CountyScore

Oldham County

Kentucky · KY

#84 in Kentucky
69.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Oldham County, Kentucky

Above Average But Higher Costs

Oldham County scores 67.6, still 35% above the national median of 50.0, but the lowest score in this group. Higher housing costs and taxes offset stronger household incomes, creating a different value proposition than neighboring counties.

Below Kentucky's Average Profile

At 67.6, Oldham County falls noticeably below the state average of 75.0, ranking it in the lower-middle tier of Kentucky counties. The gap reflects the county's higher cost structure and elevated tax burden.

Significantly Higher Incomes Prevail

Oldham County's income score of 62.7 reflects median household income of $121,491—more than double some neighboring counties and well above state norms. This strong earning potential attracts professionals and established families seeking higher economic status.

Premium Housing and Tax Costs

The cost score of 62.3 reflects median home values of $375,000 and $1,142 monthly rents, substantially higher than peer counties. A 0.921% effective tax rate (the highest in this group) produces a tax score of 76.4.

Suited for Higher-Income Professionals

Oldham County appeals to affluent families, executives, and high-earning professionals who prioritize community status and income alignment. The premium pricing reflects a more prosperous demographic, making it less suitable for budget-conscious movers.

Score breakdown

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

Tax76.4Cost62.3SafetyComing SoonHealth82.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome62.7Risk44WaterComing Soon
🏛76.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠62.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼62.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤82.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡44
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 Oldham County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Colbert County
Alabama
69.3
Median income: $56,736
Jackson County
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69.3
Median income: $49,454
Chugach Census Area
Alaska
69.3
Median income: $88,565
Sharp County
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69.3
Median income: $42,950
Rabun County
Georgia
69.3
Median income: $61,466

Deep Dives

Oldham County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Oldham County

via TaxByCounty

Oldham County: highest-taxed in profile

Oldham County's effective tax rate of 0.921% exceeds the national median of 0.88%, placing it in approximately the 70th percentile nationally. Residents pay $3,454 annually on a median home valued at $375,000—well above the national median property tax of $2,690.

Highest rate among all eight counties

Oldham County's 0.921% effective rate is the highest in this profile and significantly above Kentucky's state average of 0.719%. The median property tax of $3,454 more than triples the state median of $1,093, reflecting Oldham's affluent property values and higher tax burden.

Substantially higher taxes than peers

Oldham County's 0.921% rate far exceeds all comparable counties: Nicholas (0.568%), Ohio (0.613%), Muhlenberg (0.694%), Owen (0.746%), Pendleton (0.775%), and Nelson (0.795%). The tax disparity reflects Oldham's wealthier demographic and significantly higher home values.

Oldham homeowners pay premium taxes

A median-valued home of $375,000 in Oldham County generates $3,454 in annual property taxes. With mortgage and additional assessments, total annual tax costs reach approximately $3,646.

High-value homes deserve careful review

In Oldham County's affluent market, assessment errors can cost thousands annually—making property tax appeals especially valuable. Homeowners with high-value properties should verify their assessed valuations match market conditions and consider appealing if inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Oldham County

via CostByCounty

Oldham Combines Wealth with Affordability

Oldham County earns distinction as Kentucky's most affluent county with $121,491 median household income—63% above the national average—while keeping rent-to-income ratios at just 11.3%, the lowest of any county studied. This rare combination means residents enjoy high incomes while spending the smallest percentage on rent.

Kentucky's Premier Affluent County

Oldham County ranks as the state's wealthiest and most housing-affordable per capita, driven by strong incomes that dwarf statewide norms. With both the highest median household income and lowest rent burden among Kentucky counties, Oldham stands apart.

Oldham Commands Premium Prices, Justifiably

Oldham's median rent of $1,142 and median home value of $375,000 far exceed all neighboring counties—Nelson ($224,100), Owen ($165,000), and Pendleton ($160,800)—reflecting its status as the region's economic center. Even so, the 11.3% rent-to-income ratio shows that high-earning residents carry lighter housing burdens.

Affluence Means Lower Housing Burden

Oldham residents earning $121,491 annually spend only 11.3% on rent ($1,142) and 16.5% on mortgage costs ($1,665)—ratios that would strain lower-income households but remain comfortable here. Over 70% of income remains available for investments, savings, and discretionary spending.

Oldham for the Upwardly Mobile

If your household earns six figures or close to it, Oldham County offers top-tier Kentucky schools, amenities, and surprisingly manageable housing costs relative to your income. High earners will find homes and communities matching their financial reach without the burden typical of expensive American metros.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Oldham County

via IncomeByCounty

Oldham County's exceptional income advantage

Oldham County's median household income of $121,491 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $46,736, representing a remarkable 62% premium. This substantial lead places Oldham in the top tier nationally for household earnings. Few counties in America earn this decisively above the national standard.

Kentucky's highest-earning county

At $121,491, Oldham County far exceeds Kentucky's state average of $55,909 by $65,582—more than double the state median. The per capita income of $52,773 crushes the state average of $29,616 by 78%, reflecting broad-based prosperity throughout the county. Oldham stands unmatched as Kentucky's premier earning destination.

Economic powerhouse of the region

Oldham ($121,491) dwarfs all neighboring counties: it outearns Nelson ($67,888) by $53,603, Owen ($59,706) by $61,785, and Pendleton ($66,601) by $54,890. This dominant income advantage stems from proximity to Louisville, executive-level employment, and affluent residential communities. Oldham is the undisputed economic leader across multiple counties.

Exceptional housing affordability leverage

Oldham County's rent-to-income ratio of 11.3% is the lowest in this eight-county group, meaning housing consumes just above one-tenth of income. The median home value of $375,000 is highest in the region, yet represents the best affordability ratio thanks to exceptional earnings. Oldham households enjoy unparalleled financial flexibility.

Prime positioning for wealth acceleration

Oldham County residents earning $121,491 have substantial capacity for aggressive wealth-building through diversified investment portfolios, second properties, or business ownership. The combination of high income and low housing cost ratios creates genuine long-term wealth accumulation potential. Sophisticated financial planning and tax optimization strategies deliver maximum returns for Oldham households.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Oldham County

via HealthByCounty

Kentucky's health leader: longest life expectancy

Oldham County residents live to 79.7 years, a remarkable 8.3 years above the U.S. average of 71.4 years and 7.5 years above Kentucky's state average. Only 13.6% report poor or fair health—by far the lowest in this eight-county set.

Outperforming Kentucky by every metric

Oldham County's 79.7-year life expectancy stands 7.5 years above Kentucky's 72.2-year average, while its 3.6% uninsured rate is less than half the state's 7.0% average. This combination of longevity and coverage is exceptional within Kentucky.

Clear regional health leader

Oldham County outpaces all seven peer counties by 4–15 years in life expectancy, with the next-best being Nelson County at 74.2 years. Its 60 primary care providers and 138 mental health providers per 100K are among the highest in the comparison.

Universal coverage and abundant providers

With a 3.6% uninsured rate, 96.4% of Oldham County residents carry health insurance—the highest proportion among the eight counties. The county's 60 primary care and 138 mental health providers per 100K ensure residents can access care quickly and consistently.

Stay covered, stay healthy

Oldham County's health leadership depends on near-universal coverage; the small 3.6% uninsured population should enroll at healthcare.gov to complete this success story. Continuous coverage enables the preventive care patterns that help residents live nearly 8 years longer than average.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Oldham County

via RiskByCounty

Oldham County's tornado risk stands out

Oldham County scores 55.98 on the composite risk scale, above Kentucky's state average of 44.21, with an exceptionally high tornado risk of 85.53 that ranks among the state's worst. The county's other hazards remain moderate, but the tornado threat alone elevates Oldham to significant vulnerability status.

Highest tornado risk in study area

Oldham County's composite score of 55.98 ranks it above the state average, but its tornado risk (85.53) is the most extreme among the eight counties profiled here. This places Oldham in Kentucky's highest-risk tier for severe convective storms and tornado activity.

Notably tornado-prone compared to peers

Oldham County's 85.53 tornado score vastly exceeds neighboring Nelson (69.08), Pendleton (51.81), and Owen (50.60) counties, making it the regional tornado hotspot. Its overall 55.98 composite score matches Nelson's level but reflects a narrower, more tornado-focused risk profile.

Tornadoes are the defining threat

Oldham County faces the most dangerous tornado risk (85.53) among the eight-county study area, making severe convective storms the dominant disaster concern. Flood risk (59.70) ranks moderate-to-high, while earthquake (56.11) and wildfire (16.54) exposures are secondary.

Tornado preparedness is non-negotiable

Every Oldham County household must have a tornado safety plan and identify a hardened safe room or basement shelter to withstand the county's extreme 85.53 tornado risk. Reinforced roofing, impact-resistant windows, and an active severe weather monitoring system complement comprehensive homeowners insurance as essential protections.

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.