countyscore
60.4
County Score
Cost of Living 84.7Lawn Care 72.8Property Tax 69.4

County Report Card

About Muhlenberg County, Kentucky

Muhlenberg outperforms the national median score

Muhlenberg County earns a composite score of 57.9, placing it notably above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balance of strong local affordability and moderate tax burdens. The county remains competitive with other rural regions in the mid-South.

Competing closely with the Kentucky state average

With a 57.9 overall score, Muhlenberg sits just below the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It holds its own against neighbors by offering a lower effective tax rate of 0.694%. This consistency makes it a reliable choice within the Commonwealth.

High scores in affordability and personal safety

The county excels in cost of living with a score of 80.7, supported by a median gross rent of just $712. Safety is another major pillar here, boasting a score of 65.1. Residents also benefit from a relatively low tax burden compared to urban centers.

Addressing income gaps and water quality needs

The local economy faces headwinds with an income score of 20.0 and a median household income of $52,672. Water infrastructure also trails other dimensions with a low score of 25.8. Health outcomes, scored at 41.1, suggest room for improvement in wellness access.

A haven for budget-conscious families

Muhlenberg County is best suited for families or retirees who prioritize low housing costs and safe streets. While income levels are lower than state averages, the $121,300 median home value offers an accessible path to homeownership. It is a solid choice for those seeking a stable, affordable rural lifestyle.

2040608010069.484.765.141.150.615.346.825.857.6Tax69.4Cost84.7Safety65.1Health41.1Schools50.6Income15.3Risk46.8Water25.8Weather57.660.4/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Muhlenberg County DNA

Doverall

How Muhlenberg County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Muhlenberg County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (84.7/100) but notably weak in Income (15.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
69.4+17.400000000000006
Cost
84.7+36.7
Safety
65.1+10.099999999999994
Health
41.1-8.899999999999999
Schools
50.6
Income
15.3-35.7
Risk
46.8
Water
25.8-32.2
Weather
57.6
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$127,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$718/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$127,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $51,927/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

39.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Sumter County
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Nearby counties

Butler County
Kentucky
67.4
Ohio County
Kentucky
57.6
Todd County
Kentucky
56.5
McLean County
Kentucky
69.3
Hopkins County
Kentucky
51.6
Logan County
Kentucky
54.9
Christian County
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39.8
Webster County
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52.3

Deep Dives

Muhlenberg County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Muhlenberg County

via TaxByCounty

Muhlenberg's tax rate ranks low nationally

At 0.694%, Muhlenberg's effective property tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.88%, placing the county in approximately the 25th percentile nationally. Homeowners here pay roughly $842 annually on a median home valued at $121,300—less than a third of the national median property tax of $2,690.

Below-average taxes within Kentucky

Muhlenberg's 0.694% effective rate trails Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, ranking the county in the lower half for tax burden statewide. The median property tax of $842 is also $251 below the state median of $1,093.

Among the lower-taxed in the region

Compared to neighboring counties, Muhlenberg sits in the middle: Nicholas County (0.568%) taxes less, while Nelson County (0.795%) and Pendleton County (0.775%) tax more. Oldham County's 0.921% rate is substantially higher, making Muhlenberg relatively affordable for regional homebuyers.

What $121,300 home costs annually

A median-valued home in Muhlenberg generates approximately $842 in annual property taxes. With mortgage and other obligations factored in, total tax payments rise to roughly $1,035 per year.

Many Muhlenberg homeowners are overassessed

Despite lower county rates, numerous homeowners in Muhlenberg may still be paying more than necessary due to assessment errors or outdated home valuations. Property tax appeals are available and often successful—it's worth checking if your home's assessed value matches current market conditions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Muhlenberg County

via IncomeByCounty

Muhlenberg's income gap from national norm

Muhlenberg County's median household income of $52,672 falls $22,083 short of the national median of $74,755, placing it in the bottom third nationally. This 30% gap reflects the county's reliance on traditional industries and limited high-wage employment sectors. Residents here earn considerably less than their counterparts across most of America.

Below average for Kentucky overall

At $52,672, Muhlenberg's median household income ranks below Kentucky's state average of $55,909 by $3,237. The county underperforms the state norm despite being part of a region with modest but stable earning potential. This positions Muhlenberg in the lower-middle tier among Kentucky's 120 counties.

Among lower earners in western region

Muhlenberg ($52,672) earns more than Owsley County ($31,064) but significantly less than regional peers like Pendleton ($66,601) and Owen ($59,706). The $14,517 gap between Muhlenberg and Pendleton reflects differences in job diversity and proximity to growth centers. Neighboring counties show the income variability within this region.

Rent remains manageable but stretched

With a rent-to-income ratio of 16.2%, Muhlenberg households dedicate just over a sixth of earnings to rent—slightly below the national comfort threshold of 18%. The median home value of $121,300 remains accessible relative to income levels. Still, lower overall earnings leave less room for other expenses compared to higher-income regions.

Build stability with strategic saving

For Muhlenberg households earning $52,672 annually, prioritizing an emergency fund and employer retirement plans offers the best returns. Even modest consistent investments in low-cost index funds can compound over time to offset the county's income disadvantages. Financial counseling services through local nonprofits can help families maximize limited earning power.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Muhlenberg County

via CrimeByCounty

Muhlenberg County Remains Much Safer Than National Average

Muhlenberg County reports a total crime rate of 816.6 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national rate of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a high safety score of 98.7 out of 100. Residents enjoy a level of security that far exceeds most areas in the United States.

Slightly Below Kentucky's Average Safety Mark

While Muhlenberg is very safe nationally, its safety score of 98.7 sits just below the Kentucky state average of 98.8. The local crime rate of 816.6 per 100,000 is slightly higher than the state average of 786.2. Four local law enforcement agencies contribute to these comprehensive public safety figures.

Comparing Safety With Western Kentucky Neighbors

With 816.6 crimes per 100,000 people, Muhlenberg County faces higher activity than neighboring Ohio County, which records 794.8. However, Muhlenberg remains a beacon of relative safety in the region compared to larger metropolitan hubs. Local law enforcement maintains a consistent presence across the county's rural and town landscapes.

Property Crimes Outpace Violent Incidents

Property crime accounts for the majority of local offenses at 728.8 per 100,000 residents, while violent crime remains low at 87.8. For every violent incident reported, there are roughly eight property-related crimes like theft or burglary. This trend mirrors state patterns where property concerns are the primary law enforcement focus.

Enhance Your Muhlenberg Home Security

Focus your safety efforts on preventing property crime by installing motion-sensor lighting and smart cameras. Always lock your vehicles and outbuildings to deter opportunistic theft in residential areas. Small proactive steps help maintain the high quality of life Muhlenberg residents expect.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Muhlenberg County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Precipitation in Western Kentucky

Muhlenberg County receives 48.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly below the Kentucky average of 50.6 inches. This level of moisture is typical for the humid subtropical climate of the region.

Slightly Drier Than the Kentucky Average

While specific temperature records are unavailable, the county's rainfall total of 48.2 inches is about two inches lower than the state benchmark. This makes the local climate slightly drier than many eastern and southern counties.

Drier Conditions Than Central Kentucky

Muhlenberg is notably drier than Nelson County, which receives 51.6 inches of precipitation annually. This variance of over three inches can impact local agriculture and seasonal water availability.

Predictable Rainfall Throughout the Year

Seasonal temperature data is limited, but the annual rainfall of 48.2 inches suggests a lush environment during the growing season. Residents generally face standard Kentucky weather patterns without the extreme moisture spikes seen elsewhere.

Focus on Drought-Tolerant Landscaping

Since the county is drier than the state average, selecting hardy plants for landscaping is a smart choice. Regular maintenance of home exteriors will help manage the 48.2 inches of annual rain that occurs.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Muhlenberg County

via SoilByCounty

Muhlenberg's Hidden Soil Identity

While specific taxonomic data for Muhlenberg is currently unavailable, local soils generally mirror the regional trend toward acidic conditions. Most Kentucky soils fall near the state average pH of 5.80, which is considerably lower than the national median of 6.5.

Balanced Texture for Heavy Use

Detailed percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not recorded here, but the region typically features silty textures common across the Western Kentucky Coal Fields. These textures usually offer a balance between ease of tillage and the structural strength needed for heavy machinery.

A Baseline for Regional Growth

Muhlenberg lacks specific organic matter data, but neighboring counties often exceed the national 2.0% baseline. Growers should aim for the state's healthy average of 0.186 in/in for water capacity to ensure resilient crops during dry summer months.

Managing Water on the Land

Specific drainage classes are not listed, yet the regional topography often requires active water management strategies. Proper site grading is essential for both agricultural productivity and stable residential building foundations.

Thriving in Zone 7a

The county sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, supporting a diverse array of hardy vegetables and ornamental shrubs. It is an ideal climate for long-season crops like melons or sweet potatoes, so start your garden today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Muhlenberg County

via LawnByCounty

A High Standard for Muhlenberg Lawns

Muhlenberg County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 72.8, making it significantly easier to maintain than the national average of 50.0. Located in Hardiness Zone 7a, the county offers a more favorable environment for turf than the typical Kentucky county.

Ample Rainfall Powers Local Growth

The county receives 48.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is close to the ideal range for healthy turf. While specific heat and growing season data are limited, this steady moisture supports a consistent mowing schedule throughout the year.

Preparing the Ground for Success

Specific soil data for Muhlenberg is currently unavailable, but the regional climate suggests a need for routine aeration. Homeowners should perform a local soil test to determine the exact pH and nutrient requirements before applying fertilizers.

Weathering the Dry Spells

The county experienced only 6 weeks in drought conditions over the past year, keeping lawns relatively hydrated. With 0.0% of the area currently in severe drought, focus on deep, infrequent watering to encourage strong root systems.

Start Your 7a Lawn Today

Tall fescue and bermudagrass thrive in this 7a hardiness zone because they can handle the varied Kentucky weather. Plan to overseed in the early fall when temperatures begin to drop to ensure your lawn stays thick and resilient.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Muhlenberg County's county score?
Muhlenberg County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 60.4 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 Muhlenberg County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Muhlenberg County ranks #56 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 Muhlenberg County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Muhlenberg County is $790, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Muhlenberg County a tax score of 69.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Muhlenberg County?
The median household income in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky is $51,927 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Muhlenberg County earns an income score of 15.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Muhlenberg County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Muhlenberg County scores 60.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #56 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Muhlenberg 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 Muhlenberg County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.