average (72.2). With 24.2% reporting poor or fair health and an 8.1% uninsured rate—above the state average—Monroe faces compounded barriers to good health outcomes.
Higher uninsured rate, weaker outcomes
Monroe's 8.1% uninsured rate ranks among Kentucky's higher rates, exceeding the state average of 7.0% and suggesting coverage gaps that may limit healthcare access. The county's 72.3-year life expectancy positions it in the lower-middle tier of Kentucky counties by longevity.
Outpaced by most adjacent counties
Monroe's 72.3-year life expectancy ranks below McLean (74.5), Meade (75.1), and Mercer (73.4), though it outpaces Metcalfe (71.8) and Menifee (70.0). With 45 primary care providers and 80 mental health providers per 100,000, Monroe's provider density sits in the mid-range, yet the elevated uninsured rate undermines utilization.
Uninsured rate drives access gaps
Monroe's 8.1% uninsured rate—the highest in this dataset—means roughly one in twelve residents lacks health coverage, likely delaying care and worsening health trajectories. Despite reasonable provider availability (45 primary care, 80 mental health per 100,000), uninsured residents struggle to connect with available services.
Closing Monroe's coverage gap matters
If you're among Monroe's uninsured, securing coverage is a critical first step toward better health outcomes and access to the county's available providers. Visit kynect.ky.gov or call 1-855-4-KY-HEALTH today—coverage enrollment takes minutes and unlocks immediate care access.
Monroe County scores 26.65 on the composite risk scale, well below the national average and rated Very Low. The county's exposure to major natural disasters remains minimal across most hazard types.
Safer than Kentucky overall
At 26.65, Monroe ranks substantially below Kentucky's 44.21 average, securing its place among the state's lowest-risk counties. This protective position reflects favorable geography and relatively low hazard concentration.
Second-safest in immediate region
Monroe's 26.65 trails only Menifee County (6.20) among nearby areas, making it genuinely safe by regional standards. Nearby Metcalfe (21.79) sits marginally lower, creating a cluster of exceptional safety.
Hurricane and tornado are moderate concerns
Hurricane risk scores 42.51 in Monroe—the county's highest hazard—though direct hurricane impact remains distant and unlikely. Tornado (53.40) and earthquake (63.58) risks round out secondary concerns, all below or near state averages.
Basic coverage handles most scenarios
Standard homeowners insurance covers wind, hail, and tornado damage in Monroe's low-risk setting. Flood insurance is recommended only for properties in mapped floodplain zones or areas with prior flood history.