countyscore
62.4
County Score
Cost of Living 87Safety 84.1Disaster Risk 78

County Report Card

About Morgan County, Kentucky

Morgan County Beats the National Median

Morgan County earns a respectable composite score of 62.4, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a higher-than-average quality of life for its residents.

A Solid Kentucky Performer

With a 62.4 score, Morgan County outperforms the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It ranks as a dependable option for those seeking the traditional Kentucky rural lifestyle.

High Safety and Affordable Housing

Morgan County excels with a cost score of 87.0 and a safety score of 84.1. Residents benefit from affordable living, with median home values sitting at $106,000.

Income Levels and Health Access

The county struggles with an income score of 10.3 and a health score of 29.7. A median household income of $47,493 suggests limited local high-wage opportunities.

Best for Peace, Quiet, and Value

Morgan County is perfect for those who prioritize a safe, low-stress environment with very high affordability. It is an excellent choice for individuals who value community security over high-speed economic growth.

20406080100578784.129.754.910.37855.456Tax57Cost87Safety84.1Health29.7Schools54.9Income10.3Risk78Water55.4Weather5662.4/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Morgan County DNA

Doverall

How Morgan County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Morgan County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (87/100) but notably weak in Income (10.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
57
Cost
87+39
Safety
84.1+29.099999999999994
Health
29.7-20.3
Schools
54.9
Income
10.3-40.7
Risk
78+31
Water
55.4
Weather
56
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Morgan County?

Many homeowners in Morgan County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$106,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$670/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$106,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$26,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $47,493/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

14.3

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
Compare Morgan County with Pike County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Pike County
Arkansas
Median income: $51,000
62.4
Crawford County
Indiana
Median income: $48,993
62.4
Buchanan County
Iowa
Median income: $78,430
62.4
Palo Alto County
Iowa
Median income: $68,963
62.4
Sullivan County
Missouri
Median income: $55,500
62.4
Hamilton County
Nebraska
Median income: $79,884
62.4
Stokes County
North Carolina
Median income: $60,039
62.4
Darke County
Ohio
Median income: $64,654
62.4

Nearby counties

Elliott County
Kentucky
72.6
Wolfe County
Kentucky
71
Menifee County
Kentucky
68.8
Magoffin County
Kentucky
64.8
Rowan County
Kentucky
58.7
Johnson County
Kentucky
67.4
Breathitt County
Kentucky
59.8
Bath County
Kentucky
56.2

Deep Dives

Morgan County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Morgan County

via TaxByCounty

Morgan's rate exceeds national median

Morgan County's effective tax rate of 0.757% runs 7% above the national median of 0.71%, indicating a slightly heavier tax burden than typical. Median property taxes of $802 annually represent just 30% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's lower home values.

Above average for Kentucky

Morgan County's rate of 0.757% exceeds Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, placing it in the upper portion of the state's tax burden spectrum. The median annual tax of $802 is about 27% below the state median of $1,093, due to Morgan's lower median home value.

Fifth-highest rate among the eight

Morgan County's 0.757% rate ranks fifth in this eight-county regional comparison, trailing Mercer (0.819%), Monroe (0.767%), and Montgomery (0.746%). Despite the above-average rate, its median tax bill of $802 is among the lowest in the group due to lower home values.

Median home costs $802 annually

On a median home valued at $106,000, Morgan County residents pay approximately $802 per year in property taxes. This amount reaches about $988 annually when mortgage insurance and related fees are included.

Appeal if your home seems overvalued

Morgan County homeowners should double-check their property assessments against recent comparable home sales to ensure accuracy. Filing an appeal with the county assessor is free and could reduce your annual tax bill if your home is assessed above its true market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Morgan County

via CostByCounty

Morgan County: tight affordability margins

Morgan County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% sits just below Kentucky's state average of 17.0%, reflecting affordability pressures that match most of the state. Renters pay $670 monthly on a median household income of $47,493, the region's lowest income level.

Below-average Kentucky incomes

Morgan County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio nearly matches the state average, but the county's median household income of $47,493 is among Kentucky's lowest. This means housing costs consume typical shares of income, but on smaller paychecks.

Morgan rents moderate, incomes low

Morgan's $670 rent is reasonable compared to regional options, but the $47,493 median income is the lowest among nearby counties, matching Metcalfe's struggles. This creates an affordability ratio of 16.9%—typical statewide, but on the tightest budget.

Housing costs: rent vs. ownership

Renters in Morgan pay $670 monthly (16.9% of income), while homeowners spend $596 monthly with a median home value of $106,000. Ownership is noticeably cheaper than renting here, reflecting Morgan's rural character and lower demand.

Morgan County: budget-conscious relocation

Morgan offers low housing costs and affordable ownership options, but factor in that median incomes here are among Kentucky's lowest. It works for relocators with secure, portable income; otherwise, explore neighboring counties with stronger employment bases.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Morgan County

via IncomeByCounty

Morgan significantly below national income

Morgan County's median household income of $47,493 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by $27,262—a substantial 36% shortfall. This significant gap places Morgan among America's lower-income counties and reflects limited economic opportunities and reduced wage earning power.

Morgan trails Kentucky median

At $47,493, Morgan County's median household income falls $8,416 below the Kentucky state median of $55,909. This 15% deficit indicates Morgan residents earn meaningfully less than most other Kentuckians, signaling local economic challenges requiring attention.

Morgan among lowest in region

Morgan County's $47,493 median household income ranks among the region's weakest, well below Mercer County ($63,115) and only slightly above Metcalfe County ($48,572). The county's economic position reflects broader challenges affecting rural central Kentucky.

Housing costs are favorable

Morgan County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% represents a reasonable housing cost burden, though tight household budgets limit flexibility. The median home value of $106,000 is among the region's lowest, providing homeownership accessibility despite constrained income.

Start with emergency savings

Morgan County residents facing limited incomes should prioritize building three months of emergency savings before investing. Explore employer retirement plans, free financial counseling, and education programs that can increase earning potential and create pathways to financial stability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Morgan County

via CrimeByCounty

Morgan County Maintains High Safety Levels

Morgan County reports a total crime rate of 368.5 per 100,000, which is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a strong safety score of 99.4 out of 100. Residents here enjoy significantly higher levels of peace and security than most of the country.

Consistently Beating the Kentucky Average

Morgan County’s total crime rate of 368.5 is less than half of the Kentucky state average of 786.2. Its safety score of 99.4 also comfortably exceeds the state average of 98.8. Two reporting agencies provide the data that confirms this safe standing.

Safe Relative to Large Neighbor Montgomery

Morgan County is significantly safer than neighboring Montgomery County, which has a total crime rate of 1,773.9. While Morgan's rate is higher than Menifee County’s 291.6, its violent crime rate of 36.1 is much better than Menifee’s 81.0. This makes Morgan a regional leader in personal safety.

A Clear Focus on Low Violent Crime

Violent crime in Morgan County is just 36.1 per 100,000, roughly one-tenth of the national average. Property crime stands at 332.4, which is also remarkably low compared to the U.S. rate of 2,015.7. The statistics paint a picture of a community with very few serious security concerns.

Maintaining Security at Home

Even in very safe areas, maintaining home security helps deter the occasional property crime. Simple additions like porch cameras or motion lights can provide extra peace of mind. Consistent community vigilance keeps Morgan County's crime rates among the lowest in the state.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Morgan County

via SchoolsByCounty

Strong Rural Education Network

Morgan County features 9 public schools that provide education for 1,877 students. The landscape consists of four elementary schools, one middle school, and three high school programs.

Leading the State in Graduation Success

Morgan County's 97.0% graduation rate is one of the highest in the state, easily beating the national average. The county maintains a school score of 55.0 with an average per-pupil expenditure of $5,955.

Centralized Morgan County District

All 1,877 students are served by the Morgan County district, which operates eight primary schools. No charter schools exist in the county, ensuring a focused and traditional public education experience.

Classic Rural Schools with Small Classes

All nine schools are situated in rural locales, with an average size of only 268 students per school. Morgan County High is the largest with 598 students, while Ezel Elementary provides a very small environment with only 120 students.

Escape to Exceptional Results in Morgan

Morgan County is a prime destination for those seeking high graduation rates in a scenic rural setting. Relocating here offers families a chance to be part of a high-performing district with intimate school sizes.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Morgan County

via RiskByCounty

Morgan ranks among safest nationally

Morgan County's composite risk score of 22.07 sits well below the national average, earning a Very Low rating. The county's natural hazard exposure remains minimal across most disaster types.

Substantially safer than Kentucky average

At 22.07, Morgan scores roughly half the state average of 44.21, making it one of Kentucky's genuinely safe counties. This significant protective advantage reflects favorable geography and low hazard concentration.

Among region's safest communities

Morgan's 22.07 ranks it second only to Menifee (6.20) in the immediate area, creating a pocket of exceptional safety. Nearby Metcalfe (21.79) offers similar protection, establishing a truly low-risk region.

Wildfire emerges as chief concern

Wildfire risk scores 70.93 in Morgan—the county's standout hazard and among Kentucky's highest—though forest management limits real-world impact. Hurricane (37.42), flood (45.71), and tornado (29.64) risks remain well below state benchmarks.

Focus on wildfire prevention

Maintain defensible space around your home by clearing brush and dead trees, given Morgan's elevated wildfire risk. Standard homeowners insurance will cover most other natural hazards, and flood insurance is optional unless you're near water features.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Morgan County

via WaterByCounty

Morgan County Maintains Moderate Compliance

Morgan County earns a Grade C for drinking water, with only one health-based violation recorded over the past five years. Its violation rate of 10.1 per 100,000 is well below the Kentucky state average of 35.7. This record indicates a generally stable system with infrequent compliance interruptions.

Local Waterways Meet All Safety Standards

The 2022 EPA ATTAINS assessment shows that both monitored water bodies in Morgan County have a 0.0% impairment rate. These streams successfully meet all designated criteria for their use as protected water sources. This clean record aligns with the state’s goals for maintaining healthy local watersheds.

Single Site Generates High Measurement Volume

Despite having only one monitoring site, Morgan County has recorded 1,097 measurements over the past five years. Data collection is concentrated on inorganic metals and physical characteristics, providing a deep look at that specific location's chemistry. This high result density helps identify subtle changes in water quality over time.

Real-Time Streamflow Data Not Available

Morgan County does not currently have an active USGS streamgage to provide live flow or discharge statistics. While real-time data is missing, the county’s healthy watershed assessments and low violation rate suggest a resilient water supply. Monitoring local rain totals can help approximate the current state of local streams.

Stay Informed Through Local Monitoring

Morgan County residents can rely on generally good water quality, but the single monitoring site means data is localized. Since there is no live streamflow data, following local weather patterns and utility updates is the best way to stay ahead of supply changes. A standard carbon filter provides an easy extra layer of protection for most households.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Morgan County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cooler Climate with Heavy Snow

Morgan County maintains an average annual temperature of 54.1°F, placing it over two degrees below the state average. It receives 46.9 inches of rain annually, which is drier than the Kentucky average of 50.6 inches.

Significant Snowfall in Eastern Kentucky

With 12.3 inches of annual snow, Morgan County receives more winter accumulation than many of its neighbors. This cooler profile makes it one of the more winter-active counties in the region.

More Winter Accumulation Than Montgomery

Morgan receives 12.3 inches of snow, notably higher than the 8.8 inches seen in neighboring Montgomery County. This extra snowfall defines the county's winter character compared to counties just to the west.

A Month of Extreme Summer Heat

Despite cooler averages, the county still hits 90°F on 30 days every year. Winters are cold, with a December-February average of 35.0°F and significant seasonal snowfall.

Prepare for Snow and Summer Heat

Homeowners need reliable snow removal tools to manage the 12.3 inches of annual snowfall. Additionally, maintaining an efficient HVAC system is important for the 30 days of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Morgan County

via SoilByCounty

Mountainous Licking River Soils

Data for Morgan County's soil taxonomy and pH is not available, but the area's geography suggests an acidic profile. Like most of Kentucky, soil here likely requires lime to meet the national median pH of 6.5.

Varied Eastern Kentucky Textures

Exact percentages for sand, silt, and clay are currently missing for Morgan County. The mixture of hills and river valleys creates a patchwork of textures that dictate how well the soil drains and holds nutrients.

Aiming for State Average Fertility

With no local organic matter data available, the state average of 3.55% serves as a primary benchmark. Focus on building organic matter to improve the available water capacity for crops grown on sloped terrain.

Understanding Local Water Flow

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not recorded in this dataset. Gardeners should observe their land after rain to see if it drains quickly or stays saturated, which affects what you can plant.

Cooler Seasons in Zone 6b

As part of Hardiness Zone 6b, Morgan County is perfect for cool-weather crops like kale and carrots. Start a garden this year and enjoy the unique growing conditions of the Eastern Kentucky mountains.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Morgan County

via LawnByCounty

Morgan County Tops Lawn Ease Rankings

Morgan County is a standout with a lawn difficulty score of 77.6, the highest in this group and far exceeding the national median. Its 6b hardiness zone provides an excellent balance for maintaining healthy, green turf with minimal struggle.

Cooler Summers and Solid Rain

With 30 extreme heat days, Morgan County matches the state average exactly. The 46.9 inches of annual precipitation is well within the 30-50 inch ideal range, supporting consistent growth without excessive irrigation needs.

Planning Your Soil Strategy

Specific soil metrics are unavailable for Morgan County, but the high lawn score suggests generally favorable conditions. Homeowners should focus on aeration to keep the soil loose and inviting for new grass roots.

Stable Moisture Levels

Morgan County saw 4 weeks of drought over the last year, yet currently faces no abnormal dry conditions. This stability allows for a predictable maintenance routine and reduces the risk of grass going dormant in the summer.

Perfect Timing for Morgan Lawns

Kentucky Bluegrass is a premier choice for this zone's cooler profile. To ensure success, time your seeding after the last spring frost on April 29th or before the first autumn frost on October 16th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Morgan County's county score?
Morgan County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 62.4 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 Morgan County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Morgan County ranks #44 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 Morgan County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Morgan County is $802, with an effective tax rate of 0.76%. This earns Morgan County a tax score of 57/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Morgan County?
The median household income in Morgan County, Kentucky is $47,493 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Morgan County earns an income score of 10.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Morgan County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Morgan County scores 62.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #44 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Morgan 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 Morgan 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.