CountyScore

Scott County

Kentucky · KY

#90 in Kentucky
68.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Scott County, Kentucky

Scott County: Well Above the National Median

Scott County's composite score of 69.4 sits 39 points ahead of the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties overall. This strong performance reflects solid fundamentals across tax burden and housing affordability, though income levels lag behind the best-performing regions.

Just Below Kentucky's Average

Scott County ranks slightly below Kentucky's state average composite score of 75.0, placing it in the middle tier of the state's counties. The 5.6-point gap suggests it's competitive but not among Kentucky's strongest performers.

Tax Advantages and Stable Housing Costs

Scott County shines with a tax score of 83.1, reflecting an effective tax rate of just 0.681%—among the lowest in the region. Median home values of $264,200 paired with moderate rents of $1,181/month create a balanced housing market that doesn't strain household budgets.

Income Growth Lags Behind the Curve

The county's income score of 38.0 is its weakest dimension, with a median household income of $83,660 trailing higher-income counties and limiting economic dynamism. Several key dimensions—safety, health, schools, and water quality—lack current data, making a complete livability assessment incomplete.

Best for Budget-Conscious Professionals

Scott County suits established professionals and small families prioritizing low taxes and stable housing costs over rapid income growth. It offers a balanced, affordable lifestyle in Kentucky, though prospective residents should seek additional information on schools and healthcare before committing.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax83.1Cost66.9SafetyComing SoonHealth74.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome38Risk43.9WaterComing Soon
🏛83.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠66.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼38
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡43.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Scott County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Graham County
Arizona
68.6
Median income: $67,326
Saline County
Arkansas
68.6
Median income: $76,534
Catoosa County
Georgia
68.6
Median income: $72,425
Shoshone County
Idaho
68.6
Median income: $49,975
Cumberland County
Illinois
68.6
Median income: $69,826

Deep Dives

Scott County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Scott County

via TaxByCounty

Scott County rates below national median

Scott County's effective tax rate of 0.681% sits comfortably below the national median of 0.876%, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties. The median property tax here is $1,800, compared to a national median of $2,690—a difference of $890 annually. This puts Scott County homeowners at an advantage compared to most American peers.

Below-average burden in Kentucky

Scott County's effective rate of 0.681% undercuts Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, though its median tax of $1,800 exceeds the state median of $1,093. Among Kentucky's 120 counties, Scott ranks in the middle tier for tax burden, balancing modest rates with moderate home values around $264,200.

Middle ground in the Bluegrass

Scott County's 0.681% rate falls between Shelby County's higher 0.810% and Simpson County's lower 0.637%. Compared to Trimble County (0.680%) and Spencer County (0.712%), Scott remains competitive while offering stronger regional job and infrastructure assets.

What Scott County homeowners pay

A homeowner with the median property value of $264,200 pays approximately $1,800 in annual property taxes in Scott County. With a mortgage, that burden rises to $1,931; without one, it drops to $1,424, reflecting the county's modest tax environment.

Challenge your assessment

Many Kentucky homeowners, including those in Scott County, discover their homes are overassessed during periodic revaluations. Property owners can request an assessment appeal through the county assessor's office—a process that often results in lower taxable values and immediate tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Scott County

via CostByCounty

Scott County rents stay below the national squeeze

Scott County renters spend 16.9% of their income on housing—nearly matching the national standard and outpacing the state average of 17.0%. With a median household income of $83,660, well above the national median of $74,755, residents here have more breathing room than typical American renters.

Middle of the pack in Kentucky affordability

Scott County ranks in the middle tier of Kentucky counties for rental affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% compared to the state average of 17.0%. While not the most affordable in the state, Scott County outperforms several neighbors and maintains stable housing costs relative to regional wages.

Pricier rents in the Bluegrass corridor

At $1,181 monthly, Scott County's median rent runs 53% higher than Taylor County ($691) and 40% above Shelby County ($998), reflecting its position near the Northern Kentucky job centers. However, Scott's median home value of $264,200 remains below Spencer County's $297,600, offering balance between rental and ownership costs.

Homeownership carries the bigger bite

While renters spend 16.9% of income on housing, homeowners in Scott County dedicate 18.8% of their $83,660 median household income to monthly ownership costs of $1,314. The $133 gap between median rent and owner costs reflects Scott County's stronger income base supporting both rental and mortgage markets.

Consider Scott if you value stability

Scott County offers above-average household incomes and rent-to-income ratios near the national sweet spot—ideal for renters prioritizing budget relief over ultra-low costs. Prospective homebuyers should compare the $264,200 median home value against neighboring Shelby County's $277,500 to find the right fit for your move.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Scott County

via IncomeByCounty

Scott County earns well above the nation

Scott County's median household income of $83,660 ranks 11.8% above the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the upper tier of American counties. This advantage reflects a strong local economy that outperforms most of the country.

Highest earners in Kentucky

Scott County leads Kentucky with a median household income that exceeds the state average of $55,909 by 49.6%. Among all Kentucky counties, Scott ranks at the top for earnings power.

Scott competes well locally

Scott County's $83,660 household income rivals Shelby County ($82,671) and Spencer County ($98,333), placing it among the region's most prosperous communities. Its per capita income of $40,096 reflects a balanced economy with diverse earning households.

Rent easily fits the budget here

At 16.9%, Scott County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing costs remain manageable for most households. The median home value of $264,200 aligns with strong household earnings, making homeownership achievable.

Your strong income fuels wealth building

With household incomes significantly above national averages, Scott County residents have a solid foundation for investing, retirement planning, and long-term wealth accumulation. Consider working with a financial advisor to maximize this earning advantage through strategic saving and diversified investments.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Scott County

via HealthByCounty

Scott County Outlives the Nation

At 75.7 years, Scott County residents live nearly 1.5 years longer than the U.S. average of 74.4 years—a significant edge in lifespan. Just 17.6% report poor or fair health, below the national average of 21%, suggesting sustained wellness across the community.

Kentucky's Healthiest County

Scott County ranks among Kentucky's top performers, with a life expectancy of 75.7 years compared to the state average of 72.2 years. This 3.5-year advantage positions Scott as one of the state's healthiest communities.

Leading the Regional Pack

Scott County's 75.7-year life expectancy exceeds neighboring Shelby (76.2 years is close) and significantly outpaces Simpson (73.0 years) and Todd (73.0 years). Scott's 17.6% poor/fair health rate is the lowest among its regional peers.

Well-Staffed, Well-Insured Care

Scott County boasts 58 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well above state and national norms—plus 133 mental health providers per 100,000. With just 4.5% uninsured, below Kentucky's 7.0% average, most residents have access to care.

Check Your Coverage Today

Even in well-insured Scott County, 4.5% of residents lack health coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local health department to confirm you have insurance and explore options like Medicaid or marketplace plans.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Scott County

via RiskByCounty

Scott County's disaster risk compared nationally

Scott County scores 56.08 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating—above the state average of 44.21 but well below the most hazard-prone U.S. counties. This means Scott faces moderate natural disaster threats, but residents enjoy better protection than many regions nationwide.

Where Scott ranks among Kentucky counties

Scott County's composite risk score of 56.08 places it in the higher-risk tier within Kentucky, driven primarily by strong tornado and earthquake exposure. Among the state's 120 counties, Scott faces notably higher hazard exposure than most of its neighbors.

How Scott compares to nearby counties

Scott's 56.08 composite risk score exceeds Shelby County's 61.86 and Trimble County's 11.90, reflecting moderately elevated tornado and earthquake threats. Compared to Todd County (28.56) and Taylor County (38.71), Scott residents face substantially greater disaster risk across multiple hazard types.

Scott's top two natural disaster threats

Tornadoes pose the biggest risk to Scott County residents, with a tornado risk score of 80.53—far exceeding the state average. Earthquakes rank second at 75.45, making Scott particularly vulnerable to ground shaking during seismic events.

Secure your Scott County home today

Given Scott's elevated tornado and earthquake exposure, homeowners should prioritize comprehensive coverage beyond standard policies. Consider reviewing your flood insurance options as well, since Scott's flood risk score of 58.14 indicates real exposure to water-related damage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.