countyscore
66.2
County Score
Safety 90.3Cost of Living 87.2Schools 75

County Report Card

About Monroe County, Kentucky

Monroe County Scores High Nationally

Monroe County’s composite score of 66.2 is significantly better than the national median of 50.0. It ranks as a top-tier rural county for overall quality of life across the United States.

Outperforming the Kentucky State Average

At 66.2, Monroe County sits nearly 8 points above the Kentucky average of 58.6. This high ranking reflects its success in creating a safe and affordable environment for residents.

Exceptional Safety and School Quality

The county boasts a remarkable safety score of 90.3 and a strong school score of 75.0. It also offers great value with a cost score of 87.2 and home values averaging $116,300.

Water Infrastructure and Wage Growth

Monroe faces a challenge with its water score of 22.8 and a low income score of 13.3. Economic diversification is needed to raise the $49,430 median household income.

Top Choice for Safety-First Families

Monroe County is the quintessential choice for families who prioritize low crime and quality public education. While infrastructure needs work, the combination of safe streets and good schools is hard to beat.

204060801005687.290.332.77513.373.422.862.3Tax56Cost87.2Safety90.3Health32.7Schools75Income13.3Risk73.4Water22.8Weather62.366.2/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Monroe County DNA

D+overall

How Monroe County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Monroe County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (87.2/100) but notably weak in Income (13.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
56
Cost
87.2+39.2
Safety
90.3+35.3
Health
32.7-17.299999999999997
Schools
75+21
Income
13.3-37.7
Risk
73.4+26.400000000000006
Water
22.8-35.2
Weather
62.3
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$116,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$629/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$116,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$25,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $49,430/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

35.3

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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Nearby counties

Clay County
Tennessee
64.2
Cumberland County
Kentucky
70.5
Macon County
Tennessee
50.3
Metcalfe County
Kentucky
64
Jackson County
Tennessee
53.2
Barren County
Kentucky
53.3
Allen County
Kentucky
64.3
Clinton County
Kentucky
70

Deep Dives

Monroe County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Monroe County

via TaxByCounty

Monroe's rate moderately exceeds nation

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Monroe County

via CostByCounty

Monroe County: moderate affordability

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Monroe County

via IncomeByCounty

Monroe trails the national average

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Monroe County

via CrimeByCounty

Monroe County Among the Nation's Safest

Monroe County features a total crime rate of only 185.4 per 100,000, which is over ten times lower than the national average. This performance results in a nearly perfect safety score of 99.7 out of 100. It is one of the most secure counties in the entire United States.

Setting the Standard in Kentucky

With a safety score of 99.7, Monroe County is significantly safer than the Kentucky state average of 98.8. Its total crime rate of 185.4 is roughly a quarter of the statewide average of 786.2. Three reporting agencies confirm these remarkably low incident numbers.

Superior Safety Scores to Regional Neighbors

Monroe County’s crime rate of 185.4 is far lower than neighbor Metcalfe County at 494.5. Even its property crime rate of 167.7 is roughly a third of what is seen in surrounding areas. It serves as a benchmark for public safety in southern Kentucky.

Minimal Crime Across All Categories

Violent crime is extremely rare at 17.7 per 100,000 residents, while property crime is also minimal at 167.7. These figures compare to national averages of 369.8 and 2,015.7 respectively. Residents here experience an environment almost entirely free of major criminal activity.

Maintaining the Peace in Monroe County

Even in such a safe county, basic home security provides a final layer of protection. Locking doors and using smart home devices can prevent the few property crimes that occur. Community-wide awareness ensures Monroe County remains a top-tier safe haven.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Monroe County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Rural Schooling in Monroe

Monroe County hosts 6 public schools that serve a total of 1,788 students. This network includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and two high school programs.

Top-Tier Graduation and High Scores

Boasting a 97.0% graduation rate, Monroe County is a state leader in student success. This performance is backed by a $7,551 per-pupil expenditure and an impressive school score of 58.4, which is significantly higher than the state average.

The Monroe County District Advantage

The Monroe County district is the sole provider for the area's 1,788 students across five primary campuses. With 0% charter school presence, the district remains the central pillar of the local educational community.

Small Rural Schools with Personalized Feel

Every school in the county is rural, featuring an average size of 358 students per campus. Monroe County High is the largest with 517 students, while several elementary schools, like Joe Harrison Carter, maintain smaller enrollments around 255 students.

Secure Your Family's Future in Monroe

Monroe County is a standout choice for homebuyers who value high academic scores and exceptional graduation rates. This county offers the combination of high-level investment and small-town school intimacy.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Monroe County

via RiskByCounty

Monroe presents low national risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Monroe County

via WaterByCounty

High Violation Rates Drive Grade F

Monroe County receives a failing grade for drinking water due to 14 health-based violations over five years. At 103.7 violations per 100,000 residents, the county’s rate is nearly triple the Kentucky state average. These figures indicate persistent difficulties in maintaining Safe Drinking Water Act compliance.

Watersheds Remain Healthy Despite Utility Issues

The 2022 ATTAINS reporting cycle shows that all four assessed water bodies in Monroe County are meeting their standards. With a 0.0% impairment rate, the county's streams are functioning well for their designated environmental uses. This suggests that water quality issues likely originate in treatment or distribution rather than the source.

Monitoring Focused on Nutrients and Metals

Two monitoring sites in Monroe County have generated ,1290 results over the past five years. Tracking primarily focuses on nutrients, physical properties, and inorganic metals to ensure aquatic health. This level of data provides a solid baseline for understanding the chemical makeup of local creeks.

Live Streamflow Monitoring Not Available

No active USGS streamgage is currently located in Monroe County to provide live flow or discharge data. Without real-time data, residents must rely on drinking water compliance reports as the primary signal of system health. The lack of flow data makes it harder to predict the impact of droughts on the local water supply.

Mitigate Risks Through Home Water Filtration

With a violation rate nearly triple the state average, residents should prioritize home water filtration to address potential contaminants. Although the local watershed is rated healthy, the failing compliance grade suggests that treated water frequently misses federal targets. Check your annual water quality report for specific details on the types of violations recorded.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Monroe County

via WeatherByCounty

A Significant Increase in Annual Rainfall

Monroe County receives a heavy 54.4 inches of precipitation annually, far exceeding the Kentucky state average of 50.6 inches. While specific temperature data is limited, this high rainfall defines the county's humid subtropical profile.

Among the Wettest Counties in Kentucky

Monroe outpaces the state precipitation average by nearly four inches per year. This makes it one of the dampest regions in the state, despite having lower snowfall than northern counties.

Lighter Winter Snow Than Northern Neighbors

The county records only 5.7 inches of annual snowfall, which is less than half of what Nelson County receives. While much rainier, Monroe enjoys a milder winter in terms of frozen precipitation.

Rainy Transitions and Mild Winters

With 54.4 inches of rain and only 5.7 inches of snow, the county experiences very wet transitional seasons. Winter temperatures are generally mild enough to keep heavy snow accumulation to a minimum.

Invest in Drainage and Rain Gear

Homeowners should prioritize basement sealing and yard drainage to manage the high 54.4-inch rainfall total. Heavy rain gear is a must, while snow removal needs remain relatively light most years.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Monroe County

via SoilByCounty

Southern Kentucky Acidic Soils

Monroe County's soil has an average pH of 5.65, falling below both the state average and the national 6.5 median. This acidic environment is common in southern Kentucky and often requires soil amendments for optimal growth.

Balanced Silt and Sand

With a high silt content of 55.6% and nearly 20% clay, the soil offers a good balance of moisture retention and structure. The 24.1% sand content helps slightly with aeration compared to heavier clay-based neighbors.

Consistent Moisture Retention

The organic matter level of 2.38% exceeds the national average of 2.0% but remains lower than the Kentucky state average of 3.55%. Its water capacity of 0.177 in/in is near the state benchmark, meaning it holds water reasonably well.

Moderate Hydrologic Response

Specific drainage classes are not listed, but the silty texture usually indicates a moderate hydrologic response. A soil score of 48.6 suggests there is significant potential for improvement through the use of cover crops.

Long Growing Seasons in 7a

In Hardiness Zone 7a, growers can enjoy a long season for warm-weather favorites like squash and melons. Get your garden started today by testing your soil and adding the organic matter it craves.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Monroe County

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Difficult Lawn Conditions

Monroe County presents a challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 58.2, well below the Kentucky state average of 66.3. Homeowners in this zone 7a county need to be more proactive in their management to achieve state-standard results.

Heavy Rainfall and Growing Needs

The county receives a substantial 54.4 inches of rain annually, which is higher than both the state average and the ideal range for lawns. This high moisture can lead to soil compaction and nutrient leaching if not managed correctly.

Managing Acidic and Sandy Soil

Local soil has a pH of 5.65, which is below the ideal threshold and may require lime to improve nutrient availability. The mix of 24.1% sand and 19.7% clay suggests fair drainage, but amendments may be needed to hold moisture during dry spells.

Brief Drought History

Monroe County experienced 4 weeks in drought over the last year, though it is currently free of abnormal dryness. Given the acidic soil, maintaining deep roots through proper fertilization is key to surviving future dry periods.

Selection for Success in Monroe

Tall fescues are the most resilient choice for this area's soil and moisture profile. While specific frost dates are unavailable, aim for traditional Kentucky planting windows in mid-April and early September for the best establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Monroe County's county score?
Monroe County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 66.2 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 Monroe County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Monroe County ranks #21 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 Monroe County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Monroe County is $892, with an effective tax rate of 0.77%. This earns Monroe County a tax score of 56/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Monroe County?
The median household income in Monroe County, Kentucky is $49,430 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Monroe County earns an income score of 13.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Monroe County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Monroe County scores 66.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Monroe 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 Monroe County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.