CountyScore

Muhlenberg County

Kentucky · KY

#63 in Kentucky
70.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Muhlenberg County, Kentucky

Well Above the National Average

Muhlenberg County scores 76.1 out of 100 on the CountyScore composite index, more than 50% higher than the national median of 50.0. This strong performance places the county among more livable places nationwide, driven by exceptionally affordable housing and a low tax burden.

Outperforming Kentucky Average

At 76.1, Muhlenberg County ranks slightly above Kentucky's state average composite score of 75.0, putting it in the upper middle tier of the state's counties. The county excels when measured against its regional peers on cost and tax metrics.

Affordability and Tax-Friendly Living

The county shines with a cost score of 85.8—reflecting median home values of $121,300 and monthly rents of just $712. Its 0.694% effective tax rate delivers a tax score of 82.7, making it one of Kentucky's most tax-efficient places to live.

Income Levels Need Growth

The income score of 17.8 signals a significant challenge, with median household income at $52,672—notably below state and national norms. Limited data on safety, health, and schools also means residents should seek additional information before deciding.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Families

Muhlenberg County suits retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing low housing costs and taxes over higher wages. The strong affordability profile makes it an attractive option for those seeking stability on a modest income.

Score breakdown

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

Tax82.7Cost85.8SafetyComing SoonHealth65.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome17.8Risk46.8WaterComing Soon
🏛82.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼17.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤65.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡46.8
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 Muhlenberg County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Elmore County
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70.9
Median income: $75,553
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70.9
Median income: $52,838
Wilcox County
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70.9
Median income: $48,036
Putnam County
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70.9
Median income: $77,526
Greene County
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70.9
Median income: $59,159

Deep Dives

Muhlenberg County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Cost of Living in Muhlenberg County

via CostByCounty

Muhlenberg's Housing Costs Run Lean

Renters in Muhlenberg County spend just 16.2% of their income on rent, beating the national average and matching Kentucky's state average of 17.0%. At $712 per month, median rent sits well below the national norm, making this county genuinely affordable for working families.

Middle Ground in Kentucky Housing

Muhlenberg ranks comfortably in the middle range for affordability across Kentucky's counties, neither as stretched as higher-cost urban areas nor as constrained as the state's poorest regions. The county's 16.2% rent-to-income ratio reflects stable economic conditions compared to statewide benchmarks.

Comparing Notes with Nearby Counties

Muhlenberg's $712 rent is slightly lower than neighboring Owen County ($775) and Ohio County ($774), while Nicholas County offers even better deals at $654 monthly. Home values in Muhlenberg ($121,300) closely mirror Nicholas County ($119,600), positioning both as affordable alternatives in the region.

How Income Splits Between Rent and Home

With a median household income of $52,672, Muhlenberg residents allocate roughly 16% to rent and about 15% to mortgage costs, leaving room for other essential expenses. Both renting and owning remain within conventional affordability thresholds, with homeownership possible at the median value of $121,300.

Considering a Move to Muhlenberg?

If you're priced out of costlier Kentucky counties, Muhlenberg delivers solid affordability without sacrificing access to regional amenities. Compare your current rent-to-income ratio: if you're spending over 30%, a move here could free up hundreds monthly for savings and stability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Muhlenberg County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy slightly above U.S. average

Muhlenberg County residents live to an average of 72.9 years, outpacing the national average of 71.4 years by 1.5 years. However, nearly one in four residents report poor or fair health, suggesting that extra years don't necessarily mean better health.

Ranking among Kentucky's healthier counties

At 72.9 years, Muhlenberg County's life expectancy exceeds the state average of 72.2 years—a small but meaningful edge in a state facing significant health challenges. The county's uninsured rate of 6.9% sits just below Kentucky's 7.0% average.

Better than nearby Appalachian communities

Muhlenberg County outperforms neighboring Nicholas County (72.7 years) and Ohio County (72.8 years), offering more primary care providers at 33 per 100K compared to Nicholas's 13 per 100K. Mental health support is also stronger here at 85 per 100K providers.

Healthcare access is uneven for some

While 93.1% of Muhlenberg County residents carry health insurance, the 23.3% reporting poor or fair health reflects underlying access gaps. With 33 primary care providers per 100K, the county has adequate but not abundant front-line medical care.

Check your insurance options today

If you're among the 6.9% of uninsured Muhlenberg County residents, healthcare marketplace enrollment happens year-round with special opportunities during open enrollment. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local navigator to explore plans that fit your family's needs and budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Muhlenberg County

via RiskByCounty

Muhlenberg's risk sits above national average

With a composite risk score of 53.24, Muhlenberg County faces a relatively low overall disaster threat, yet scores notably higher than the national median across multiple hazard categories. The county's earthquake risk (85.78) and tornado exposure (54.61) are the primary drivers of this above-average vulnerability, reflecting Kentucky's seismic and severe weather patterns.

Middle-of-pack risk in Kentucky

Muhlenberg's composite score of 53.24 places it above Kentucky's state average of 44.21, ranking it in the upper-middle range of the state's 120 counties. This reflects the county's moderate exposure to tornadoes and seismic activity compared to lower-risk counties like Owen and Owsley.

Higher risk than most regional peers

Neighboring Nelson County (55.18) and Ohio County (54.17) show similar risk profiles, while nearby Nicholas County (18.99) and Owen County (15.20) experience significantly lower overall hazard exposure. Muhlenberg's earthquake and tornado vulnerabilities distinguish it from its lower-risk neighbors to the east and north.

Earthquakes and tornadoes dominate

Muhlenberg County faces its greatest hazards from earthquakes (85.78 risk score) and tornadoes (54.61), with earthquake risk being particularly acute and deserving serious attention. Flood risk (45.74) ranks moderate, while wildfire (18.16) presents minimal concern for most residents.

Secure coverage for quakes and storms

Kentucky's standard homeowners insurance typically excludes earthquake damage, making a separate earthquake policy essential given Muhlenberg's 85.78 exposure score. Storm-resistant home modifications and comprehensive homeowners insurance become critical investments to protect against the county's significant tornado threat.

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.