countyscore
59.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 76.1Disaster Risk 70.1

County Report Card

About Pendleton County, Kentucky

Pendleton County beats the national median

Pendleton County achieves a composite score of 59.5, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a well-rounded county that balances income and affordability. It stands as a competitive and stable choice on the national stage.

Outperforming the Kentucky state average

With a score of 59.5, Pendleton exceeds the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It manages to offer better income prospects and higher water quality than many of its peers. This makes it a top contender for those staying within the state.

High water quality and strong safety

Water quality is a major highlight with a score of 86.0, alongside a strong safety score of 76.1. The income score of 58.3 is also robust, supported by a $66,601 median household income. Risk management is another plus with a score of 70.1.

Focusing on health outcomes and tax rates

Health remains the lowest-performing dimension with a score of 39.7. The tax score of 55.4 reflects a moderate burden from the 0.775% effective tax rate. Improving local health services would be the quickest way to boost the county's overall profile.

A balanced home for middle-class families

Pendleton County is an ideal fit for families who want a balanced lifestyle with decent incomes and great safety. The median home value of $160,800 is attainable for most, and the water quality is excellent. It offers a high floor for quality of life without extreme costs.

Score breakdown

Tax55.4Cost57.1Safety76.1Health39.7Schools55.9Income58.3Risk70.1Water86Weather62.1
🏛55.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠57.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼58.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡76.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤39.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓55.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡70.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤62.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱
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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Compare Pendleton County with Chippewa County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Bracken County
Kentucky
61.3
Grant County
Kentucky
59.4
Harrison County
Kentucky
60.5
Kenton County
Kentucky
49.8
Campbell County
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Robertson County
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Clermont County
Ohio
45.9
Brown County
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58.4

Deep Dives

Pendleton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pendleton County

via TaxByCounty

Pendleton County above national median

Pendleton County's effective tax rate of 0.775% exceeds the national median of 0.88%, placing it in approximately the 55th percentile nationally. At $1,246 in median annual property taxes on a $160,800 home, Pendleton residents pay less than half the national median tax of $2,690.

Above-average within Kentucky

Pendleton County's 0.775% rate ranks above Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, placing it in the upper-middle tier statewide for tax burden. The median property tax of $1,246 exceeds the state median by $153, reflecting above-average tax positioning.

Moderate-to-higher taxes regionally

Pendleton County's 0.775% rate is higher than Nicholas (0.568%), Ohio (0.613%), Muhlenberg (0.694%), and Owen (0.746%), but lower than Nelson (0.795%) and Oldham (0.921%). The county sits in the upper-middle range of regional tax burden.

Pendleton homeowner annual tax cost

A median-valued home of $160,800 in Pendleton County generates $1,246 in annual property taxes. With mortgage-related assessments factored in, total annual obligations reach approximately $1,460.

Pendleton residents should review assessments

With above-average county tax rates, Pendleton homeowners benefit from verifying their property assessments match current market values. A property tax appeal is a simple, free process that often results in substantial savings when overassessment is discovered.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pendleton County

via CostByCounty

Pendleton Delivers Competitive Affordability

Pendleton County's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's best, sitting 2.6 percentage points below Kentucky's average while monthly rent of $800 remains modest. With $66,601 median household income, Pendleton residents earn well above many rural Kentucky peers, keeping housing costs proportionally light.

Top-Tier Kentucky Affordability

Pendleton County ranks among Kentucky's most affordable places overall, combining solid incomes with restrained housing costs to produce one of the state's lowest rent burdens. The county's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio places it firmly in the affordability elite.

Pendleton Competes Well Regionally

Pendleton's $800 rent undercuts Oldham ($1,142) substantially while slightly exceeding Owen County ($775) and matching Muhlenberg-area pricing. Home values of $160,800 place Pendleton between Nicholas County's bargains ($119,600) and Owen County's higher values ($165,000), offering solid middle ground.

Efficient Income-to-Housing Allocation

At $66,601 annual income, Pendleton residents allocate just 14.4% to rent and 14.9% to mortgage costs—among the lowest ratios in the study. This leaves over 70% of income for all other household expenses, emergencies, and wealth-building.

Pendleton Balances Value and Earnings

If you're seeking a Kentucky county where solid incomes meet restrained housing costs, Pendleton County offers rare equilibrium. Renters and homebuyers alike will find reasonable prices and strong earning potential—a combination that supports financial stability and long-term growth.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pendleton County

via IncomeByCounty

Pendleton County earns above state average

Pendleton County's median household income of $66,601 exceeds Kentucky's state average of $55,909 by $10,692 but trails the national median of $74,755 by $8,154. This 11% gap below national figures reflects regional income constraints, though Pendleton outperforms most of its state. Pendleton ranks solidly in the middle range nationally.

Upper-tier earner for Kentucky

At $66,601, Pendleton County beats 70% of Kentucky counties and significantly exceeds the state median of $55,909. The per capita income of $30,460 also outpaces the state average of $29,616 by 3%, indicating reasonably distributed prosperity. Pendleton holds a strong position in Kentucky's income hierarchy.

Regional income leader outside Oldham

Pendleton ($66,601) ranks second only to Nelson ($67,888) among non-Oldham counties, narrowly outearning Owen ($59,706) by $6,895. The $35,537 gap with Oldham reflects Pendleton's location outside Louisville's wealthiest suburbs. Still, Pendleton's income advantage over most neighboring counties positions it as a regional economic leader.

Excellent housing affordability

Pendleton County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.4% ties for lowest in this region, meaning households spend just over one-seventh of income on rent. The median home value of $160,800 is reasonable relative to earnings, offering genuine housing stability. Pendleton households enjoy affordability well above national standards.

Strong position for wealth accumulation

Pendleton County households earning $66,601 have excellent opportunity to build wealth through home equity, retirement savings, and strategic investments. The combination of above-average income and below-average housing cost ratios creates genuine surplus for long-term financial goals. Financial planning focused on diversification and tax efficiency yields meaningful results for Pendleton residents.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pendleton County

via CrimeByCounty

Pendleton County Provides Strong Security

Pendleton County earns a high safety score of 99.1, indicating a very safe environment compared to national trends. The total crime rate is 573.8 per 100,000, which is four times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Three reporting agencies work to keep the county secure.

Surpassing the Kentucky State Average

Pendleton County’s safety score of 99.1 is higher than the Kentucky state average of 98.8. Its total crime rate of 573.8 is also notably better than the state average of 786.2. This performance places Pendleton among the more secure counties in the Commonwealth.

Comparing Safety with Neighbors

Pendleton County’s crime rate of 573.8 is higher than Owen County's 445.3 but still offers a high level of relative safety. The local law enforcement presence across the county's three agencies ensures a quick response to incidents. Residents can feel confident in the stability of their community.

Low Violent and Property Crime Rates

Violent crime in Pendleton County is low at 47.8 per 100,000, well below the state average of 78.1. Property crime is the most frequent issue at 526.0 per 100,000, but remains significantly lower than many surrounding areas. Most reported crimes involve theft rather than any threat to personal safety.

Fortify Your Pendleton Home

Since property crime is the primary concern, consider installing motion sensors and keeping your driveway well-lit. Make sure all valuable equipment on rural properties is securely stored and locked away. Staying alert and informing the sheriff’s office of suspicious behavior keeps the county safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pendleton County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy near national average

Pendleton County residents live to 72.1 years, just 0.7 years above the U.S. average of 71.4 years. Nearly 23% report poor or fair health, indicating substantial underlying health burden despite borderline life expectancy.

Tracking Kentucky's health average closely

Pendleton County's 72.1-year life expectancy nearly mirrors Kentucky's 72.2-year state average, while its 6.8% uninsured rate sits just below the state's 7.0% average. This alignment suggests the county represents typical Kentucky health challenges.

Mid-range health outcomes, limited providers

Pendleton County's 22.9% poor/fair health rate ties with Owen County, and its 27 primary care providers per 100K ranks in the lower-middle tier of this eight-county comparison. The 54 mental health providers per 100K offer modest support.

Adequate coverage, moderate provider access

Pendleton County's 6.8% uninsured rate is close to the state average, meaning most residents have insurance but the coverage may not translate to accessible care. With 27 primary care providers per 100K, the county offers limited but functional primary care capacity.

Enroll to access local providers

Pendleton County's 6.8% uninsured residents should enroll at healthcare.gov to join the majority with coverage and ensure access to the county's primary care providers. Insurance coverage enables the preventive care that can help reduce the 22.9% poor/fair health rate.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pendleton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Efficient Four-School Rural Network

Pendleton County educates 2,246 students across a four-school system managed by a single district. The landscape includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school to serve the region.

Top-Tier Graduation Rates and High Efficiency

Pendleton County boasts an impressive 97.0% graduation rate, ten points higher than the national average. Remarkably, the county achieves a school score of 55.1 while spending only $6,040 per pupil, showcasing high educational efficiency.

Unified District Serving Northern Kentucky

The Pendleton County school district manages all 2,246 students across its four dedicated campuses. There are zero charter schools in the area, as the traditional district continues to meet the community's needs.

Consistent Rural Settings and Mid-Sized Schools

All four schools are located in rural settings, with an average enrollment of 562 students per school. Pendleton County High School is the largest at 698 students, while Northern Elementary offers a slightly smaller community of 493 students.

Elevate Your Lifestyle Near Top-Performing Schools

With a 97% graduation rate, Pendleton County is a hidden gem for families prioritizing educational outcomes. Consider browsing homes near Falmouth to benefit from a rural atmosphere that doesn't compromise on academic success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pendleton County

via RiskByCounty

Pendleton County enjoys low risk

Pendleton County scores 29.90 on the composite risk scale, well below Kentucky's state average of 44.21, positioning it among the nation's lower-risk counties. The county's minimal earthquake (30.88) and hurricane (8.34) exposures, combined with manageable flood and tornado risks, create a favorable disaster profile.

Very low risk in Kentucky context

Pendleton County's 29.90 composite score places it firmly in Kentucky's very-low-risk tier, ranking safely below the state average across its 120 counties. Only Owen (15.20) and Owsley (6.39) demonstrate comparably low overall hazard exposure in the commonwealth.

Far safer than high-risk neighbors

Pendleton County's 29.90 score stands significantly below elevated-risk neighbors Nelson (55.18), Ohio (54.17), and Oldham (55.98) to the south and west, yet slightly above nearby Owen (15.20). The county occupies a favorable middle ground within its region, balancing safety with reasonable disaster preparedness needs.

Tornadoes rank as primary concern

Pendleton County's most notable hazard is tornado risk (51.81), which remains moderate and manageable with proper preparation. Flood risk (49.11) ranks nearly equivalent, while earthquake (30.88) and wildfire (5.53) present minimal concerns for most residents.

Standard coverage handles exposure

Standard homeowners insurance and a basic tornado safety plan provide adequate protection for Pendleton County's low-to-moderate hazard exposure. Residents should maintain storm awareness during severe weather season but need not invest in specialized coverage beyond conventional homeowners policies.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Pendleton County

via SoilByCounty

Pendleton's Northern Kentucky Profile

Specific pH data is not provided for Pendleton County, but it typically rests near the state average of 5.80. This level of acidity is common in the region and lower than the national median of 6.5.

Structural Soil Strength

Though specific texture data is missing, the area often features high-silt soils characteristic of the Outer Bluegrass. These soils provide good nutrient storage but may require aeration to maintain health under heavy use.

Strong Foundation for Growth

The county lacks specific organic matter stats, but Kentucky's high 3.55% state average suggests a productive environment. This baseline is significantly higher than the 2.0% national average for soil health.

Water and the Landscape

Specific hydrologic group data is not listed, but the local clay content often impacts how water moves through the soil. Effective moisture management is key to preventing soggy lawns and protecting garden roots.

Planting in Zone 6b

Pendleton County's Zone 6b climate is excellent for growing kale, carrots, and other hardy vegetables. The moderate winters and warm summers make this an inviting place to start your own vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pendleton County

via LawnByCounty

Lawn Care in Pendleton County

While specific difficulty scores are unavailable for Pendleton County, its location in Hardiness Zone 6b mirrors much of Northern Kentucky. Lawns here must be resilient enough to handle freezing winters while staying green through humid summers.

Adaptable Mowing and Watering

Climate data for Pendleton is limited, but regional trends suggest a standard Kentucky pattern of roughly 50 inches of rain per year. Homeowners should prepare for a growing season that typically runs from mid-April through late October.

Foundations for Healthy Grass

Though specific soil data is not provided, the local geology often results in heavy soils that benefit from core aeration. Testing your yard's pH is recommended to determine if lime is needed to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range.

Managing Dry Periods

The county experienced 5 weeks in drought over the last year, suggesting occasional dry spells that require supplemental watering. Focus on watering in the early morning to minimize evaporation and prevent the growth of turf diseases.

Best Grasses for Northern Kentucky

Kentucky Bluegrass and Turf-Type Tall Fescue are the gold standard for Zone 6b lawns. Aim to seed your lawn in the late summer or early fall to take advantage of the moderating temperatures and seasonal rainfall.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pendleton County's county score?
Pendleton County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 59.5 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 Pendleton County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Pendleton County ranks #63 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 Pendleton County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Pendleton County is $1,246, with an effective tax rate of 0.77%. This earns Pendleton County a tax score of 55.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pendleton County?
The median household income in Pendleton County, Kentucky is $66,601 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pendleton County earns an income score of 58.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pendleton County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Pendleton County scores 59.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #63 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Pendleton 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 Pendleton 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.