countyscore
62.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 84.8Safety 81.2Lawn Care 76.9

County Report Card

About Owen County, Kentucky

Owen County ranks high above the national median

Owen County achieves a 62.1 composite score, significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a high standard of living relative to the average American county. Its natural security and safety scores lead its national ranking.

Surpassing the Kentucky average for livability

With a score of 62.1, Owen County outperforms the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It is a regional leader in safety and environmental stability. These factors make it one of the more desirable rural options within the state.

Top-tier safety and environmental stability

The county excels in risk management with a score of 84.8 and safety with a score of 81.2. These metrics show a community that is both secure and less prone to natural disasters. School quality is also a strong point, earning a score of 59.7.

Health access and missing water data

Health scores remain a concern at 37.7, while the income score is moderate at 38.0. Data for water quality is currently unavailable, which is a factor that prospective residents should watch. Improving healthcare infrastructure would greatly enhance the county's standing.

A secure haven for quiet rural living

Owen County is perfect for those who prioritize security and low risk above all else. With a median home value of $165,000 and excellent safety ratings, it offers a peaceful environment. It is particularly well-suited for families seeking a safe, stable community near natural beauty.

Score breakdown

Tax58.1Cost66.7Safety81.2Health37.7Schools59.7Income38Risk84.8WaterComing SoonWeather68.2
🏛58.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠66.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼38
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡81.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤37.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓59.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡84.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤68.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱76.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Henry County
Kentucky
51.7
Grant County
Kentucky
59.4
Gallatin County
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Carroll County
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Franklin County
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Scott County
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Switzerland County
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Trimble County
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Deep Dives

Owen County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Owen County

via TaxByCounty

Owen County moderately below national rate

Owen County's effective tax rate of 0.746% sits slightly below the national median of 0.88%, placing it in approximately the 40th percentile nationally. At $1,231 in median annual property taxes on a $165,000 home, Owen residents pay less than half the national median tax of $2,690.

Slightly above Kentucky's average

Owen County's 0.746% rate edges above Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, placing it slightly above the middle of the state's tax spectrum. The median property tax of $1,231 exceeds the state median by $138, reflecting moderate-above-average tax burden.

Middle ground among comparable counties

Owen County's 0.746% rate places it between lower-taxed peers like Nicholas (0.568%) and Ohio (0.613%), and higher-taxed neighbors like Pendleton (0.775%) and Nelson (0.795%). The county offers moderate tax positioning within the regional landscape.

Owen homeowner median annual cost

A median-valued home of $165,000 in Owen County generates $1,231 in annual property taxes. When mortgage-related assessments are included, total annual obligations reach approximately $1,348.

Owen County appeals worth investigating

With moderate-to-above-average tax rates, many Owen County homeowners may be overassessed relative to comparable properties. A property tax appeal is free to file and can uncover savings if your home's assessed value exceeds fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Owen County

via CostByCounty

Owen County Offers Sound Affordability

Owen County's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below Kentucky's 17.0% state average, while monthly rent of $775 runs nearly $1 above the state median. At $59,706 annual income, Owen residents earn above most rural Kentucky counties, allowing them to carry housing costs efficiently.

Upper-Half Affordability in Kentucky

Owen County ranks in Kentucky's upper half for housing affordability, combining moderate incomes with restrained rents to produce a favorable rent-to-income ratio. The county's 15.6% burden puts residents in stronger position than the statewide average.

Owen Balances Rent and Neighborhood Value

Owen's $775 monthly rent matches Nicholas County's ($654) affordability advantage while exceeding Nicholas in median home value ($165,000 vs. $119,600), suggesting stronger property appreciation potential. Compared to Pendleton ($800) and Ohio County ($774), Owen offers competitive pricing in a stable market.

Balanced Housing Investment

At $59,706 annual income, Owen residents allocate about 15.6% to rent and 14.8% to mortgage costs—both well below problematic thresholds. This leaves substantial room for savings, transportation, childcare, and emergency funds.

Owen Suits Families Seeking Stability

If you're relocating with modest-to-moderate income and prioritize stability over urban amenities, Owen County delivers good value with reasonable rents and achievable homeownership. Your housing costs will likely shrink relative to income, freeing funds for family needs and long-term building.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Owen County

via IncomeByCounty

Owen County earns above state average

Owen County's median household income of $59,706 trails the national median of $74,755 by $15,049, a 20% gap that's narrower than most Kentucky counties. This income level exceeds Kentucky's state average of $55,909 by $3,797, positioning Owen above typical state earnings. Owen ranks in the middle range nationally for household income.

Upper-middle earner in Kentucky

At $59,706, Owen County beats Kentucky's state median of $55,909 and exceeds roughly 60% of state counties. The per capita income of $30,071 also exceeds the state average of $29,616 by 1.5%, indicating relatively balanced wealth distribution. Owen ranks comfortably in the upper-middle tier statewide.

Strong earner in regional context

Owen ($59,706) outearns Muhlenberg ($52,672), Nicholas ($53,616), and Ohio County ($54,369) by $6,000-$7,000 each, but trails Nelson ($67,888) and Pendleton ($66,601). The $7,182 gap with Nelson suggests neighboring areas offer slightly better opportunities, likely due to proximity to larger employment centers. Owen still maintains respectable income standing regionally.

Housing remains comfortably affordable

Owen County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.6% indicates households dedicate well under one-sixth of income to rent, meeting affordability standards. The median home value of $165,000 is reasonable relative to the $59,706 household income level. Housing costs allow meaningful budget room for savings and other needs.

Solid foundation for long-term investing

Owen County households earning $59,706 have sufficient breathing room to balance immediate expenses with long-term wealth building. Establishing automated retirement contributions and a modest investment portfolio creates compound growth potential over decades. Financial advisors recommend Owen residents lock in employer matches and diversify beyond home equity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Owen County

via CrimeByCounty

Owen County is Significantly Safer Than Most

Owen County boasts an exceptional safety score of 99.3, far exceeding the national norm. Its total crime rate of 445.3 per 100,000 is less than one-fifth of the national average of 2,385.5. Two reporting agencies provide comprehensive coverage for this secure community.

Ranking High Among Kentucky Counties

The county's safety score of 99.3 beats the Kentucky average of 98.8. With a total crime rate of 445.3, Owen County is considerably safer than the state average of 786.2. Residents enjoy a peaceful lifestyle with very few criminal disruptions.

Leading the Way in Regional Safety

Owen County is much safer than nearby Pendleton County, which has a total crime rate of 573.8. The local rate of 445.3 crimes per 100,000 sets a high bar for the surrounding area. This security makes the county an attractive location for those seeking a quiet rural life.

Violent Crime is Rare in Owen County

The violent crime rate is just 26.7 per 100,000, roughly one-third of the state average of 78.1. Property crime is also low at 418.6 per 100,000, accounting for nearly all local offenses. You are much more likely to encounter a minor theft than any type of violent incident.

Smart Security for Peace of Mind

Keep your home and outbuildings locked to prevent crimes of opportunity, which make up the bulk of local incidents. Motion-activated lights are a simple, cost-effective way to boost your home’s security. Active community participation helps keep Owen County one of the safest in the state.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Owen County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy slightly below national average

Owen County residents average 72.6 years, just 1.2 years above the U.S. average of 71.4 years. Nearly one in four residents report poor or fair health at 22.9%, indicating significant health challenges despite modest life expectancy.

Tracking Kentucky's state average closely

Owen County's 72.6-year life expectancy nearly matches Kentucky's 72.2-year state average, while its 7.6% uninsured rate exceeds the state's 7.0% average. This slight coverage disadvantage may contribute to the county's elevated poor/fair health rate.

Mid-range challenges with uninsured rate

Owen County's 22.9% poor/fair health rate ties with Pendleton County as relatively high, and its 7.6% uninsured rate ranks second-worst among the eight counties. Provider density at 35 primary care and 53 mental health per 100K is moderate but adequate.

Coverage gaps and modest provider access

Owen County's 7.6% uninsured rate leaves about 1 in 13 residents without insurance, above the state average and limiting routine care access. With 35 primary care providers per 100K, the county offers moderate capacity, but the uninsured population likely delays seeking needed care.

Close coverage gaps in Owen County

Owen County residents without insurance should visit healthcare.gov to explore Medicaid expansion and marketplace plans, many offering affordable or free coverage. Enrolling ensures access to preventive care that can reduce the 22.9% poor/fair health rate.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Owen County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Success in a Rural District

Owen County operates three public schools—one elementary, one middle, and one high school—serving 1,732 students. This simplified structure allows the single district to focus resources on a clear K-12 pipeline.

Exceptional Graduation and Competitive Scores

Owen County achieves a remarkable 97.0% graduation rate, far surpassing the national average of 87.0%. The county's school score of 55.8 also beats the state average, despite spending slightly less per pupil at $6,356.

Local Control with No Charters

The Owen County school district manages 100% of the county's 1,732 students across its three campuses. No charter schools exist in the county, reflecting a community committed to its traditional public system.

Purely Rural Learning Environment

All three schools in the county are classified as rural, with an average size of 577 students per building. Owen County Elementary is the largest campus with 690 students, providing a foundational start for the county's youth.

Quiet Living with High Educational Standards

Families seeking a high-performing rural district will find Owen County to be a standout choice. The 97% graduation rate makes this a compelling location for home buyers focused on long-term educational success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Owen County

via RiskByCounty

Owen County ranks among nation's safest

Owen County scores just 15.20 on the composite risk scale—among the lowest in the nation—and dramatically underperforms Kentucky's state average of 44.21. The county's minimal exposure to wildfire (5.63), earthquake (32.76), and other major hazards makes it one of America's safest communities for disaster risk.

Kentucky's safest counties

Owen County's 15.20 composite score ranks it in Kentucky's very-low-risk tier, alongside only Owen (15.20), Owsley (6.39), and Pendleton (29.90) as the commonwealth's safest counties. The county sits nearly 30 points below the state average, reflecting exceptionally low multi-hazard exposure.

Far safer than surrounding areas

Owen County's 15.20 score contrasts starkly with higher-risk neighbors Nelson (55.18), Ohio (54.17), and Oldham (55.98), positioning it as a relative safety zone. Nearby Pendleton (29.90) also ranks safer than its western neighbors, but Owen remains the regional standout for low disaster risk.

Tornadoes present modest concern

Owen County's only moderate hazard is tornado risk (50.60), which remains well below state and national averages despite being the county's highest-scoring threat. All other hazards—flood (30.85), earthquake (32.76), wildfire (5.63)—rank well below dangerous levels, making Owen exceptionally safe overall.

Basic insurance and planning suffice

Standard homeowners insurance covers Owen County's minimal disaster exposures, and residents need only maintain basic tornado awareness and a simple family communication plan. The county's very-low-risk profile means disaster preparation remains straightforward and inexpensive compared to higher-hazard areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Owen County

via SoilByCounty

The Natural Character of Owen

Owen County lacks specific pH and taxonomic data, but generally aligns with the regional Kentucky average of 5.80. This puts it slightly below the national median of 6.5, a common trait for the area's limestone-derived soils.

Fine Textures of the Hills

Specific sand and clay percentages are not recorded, but Owen County is known for the hilly terrain of the Eden Shale belt. These soils are typically heavy in clay, which provides excellent mineral richness but can be difficult to work when wet.

Building on State Strengths

While local organic matter data is missing, the county benefits from Kentucky's strong statewide organic average of 3.55%. This provides a robust foundation for forage and pasture growth compared to the 2.0% national average.

Navigating Steep Drainage

Without specific hydrologic data, the county's rolling topography dictates its drainage patterns. Surface runoff is a key factor here, making erosion control a priority for any land management project.

Success in Zone 6b

Owen County falls within Hardiness Zone 6b, making it well-suited for hardy fruit trees like apples and pears. The climate is perfect for cool-season grasses, so consider planting a resilient landscape this spring.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Owen County

via LawnByCounty

Owen County Leads the State

Owen County is a premier location for lawn care, featuring an impressive difficulty score of 76.9. This score is significantly better than the state average of 66.3, indicating that the local Zone 6b environment is very forgiving for turf.

Moderate Climate for Steady Growth

Annual precipitation of 45.1 inches is slightly below the state average but remains within the ideal range for healthy lawns. With only 23 extreme heat days, grass in Owen County experiences less summer stress than much of the rest of Kentucky.

Healthy Soil for Lush Turf

Detailed soil data for Owen County is unavailable, but the high difficulty score suggests that local conditions are naturally supportive. Homeowners should focus on maintaining organic matter through composting to keep the soil structure ideal for root growth.

Minimal Drought Impact

The county only experienced 3 weeks in drought over the past year, and current conditions show 0.0% of the area is dry. This stability allows for a low-maintenance watering schedule that relies heavily on natural rainfall.

Perfect Time for Cool-Season Grass

The Zone 6b climate is perfectly suited for cool-season grasses like Fine Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass. Take advantage of the easy growing conditions by overseeding in the late summer to maintain a thick, weed-resistant carpet.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Owen County's county score?
Owen County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 62.1 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 Owen County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Owen County ranks #47 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 Owen County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Owen County is $1,231, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns Owen County a tax score of 58.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Owen County?
The median household income in Owen County, Kentucky is $59,706 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Owen County earns an income score of 38/100 on CountyScore.
Is Owen County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Owen County scores 62.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #47 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Owen 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 Owen County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.