countyscore
65.3
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 85.4Safety 83.8

County Report Card

About Nicholas County, Kentucky

Nicholas County ranks high on national scales

Nicholas County achieves an impressive composite score of 65.3, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This puts it in a high percentile for overall livability compared to the rest of the country. Its combination of safety and affordability makes it a national standout.

Leading the pack in the Commonwealth

With a 65.3 score, Nicholas County significantly outperforms the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It is one of the more desirable rural counties in the state due to its low tax and risk profiles. The county serves as a model for balance in the region.

Exceptional safety and deep housing value

The county shines with a water score of 86.0 and a cost score of 85.4. Safety is nearly unmatched with a score of 83.8, while an effective tax rate of 0.568% keeps more money in pockets. Natural disaster risk is also impressively low at 81.0.

Improving school performance and income growth

Economic growth remains a hurdle, as the income score sits at a low 22.0 with a $53,616 median income. School quality also trails other indicators with a score of 33.9. Health outcomes, at 38.9, indicate a need for better healthcare infrastructure.

A top choice for retirees and remote workers

Nicholas County is an excellent destination for those with portable incomes or retirees looking to maximize their savings. The median home value of $119,600 and low crime rates provide peace of mind and financial security. It is a hidden gem for anyone prioritizing safety and ultra-low living costs.

2040608010078.385.483.838.933.922818663.1Tax78.3Cost85.4Safety83.8Health38.9Schools33.9Income22Risk81Water86Weather63.165.3/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Nicholas County DNA

D+overall

How Nicholas County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Nicholas County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (85.4/100) but notably weak in Income (22/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
78.3+26.299999999999997
Cost
85.4+37.400000000000006
Safety
83.8+28.799999999999997
Health
38.9-11.100000000000001
Schools
33.9-20.1
Income
22-29
Risk
81+34
Water
86+28
Weather
63.1
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Many homeowners in Nicholas County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$119,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$654/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$119,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$26,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $53,616/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

13.1

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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Nearby counties

Robertson County
Kentucky
67.1
Fleming County
Kentucky
65.1
Bourbon County
Kentucky
51.3
Montgomery County
Kentucky
44.2
Harrison County
Kentucky
60.5
Bath County
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56.2
Mason County
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51.8
Bracken County
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61.3

Deep Dives

Nicholas County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Nicholas County

via TaxByCounty

Nicholas County: lowest-taxed in comparison

With an effective tax rate of 0.568%, Nicholas County ranks among the lowest-taxed counties nationally, placing it in approximately the 10th percentile. At $679 annually on a median home value of $119,600, Nicholas residents benefit from significantly lower property taxes than the national median of $2,690.

Kentucky's lowest-taxed county grouping

Nicholas County's 0.568% effective rate is the lowest among all eight profiled counties and well below Kentucky's state average of 0.719%. The median property tax of $679 is less than two-thirds of the state median of $1,093.

Clear tax advantage over all neighbors

Nicholas County's 0.568% rate is substantially lower than every comparable county: Muhlenberg (0.694%), Owen (0.746%), Pendleton (0.775%), Nelson (0.795%), and Oldham (0.921%). This makes Nicholas one of the most tax-friendly communities in the region.

Minimal annual tax on median home

A median-valued home of $119,600 in Nicholas County costs just $679 annually in property taxes. This translates to approximately $919 when all mortgage-related taxes are included.

Even low-tax counties merit appeals

Despite Nicholas County's favorable tax environment, homeowners should still verify their assessed values are accurate and current. Property tax appeals are free or low-cost and can provide additional savings even in already-affordable counties.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Nicholas County

via CostByCounty

Nicholas County Offers Stellar Housing Deals

Nicholas County boasts Kentucky's best rent-to-income ratio at just 14.6%, sitting well below both the state average (17.0%) and typical national thresholds. Renters here spend only $654 monthly—nearly $120 less than state average—despite earning $53,616 annually.

Best Affordability in the State

Nicholas County consistently ranks among Kentucky's most affordable places to rent, offering the kind of housing cost relief that's increasingly rare across the region. For renters and homebuyers both, Nicholas delivers exceptional value.

Nicholas Undercuts Regional Competition

Nicholas County's $654 monthly rent is the lowest in its peer group, edging out Muhlenberg ($712), Owen County ($775), and Ohio County ($774) by substantial margins. Home values mirror this affordability advantage at $119,600, nearly matching Muhlenberg and undercutting all other regional neighbors.

Maximum Wiggle Room on Tight Budget

With $53,616 median income, Nicholas County residents allocate just 14.6% to rent and 14.2% to mortgage costs—the lowest burden among these eight counties. This leaves nearly 70% of income for food, utilities, childcare, healthcare, and savings.

Budget Relocators, Meet Nicholas County

If you're moving on a tight budget or building wealth from modest earnings, Nicholas County's ultra-low housing costs offer genuine financial breathing room. Renters can lock in $650 monthly leases while homebuyers find median properties under $120,000—rare finds in Kentucky.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Nicholas County

via IncomeByCounty

Nicholas County falls behind national earnings

Nicholas County's median household income of $53,616 lags the national median of $74,755 by $21,139, representing a 28% gap. This significant shortfall places Nicholas well below the national norm and reflects limited high-wage opportunities. The county ranks in the lower third nationally for household earnings.

Slightly below Kentucky state average

At $53,616, Nicholas County trails Kentucky's state median of $55,909 by just $2,293, placing it near but below the state middle. The county's per capita income of $24,672 substantially underperforms the state average of $29,616 by 17%, suggesting wealth concentration or fewer high earners. Nicholas sits in the lower-middle tier statewide.

Mid-range income among nearby counties

Nicholas ($53,616) earns more than Owsley ($31,064) but less than Owen ($59,706) and Pendleton ($66,601), placing it in the middle of this regional grouping. The $6,090 gap with Owen and $13,000 gap with Pendleton suggest neighboring areas offer better earning opportunities. Regional income variation reflects different industry bases and development levels.

Housing costs are well-managed

Nicholas County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% is among the lowest in this regional group, indicating excellent housing affordability. The median home value of $119,600 remains comfortably within reach for the median household earning $53,616. Housing stability provides a foundation despite moderate overall income levels.

Capitalize on affordable housing advantage

Nicholas County residents benefit from low housing costs that free up income for savings and investments relative to national averages. Building equity through homeownership and consistently funding retirement accounts can help households offset modest earnings growth. Local credit unions and community banks offer tailored financial planning services.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Nicholas County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Levels in Nicholas County

Nicholas County earns an impressive safety score of 99.4 out of 100, indicating an extremely secure environment. The total crime rate of 380.9 per 100,000 is over six times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Two reporting agencies maintain this high level of public safety for all residents.

A Leader in Kentucky Safety

With a total crime rate of 380.9, Nicholas County is far safer than the state average of 786.2 per 100,000. Its safety score of 99.4 exceeds the statewide average of 98.8, marking it as one of the more secure counties in the Commonwealth. Residents benefit from a quiet atmosphere with very few reported incidents.

Surpassing Regional Safety Averages

Nicholas County’s low crime rate of 380.9 per 100,000 makes it safer than many of its neighbors, including Pendleton County at 573.8. Even with a smaller population, the county maintains a disciplined approach to law enforcement and community watch. This safety makes Nicholas County a standout in the Bluegrass region.

Analyzing Violent and Property Offenses

The county reports 105.1 violent crimes and 275.8 property crimes per 100,000 people. While the violent crime rate is slightly higher than the state average of 78.1, the overall total crime remains remarkably low. Property crimes like theft are the most common issue but still occur much less frequently than in most other counties.

Maintaining a Secure Rural Home

Keep your home secure by using exterior lighting and ensuring all entry points are visible from the street. Even in safe areas like Nicholas County, simple habits like locking your doors can prevent opportunistic property crimes. Neighbors watching out for one another is the best defense in this tight-knit community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Nicholas County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Tight-Knit Two-School System

Nicholas County maintains a very focused education landscape with just two public schools serving 1,119 students. This single-district system consists of one elementary school and one high school that serves the entire county population.

High Graduation Rates Despite Funding Gaps

The county boasts a 92.0% graduation rate, which is five points higher than the national average. This success comes despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $4,566 and a school score of 49.3, both of which trail state averages.

Centralized Learning in One District

The Nicholas County school district manages the entire student body across its two rural campuses. There are zero charter schools in the county, maintaining a traditional public school focus for all residents.

Rural Identity and Mid-Sized Classrooms

Both schools in the county are classified as rural, creating a consistent environment for students from kindergarten through graduation. Nicholas County Elementary is the larger of the two with 664 students, while the high school serves 455 students.

Building a Life in a Small-Town School District

For families who value a small, predictable school environment, Nicholas County offers a rare two-school experience. Buying a home here means your children will likely grow up with the same cohort of peers from their first day of school to graduation.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Nicholas County

via RiskByCounty

Nicholas County enjoys very low risk

With a composite risk score of just 18.99, Nicholas County ranks among the safest counties in the nation, significantly below Kentucky's state average of 44.21. The county's minimal wildfire risk (2.29) and moderate exposure to other hazards make it a low-stress environment for disaster planning.

Kentucky's safer counties

Nicholas County's 18.99 composite score ranks it in Kentucky's lowest-risk tier, placing it well below the state average of 44.21. Only counties like Owen (15.20) and Owsley (6.39) demonstrate comparably low overall hazard exposure across the commonwealth.

Well below regional risk averages

Nicholas County's low 18.99 score contrasts sharply with elevated-risk neighbors like Nelson County (55.18) and Ohio County (54.17) to the south and west. The county's favorable position reflects its insulation from major flood zones and seismic hot spots affecting surrounding areas.

Modest tornado risk only real concern

Nicholas County's primary hazard is tornado exposure (35.69), which remains well below statewide averages and poses manageable risk with proper preparation. Flood (41.35) and earthquake (38.55) risks are present but modest, while wildfire (2.29) is virtually negligible.

Standard insurance covers most needs

Standard homeowners insurance adequately protects Nicholas County residents against the county's minimal hazard exposure. A safe room or basement shelter to ride out the occasional tornado, combined with regular home maintenance, provides solid protection for this very-low-risk county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Nicholas County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect grade for drinking water

Nicholas County maintains a Grade A for drinking water compliance with zero health violations over the last five years. This performance is significantly better than the state average violation rate of 35.7 per 100,000 residents.

Watersheds meet 2022 standards

All 3 of the assessed water bodies in the county are listed as unimpaired under Clean Water Act standards. The county maintains a 0.0% impairment rate for its assessed reaches during the most recent reporting cycle.

Steady monitoring of inorganics

Monitoring efforts at 3 sites have produced 451 measurements over the past five years. Researchers primarily track inorganics, metals, and nutrients to ensure continued water safety.

Licking River at critical lows

Current streamflow at the Licking River at Blue Lick Springs is 168 cfs, which is only 6% of the historical mean. This is a dramatic drop from the 2,707 cfs typically recorded at this location.

Maintain vigilance during drought

While drinking water compliance is excellent, the extremely low streamflow in the Licking River could impact water intakes. Residents should continue to support watershed protection as these low levels can stress local ecosystems.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Nicholas County

via SoilByCounty

Nicholas County's Regional Soil Profile

Local soil data remains limited for Nicholas County, though it typically follows the state's slightly acidic trend. With a state average pH of 5.80, local land often requires lime adjustments to reach the national median of 6.5.

Fine-Grained Earth

Though specific sand and silt metrics are not available, the region is characterized by fine-textured soils. These materials generally offer high nutrient retention but may be prone to compaction if worked while wet.

Potential for High Productivity

Detailed fertility data is not provided, but the area benefits from the state's high average organic matter of 3.55%. This provides a strong natural baseline for growing potential compared to the 2.0% national average.

Planning for Water Flow

Specific drainage classifications are not currently mapped for this county. Farmers and builders should observe local runoff patterns, as the regional clay content often influences how quickly water leaves the surface.

Cooler Cycles in Zone 6b

Nicholas County falls into Hardiness Zone 6b, requiring plants that can handle slightly colder winters than its southern neighbors. It is a fantastic environment for cool-weather greens and hardy root vegetables.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Nicholas County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Conditions for Nicholas Lawns

Nicholas County features a lawn difficulty score of 68.9, outperforming the state average of 66.3 and the national average of 50.0. The county's Zone 6b classification means lawns must be hardy enough to withstand colder winter snaps.

Managing Moderate Heat and Rain

The county receives 49.8 inches of annual rain, nearly matching the state average and falling within the ideal range for grass. With 21 extreme heat days per year, local lawns face fewer scorching days than many of their southern neighbors.

Customizing Your Soil Prep

While specific local soil textures are not currently mapped, the regional climate often produces heavy soils that require careful management. Testing your soil for pH balance is the best first step to ensure your lawn can absorb the nutrients you provide.

Short Dry Windows

Over the past year, Nicholas County only recorded 4 weeks of drought conditions. This low drought frequency means you can rely mostly on natural rainfall, using supplemental irrigation only during the hottest July weeks.

The Best Grass for Zone 6b

Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass are excellent choices for the cooler 6b climate of Nicholas County. Aim to complete your seeding projects by late summer to give roots time to establish before the first freeze.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nicholas County's county score?
Nicholas County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 65.3 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 Nicholas County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Nicholas County ranks #26 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 Nicholas County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Nicholas County is $679, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Nicholas County a tax score of 78.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Nicholas County?
The median household income in Nicholas County, Kentucky is $53,616 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Nicholas County earns an income score of 22/100 on CountyScore.
Is Nicholas County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Nicholas County scores 65.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Nicholas 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 Nicholas 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.