countyscore
60.1
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.

Score breakdown

Tax76.3Cost75.8Safety84.3Health34.9Schools25.6Income2.8Risk68.8Water86Weather69
🏛76.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠75.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼2.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡84.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤34.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓25.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡68.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤69
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱76.5
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

Estill County
Kentucky
58.7
Menifee County
Kentucky
68.8
Montgomery County
Kentucky
44.2
Lee County
Kentucky
61.7
Clark County
Kentucky
47.5
Wolfe County
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71
Bath County
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Madison County
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47.6

Deep Dives

Powell County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

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

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

Schools in Powell County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Powell County Single District System

Powell County manages 2,130 students through a consolidated single-district system with six public schools. The infrastructure includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. This streamlined approach ensures all students follow a consistent path through the same district.

Meeting National Graduation Standards

Powell County matches the national graduation rate at exactly 87.0%, though this falls below the Kentucky state average of 93.8%. The county spends $6,167 per pupil, which is approximately $700 less than the state average and significantly less than the $13,000 national average. The school score of 50.1 matches the national median exactly.

Spotlight on Powell County Schools

The Powell County district encompasses all six schools and 2,130 students in the county. There are no charter schools, meaning all local families utilize the traditional public school system. The district includes one alternative school to support diverse student needs.

Balanced Town and Rural Settings

The locale mix is perfectly split with three schools in rural areas and three in town settings. Powell County High School is the largest campus with 651 students, while Bowen Elementary is the smallest with 225. Most students attend mid-sized campuses, as the county-wide average school size is 355 students.

Settling Down in Powell County

With a manageable district size and schools located in both towns and rural areas, Powell County offers diverse living options. Families often look for homes near Clay City or Stanton to be close to the primary elementary and middle school hubs. School proximity is a key consideration for residential value in this community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

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 60.1 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 #56 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 $829, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Powell County a tax score of 76.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Powell County?
The median household income in Powell County, Kentucky is $39,811 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Powell County earns an income score of 2.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Powell County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Powell County scores 60.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #56 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.

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🏛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.