countyscore
59.1
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 84.3Lawn Care 76.5

County Report Card

About Powell County, Kentucky

Exceeding National Livability Standards

Powell County earns a composite score of 60.1, placing it significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This puts it in a favorable position compared to thousands of counties nationwide.

Beating the State Average

The county's 60.1 score outpaces the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It holds a competitive edge in the Commonwealth, particularly regarding its tax and safety profiles.

Excellent Utilities and Safety

Boasting a water quality score of 86.0 and a safety score of 84.3, Powell County provides a secure environment. Residents also enjoy a very low tax burden with a score of 76.3 and an effective rate of just 0.582%.

Opportunities for School Growth

Education and income levels are primary areas for development, with scores of 25.6 and 2.8 respectively. Improving these metrics would help raise the median household income above the current $39,811.

Ideal for the Outdoor Minded

Powell County is a great match for residents who value tranquility and low taxes over urban amenities. It is a solid choice for those who work in nearby counties but want an affordable, safe home base.

2040608010069.476.184.334.925.62.568.88669Tax69.4Cost76.1Safety84.3Health34.9Schools25.6Income2.5Risk68.8Water86Weather6959.1/100
This county
National avg
6 above average3 below average

Powell County DNA

Foverall

How Powell County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Powell County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Safety (84.3/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
69.4+17.400000000000006
Cost
76.1+28.099999999999994
Safety
84.3+29.299999999999997
Health
34.9-15.100000000000001
Schools
25.6-28.4
Income
2.5-48.5
Risk
68.8+21.799999999999997
Water
86+28
Weather
69+13
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Many homeowners in Powell County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$141,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$747/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$141,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $40,309/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Estill County
Kentucky
58.7
Menifee County
Kentucky
68.3
Montgomery County
Kentucky
43.4
Lee County
Kentucky
61.5
Clark County
Kentucky
46.4
Wolfe County
Kentucky
71.5
Bath County
Kentucky
57
Madison County
Kentucky
47.1

Deep Dives

Powell County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in Powell County

via CrimeByCounty

Powell County ranks high for security

Powell County's total crime rate of 366.7 per 100K is impressively low compared to the U.S. average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a safety score of 99.4. Four reporting agencies provide detailed data to confirm these safe conditions.

Exceeding the Kentucky safety benchmark

Powell's safety score of 99.4 beats the Kentucky state average of 98.8. Its total crime rate of 366.7 remains much lower than the statewide average of 786.2. This ranking places Powell among the top-tier counties for public safety.

Safety levels across the regional line

Powell County sits at 366.7 crimes per 100K, which is slightly higher than Perry County (312.8) but lower than Pike County (390.0). This indicates a consistently safe corridor across these neighboring jurisdictions. Local law enforcement maintains a strong presence to keep these rates stable.

Breaking down local crime statistics

Violent crime makes up 53.5 incidents per 100K, while property crime is more common at 313.2. Both figures are fractions of the national averages for these categories. These numbers suggest that local crimes are largely non-violent and relatively infrequent.

Securing your Powell County residence

Residents can maintain these high safety levels by participating in neighborhood watch programs. Simple upgrades like security cameras provide peace of mind in this largely safe community. Regular checks of locks and gates effectively prevent opportunistic property crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Powell County

via WeatherByCounty

A Cool, Wet Appalachian Climate

Powell County's 54.6°F average temperature is cooler than the national median for humid subtropical zones. It is a wet region, receiving 52.5 inches of annual precipitation.

One of Kentucky's Cooler Counties

At 54.6°F, Powell County is significantly cooler than the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. It also receives more rain than the average Kentucky county.

More Snow and Less Heat

Powell County sees 11.6 inches of snow, nearly triple that of Ohio County in the west. It only experiences 13 extreme heat days, far fewer than most western neighbors.

Snowy Winters and Mild Summers

The county is a winter outlier with 11.6 inches of snow and a January average of 32.9°F. Summers are mild, with a July average of 74.4°F and very few days over 90°F.

Prepare for Snow and Moisture

Invest in quality snow tires and shovels to manage the 11.6 inches of annual snowfall. Residents should also prioritize home sealing to protect against 52.5 inches of annual rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Powell County

via SoilByCounty

Gateway to the Red River Soils

Specific pH and taxonomic data are currently limited for Powell County's unique landscapes. Generally, these soils transition from the Bluegrass into the mountains and often track closer to the state average pH of 5.80. Local testing is highly recommended for growers looking to manage the transition from valley to cliffside.

Textural Variety in the Gorge

Detailed sand, silt, and clay percentages are not presently available for Powell County's mapped units. The area is known for its diverse geology, ranging from sandy cliff bases to silty valley floors. This diversity means that two gardens just miles apart may have entirely different workability and drainage needs.

Natural Potential Near the Cliffs

While specific measurements for organic matter and water capacity are missing, the county's lush vegetation suggests a healthy natural baseline. Kentucky's state average for organic matter is 3.55%, a target that many local gardeners aim for through composting. Amending the soil with local mulch can help mimic the nutrient cycle of the nearby Red River Gorge.

Managing Runoff and Retention

Formal drainage and hydrologic classifications are currently unmapped for the majority of the county. In this rugged terrain, water often flows quickly over rocky surfaces, necessitating creative solutions for garden hydration. Understanding your site's slope is just as important as knowing the soil type when planning a landscape here.

Gardening in a Scenic Climate

Powell County sits in Hardiness Zone 6b, requiring plants that can handle slightly colder winters than their southern neighbors. This zone is excellent for hardy vegetables like kale and carrots, as well as native wildflowers. Don't let the lack of data stop you—start small and learn your land's unique rhythms.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Powell County

via LawnByCounty

A Top Performer for Kentucky Lawns

Powell County boasts an impressive lawn difficulty score of 76.5, making it significantly easier to maintain than the state average of 66.3. The county sits in hardiness zone 6b, providing a distinct climate for cool-season grasses.

Cooler Summers and Plenty of Rain

With only 13 extreme heat days per year, your grass faces much less thermal stress than the state average of 30 days. Annual precipitation is robust at 52.5 inches, well above the 50.4-inch state benchmark.

Prepare for Variable Mountain Terrain

While specific soil composition data for Powell is limited, the high precipitation suggests a need for well-draining soil structures. Testing your local pH is recommended to ensure it aligns with the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for turf.

Consistent Hydration Throughout the Year

The county spent only two weeks in drought over the past year, keeping lawns naturally lush. This reliable moisture profile means you can save on water bills while maintaining a healthy, vibrant green space.

Spring Seeding After the Frost

Aim to seed your lawn after the last spring frost on April 19 to give new grass the best chance of survival. Cold-hardy varieties like Kentucky bluegrass are perfect for zone 6b, especially given the county's relatively mild summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Powell County's county score?
Powell County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 59.1 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 Powell County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Powell County ranks #61 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 Powell County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Powell County is $875, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Powell County a tax score of 69.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Powell County?
The median household income in Powell County, Kentucky is $40,309 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Powell County earns an income score of 2.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Powell County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Powell County scores 59.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #61 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Powell 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 Powell County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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