CountyScore

Powell County

Kentucky · KY

#48 in Kentucky
71.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Powell County, Kentucky

Powell County Leads National Rankings

Powell County's composite score of 75.9 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by more than 50 points, ranking it among the most livable counties nationwide. This exceptional showing underscores Powell's appeal as an affordable, low-tax destination.

Powell Outpaces Kentucky Average

At 75.9, Powell County's score edges above Kentucky's state average of 75.0, placing it in the upper tier of state rankings. The county stands out among its rural Appalachian peers.

Powell's Tax Advantage Wins

Powell County boasts the lowest effective tax rate in this group at just 0.582%, paired with a strong cost score of 85.0. The median home value of $142,400 and rent of $743 per month provide solid housing affordability.

Income Remains a Concern

Powell's income score of 9.4 is the lowest here, reflecting a median household income of just $39,811—well below peers. Data gaps in safety, health, schools, risk, and water quality mean several important livability measures remain unavailable.

Perfect for Tax-Conscious Retirees

Powell County is built for retirees and those with pension income or investment portfolios seeking to minimize tax liability. Its combination of low taxes and moderate housing costs creates maximum financial breathing room for those not dependent on local wages.

Score breakdown

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

Tax85.9Cost85SafetyComing SoonHealth61.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome9.4Risk68.8WaterComing Soon
🏛85.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼9.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤61.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡68.8
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 Powell County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

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Monroe County
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Median income: $43,955
Montrose County
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Median income: $66,072
Lawrence County
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Median income: $65,551

Deep Dives

Powell County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Powell County

via TaxByCounty

Powell County offers some of lowest tax rates

Powell County's effective tax rate of 0.582% is among the lowest in the nation, roughly 35% below the national median of 0.9%. Despite this low rate, the median property tax bill of $829 reflects the county's higher median home value of $142,400 compared to many Kentucky peers.

Powell County ranks lowest among peers

Powell County's 0.582% effective rate is significantly below Kentucky's statewide average of 0.719%, placing it in the lower third of all state counties. The median property tax of $829 still falls short of the state average of $1,093, despite relatively higher home values.

Powell County most tax-friendly in region

Powell County's 0.582% rate is the lowest among eastern Kentucky neighbors, beating Perry (0.729%), Pike (0.727%), and Rowan (0.553%) counties. This favorable rate helps offset the county's relatively higher median home values of $142,400, making it attractive for homebuyers seeking lower overall tax burdens.

Powell County median property tax bill

On the median home value of $142,400, Powell County homeowners pay approximately $829 annually in property taxes. Including mortgage-related fees and assessments, the total obligation reaches around $954 per year.

Don't overlook Powell County assessments

Even in low-tax Powell County, homeowners should verify their property assessments are accurate, as overvaluation can still add hundreds to annual bills. Contact the Powell County assessor to request a review if you believe your home's assessed value exceeds its true market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Powell County

via CostByCounty

Powell County struggles on dual fronts

Powell County renters spend 22.4% of income on housing versus the national average of roughly 18%, but face an even steeper income challenge: median household income is just $39,811, making it the lowest in the regional sample. This low-income, high-burden combination creates acute affordability stress.

Second-lowest income, high housing cost

Powell County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.4% exceeds Kentucky's average of 17%, while its median rent of $743 sits below state average. The real crunch comes from the lowest median household income ($39,811) among the comparison group, amplifying housing's burden regardless of absolute rent levels.

Lowest income despite moderate rents

Powell County's $743 rent is among the region's lowest, yet its $39,811 median household income is the lowest by far—$2,900 below Pike County and $12,500 below Rowan. Powell residents earn least but still strain under housing costs others manage more easily.

Ownership costs exceed rental burden

Powell presents an unusual challenge: monthly owner costs of $666 actually consume 20.1% of household income, higher than the 22.4% renters pay—despite a median home value of $142,400 that seems reasonable. This suggests homeowners here carry disproportionately high mortgages relative to local earnings.

Powell County needs income growth most

Powell's affordable rents ($743) become unmanageable due to the lowest median income in the region, suggesting relocation may help more than shopping for cheaper housing locally. Comparing neighboring Russell County (same median rent, $10,700 more income) or Rockcastle (lower rent, higher income) could provide immediate relief if employment transfers are feasible.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Powell County

via IncomeByCounty

Powell earns 47% less than nation

Powell County's median household income of $39,811 falls nearly half below the U.S. median of $74,755. This $34,944 income gap reflects persistent regional economic stress.

Lowest earner in our Kentucky group

Powell County records the lowest median household income among the eight counties profiled here at $39,811—$16,098 below Kentucky's state average. This places Powell among the state's most economically challenged counties.

Poorest but housing not cheap

Powell's $39,811 income is lowest among peers, yet its median home value of $142,400 ranks highest—creating a mismatch between earnings and housing costs. The ratio of home price to income (3.6x) exceeds national healthy limits.

Housing costs strain thin budgets

Powell's 22.4% rent-to-income ratio signals tight housing affordability despite relatively affordable nominal rents. Home prices, however, appear overvalued relative to local incomes, requiring careful consideration before purchase.

Focus on debt reduction first

Given Powell's income constraints, eliminating high-interest debt should precede investment. Freeing up cash flow through debt payoff creates a foundation for emergency savings and long-term wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Powell County

via HealthByCounty

Powell County's health lags national pace

Powell County's life expectancy of 68.6 years runs 5.9 years behind the U.S. average of 74.5 years. The county's 23.8% poor/fair health rate, while among the better in its region, still exceeds the national average of 17.9%.

Below average but closer to state mean

Powell County's life expectancy of 68.6 years sits 3.6 years below Kentucky's 72.2-year average, putting it in the lower tier of state health outcomes. The 23.8% poor/fair health rate is slightly better than many neighboring counties, suggesting some resilience in population health.

Health outcomes comparable to neighbors

Powell County's life expectancy of 68.6 years closely mirrors Pike County (69.3) and Rockcastle County (69.2), with all three counties facing similar health challenges. The county's 23.8% poor/fair health rate ranks favorably within the region, placing it among the healthier neighbors.

Severe primary care provider shortage

Powell County has just 8 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—a critical shortfall compared to the national average of 65 per 100K—forcing residents to travel for routine medical care. Mental health providers are also scarce at 116 per 100K, yet the uninsured rate of 6.2% is below state average, suggesting coverage exists but access remains a barrier.

Secure coverage to access care

With only 6.2% of Powell County uninsured, most residents have coverage—but provider scarcity makes using that coverage difficult. Confirm your insurance status at healthcare.gov and ask about telehealth options or provider networks that extend beyond the county.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Powell County

via RiskByCounty

Powell County faces minimal national disaster risk

Powell County's composite risk score of 31.20 ranks it as very low risk, well below both the national median and Kentucky's state average of 44.21. This favorable rating reflects relatively balanced exposure across hazard types with no extreme concentrations in any single threat.

Among Kentucky's safest counties for natural disasters

Powell County ranks in the lower quartile of Kentucky's 120 counties for composite disaster risk at 31.20, placing it among the state's safest communities. The county benefits from a geographic position that minimizes exposure to severe earthquake, hurricane, and tornado activity.

Powell County enjoys relative safety in its region

Powell County's 31.20 score places it squarely in the lower-risk tier alongside Rockcastle County (36.13) and Russell County (31.87), making the immediate region one of Kentucky's safer areas. This contrasts sharply with Pike County to the east (87.88) and Perry County to the southeast (73.22), which carry substantially higher vulnerability.

Moderate flood exposure Powell's primary concern

Powell County's highest risk score is flood risk at 51.37, still below state average and manageable with standard precautions and awareness. Wildfire risk (43.19), tornado risk (37.12), and earthquake risk (37.82) all remain well below concerning thresholds, making Powell one of the state's more resilient counties.

Standard preparedness sufficient for Powell County

Powell County residents benefit from relatively low composite disaster risk and can maintain standard homeowners insurance with baseline emergency preparedness. Families should still maintain a basic disaster kit and understand local evacuation routes, particularly for properties near streams or in drainage-prone areas where flood risk peaks.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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