countyscore
72.4
County Score
Cost of Living 93.8Safety 87.6Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Rockcastle County, Kentucky

Exceptional National Ranking

Rockcastle County earns an elite composite score of 72.7, which is 22 points higher than the national median. This level of livability puts it in the top tier of counties across the country.

Among Kentucky's Very Best

The county's 72.7 score dwarfs the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It represents a gold standard for rural livability within the state boundaries.

Unbeatable Value and Low Taxes

The county shines with a massive cost score of 93.3 and a tax score of 87.7. An incredibly low effective tax rate of 0.481% makes this one of the most affordable places to own property in the region.

Focusing on Health Outcomes

While it excels in financial metrics, health and income scores are lower at 28.2 and 11.7. These indicate a need for expanded local economic opportunities and healthcare improvements.

The Ultimate for Budget-Conscious Buyers

Rockcastle County is a dream for families who want to maximize their purchasing power. Its combination of low taxes, high safety, and cheap housing makes it an unbeatable value proposition.

2040608010085.893.887.628.275.39.863.98671.3Tax85.8Cost93.8Safety87.6Health28.2Schools75.3Income9.8Risk63.9Water86Weather71.372.4/100
This county
National avg
7 above average2 below average

Rockcastle County DNA

Coverall

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

Rockcastle County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Cost of Living (93.8/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
85.8+33.8
Cost
93.8+45.8
Safety
87.6+32.599999999999994
Health
28.2-21.8
Schools
75.3+21.299999999999997
Income
9.8-41.2
Risk
63.9+16.9
Water
86+28
Weather
71.3+15.299999999999997
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Rockcastle County?

Many homeowners in Rockcastle County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$123,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$676/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$123,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$27,040/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $48,862/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

49.6

per 100K

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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Counties with similar scores

Divide County
North Dakota
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Mineral County
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Cumberland County
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Elliott County
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Pershing County
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Hardin County
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Steele County
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Buffalo County
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Median income: $47,045
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Nearby counties

Jackson County
Kentucky
64.3
Lincoln County
Kentucky
64
Laurel County
Kentucky
50.8
Garrard County
Kentucky
54.6
Madison County
Kentucky
47.1
Pulaski County
Kentucky
58.6
Estill County
Kentucky
58.7
Boyle County
Kentucky
55.4

Deep Dives

Rockcastle County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Rockcastle County

via TaxByCounty

Rockcastle County among nation's lowest tax rates

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Rockcastle County

via IncomeByCounty

Rockcastle falls 35% below U.S. median

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Rockcastle County

via CrimeByCounty

Rockcastle County shows strong safety metrics

Rockcastle County's total crime rate of 265.9 per 100K earns it a high safety score of 99.6. This is significantly safer than the national total crime rate of 2,385.5. Four reporting agencies provide the data for these 2022 rankings.

Beating the Kentucky state average

Rockcastle’s safety score of 99.6 is comfortably above the Kentucky average of 98.8. Its total crime rate of 265.9 is roughly one-third of the statewide average of 786.2. This confirms Rockcastle as a secure place within the Commonwealth.

Rockcastle vs neighboring county rates

Rockcastle is notably safer than Pulaski County, which has a rate of 819.7 per 100K. However, it sees slightly more activity than the extreme low of Robertson County (45.3). The local agencies maintain a tight grip on crime to keep these numbers low.

Low violent crime characterizes the area

Violent crime is very low at 37.1 per 100K, while property crime accounts for 228.8 incidents. These figures represent a high level of security for local families and businesses. The overall probability of experiencing a crime here remains remarkably low.

Security tips for Rockcastle residents

Homeowners can help keep property crime rates low by using motion-activated lighting. Maintaining a 'lived-in' look while away is a simple, effective way to protect your residence. Simple security measures are often enough to prevent local crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Rockcastle County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Climate with High Snowfall

Rockcastle County averages 55.3°F annually, aligning with the temperate U.S. climate. Its 10.9 inches of annual snowfall is notably higher than the median for this latitude.

Cooler than the Kentucky Average

The county's 55.3°F average is nearly a degree cooler than the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. It represents the cooler, more rugged terrain of the Cumberland Plateau.

Snowier than Southern Neighbors

With 10.9 inches of snow, Rockcastle is significantly whiter in winter than Pulaski County. It also experiences far fewer extreme heat days (13) than western Kentucky counties.

Brisk Winters and Gentle Summers

Winters are cold with 10.9 inches of snow and a 33.4°F January average. Summers are pleasant, with only 13 days reaching 90°F and a July average of 75.2°F.

Winterize for Heavy Snow

Residents should prioritize winter home prep and snow removal equipment for the double-digit snowfall. Summer cooling needs are lower here than in most other Kentucky counties.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Rockcastle County

via SoilByCounty

Limestone and Sandstone Foundations

Rockcastle County's specific pH and soil order data are currently unrecorded in this dataset. As a transition zone between the Bluegrass and the Mountains, the soil pH can vary wildly depending on whether limestone or sandstone is the parent rock. Local testing is the only way to know if you are near the state average of 5.80.

Complexity in the Karst Landscape

Composition data for sand, silt, and clay are not currently available for this county. The presence of karst features and caves in the region suggests a soil profile that can be deep in some areas and very thin in others. Gardeners may encounter anything from heavy clays to rocky loams within a single property.

Nurturing Growth in Unmapped Areas

Without specific organic matter or water capacity data, Rockcastle growers should aim for the state average of 3.55% organic matter as a baseline. The region's diverse ecosystem suggests a naturally resilient soil that can be highly productive with the right care. Amending with compost will help improve water retention across different soil types.

Water Flow and Cave Systems

Formal drainage classifications are missing, but the county's unique geology often leads to rapid subsurface drainage through sinkholes. This means surface water might disappear quickly, requiring gardeners to be diligent about watering during dry spells. Always check for sinkholes before planning any major building foundations.

A Versatile Zone 7a Climate

The 7a hardiness zone in Rockcastle County offers a generous window for growing everything from summer squash to fall brassicas. Native plants like pawpaws thrive in the shaded valleys, while sunny slopes are perfect for traditional gardens. Explore your land's potential by planting a few native varieties this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Rockcastle County

via LawnByCounty

Highly Favorable Conditions in Rockcastle

Rockcastle County earns a strong lawn difficulty score of 75.2, nearly 10 points higher than the state average. This zone 7a region offers a supportive environment for homeowners looking to maintain lush turf with less effort.

Mild Summers and Plenty of Water

The county enjoys a mild summer with only 13 extreme heat days, far below the state average of 30. Combined with 51.4 inches of annual rainfall, the climate naturally supports a vigorous growing season for most grass types.

Building on a Strong Foundation

While detailed soil mapping is missing, the climate suggests that consistent moisture could impact drainage. Adding organic matter or checking for compaction will ensure your grass roots can penetrate deep enough to stay healthy year-round.

Minimal Drought Stress Over the Year

With only one week of drought recorded in the past year, your lawn is likely to stay hydrated naturally. This low frequency of drought reduces the need for expensive irrigation systems compared to many other parts of the country.

Plan for an April Start

Wait for the last spring frost on April 18 before beginning your spring seeding projects. The mild summers make this an ideal location for cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, which will thrive until the first frost in late October.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rockcastle County's county score?
Rockcastle County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 72.4 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 Rockcastle County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Rockcastle County ranks #3 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 Rockcastle County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Rockcastle County is $596, with an effective tax rate of 0.48%. This earns Rockcastle County a tax score of 85.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Rockcastle County?
The median household income in Rockcastle County, Kentucky is $48,862 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Rockcastle County earns an income score of 9.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Rockcastle County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Rockcastle County scores 72.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Rockcastle 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 Rockcastle 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.