countyscore
67.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 98.4Safety 93.9Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Robertson County, Kentucky

A National Leader in Livability

Robertson County boasts an impressive composite score of 67.1, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This high score signals a superior quality of life compared to most American counties.

Top-Tier Kentucky Performance

With a 67.1 score, Robertson County significantly outperforms the state average of 58.6. It is one of the more desirable rural jurisdictions in the entire Commonwealth.

Exceptional Safety and Resilience

The county is remarkably safe, with a risk score of 98.4 and a safety score of 93.9. Affordability is another peak strength, featuring a cost score of 81.0 and a very low median gross rent of $543.

Access to Health and Jobs

The primary challenges are healthcare access and income, which score 34.3 and 19.4 respectively. Residents often look outside the county for high-wage employment and specialized medical services.

Peaceful Haven for Remote Workers

This county is perfect for people who want to escape urban risks while keeping costs extremely low. It is an ideal spot for remote professionals or retirees looking for a quiet, low-stress environment.

Score breakdown

Tax66.4Cost81Safety93.9Health34.3Schools51.3Income19.4Risk98.4Water86Weather62.1
🏛66.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡93.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤34.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓51.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡98.4
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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Nearby counties

Nicholas County
Kentucky
65.3
Bracken County
Kentucky
61.3
Mason County
Kentucky
51.8
Harrison County
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Pendleton County
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Fleming County
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Bourbon County
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Brown County
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58.4

Deep Dives

Robertson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Robertson County

via TaxByCounty

Robertson County taxes well below national norms

Robertson County's effective tax rate of 0.671% is roughly 25% lower than the national median of 0.9%, placing it in the bottom quartile nationally. The median property tax of $828 is less than one-third the national median of $2,690, reflecting both low rates and lower home values.

Robertson County near Kentucky average

Robertson County's 0.671% effective rate sits just below Kentucky's statewide average of 0.719%, ranking it near the middle of all state counties. The median property tax of $828 falls well short of the state average of $1,093, driven by lower median home values of $123,400.

Robertson County competitive in its region

Robertson County's 0.671% rate sits above Rowan County (0.553%) and Russell County (0.588%) but below Perry County (0.729%), placing it mid-range regionally. Despite moderate rates, Robertson's median tax of $828 reflects its $123,400 median home value, competitive with similarly-valued neighbors.

Robertson County median annual tax bill

On the median home value of $123,400, Robertson County homeowners pay approximately $828 in annual property taxes. Including mortgage-related assessments, the total obligation reaches around $1,188 per year.

Robertson homeowners can appeal overassessments

Many Robertson County homeowners may have outdated assessments that overstate their property values. Review your assessment notice and compare your home's value to recent sales of similar properties—if yours is higher, file an appeal with the county assessor.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Robertson County

via CostByCounty

Robertson County rents remarkably affordable

Robertson County renters spend only 12.4% of their $52,337 income on housing—far below the national average near 18%—making it the most affordable rental market in the regional sample. At $543 monthly, Robertson's median rent is the lowest in the comparison group by a substantial margin.

Statewide renter affordability leader

Robertson County's 12.4% rent-to-income ratio dramatically undercuts Kentucky's 17% average, placing it among the state's most affordable rental markets. The county's $543 median rent runs 30% below the state average of $771, representing exceptional value for Kentucky renters.

Rent half Pike's price, same income neighborhood

Robertson's $543 rent is $294 cheaper than Pike County's $837 while offering similar household income ($52,337 vs $42,179), yet higher income gives Robertson renters substantially more breathing room. Among the eight-county sample, Robertson stands alone in affordability, closer to Rockcastle than to any stressed peer.

Renters thrive; homeowners pay premium

Robertson renters enjoy just 12.4% of income on $543 rent, but homeowners face $742 monthly payments consuming 17.0% of household income—a reversal of the typical ownership advantage. Median home value of $123,400 may not justify the 4.6-point owner cost premium Robertson families experience.

Robertson is renter's paradise in region

If renting is your preference, Robertson County offers exceptional value at $543 monthly with $52,337 median income, leaving ample room for other expenses and savings. Budget-conscious relocators should prioritize Robertson's rental market before looking elsewhere in eastern Kentucky, though the county's home-buying costs suggest renting longer may be the smarter financial choice.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Robertson County

via IncomeByCounty

Robertson tops group but trails nation

Robertson County's median household income of $52,337 ranks highest among the eight counties but still falls 30% below the U.S. median of $74,755. The $22,418 gap reflects regional economic constraints despite local strength.

Slight premium over Kentucky average

Robertson's median household income of $52,337 edges 6% above Kentucky's state average of $55,909, placing it among the state's stronger-earning counties. This distinction marks Robertson as relatively economically stable for the region.

Clear leader in this eight-county set

Robertson's $52,337 income ranks first among peers, outpacing Rowan County ($53,657 actually ranks higher), Pulaski ($50,943), and Russell County ($50,520). Robertson demonstrates more stable labor markets than Appalachian neighbors.

Best housing affordability ratio here

Robertson's remarkably low 12.4% rent-to-income ratio is the best among all eight counties, freeing substantial household budget for other needs. With median home values of $123,400, homeownership is highly affordable relative to incomes.

Build diversified investment portfolio

Robertson households should move beyond employer retirement plans to index funds, bond ladders, and property investments. The favorable housing-income ratio creates opportunities to invest rental property or development in the county.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Robertson County

via CrimeByCounty

Robertson County among the nation's safest

Robertson County boasts an exceptional safety score of 99.9, one of the highest possible ratings. Its total crime rate of 45.3 per 100K is a tiny fraction of the national average of 2,385.5. This represents an extremely low-risk environment for all residents.

Leading the state in low crime

Robertson ranks as a top-tier safety performer in Kentucky, with a crime rate of 45.3 compared to the state average of 786.2. Its safety score far exceeds the state average of 98.8. Three reporting agencies ensure these impressive figures are accurately tracked.

The safety gold standard in the region

Robertson’s rate of 45.3 is significantly lower than all nearby counties, including Rockcastle at 265.9. This makes it a regional outlier for exceptionally low criminal activity. The county stands as a model for rural community safety.

Zero violent crime reported in 2022

The county recorded zero violent crimes in 2022, a rare feat compared to the national average of 369.8. All reported incidents fall under property crime at a rate of 45.3 per 100K. This data suggests an incredibly peaceful day-to-day life for locals.

Sustaining a safe community culture

Even with near-zero crime, maintaining standard security habits like locking windows is wise. Residents play a key role in keeping this community one of the safest in the country. Neighborly vigilance is the most effective tool in Robertson County.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Robertson County

via HealthByCounty

Robertson County near national health pace

Robertson County's life expectancy of 71.8 years runs just 2.7 years below the U.S. average of 74.5 years—among the better performers in its state. The 26.5% poor/fair health rate, however, still far exceeds the national average of 17.9%.

Slightly below Kentucky's average

Robertson County's life expectancy of 71.8 years sits 0.4 years below Kentucky's 72.2-year state average, positioning it near the state median. The 26.5% poor/fair health rate reflects the chronic disease burden common across the state.

Health profile similar to regional peers

Robertson County's life expectancy of 71.8 years is comparable to Rowan County (71.8) and Russell County (72.1), clustering with several neighboring counties at the middle-to-upper range of regional health outcomes. The 26.5% poor/fair health rate places it mid-range among its neighbors.

Limited data on provider availability

Data on primary and mental health providers is not currently available for Robertson County, limiting visibility into the provider landscape. The uninsured rate of 6.7% is slightly below the state average of 7.0%, suggesting most residents have some form of coverage.

Check your health insurance status

Although 6.7% of Robertson County residents lack insurance—below the state average—confirming your coverage is essential for accessing care. Visit healthcare.gov to verify your current plan and explore options if you're uninsured.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Robertson County

via SchoolsByCounty

One Campus for All in Robertson

Robertson County features a unique, highly consolidated landscape with just one public school for the entire county. This single school serves 479 students and covers the entire grade span from PK through 12. Education is managed by one local district, creating a deeply unified community experience.

Strong Spending and Solid Graduation

Robertson County exceeds the national graduation rate with 90.0% of students completing their high school education. The county invests $7,490 per pupil, which is notably higher than the state average of $6,894. The overall school score of 54.6 sits just below the state average of 55.3.

A Single Dedicated School District

The Robertson County district consists entirely of the Robertson County School, serving all 479 local students. There are no charter or alternative schools, ensuring a single, concentrated focus on the main campus. This model fosters a close-knit environment where students and staff remain together for years.

Small-Scale Rural Learning Environment

The county's only school is situated in a rural setting, providing a traditional small-town educational atmosphere. Because there is only one campus, the average school size is exactly 479 students across all grades. This PK-12 model allows for a specialized community feel that is rare in larger counties.

Cozy Community Living in Robertson

For families seeking a single-campus experience where everyone knows your name, Robertson County is ideal. Home buyers here benefit from a district that spends above the state average on its students. Searching for property near the central campus ensures you are in the heart of the community's activity.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Robertson County

via RiskByCounty

Robertson County carries minimal national disaster risk

Robertson County's composite risk score of 1.65 ranks it as very low risk—among the lowest in the nation—and far below both the national median and Kentucky's state average of 44.21. This exceptional safety profile reflects the county's fortunate geography and minimal exposure across nearly all disaster categories.

Kentucky's safest county for natural disasters

Robertson County's score of 1.65 places it at the absolute bottom of Kentucky's 120 counties for composite disaster risk, making it the state's safest community by a significant margin. The county benefits from minimal exposure to earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires, and severe weather events.

Robertson stands alone as a low-risk refuge

Robertson County's 1.65 score is nearly 30 times lower than nearby Rowan County (47.90) and dramatically lower than any surrounding county, making it a geographic outlier for disaster safety. Even the state's second-safest counties score substantially higher, highlighting Robertson's exceptional resilience profile.

Tornado risk presents Robertson's modest vulnerability

Robertson County's most notable risk comes from tornadoes at 21.25, still well below state and national norms and representing minimal actual threat. All other hazard categories—including flood (6.55), wildfire (0.73), earthquake (27.70), and hurricane (11.60)—rank among the lowest measurable in Kentucky.

Standard homeowners coverage protects Robertson residents

Robertson County residents can rely on basic homeowners or renters insurance without special disaster endorsements, given the county's exceptionally low composite risk of 1.65. Families should still maintain awareness of weather alerts and a basic emergency kit as routine preparedness, though the county's risk environment is favorable.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Robertson County

via SoilByCounty

The Hidden Profile of the Bluegrass Edge

Robertson County lacks detailed taxonomic and pH data in current digital soil records. However, its position on the edge of the Bluegrass region often implies a limestone-influenced pH that may trend closer to the national median of 6.5 than the state average. Local growers should use a soil test to confirm their specific acidity levels.

Variable Textures in Kentucky's Smallest County

Precise sand, silt, and clay percentages are not currently available for this area. Based on regional patterns, these soils often contain significant clay, which provides excellent nutrient retention but can be difficult to work when wet. Adding organic matter is a standard way to improve the structure of these unmapped units.

Building on Natural Strengths

With no formal data on organic matter or water capacity, we look to the state averages of 3.55% and 0.186 in/in as general benchmarks. Robertson's rolling hills traditionally support robust pasture and agriculture, indicating a solid foundation for growth. Your garden's potential is high if you focus on building topsoil health through mulching.

Managing Hillside Water Movement

Drainage and hydrologic group data are not currently recorded for the county's soils. The undulating landscape suggests that surface runoff is a major factor, with valleys likely holding more moisture than the ridgetops. Planning for erosion control is a smart move for any new gardening or construction project.

Cooler Seasons in Zone 6b

Robertson County falls into Hardiness Zone 6b, which supports a wide range of fruit trees and hardy perennials. The slightly cooler winters compared to Southern Kentucky mean that stone fruits like peaches often get the necessary chill hours they need. It’s a great time to start your orchard or a backyard vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Robertson County

via LawnByCounty

Exploring the Zone 6b Landscape

While comprehensive lawn difficulty scores are not available for Robertson County, its hardiness zone of 6b guides regional gardening choices. This climate supports many popular cool-season grasses common across central Kentucky.

Following Regional Climate Trends

Specific local temperature and rainfall data are limited, but the county generally follows the state average of 50.4 inches of annual precipitation. Homeowners should monitor local weather closely to adjust their mowing and watering routines.

Foundational Care Through Testing

Soil data for this county is currently unmapped, making a home soil test kit your best tool for success. Focus on reaching a pH balance between 6.0 and 7.0 to unlock the nutrients your grass needs most.

Four Weeks of Dry Weather

Robertson County faced four weeks of drought in the past year, indicating a need for occasional supplemental watering. Mulching your grass clippings can help retain soil moisture and protect your lawn during these dry periods.

Reliable Grass Choices for Robertson

Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue are staple choices that handle the zone 6b winters with ease. Because local frost dates are not specified, watching for soil temperatures above 50 degrees is a good rule of thumb for spring seeding.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Robertson County's county score?
Robertson County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 67.1 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 Robertson County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Robertson County ranks #19 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 Robertson County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Robertson County is $828, with an effective tax rate of 0.67%. This earns Robertson County a tax score of 66.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Robertson County?
The median household income in Robertson County, Kentucky is $52,337 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Robertson County earns an income score of 19.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Robertson County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Robertson County scores 67.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Robertson 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 Robertson 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.