countyscore
49.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 87.5Water Quality 86Lawn Care 80.4

County Report Card

About Scott County, Kentucky

Scott County Sits Near the National Median

Scott County earns a composite score of 49.4, placing it just slightly below the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a balanced profile of high prosperity offset by rising living costs.

Prosperity Trailing the Kentucky Average

Despite its high individual wealth, Scott County's overall score of 49.4 falls below the Kentucky state average of 58.6. This gap is largely driven by affordability challenges that many other Kentucky counties do not face.

A Powerhouse for High Earners

The county boasts an exceptional Income Score of 87.5, with a median household income of $83,660 that far exceeds regional norms. Residents also benefit from strong health outcomes at 70.9 and excellent water quality scoring 86.0.

Managing the Costs of Rapid Growth

Affordability is the primary concern here, evidenced by a low Cost Score of 14.9 and a median home value of $264,200. Safety and environmental risk scores also remain under 45, highlighting areas for community improvement.

The Ideal Choice for Career-Minded Families

Scott County is a perfect match for high-earning professionals who prioritize a robust economy and personal health over low housing costs. It offers a thriving suburban lifestyle for those with the budget to support it.

Score breakdown

Tax65.2Cost14.9Safety43.1Health70.9Schools44.8Income87.5Risk43.9Water86Weather66
🏛65.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠14.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼87.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡43.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤70.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓44.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡43.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤66
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨73
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱80.4
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

Franklin County
Kentucky
46
Harrison County
Kentucky
60.5
Woodford County
Kentucky
56.3
Fayette County
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Bourbon County
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Owen County
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Grant County
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Anderson County
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Deep Dives

Scott County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Scott County

via CrimeByCounty

Scott County Outpaces National Safety Standards

Scott County reports a total crime rate of 1,286.5 per 100,000 residents, which sits significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a safety score of 98.0 out of 100. Residents enjoy a environment that is substantially more secure than many urban centers across the United States.

A Busy Hub Within Kentucky

While safe by national standards, Scott County's crime rate exceeds the Kentucky state average of 786.2 per 100,000. Its safety score of 98.0 trails the state average of 98.8 slightly. This indicates that while the county is secure, local law enforcement manages more activity than the typical Kentucky county.

Comparing Safety With Nearby Shelby County

Scott County's crime rate of 1,286.5 per 100,000 is higher than neighboring Shelby County, which maintains a lower rate of 981.2. However, both counties remain well below the national threshold for crime activity. This regional pocket of Kentucky remains a relatively secure area for families and businesses.

Property Concerns Lead Local Incidents

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local offenses at 1,181.8 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime remains low at 104.7 per 100,000, though this is higher than the state average of 78.1. These figures suggest that most police interactions involve theft or non-violent disputes.

Securing Your Scott County Residence

With property crime representing the primary safety concern, residents should focus on basic home security measures. Installing smart doorbells and ensuring proper outdoor lighting can effectively deter opportunistic theft. Staying informed through local neighborhood watch programs adds an extra layer of protection.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Scott County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Educational Framework in Scott County

Scott County operates a comprehensive infrastructure with 18 public schools serving 9,843 students. The system includes nine elementary schools, three middle schools, and five high schools managed by a single central district. This concentrated network provides a clear path for student development from kindergarten through graduation.

Strong Graduation Rates Meet Efficient Spending

The county maintains a high school graduation rate of 92.0%, significantly exceeding the national average of 87%. While per-pupil expenditure sits at $6,348—below the state average of $6,894—the county achieves a competitive school score of 53.2. These results demonstrate a lean but effective approach to student success compared to statewide benchmarks.

Scott County District Leads the Way

The Scott County school district oversees 17 of the area's 18 schools, managing an enrollment of 9,797 students. There are currently no charter schools in the county, meaning 100% of the public student population attends traditional district schools. This unified structure ensures consistent standards and resource allocation across the region.

Large Schools with a Small-Town Feel

Education here leans toward town-based settings, with 12 schools in towns and six in rural areas. Schools average 579 students, though Great Crossing High School is a massive outlier with 1,790 students. This mix of large high schools and smaller elementary campuses creates a diverse learning environment for local families.

Find Your Home Near Top-Performing Schools

With graduation rates that beat the national average, Scott County is a prime destination for families prioritizing education. Consider how proximity to high-performing campuses like Great Crossing High can influence your home's long-term value. Start your search today to find a residence that fits your family's academic goals.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Scott County

via WeatherByCounty

High Precipitation in the Bluegrass

Scott County receives 49.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is 11 inches more than the national median. Specific annual temperature data for this county is currently limited in national records.

Aligning with Kentucky Rainfall Norms

The county's 49.9 inches of rain is almost identical to the Kentucky state average of 50.6 inches. This makes it a representative example of the Commonwealth's humid climate.

Consistent Regional Moisture Patterns

Scott shares an identical precipitation profile with Rowan County to the east. Both counties represent the wet, lush environment characteristic of north-central Kentucky.

Consistent Rainfall Throughout Year

While seasonal temperature extremes are not available, the county maintains steady precipitation year-round. This leads to a vibrant growing season and green landscapes.

Prepare for Rainy Transitions

Residents should plan for frequent spring and autumn rain events by maintaining home exteriors. Monitor local forecasts for specific temperature shifts, as county-wide historical averages are limited.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Scott County

via SoilByCounty

Prime pH levels for Bluegrass success

Scott County boasts an average soil pH of 6.44, which sits nearly perfectly against the national median of 6.5. This high-performing soil achieves an overall score of 73.0, far exceeding the Kentucky state average of 56.2. While specific taxonomic data is currently limited, the chemical balance suggests a highly productive environment for diverse agriculture.

Silt-heavy soils provide excellent structure

The earth here consists of 63.1% silt and 23.0% clay, with a relatively low sand content of 13.9%. This silty profile ensures a fine texture that holds onto nutrients better than sandier neighbors. The balanced mix provides a sturdy foundation for roots and maintains reliable workability throughout the growing season.

Strong water capacity boosts crop resilience

Scott County features an available water capacity of 0.193 in/in, outperforming the state average of 0.186. Organic matter remains healthy at 2.87%, which is higher than the national average of 2.0% despite being lower than the Kentucky mean. These metrics indicate a soil that stays hydrated and nutrient-dense during dry spells.

Reliable moisture management in the field

Though specific drainage class data is unavailable for this area, the high silt concentration typically promotes moderate drainage speeds. The county’s soil score suggests that hydrology rarely presents a barrier to construction or farming. Local growers should still monitor for low spots that may collect water during heavy Kentucky rains.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 6b

With its excellent soil score and 6b hardiness rating, Scott County is an ideal home for tobacco, corn, and hardy perennials. The near-neutral pH allows for a wide variety of vegetables without heavy lime applications. Grab your gardening gloves and start a plot to take advantage of some of the state’s best dirt.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Scott County

via LawnByCounty

Scott County Boasts Top-Tier Growing Conditions

With a lawn difficulty score of 80.4, Scott County is significantly easier to manage than the Kentucky state average of 66.3. This Zone 6b region offers a hospitable environment that far exceeds the national median score of 50.0.

Steady Rainfall Supports Local Turf

The county receives 49.9 inches of annual precipitation, aligning almost perfectly with the state average and the ideal range for lush grass. While specific heat and growing day data are limited, the overall climate profile suggests a consistent and predictable mowing season.

Nearly Perfect Soil pH Levels

The soil pH sits at a healthy 6.44, fitting squarely within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for most turfgrasses. With a 23.0% clay composition and 13.9% sand, the ground holds moisture effectively but may benefit from periodic aeration to prevent compaction.

Exceptional Resistance to Dry Spells

Scott County shows remarkable drought resilience, recording only 2 weeks of drought over the past year. Since 0.0% of the area currently faces abnormally dry conditions, standard watering schedules are typically sufficient to maintain green space.

Prime Opportunities for Zone 6b Lawns

Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass thrive in this 6b climate, especially when seeded during the reliable fall window. This high difficulty score means your efforts go further here than in almost any other part of the state.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Scott County's county score?
Scott County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 49.4 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 Scott County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Scott County ranks #103 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 Scott County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Scott County is $1,800, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Scott County a tax score of 65.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Scott County?
The median household income in Scott County, Kentucky is $83,660 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Scott County earns an income score of 87.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Scott County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Scott County scores 49.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #103 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Scott 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 Scott 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.