Rockcastle County's composite score of 79.8 soars 30 points above the national median of 50.0, ranking it among America's most livable counties. This exceptional performance reflects unmatched affordability and tax efficiency.
2 / 5
Rockcastle Leads All Kentucky Counties
At 79.8, Rockcastle County significantly outperforms Kentucky's state average of 75.0, claiming the top position among all counties in this group. The county stands as a model of rural livability for the entire state.
3 / 5
Rockcastle Dominates on Affordability
Rockcastle County boasts the highest cost score (89.4) and tax score (88.7) in this entire group, with the lowest effective tax rate at 0.481%. A median home value of $119,300 and rent of $678 per month deliver exceptional housing affordability.
4 / 5
Income and Data Coverage Limited
The income score of 15.0 reflects a median household income of $48,367, which, while moderate, lags behind top earners in the group. Safety, health, school quality, risk, and water data remain unavailable for complete assessment.
5 / 5
Champion County for Budget Living
Rockcastle County is the best choice for anyone prioritizing maximum affordability and minimal taxes above all else. The county excels for retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, and families seeking the most stretch from every dollar.
Rockcastle County's composite score of 79.8 soars 30 points above the national median of 50.0, ranking it among America's most livable counties. This exceptional performance reflects unmatched affordability and tax efficiency.
Rockcastle Leads All Kentucky Counties
At 79.8, Rockcastle County significantly outperforms Kentucky's state average of 75.0, claiming the top position among all counties in this group. The county stands as a model of rural livability for the entire state.
Rockcastle Dominates on Affordability
Rockcastle County boasts the highest cost score (89.4) and tax score (88.7) in this entire group, with the lowest effective tax rate at 0.481%. A median home value of $119,300 and rent of $678 per month deliver exceptional housing affordability.
Income and Data Coverage Limited
The income score of 15.0 reflects a median household income of $48,367, which, while moderate, lags behind top earners in the group. Safety, health, school quality, risk, and water data remain unavailable for complete assessment.
Champion County for Budget Living
Rockcastle County is the best choice for anyone prioritizing maximum affordability and minimal taxes above all else. The county excels for retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, and families seeking the most stretch from every dollar.
Score breakdown
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🏛88.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Rockcastle County's effective tax rate of 0.481% ranks among the lowest in the entire nation, nearly 50% below the national median of 0.9%. The median property tax of just $574 annually is one-fifth the national median of $2,690, making Rockcastle exceptionally tax-friendly.
Rockcastle County lowest in Kentucky
Rockcastle County's 0.481% effective rate is the lowest among all eight profiled counties and well below Kentucky's statewide average of 0.719%. The median property tax of $574 is the second-lowest in this group, reflecting the county's combination of very low rates and moderate home values.
Rockcastle County most tax-friendly in region
Rockcastle County's 0.481% rate is the lowest among all regional peers, beating Powell County (0.582%), Russell County (0.588%), and Rowan County (0.553%). At just $574 median annual taxes, Rockcastle residents enjoy the lightest property tax burden in the central Kentucky region.
Rockcastle County very affordable tax rates
On a median home value of $119,300, Rockcastle County homeowners pay approximately $574 annually in property taxes. Including mortgage-related fees, the total obligation rises to around $862 per year, among the lowest in the state.
Even Rockcastle homeowners should verify
Despite Rockcastle's already-favorable tax rates, homeowners should still verify their assessments are accurate to ensure they're not paying more than necessary. Request a review from the Rockcastle County assessor if you believe your property is overvalued relative to comparable homes in the area.
Rockcastle County renters spend 16.8% of their $48,367 income on housing, nearly at the national average of roughly 18%, demonstrating balanced affordability. Median rent of $678 sits substantially below the national average, aided by strong relative income for an eastern Kentucky county.
Right at state average for rental burden
Rockcastle County's 16.8% rent-to-income ratio tracks almost exactly with Kentucky's 17% state average, making it a benchmark county for housing affordability statewide. At $678, Rockcastle's median rent runs 12% below the state average of $771, providing additional comfort for local renters.
Lowest rents, strong income combination
Rockcastle combines the second-lowest median rent ($678) with the second-highest median income ($48,367) in the regional sample, creating one of the easiest housing-income calculations. Only Robertson matches Rockcastle's affordability math, though Robertson's rent is slightly cheaper.
Ownership offers substantial savings
Rockcastle renters pay $678 monthly (16.8% of income) while homeowners manage just $457 mortgages at 11.3% of household income—a 5.5-point savings gap strongly favoring purchase. Median home value of $119,300 represents excellent entry-level ownership opportunity for Rockcastle households.
Rockcastle offers balanced housing stability
Rockcastle County delivers consistent affordability for both renters and owners, with moderate costs and competitive income that make either path viable without strain. For eastern Kentucky relocation, Rockcastle ranks among the top choices alongside Robertson, offering $678 rents and $119,300 home values that actually align with local earning power.
Rockcastle County's median household income of $48,367 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by 35%. This $26,388 gap places Rockcastle in the lower-middle range nationally.
Below Kentucky state average
Rockcastle's median household income of $48,367 falls about 13% below Kentucky's state average of $55,909. Among 120 Kentucky counties, Rockcastle ranks in the lower-middle tier economically.
Outearns Appalachian trio but trails others
Rockcastle's $48,367 income exceeds Pike ($42,179), Powell ($39,811), and Perry ($45,261) counties, but trails Rowan ($53,657) and Robertson ($52,337). Rockcastle occupies a middle economic position within the region.
Housing costs remain manageable
Rockcastle's 16.8% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the 20% affordability threshold, offering relative housing security. With median home values of $119,300, purchasing is accessible for most households.
Create automatic savings today
Rockcastle residents should automate transfers to savings accounts and retirement plans to build wealth without thinking. Even $100-200 monthly into an IRA compounds to $50,000+ over 20 years.
Rockcastle County's life expectancy of 69.2 years trails the U.S. average of 74.5 years by 5.3 years. The county's 28.4% poor/fair health rate—the highest in its cohort—far exceeds the national average of 17.9%, signaling major health challenges.
Among Kentucky's worst health outcomes
Rockcastle County ranks in the lower tier of Kentucky counties with a life expectancy of 69.2 years—3 years below the state average of 72.2 years. The 28.4% poor/fair health rate is among the worst in the state, indicating concentrated chronic disease and health disadvantage.
Worst health in its immediate region
Rockcastle County's life expectancy of 69.2 years is comparable to Pike County (69.3) but notably trails Russell County (72.1) and Pulaski County (72.1). The county's 28.4% poor/fair health rate is the highest among all regional neighbors, marking Rockcastle as the most health-challenged in its cohort.
Scarce providers, minimal mental health access
Rockcastle County has only 50 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—below the national average of 65—and just 56 mental health providers per 100K, creating severe behavioral health gaps. With a 6.8% uninsured rate, close to the state average, residents have coverage but struggle to find available providers.
Verify coverage and seek resources
Nearly 7% of Rockcastle County residents are uninsured, and provider scarcity compounds the challenge of accessing care. Confirm your coverage at healthcare.gov and ask your insurance provider about telehealth options or network providers outside the county.
Rockcastle County maintains low national disaster risk
Rockcastle County's composite risk score of 36.13 ranks it as very low risk, modestly below the national median and well below Kentucky's state average of 44.21. This favorable profile reflects relatively balanced exposure across multiple hazard types without critical concentrations.
Rockcastle ranks among Kentucky's safer counties
Rockcastle County scores 36.13 in composite risk, placing it in the lower quartile of Kentucky's 120 counties and among the safer communities statewide. The county's risk profile benefits from geographic positioning that minimizes extreme earthquake and hurricane exposure.
Rockcastle part of a safer eastern Kentucky region
Rockcastle County's 36.13 score aligns closely with neighboring Powell County (31.20) and Russell County (31.87), creating a pocket of relative safety in eastern Kentucky. This contrasts sharply with Pike County (87.88) and Perry County (73.22) to the north, which experience significantly higher disaster risk.
Flood exposure is Rockcastle's primary concern
Rockcastle County's highest risk category is flooding at 52.96, modestly above state average but manageable with standard awareness and precautions. Wildfire risk (47.52), tornado risk (48.89), and earthquake risk (40.87) all cluster in the moderate range, with hurricane risk remaining minimal at 35.50.
Standard insurance and flood awareness recommended
Rockcastle County residents should maintain standard homeowners or renters insurance and obtain flood coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program for any properties in or near flood-prone areas. Families should establish an emergency plan and understand local evacuation routes, particularly during severe weather seasons.