CountyScore

Nelson County

Kentucky · KY

#80 in Kentucky
69.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Nelson County, Kentucky

Solid Livability Above National Median

Nelson County scores 72.0, nearly 45% above the national median of 50.0, indicating strong overall livability. The county balances reasonable tax rates and housing costs with moderately higher incomes than many rural Kentucky areas.

Slightly Below Kentucky's Average

With a score of 72.0, Nelson County falls just below the state average of 75.0, placing it in the middle range of Kentucky counties. The gap reflects higher housing costs relative to some nearby counties, though income levels are stronger.

Higher Incomes, Reasonable Costs

Nelson County's income score of 27.7 reflects median household income of $67,888, among the higher figures in this county cohort. A tax score of 79.9 and cost score of 77.2 indicate competitive affordability, with median home values at $224,100.

Limited Data on Key Factors

Safety, health, school quality, and environmental data remain unavailable, making it harder to assess the complete livability picture. The 0.795% effective tax rate, while reasonable, is slightly elevated compared to neighboring counties.

Best for Income-Focused Movers

Nelson County appeals to professionals and established families seeking better earning potential without sacrificing affordability. The county's moderate income advantage makes it a practical choice for those balancing career prospects with cost of living.

Score breakdown

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

Tax79.9Cost77.2SafetyComing SoonHealth72.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.7Risk44.8WaterComing Soon
🏛79.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤72.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡44.8
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 Nelson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Cullman County
Alabama
69.9
Median income: $60,916
Union County
Arkansas
69.9
Median income: $50,221
Fannin County
Georgia
69.9
Median income: $58,073
Cheyenne County
Kansas
69.9
Median income: $55,765
Jackson County
Kansas
69.9
Median income: $72,703

Deep Dives

Nelson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Nelson County

via TaxByCounty

Nelson's taxes exceed national average

Nelson County's effective tax rate of 0.795% exceeds the national median of 0.88%, placing it in approximately the 60th percentile nationally. At $1,782 in median annual property taxes on a $224,100 home, Nelson residents pay significantly more than the national median of $2,690.

Above-average taxes in Kentucky

Nelson's 0.795% rate ranks above Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, making it one of the higher-taxed counties statewide. The median property tax of $1,782 exceeds the state median by $689, placing Nelson in the upper third for tax burden.

Higher taxes than most nearby counties

Nelson County's 0.795% rate is higher than Muhlenberg (0.694%), Nicholas (0.568%), and Ohio (0.613%), but lower than Oldham (0.921%). Among mid-tier regional counties, Nelson carries a noticeably steeper tax burden.

Nelson homeowner tax reality

A median-valued home of $224,100 in Nelson County generates $1,782 in annual property taxes. When mortgage-related taxes and assessments are included, annual costs reach approximately $1,912.

Appeal opportunities exist in Nelson

With above-average tax rates, Nelson County homeowners should verify their assessments are accurate and current. Many properties in the county are likely overassessed, making a property tax appeal a worthwhile step to reduce annual bills.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Nelson County

via CostByCounty

Nelson Balances Higher Costs with Strong Income

Nelson County residents earn $67,888 median annually—significantly above the national average of $74,755—yet their 16.5% rent-to-income ratio remains competitive. At $932 monthly, rent is higher than state average ($771) but paired with above-average earnings, keeping affordability in healthy territory.

Upper-Middle Tier for Kentucky Affordability

Nelson County ranks among Kentucky's more prosperous regions, with a rent-to-income ratio just below the state average and household income well above statewide norms. This positions Nelson as one of the state's more economically stable counties.

Premium Pricing in a Premium County

Nelson's median rent of $932 tops most surrounding counties—Owen County ($775) and Oldham County ($1,142) are the main exceptions—reflecting Nelson's reputation as a desirable region. Home values of $224,100 also outpace nearby Nicholas County ($119,600) and Muhlenberg ($121,300), signaling stronger demand.

Owner Costs Match Rent in Nelson County

At $67,888 annual income, Nelson residents spend approximately 16.5% on rent and 16.7% on mortgage costs—a balanced split that suggests healthy financial flexibility. Median home value reaches $224,100, accessible to those earning at or above the county median through conventional financing.

Nelson Offers Growth and Stability

If you're seeking a Kentucky county with strong job prospects and above-average incomes, Nelson delivers—though expect to pay somewhat more than rural neighbors. Your housing costs remain reasonable relative to earnings, making this an attractive option for career-focused relocators.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Nelson County

via IncomeByCounty

Nelson punches above Kentucky average

Nelson County's median household income of $67,888 exceeds Kentucky's state average by $11,979 but still trails the national median of $74,755 by $6,867. This 9% gap below national figures suggests a county outperforming its region but facing national economic headwinds. Nelson ranks solidly above the bottom half nationally.

Top earners among Kentucky counties

Nelson's $67,888 median household income ranks in the upper quartile statewide, beating 75% of Kentucky counties. The county's per capita income of $33,257 also exceeds the state average of $29,616 by 12%, signaling broader prosperity. Nelson stands as a relative economic leader within the commonwealth.

Economic leader in its region

Nelson ($67,888) significantly outearns most nearby counties, including Muhlenberg ($52,672) by $15,216 and Ohio County ($54,369) by $13,519. Only Pendleton ($66,601) comes close, suggesting Nelson benefits from diversified employment and regional economic strength. This income advantage positions Nelson as a regional employment hub.

Strong housing affordability story

Nelson's rent-to-income ratio of 16.5% indicates households spend just over one-sixth of earnings on rent, well below the 18% comfort threshold. The median home value of $224,100 reflects Nelson's desirability and economic vitality without straining household budgets. Housing remains genuinely affordable for Nelson's earning level.

Ready for wealth-building investments

Nelson County households earning $67,888 have sufficient income cushion to pursue retirement accounts, home equity strategies, and diversified investments. The combination of strong earnings and affordable housing creates opportunity for wealth accumulation beyond emergency savings. Financial advisors can help Nelson residents capitalize on their above-average earning position.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Nelson County

via HealthByCounty

Among Kentucky's longest-living communities

Nelson County residents average 74.2 years, nearly 3 years above the U.S. average of 71.4 years and well above Kentucky's state average of 72.2 years. Only 17.5% report poor or fair health, the lowest rate among the eight counties surveyed.

A Kentucky health outperformer

Nelson County's 74.2-year life expectancy ranks it among the state's healthiest communities, with a 5.4% uninsured rate that significantly undercuts Kentucky's 7.0% average. This combination suggests both better preventive care access and stronger health outcomes.

Clear advantage over regional peers

Nelson County residents live roughly 1.5 years longer than those in neighboring Oldham County (79.7 years exceeds Nelson by 5 years—Oldham leads). Nelson's 53 primary care providers per 100K and 155 mental health providers per 100K are robust by regional standards.

Strong healthcare infrastructure supports residents

Nelson County's 5.4% uninsured rate means 94.6% of residents have coverage, enabling consistent access to care. With 53 primary care providers and 155 mental health providers per 100K, the county offers above-average professional support for both physical and behavioral health.

Maintain your coverage, explore options

Even though Nelson County leads in health insurance coverage, the 5.4% of uninsured residents should check marketplace plans during open enrollment at healthcare.gov. Maintaining continuous coverage is key to the preventive care patterns that make this county a health leader.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Nelson County

via RiskByCounty

Nelson County's risk exceeds national norms

Nelson County scores 55.18 on the composite risk scale—well above Kentucky's state average of 44.21—making it one of the state's more hazard-exposed counties. Tornadoes (69.08) and floods (62.66) drive this elevated profile, positioning the county in the upper tier of disaster vulnerability.

Among Kentucky's riskier counties

Nelson County's 55.18 composite score places it in the higher-risk quartile across Kentucky's 120 counties, significantly outpacing the state average. Only a handful of counties exceed Nelson's vulnerability level, making disaster preparedness and resilience investments particularly important here.

Notably higher risk than surrounding areas

Nelson County's 55.18 risk score considerably exceeds nearby Oldham County (55.98—nearly identical), but towers over lower-risk neighbors like Pendleton County (29.90) and Owen County (15.20) to the north and east. The county's exceptional tornado (69.08) and flood (62.66) exposures set it apart from its quieter regional peers.

Tornadoes and floods are serious threats

Nelson County residents face severe tornado risk (69.08) and substantial flood risk (62.66), both ranking in the upper range of state hazards. While earthquake exposure (70.26) is notable, tornadoes and flooding present the most immediate and frequent dangers requiring preparedness planning.

Flood and storm insurance are essential

Homeowners in Nelson County should prioritize flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, given the county's 62.66 flood risk score. Storm-resistant construction, reinforced roofing, and comprehensive homeowners coverage are critical investments against the county's exceptionally high 69.08 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.