countyscore
68.8
County Score
Cost of Living 98.7Safety 94.3Disaster Risk 93.6

County Report Card

About Owsley County, Kentucky

Owsley County far exceeds national score averages

Owsley County earns an impressive composite score of 68.8, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This surprising score is driven by extreme affordability and high safety metrics. It ranks as one of the most cost-effective places to live in the country.

One of the highest-rated counties in Kentucky

At 68.8, Owsley County significantly outpaces the Kentucky state average of 58.6. Its unique profile of low housing costs and low risk makes it a standout performer. It offers a level of financial ease that is rare within the Commonwealth.

Unbeatable affordability and exceptional safety

The county boasts a near-perfect cost score of 98.7, with median rents at only $551. Safety and risk scores are also elite at 94.3 and 93.6, respectively. Homeownership is highly accessible with a median home value of just $79,900.

Navigating low incomes and health gaps

Economic opportunity is the primary challenge, with an income score of 0.3 and a median income of $31,064. Health outcomes also lag significantly with a score of 29.5. Residents must balance the low cost of living against these local economic realities.

The ultimate choice for budget-first living

Owsley County is the premier destination for anyone living on a fixed income or seeking the lowest possible cost of living. While the local job market is tough, the high safety and low housing costs provide an incredible lifestyle for the right person. It is a sanctuary for those who want to live safely and cheaply.

Score breakdown

Tax62.9Cost98.7Safety94.3Health29.5Schools61.4Income0.3Risk93.6Water48.2Weather63.4
🏛62.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠98.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼0.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡94.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤29.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓61.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡93.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧48.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱74.4
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

Lee County
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61.7
Jackson County
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Clay County
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Breathitt County
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Wolfe County
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Perry County
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Deep Dives

Owsley County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Owsley County

via TaxByCounty

Owsley's below-average national standing

Owsley County's effective tax rate of 0.703% falls below the national median of 0.88%, placing it in approximately the 30th percentile nationally. At $562 in median annual property taxes on a median home value of just $79,900, Owsley offers one of the lowest tax burdens in the nation.

Slightly below Kentucky average

Owsley County's 0.703% effective rate is marginally below Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, ranking it in the lower-middle tier statewide. The median property tax of $562 is $531 below the state median of $1,093.

Second-lowest taxes in the region

Owsley County's 0.703% rate is only exceeded by Nicholas (0.568%) among the eight profiled counties, placing it well ahead of Muhlenberg (0.694%), Ohio (0.613%), Owen (0.746%), Pendleton (0.775%), Nelson (0.795%), and Oldham (0.921%). This reflects Owsley's rural character and modest property values.

Owsley's minimal annual tax burden

A median-valued home of just $79,900 in Owsley County generates $562 in annual property taxes—among the lowest in the eight-county profile. With all assessments included, annual tax costs total approximately $824.

Review assessments even in rural counties

Even in lower-taxed rural counties like Owsley, homeowners should confirm their assessed values reflect current market conditions. Property tax appeals are available and can provide meaningful savings on already-modest annual bills.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Owsley County

via CostByCounty

Owsley Faces Acute Housing Affordability Crisis

Owsley County residents spend a staggering 21.3% of income on rent—the highest burden among these eight counties and well above Kentucky's 17.0% average. With median household income of only $31,064, the lowest in the group, renters here face genuine hardship as $551 monthly rent consumes disproportionate earnings.

Kentucky's Deepest Affordability Crisis

Owsley County represents Kentucky's most severe housing affordability challenge, combining the state's lowest incomes with one of its highest rent burdens. This county urgently needs intervention, as its 21.3% rent-to-income ratio far exceeds healthy levels and statewide averages.

Owsley's Poverty Stands Apart

Owsley's median income of $31,064 is nearly half Nicholas County's ($53,616) and far below even poorer neighbors; only this analysis identifies Owsley's distinct crisis. Though rent is cheap in absolute terms ($551), it consumes a larger percentage of income than in any surrounding county, signaling structural economic distress.

Housing Consumes a Dangerous Share

Owsley County residents earning $31,064 annually spend 21.3% on rent ($551) and 15.8% on mortgage costs ($409), leaving fewer dollars for food, healthcare, transportation, and childcare than any peer county. Over 37% of income goes to housing alone, forcing impossible choices on essential needs.

Owsley: Not Recommended Without Support

Relocating to Owsley County makes sense only with substantial savings, outside income, or local family support—the county's wages and affordability crisis make independent living extraordinarily difficult. If considering relocation here, ensure you have financial cushion; rents may be low, but incomes offer little comfort.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Owsley County

via IncomeByCounty

Owsley County faces severe income challenge

Owsley County's median household income of $31,064 is less than half the national median of $74,755, representing a devastating 58% shortfall. This income gap is among the worst in America, reflecting deep structural economic challenges and limited employment opportunities. Owsley ranks in the bottom 5% nationally for household earnings.

Kentucky's poorest county by income

At $31,064, Owsley County's median household income falls $24,845 below Kentucky's state average of $55,909, representing a 44% gap. The per capita income of $21,285 severely underperforms the state average of $29,616 by 28%, indicating widespread economic distress. Owsley ranks last or near-last among Kentucky's 120 counties.

Outlier in lowest income tier

Owsley ($31,064) earns $21,610 less than the next-lowest county in this group, Nicholas ($53,616)—a staggering 41% gap. Even Nicholas County, among the lower earners, substantially outpaces Owsley. This dramatic disparity underscores Owsley's acute economic isolation within the region.

Housing cost strain is severe

Owsley County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.3% is the highest by far in this eight-county comparison, meaning over one-fifth of household income goes to rent. The median home value of $79,900 is lowest in the region, yet still consumes nearly one-quarter of annual earnings. Housing insecurity represents a genuine crisis for many Owsley households.

Seek urgent financial stability support

Owsley County residents face immediate financial survival challenges that precede traditional wealth-building strategies. Accessing emergency assistance programs, food security resources, and housing support through nonprofits and government agencies is critical. Long-term solutions require regional economic development, job training, and access to higher-wage employment pathways.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Owsley County

via CrimeByCounty

Owsley County Achieves Near-Perfect Safety

Owsley County records a perfect 100.0 safety score, making it one of the safest places in the entire United States. Its total crime rate of 24.7 per 100,000 is nearly non-existent compared to the national average of 2,385.5. Two reporting agencies document this remarkably quiet environment.

The Gold Standard for Safety in Kentucky

With a crime rate of only 24.7, Owsley County is far below the Kentucky state average of 786.2. Its safety score of 100.0 easily surpasses the state average of 98.8. For residents, this means a level of security that is rare even within the safe borders of Kentucky.

The Safest Option in the Region

Owsley County’s crime rate is a fraction of its neighbors, making it a statistical outlier for public safety. While other counties report hundreds of crimes per 100,000, Owsley reports just 24.7. This community provides an unrivaled sense of security for its citizens.

Zero Violent Crimes Reported

In a remarkable display of public safety, Owsley County reported 0.0 violent crimes per 100,000 in 2022. The total crime rate consists entirely of property crime, which also sits at a minimal 24.7 per 100,000. These figures represent an exceptionally peaceful community with almost no criminal activity.

Simple Steps for a Safe Home

While crime is extremely rare here, maintaining basic security like locking doors and windows is always wise. Keep your property well-maintained and join local community groups to stay connected with your neighbors. Owsley County's safety is a community achievement that everyone helps maintain.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Owsley County

via HealthByCounty

Critical health crisis in Owsley County

Owsley County residents live to just 64.5 years, nearly 7 years below the U.S. average of 71.4 years, making it the lowest life expectancy in this eight-county comparison. With 27.2% reporting poor or fair health—the highest rate by far—this county faces a severe public health emergency.

Severe health disadvantage versus state average

Owsley County's 64.5-year life expectancy falls 7.7 years below Kentucky's 72.2-year average, an alarming gap that signals concentrated health crises. The uninsured rate of 6.4% is actually slightly better than Kentucky's 7.0%, so coverage alone does not explain this disparity.

Extreme outlier in regional health crisis

Owsley County's 64.5-year life expectancy is 8.2–15.2 years lower than any other county in this comparison, representing a health catastrophe. Primary care provider data is unavailable, but the 175 mental health providers per 100K is the highest in the set, suggesting acute behavioral and substance-use challenges.

Provider shortage and health crisis converge

Owsley County lacks primary care provider data, indicating potential severe workforce shortages that compound the county's health emergency. The elevated mental health provider rate suggests significant population need for behavioral health and addiction services.

Urgent: Get covered and seek help

Owsley County residents need immediate action: the 6.4% uninsured should enroll at healthcare.gov without delay, and all residents should connect with available mental health and substance-use services through local health departments. Given the county's critical health status, every tool—coverage, preventive care, and behavioral health support—is essential.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Owsley County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Education in a Small Rural Setting

Owsley County serves its 785 students through a highly focused two-school system. The single-district infrastructure consists of one elementary school and one high school, covering all grade levels for the community.

High Performance and State-Matching Investment

The county's 95.0% graduation rate sits well above the state and national averages. With a school score of 55.9 and per-pupil spending of $6,898, Owsley County effectively matches or exceeds Kentucky's state-wide metrics.

A Community-Driven Public District

Owsley County school district is the sole educational provider for the area's 785 students. Charter schools represent 0% of the local options, as the county maintains a unified public school approach.

Intimate Rural Campus Atmosphere

Both campuses are situated in rural locales and maintain small average sizes of 393 students. Owsley County Elementary is the larger facility with 412 students, while the high school serves 373 students in a 6-12 grade configuration.

Discover a Close-Knit School Community

In Owsley County, the small student population ensures that every child is well-known by their teachers and peers. Home buyers looking for a rural lifestyle with strong graduation outcomes should consider this high-performing district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Owsley County

via RiskByCounty

Owsley County is extraordinarily safe

With a composite risk score of just 6.39, Owsley County ranks among the absolute safest counties in the United States, with minimal exposure to nearly all major hazards and an extremely low score relative to Kentucky's state average of 44.21. This remarkable safety profile reflects the county's geographic isolation and low population density.

Kentucky's safest county overall

Owsley County's 6.39 composite score is the lowest among Kentucky's 120 counties profiled in this analysis, placing it in an elite tier of disaster safety. The county ranks approximately 37 points below the state average, with virtually no meaningful exposure to major hazards.

Dramatically safer than all peers

Owsley County's 6.39 score dwarfs all neighboring counties profiled here, including the next-safest Owen County (15.20) and Pendleton County (29.90). The county's extreme safety stands in sharp contrast to distant higher-risk neighbors like Nelson (55.18) and Oldham (55.98).

Wildfire is sole notable exposure

Owsley County's only significant hazard exposure is wildfire risk (64.57), which remains the county's standout concern despite the overall very-low composite score. All other risks—tornado (15.81), flood (21.25), earthquake (25.41)—are minimal, making wildfire prevention the primary disaster focus.

Minimal insurance needs apply

Owsley County residents benefit from exceptionally low disaster risk and require only basic homeowners insurance coverage, with wildfire awareness as the sole elevated concern. The county's safety profile means households can allocate disaster preparedness resources toward other community needs.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Owsley County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Conditions in the Eastern Foothills

Owsley County averages 54.9°F, placing it squarely within the temperate climate zone of the United States. Its 51.3 inches of annual rainfall is significantly higher than the national median.

Cooler than Most Kentucky Counties

The county's 54.9°F average is over a degree cooler than the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. It ranks among the cooler regions in the state due to its eastern topography.

Milder Summers than Western Neighbors

Owsley experiences only 22 extreme heat days, about half as many as Ohio County in western Kentucky. Its 74.6°F July average offers a more temperate summer than many state peers.

Moderate Summers and Brisk Winters

The July average of 74.6°F is relatively mild, with only 22 days reaching 90°F or higher. Winters are consistent with the region, featuring a January average of 33.6°F.

Insulate for Damp, Chilly Winters

Proper home insulation is key for the 33.6°F winter months and the 51 inches of annual precipitation. Residents should prepare for moderate summer cooling needs compared to hotter state regions.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Owsley County

via SoilByCounty

Owsley's Eastern Kentucky Heritage

Owsley County's specific soil metrics are not currently available, but the region typically features acidic forest soils. Most land here tracks near the Kentucky state average pH of 5.80, lower than the national median of 6.5.

Loamy and Rugged

While sand and silt percentages aren't listed, the Appalachian foothills often contain loamy soils with significant rock fragments. This creates a complex environment that challenges traditional row cropping but supports diverse native forests.

Rich in Organic Potential

Local organic matter data is limited, yet the state's average of 3.55% suggests high natural fertility in undisturbed areas. This far exceeds the national average of 2.0%, offering a great start for organic gardening.

Managing the Mountain Runoff

Specific drainage classes are not recorded, though the steep slopes of Owsley County naturally facilitate rapid runoff. Careful terrace management is required to keep topsoil in place during heavy rain events.

Growing in Zone 6b

With a Hardiness Zone of 6b, Owsley County is great for blueberries and other acid-loving shrubs. The mountain air and protected valleys offer a unique microclimate for many heritage garden varieties.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Owsley County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Lawn Conditions in Owsley

Owsley County earns a strong lawn difficulty score of 74.4, making it one of the easier counties in Kentucky for lawn maintenance. The Zone 6b climate provides a classic environment for cool-season grasses to thrive with minimal effort.

Consistent Rain and Fewer Heat Peaks

Owsley receives 51.3 inches of annual rain, which is slightly more than the state average and perfect for lush growth. With only 22 extreme heat days and 3,649 growing degree days, the grass avoids the burnout common in hotter regions.

Building a Strong Root Zone

Specific soil metrics are limited for Owsley, but the high rainfall suggests a need to monitor for nutrient leaching. Regular applications of organic fertilizers can help stabilize the soil and provide a slow release of nutrients for your turf.

Excellent Natural Moisture

Owsley County saw only 1 week of drought in the past year, indicating very stable moisture levels. You likely only need to water your lawn during rare extended dry spells in mid-summer to keep it from entering dormancy.

Growing with the Seasons

The local growing season starts after the April 24th frost and ends by October 19th. Plant Tall Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass to match the 6b zone, and try to seed at least six weeks before the first frost for the best establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Owsley County's county score?
Owsley County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 68.8 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 Owsley County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Owsley County ranks #10 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 Owsley County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Owsley County is $562, with an effective tax rate of 0.70%. This earns Owsley County a tax score of 62.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Owsley County?
The median household income in Owsley County, Kentucky is $31,064 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Owsley County earns an income score of 0.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Owsley County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Owsley County scores 68.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Owsley 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 Owsley County with other counties side by side.

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