countyscore
58.7
County Score
Property Tax 80.2Lawn Care 70.9Schools 63.3

County Report Card

About Rowan County, Kentucky

Performing Above the National Baseline

Rowan County scores a 58.7 on the composite index, which is nearly nine points above the national median. This indicates a solid and reliable quality of life for its residents.

Mirroring the Kentucky Average

The county's score of 58.7 perfectly matches the state average of 58.6. It serves as a great benchmark for what a well-functioning Kentucky county looks like.

Low Taxes and Solid Education

Rowan County provides strong value through a tax score of 80.2 and a school score of 63.3. The effective tax rate of 0.553% is highly favorable for the local median income of $53,657.

Lifting Income and Health

Economic and health outcomes present the main room for growth, with scores of 22.1 and 39.1. Addressing these areas could push the county from good to great in future rankings.

A Balanced Regional Hub

Rowan County is best for middle-class families and professionals who want a mix of good schools and low taxes. It offers a predictable, high-quality life in a welcoming community.

2040608010080.263.261.239.163.322.152.151.157.5Tax80.2Cost63.2Safety61.2Health39.1Schools63.3Income22.1Risk52.1Water51.1Weather57.558.7/100
This county
National avg
2 above average2 below average

Rowan County DNA

Foverall

How Rowan County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Rowan County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (80.2/100) but notably weak in Income (22.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
80.2+28.200000000000003
Cost
63.2+15.200000000000003
Safety
61.2
Health
39.1-10.899999999999999
Schools
63.3+9.299999999999997
Income
22.1-28.9
Risk
52.1
Water
51.1
Weather
57.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$155,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$815/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$155,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $53,657/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

36.7

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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Nearby counties

Elliott County
Kentucky
72.6
Bath County
Kentucky
56.2
Menifee County
Kentucky
68.8
Morgan County
Kentucky
62.4
Fleming County
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Carter County
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Montgomery County
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Lewis County
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Deep Dives

Rowan County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Rowan County

via TaxByCounty

Rowan County taxes substantially below national

Rowan County's effective tax rate of 0.553% is roughly 40% lower than the national median of 0.9%, placing it in the lowest quintile nationwide. The median property tax of $862 is just one-third the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's very favorable tax environment.

Rowan County below Kentucky average

Rowan County's 0.553% effective rate trails Kentucky's statewide average of 0.719%, ranking it in the lower third of all state counties. The median property tax of $862 falls well short of the state average of $1,093, despite Rowan's relatively high median home value of $155,900.

Rowan County competitive in eastern region

Rowan County's 0.553% rate sits between Powell County's 0.582% and Rockcastle County's 0.481%, placing it in the favorable range for eastern Kentucky. With a median tax of $862, Rowan homeowners pay more than Rockcastle but benefit from lower rates than most surrounding counties.

Rowan County homeowners annual tax cost

On the median home value of $155,900, Rowan County homeowners pay approximately $862 annually in property taxes. With mortgage-related assessments, the total obligation reaches around $1,104 per year.

Rowan homeowners should review assessments

Even in Rowan County's relatively low-tax environment, some homeowners may be overassessed if their properties haven't been revalued recently. Compare your assessed value to recent comparable sales in Rowan County and file an appeal if your assessment appears inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Rowan County

via CostByCounty

Rowan County achieves above-average affordability

Rowan County renters spend 18.2% of their $53,657 income on housing, just slightly above the national average of roughly 18%, with the highest median household income in the eight-county sample. At $815 monthly, Rowan's rent is moderate and well-supported by strong local earnings.

Slightly above state rental burden average

Rowan County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.2% exceeds Kentucky's 17% average by just 1.2 points, a negligible difference suggesting solid statewide positioning. The county's $815 median rent runs 5.7% above the state average, yet Rowan's strong income of $53,657 makes this rent tier quite manageable.

Highest income, highest rent traded well

Rowan County's $815 rent is third-highest in the regional sample, but its $53,657 median household income is the highest—matching or exceeding all peers except slight advantage over Robertson. The county successfully trades marginally higher costs for significantly stronger earning power.

Renters and owners balanced affordably

Rowan renters pay $815 monthly (18.2% of income) while homeowners carry $707 mortgages at 15.8% of household income—a modest 2.4-point gap favoring ownership. Median home value of $155,900 pairs with strong local income, making both pathways to housing security realistic for Rowan households.

Rowan combines income strength with value

Rowan County stands as the economic anchor of the eastern Kentucky sample, offering the highest median income ($53,657) alongside moderate rental and home costs. For relocation considering job prospects and housing stability, Rowan's $815 rents and $155,900 median home values are well-supported by local wages, making it one of the region's most balanced markets.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Rowan County

via IncomeByCounty

Rowan nears Kentucky average income

Rowan County's median household income of $53,657 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 28%. At $21,098 below national average, Rowan performs solidly compared to regional peers.

Slightly above Kentucky median

Rowan's median household income of $53,657 approaches Kentucky's state average of $55,909, positioning it in the upper-middle range. Rowan ranks among the stronger-earning Kentucky counties.

Second strongest in the eight-county group

Rowan's $53,657 ranks second only to Robertson County ($52,337 actually ranks below Rowan at $52,337), outearning all Appalachian peers significantly. Rowan's economy reflects more diversified employment.

Housing costs well below alarm level

Rowan's 18.2% rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably within affordable limits, with renters dedicating less than one-fifth of income to housing. Median home values of $155,900 remain achievable for dual-income households.

Explore real estate investment options

Rowan households are positioned to consider investment property purchases alongside primary residence mortgages. The favorable income-to-housing-cost ratio supports leveraged real estate building strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Rowan County

via CrimeByCounty

Rowan County maintains a solid safety score

Rowan County holds a safety score of 98.6, with a total crime rate of 892.0 per 100K. While higher than some neighbors, it remains far below the national average of 2,385.5. Three reporting agencies track these 2022 safety metrics.

Rowan's position in the Kentucky landscape

Rowan’s crime rate of 892.0 is slightly higher than the Kentucky state average of 786.2. Its safety score of 98.6 is just behind the state average of 98.8. This suggests a more active environment than the state's most rural areas.

Regional comparisons for Rowan County

Rowan sees more activity at 892.0 per 100K than nearby Pulaski County at 819.7. Despite this, it remains much safer than larger metro areas across the country. Local officials work to address these trends through consistent agency reporting.

Property crime vs violent crime trends

Property crime is the main factor here, measuring 790.2 per 100K, while violent crime sits at 101.8. Both rates are less than half of their respective national averages. The primary concern for local residents remains non-violent property theft.

Enhancing home security in Rowan

Given the higher frequency of property crime, securing entrances with smart technology is a smart move. Community vigilance and proper lighting are essential tools for local home protection. Taking proactive steps can help bring these crime rates down over time.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Rowan County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse School Options in Rowan County

Rowan County provides 10 public schools for a student population of 3,429. The system includes four elementary schools, two middle schools, and three high schools, all managed by a single district. This network includes specialized facilities like alternative schools to ensure comprehensive student support.

High Achievement and Strong Outcomes

Rowan County schools reach a 97.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national 87% benchmark. The county's school score of 56.5 also outpaces the Kentucky state average of 55.3. Efficiency is a hallmark here, with spending at $6,680 per pupil, slightly below the state average of $6,894.

Single District Excellence in Rowan

The Rowan County district oversees all 3,429 students and 10 campuses in the area. Charter schools are not part of the local landscape, as the community relies entirely on its traditional public school system. This centralized administration allows for a unified educational strategy across the county.

A Perfect Mix of Town and Country

Schools are evenly distributed with five in town locales and five in rural areas. Rowan County Senior High is the largest school with 1,017 students, while the average school size is a manageable 343 students. Primary schools like McBrayer Elementary enroll 562 students, offering a mid-sized town feel.

Academic Opportunity in Rowan County

Prospective residents often gravitate toward Rowan County for its high graduation rates and balanced school sizes. Homes located in town settings provide convenient access to the larger secondary schools and diverse elementary options. Consider school district performance as a primary asset when choosing your next home here.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Rowan County

via RiskByCounty

Rowan County faces moderate national disaster risk

Rowan County's composite risk score of 47.90 ranks it as relatively low risk, slightly above Kentucky's state average of 44.21 and near the national median. This moderate profile reflects balanced exposure across multiple hazard types without extreme concentration in any single threat.

Rowan ranks near the middle of Kentucky counties

Rowan County's score of 47.90 places it in the middle range of Kentucky's 120 counties for composite disaster risk, roughly aligned with the state average. The county's vulnerability reflects typical Appalachian geography with flood and wildfire exposure balanced against lower seismic and hurricane risks.

Rowan faces above-average risk in its region

Rowan County's 47.90 score exceeds nearby Powell County (31.20), Rockcastle County (36.13), and Russell County (31.87), positioning it as a moderate-risk outlier in a relatively safer region. However, it remains well below Pike County (87.88) and Perry County (73.22) to the east and southeast.

Flood exposure tops Rowan County's hazard list

Rowan County's primary vulnerability is flood risk at 67.24, substantially above state average and its most significant natural disaster concern. Wildfire risk (46.60) and tornado risk (41.25) present secondary threats, while earthquake (45.67) and hurricane (45.06) risks remain relatively contained.

Flood insurance strongly recommended for Rowan County

Rowan County residents should prioritize flood insurance for any properties in flood-prone areas or with proximity to streams and drainage corridors, given the county's flood risk score of 67.24. Standard homeowners or renters insurance should be combined with flood coverage through the National Flood Insurance Program for comprehensive property protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Rowan County

via WaterByCounty

Rowan County Earns Moderate C Grade

Rowan County holds a Grade C for drinking water, having recorded five health violations over the last five years. Its violation rate of 14.6 per 100,000 residents is still lower than the state average of 35.7. However, the presence of violations indicates intermittent challenges in meeting safety standards.

Assessed Streams Show Good Health

Two water bodies were assessed in the 2022 cycle and neither was found to be impaired. This 0.0% impairment rate matches the Kentucky state average for healthy water bodies. This suggests that despite tap water challenges, the local environment remains relatively healthy.

Monitoring Data Gaps in Federal Portal

No monitoring records for Rowan County are currently available in the federal EPA Water Quality Portal. Without this data, it is difficult to track long-term chemical or physical trends in the county's waterways. Local residents must rely on periodic reports from state agencies.

Licking River Reporting Currently Limited

The Licking River at Farmers is a primary gauge for the 831-square-mile drainage area, but current discharge data is not available. Without live flow readings, the current hydrological health of this major river cannot be assessed in real-time. This leaves a data gap during periods of potential drought or high flow.

Monitor Public Notices for Safety

Given the Grade C compliance rating, Rowan County residents should pay close attention to public notices from their water utility. Understanding the nature of the five health violations can help households decide if additional filtration is necessary. Protecting your health starts with staying informed on these compliance trends.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Rowan County

via WeatherByCounty

A Temperate and Humid Climate

Rowan County’s average annual temperature of 54.8°F sits just above the national median. Its 49.9 inches of annual precipitation is nearly 12 inches higher than the average U.S. county.

Cooler Than the State Average

At 54.8°F, the county is notably cooler than the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. This makes Rowan one of the more temperate locations in the Commonwealth.

Standard Rainfall for the Region

The county's 49.9 inches of rain aligns closely with the state average of 50.6 inches. However, its 9.4 inches of annual snowfall is significantly higher than southern neighbors like Russell County.

Cold Winters and Steamy Summers

Winters are chilly with a January average of 32.9°F, while summers bring 31 days of extreme heat above 90°F. The July average reaches 75.0°F, creating a humid peak for the year.

Gear Up for Variable Weather

Residents should invest in snow removal tools given the 9.4-inch annual average. High-efficiency cooling is also necessary to manage the month-long stretch of 90-degree days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Rowan County

via SoilByCounty

Forest Soils of the Daniel Boone

Rowan County currently lacks detailed taxonomic and pH data in our records. As a heavily forested region, the soils are likely influenced by leaf litter and may trend toward the acidic state average of 5.80. A simple soil test is the best first step for any prospective gardener in the Morehead area.

Unmapped Textures and Hillside Loams

Sand, silt, and clay percentages are not presently specified for this county's soil units. In this part of the state, soils often range from sandy on the ridgetops to silty loams in the river bottoms. This variation means your soil's drainage and workability will depend heavily on your specific location in the landscape.

The Potential of Forest Floor Nutrients

With organic matter and water capacity data missing, we look to the Kentucky average of 3.55% organic matter as a healthy goal. Rowan's dense forests indicate that the land can support massive biomass, suggesting high potential fertility if managed correctly. Adding organic amendments can help stabilize your garden's nutrient levels.

Understanding Runoff in the Foothills

Drainage and hydrologic classifications are not available for Rowan County's primary soils. The steep terrain of the Daniel Boone National Forest ensures that water moves quickly, which can lead to erosion if the ground is left bare. Consider using cover crops or mulching to keep your soil and water in place.

Growing Success in Zone 6b

Rowan County's Zone 6b climate is ideal for cool-weather crops and many native Kentucky hardwoods. The region is particularly well-suited for forest farming of specialty items like ginseng or mushrooms. Whether you’re planting a backyard patch or a forest garden, the environment here is ready for you.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Rowan County

via LawnByCounty

A Solid Environment for Lawn Care

Rowan County scores a 70.9 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it easier to manage than the typical Kentucky lawn. Located in hardiness zone 6b, the climate is well-suited for traditional cool-season turf varieties.

Balancing Heat and Heavy Rain

Homeowners face 31 extreme heat days per year, matching the state average and requiring extra care in July. Fortunately, the 49.9 inches of annual precipitation provides the necessary moisture to offset these hotter periods.

Local Testing for Better Results

Specific soil metrics are not currently available for Rowan, so baseline testing is key for local gardeners. Aim to maintain the ideal pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 to ensure your lawn can withstand the 3,721 growing degree days.

Managing Four Weeks of Drought

Four weeks of drought conditions last year highlight the importance of water conservation techniques. Deep, infrequent watering early in the morning can help your lawn survive these dry spells without wasting resources.

Ready for Spring Success

The window for spring seeding opens after the last frost on April 17. Tall fescue is a top recommendation for zone 6b here, as it can handle the 31 extreme heat days while maintaining its green color through the fall.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rowan County's county score?
Rowan County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 58.7 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 Rowan County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Rowan County ranks #70 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 Rowan County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Rowan County is $862, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Rowan County a tax score of 80.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Rowan County?
The median household income in Rowan County, Kentucky is $53,657 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Rowan County earns an income score of 22.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Rowan County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Rowan County scores 58.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #70 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Rowan 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 Rowan County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & 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.