countyscore
48.2
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 73Property Tax 70.1

County Report Card

About Simpson County, Kentucky

A Stable National Profile in Simpson

Simpson County earns a 48.2 composite score, positioning it just 1.8 points below the national median of 50.0. It remains a competitive mid-tier county with strong performance in specific living dimensions.

Balanced Performance Below State Averages

The county's score of 48.2 trails the Kentucky state average of 58.6. While it lacks the high-income boost of its neighbors, it excels in creating a stable and low-tax environment for its residents.

Low Taxes and Environmental Stability

The county shines with a Risk Score of 73.0 and a Tax Score of 70.1, supported by an effective tax rate of just 0.637%. Education is also a bright spot, with a School Score of 67.2 that outperforms many peers.

Safety and Income Growth Obstacles

Economic mobility remains a challenge with an Income Score of 31.3 and a median household income of $57,392. Additionally, the Safety Score of 24.9 suggests that crime prevention is a key area for local improvement.

Best for Budget-Conscious Families

Simpson County is an excellent fit for families and retirees who prioritize low taxes and quality local schools. It is a solid choice for those seeking a predictable cost of living in a low-risk environment.

Score breakdown

Tax70.1Cost31.8Safety24.9Health49.7Schools67.2Income31.3Risk73Water86Weather58.6
🏛70.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠31.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡24.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤49.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓67.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡73
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨51.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱49.1
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

Logan County
Kentucky
56.2
Warren County
Kentucky
41.8
Sumner County
Tennessee
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Allen County
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Robertson County
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Trousdale County
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Butler County
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Deep Dives

Simpson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Simpson County

via TaxByCounty

Simpson County: lowest rates in the group

Simpson County's effective tax rate of 0.637% ranks among the nation's most affordable, sitting well below the national median of 0.876%. The median property tax of $1,246 is less than half the national median of $2,690, making Simpson a genuine tax haven for property owners. Simpson County offers substantially lower burden than typical American communities.

Well below Kentucky average

Simpson County's 0.637% rate and $1,246 median tax both underperform Kentucky's state average of 0.719% and $1,093 respectively. Simpson ranks among Kentucky's lowest-burden counties, attracting cost-conscious homebuyers seeking favorable property tax environments.

Simpson sets the low-tax standard

At 0.637%, Simpson County's rate beats every county in this regional group, including Todd County (0.553%) and Trigg County (0.555%) when median values are considered in context. Simpson offers the best combination of reasonable rates and property values in the area.

What Simpson County homeowners pay

Homeowners with Simpson County's median property value of $195,700 pay approximately $1,246 annually—the lowest among these eight counties. With a mortgage, the payment rises to $1,368; without one, it drops to $1,104.

Even low rates merit review

Simpson County's favorable rates shouldn't discourage assessment verification; overvaluation occurs even in low-tax regions. Homeowners should review their annual assessments and file appeals if property values diverge from market reality.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Simpson County

via CostByCounty

Simpson County renters face real affordability stress

Simpson County renters spend 21.1% of their $57,392 median household income on housing—nearly 4 percentage points above the national average and significantly higher than Kentucky's 17.0% state average. This level of rent burden puts Simpson among Kentucky's most strained rental markets.

Struggling on Kentucky's affordability scale

Simpson County's 21.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among the least affordable counties in Kentucky, well above the state average of 17.0%. The county's lower median household income of $57,392 amplifies the burden of relatively typical regional rents.

Rents don't match the wages here

Simpson County's $1,011 median rent is high relative to its peers—only $170 less than Scott County despite a $26,000 gap in household incomes. Compared to Taylor County's $691 rent and Todd County's $841, Simpson's rental market feels out of sync with local earning power.

Renters and homeowners both strain

Renters dedicate 21.1% of income to housing, while homeowners spend 19.7% on monthly costs of $943—making Simpson one of the few counties where renters face more burden than homeowners. At $57,392 median household income, even modest housing costs consume a significant share of household budgets.

Simpson requires careful financial planning

Simpson County is better suited for remote workers or those relocating with substantially higher incomes than the local median—standard rentals will consume over one-fifth of household earnings. If you're considering Simpson, compare rents to neighboring Taylor or Todd counties, where the same housing costs represent a smaller share of income.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Simpson County

via IncomeByCounty

Simpson County falls below national income

Simpson County's median household income of $57,392 runs 23.3% below the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting economic challenges shared by many rural Kentucky communities. The gap highlights the need for local economic development.

Below-average earners in Kentucky

Simpson County's median income of $57,392 ranks near the bottom in Kentucky, just 2.6% above the state average of $55,909. The county faces income pressures common across rural Appalachian regions.

Simpson trails similar-sized counties

Simpson County's $57,392 household income lags behind Todd County ($57,759) and significantly trails Trimble County ($67,813) and Taylor County ($61,871). Its per capita income of $28,786 ranks near the state average, indicating economic strain across households.

Housing costs squeeze household budgets

At 21.1%, Simpson County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the 20% affordability comfort zone, straining household budgets relative to median income. The median home value of $195,700 requires significant financial commitment for most residents.

Start small, build consistent wealth habits

Simpson County residents can build financial security through affordable tools like automatic savings plans, employer retirement benefits, and low-cost index funds. Even modest, consistent contributions to savings and investments compound over time into meaningful wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Simpson County

via CrimeByCounty

Simpson County Stays Below National Average

Simpson County reports a total crime rate of 1,864.8 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 97.1 out of 100. While safer than many parts of the country, it experiences higher crime frequency than many of its Kentucky peers.

Higher Activity Than State Norms

Simpson County's crime rate is more than double the Kentucky state average of 786.2 per 100,000. Its safety score of 97.1 is also lower than the state's collective score of 98.8. These figures suggest that local law enforcement agencies handle a higher volume of cases relative to the population.

Comparing Simpson and Todd Counties

Simpson County sees significantly more reported crime than neighboring Todd County, which has a rate of 798.0 per 100,000. This disparity may be attributed to Simpson's position along major transit corridors. Despite this, Simpson remains a safer alternative to many major metropolitan areas.

Property Crimes Drive Local Statistics

Property crime dominates the local data with 1,711.5 incidents per 100,000 people. Violent crime is also higher than the state average, sitting at 153.3 per 100,000 residents. Most reported incidents involve theft, burglary, or motor vehicle larceny rather than physical violence.

Taking Proactive Security Steps

Residents should invest in robust security measures like deadbolts and window sensors to protect against property crime. Documenting valuable serial numbers and installing security cameras can assist law enforcement in the event of an incident. Awareness of your surroundings remains a key factor in personal safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Simpson County

via HealthByCounty

Simpson Trails National Health Benchmarks

Simpson County's 73.0-year life expectancy lags the U.S. average of 74.4 years by 1.4 years, signaling health challenges across the county. With 21.0% reporting poor or fair health—matching the national average—Simpson residents face significant wellness hurdles.

Below-Average Life Expectancy

At 73.0 years, Simpson County's life expectancy falls 0.8 years below Kentucky's 72.2-year average, putting it in the lower tier of state health rankings. This modest shortfall reflects broader health disparities in the region.

Struggling Compared to Peers

Simpson County's 73.0-year life expectancy lags Scott (75.7 years) and Shelby (76.2 years) by 2-3 years. Its 21.0% poor/fair health rate is worse than Spencer (20.2%) but better than Todd (27.2%).

Limited Providers, Modest Insurance Gap

Simpson County has just 25 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 99 mental health providers per 100,000—both below peer counties. With 5.9% uninsured, below the state average of 7.0%, insurance coverage is stronger than primary care access.

Strengthen Your Health Safety Net

Nearly 6% of Simpson County residents lack insurance. Visit healthcare.gov to explore Medicaid eligibility or marketplace plans—securing coverage is the first step toward better health outcomes and regular primary care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Simpson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Simpson County's High-Performing School System

Simpson County operates a streamlined network of six public schools serving a total of 3,088 students. The infrastructure is comprised of three elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. This compact system allows for high visibility and coordination across the single school district.

Outperforming State and National Benchmarks

The county boasts an impressive 95.0% graduation rate, beating both the national average of 87% and the Kentucky average of 93.8%. Education is a clear priority here, with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,322 and a school score of 56.9, both of which exceed state averages. These figures suggest a high return on investment for student academic success.

Simpson County District Leads with Excellence

The Simpson County school district manages 100% of the county's 3,088 students across its six locations. No charter schools exist in the county, ensuring that all public resources are concentrated within the traditional district system. This unified approach has yielded some of the highest graduation rates in the region.

Consistent Town-Centered Education

All six schools in the county are located in town settings, creating a centralized educational hub for residents. The average school size is 515 students, with Franklin-Simpson High School serving as the largest campus with 817 students. Even the smallest school, Franklin Elementary, maintains a robust environment with 337 students.

Secure Your Future in Simpson County

With academic scores and graduation rates that lead the state, Simpson County is an ideal choice for education-focused homebuyers. Living near top schools like Franklin-Simpson High can provide students with a competitive edge and boost local property values. Explore homes in this high-achieving district today.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Simpson County

via RiskByCounty

Simpson County's disaster risk compared nationally

Simpson County scores 27.00 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and falling well below Kentucky's state average of 44.21. This places Simpson among the safer counties nationwide for natural disaster exposure.

Where Simpson ranks among Kentucky counties

Simpson County's composite risk score of 27.00 ranks it as one of Kentucky's safest counties, with below-average exposure to most major hazards. This low-risk profile reflects Simpson's relative protection from the state's most severe natural disasters.

How Simpson compares to nearby counties

Simpson's 27.00 score places it firmly in the low-risk category, similar to Todd County (28.56) but substantially safer than Scott County (56.08) and Shelby County (61.86). Simpson residents enjoy notably lower disaster risk than most surrounding counties.

Simpson's main natural disaster concern

Earthquakes present Simpson's highest hazard risk at 76.56, though tornado exposure at 55.41 also warrants attention. Both hazards exceed typical safe thresholds, making them Simpson's primary natural disaster concerns despite the county's overall low composite risk.

Basic coverage protects Simpson County homes

Simpson's low overall risk profile means standard homeowners insurance provides solid foundation protection. However, consider adding earthquake coverage given Simpson's relatively high seismic vulnerability score of 76.56.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Simpson County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic foundations in the southern tier

Simpson County features a more acidic soil profile with an average pH of 5.47, falling below the state average of 5.80. This acidity contributes to a soil score of 51.8, which is slightly lower than the Kentucky average. Local farmers often use lime to bring these soils closer to the national median of 6.5 for better crop yields.

Silty textures with moderate clay

The soil composition here is 62.4% silt and 21.2% clay, balanced by 13.6% sand. This high silt content makes the soil feel velvety and allows for decent nutrient retention. The moderate clay levels provide structure but require careful management to avoid compaction when wet.

Healthy organic levels above national averages

Simpson County contains 2.64% organic matter, which is lower than the state mean but well above the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.190 in/in, indicating the soil holds slightly more moisture than the state average. This provides a reliable reservoir for crops during the peak of the growing season.

Monitoring drainage in silty fields

Specific drainage class data is not available for Simpson County, but the silt-heavy mix typically offers moderate permeability. High silt content can lead to surface crusting if the soil is left bare, which impacts how water enters the ground. Proper cover cropping helps maintain the soil's natural hydrologic function.

Warm beginnings in Zone 7a

The 7a hardiness zone offers a longer growing season, making it perfect for peppers and sweet potatoes. Because the soil is naturally acidic, blueberries and azaleas thrive here without much intervention. Consider testing your specific plot to see if your favorite vegetables need a lime boost.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Simpson County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Southern Kentucky

Simpson County faces a tougher environment with a difficulty score of 49.1, falling below both the state average and the national median. This Zone 7a region requires more intensive management and smarter water use to keep lawns healthy.

High Heat and Heavy Rain

Extreme heat is a major factor here, with 44 days reaching 90°F or higher compared to the state average of 30. While the 53.9 inches of annual rain is plentiful, the intense July heat causes rapid evaporation and turf stress.

Acidic Soil Needs Careful Management

The soil pH is notably low at 5.47, which is too acidic for many standard grass types to thrive without lime. You should prioritize soil testing and amendments to balance the 21.2% clay content and improve root development.

Drought Sensitivity Requires Vigilance

With 7 weeks of drought in the past year and 15.6% of the area currently abnormally dry, water conservation is critical. Mulching your clippings back into the lawn can help retain moisture during these frequent dry stretches.

Transition Zone Grasses Work Best

Because of the high heat and Zone 7a climate, heat-tolerant varieties like Bermuda or turf-type tall fescue are your best bets. Start your soil corrections now to prepare for a successful growing season despite the local challenges.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Simpson County's county score?
Simpson County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 48.2 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 Simpson County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Simpson County ranks #105 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 Simpson County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Simpson County is $1,246, with an effective tax rate of 0.64%. This earns Simpson County a tax score of 70.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Simpson County?
The median household income in Simpson County, Kentucky is $57,392 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Simpson County earns an income score of 31.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Simpson County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Simpson County scores 48.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #105 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Simpson 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 Simpson 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.