countyscore
59.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 94.9Disaster Risk 86.7Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Spencer County, Kentucky

Spencer County Outpaces National Benchmarks

With a composite score of 59.3, Spencer County comfortably beats the national median of 50.0. This high ranking indicates a superior quality of life compared to the majority of counties across the United States.

A Top Performer in the Bluegrass

Spencer County edges past the Kentucky state average of 58.6 with its 59.3 score. It stands out as a premier destination within the state for those seeking safety and high income potential.

Wealthy, Safe, and Low Risk

Prosperity is high here, with an Income Score of 94.9 and a median household income of $98,333. Residents also enjoy exceptional security, evidenced by a Safety Score of 84.2 and a Risk Score of 86.7.

The High Price of Quality Living

The low Cost Score of 22.5 reflects a median home value of $297,600, making it one of the more expensive areas in the region. Additionally, the School Score of 44.8 indicates that educational metrics haven't yet caught up to the local wealth.

Premium Choice for High-Income Families

Spencer County is the ultimate choice for wealthy families who prioritize a safe, low-risk environment above all else. It offers a secure and prosperous lifestyle for those who can afford the higher housing premiums.

2040608010061.822.584.264.344.894.986.78651.3Tax61.8Cost22.5Safety84.2Health64.3Schools44.8Income94.9Risk86.7Water86Weather51.359.3/100
This county
National avg
5 above average1 below average

Spencer County DNA

Foverall

How Spencer County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Spencer County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Income (94.9/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
61.8+9.799999999999997
Cost
22.5-25.5
Safety
84.2+29.200000000000003
Health
64.3+14.299999999999997
Schools
44.8-9.200000000000003
Income
94.9+43.900000000000006
Risk
86.7+39.7
Water
86+28
Weather
51.3
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Spencer County

Whether buying or refinancing in Spencer County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$297,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$954/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$297,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $98,333/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.1

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
Compare Spencer County with Oneida County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Oneida County
Idaho
Median income: $72,563
59.3
Putnam County
Illinois
Median income: $77,526
59.3
Monona County
Iowa
Median income: $62,944
59.3
Iberia Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $57,811
59.3
Amite County
Mississippi
Median income: $35,385
59.3
Iron County
Missouri
Median income: $51,161
59.3
Thurston County
Nebraska
Median income: $64,838
59.3
Turner County
South Dakota
Median income: $75,283
59.3

Nearby counties

Shelby County
Kentucky
48.4
Nelson County
Kentucky
54.6
Anderson County
Kentucky
59.6
Bullitt County
Kentucky
49.5
Washington County
Kentucky
65.8
Jefferson County
Kentucky
34.3
Oldham County
Kentucky
57.2
Franklin County
Kentucky
46

Deep Dives

Spencer County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Spencer County

via TaxByCounty

Spencer County slightly above national median

Spencer County's effective tax rate of 0.712% edges past the national median of 0.876%, placing it in the moderate tier nationally. At $2,118 median property tax, Spencer slightly exceeds the national median of $2,690 when adjusted for home values, reflecting mid-range burden. Spencer County's tax environment aligns closely with the national average.

Slightly below Kentucky average

Spencer County's rate of 0.712% sits just below Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, while its median tax of $2,118 substantially exceeds the state median of $1,093. This reflects Spencer's higher-than-average property values ($297,600), the highest among these eight counties.

Spencer middle of the pack regionally

Spencer County's 0.712% rate falls between Shelby County's 0.810% and Scott County's 0.681%, positioning it as a moderate option in the Bluegrass region. Its higher home values mean residents pay more in absolute dollars despite moderate rates.

What Spencer County homeowners pay

With Kentucky's highest median property value at $297,600, Spencer County residents pay approximately $2,118 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that rises to $2,205; without one, it drops to $1,849.

Higher values justify careful review

Spencer County homeowners carrying substantial property values should prioritize assessment reviews to catch overvaluation before it compounds across years. A successful appeal on a $297,600 property can yield significant annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Spencer County

via CostByCounty

Spencer County: Kentucky's housing affordability champion

Spencer County renters spend just 11.6% of their $98,333 median household income on housing—dramatically lower than the national average of roughly 17% and the state average of 17.0%. This combination of the highest county income and lowest rent burden creates the region's most favorable rental market.

Unmatched affordability across Kentucky

Spencer County's 11.6% rent-to-income ratio is the best in Kentucky, reflecting both strong household earnings and reasonable housing costs. With the state average at 17.0%, Spencer renters enjoy nearly a 5-point advantage—the largest cushion in their budgets.

Lower rents, higher incomes than rivals

Spencer County's $954 median rent is lower than Scott ($1,181) and Shelby ($998) despite having the highest household income ($98,333) among its peer group. This income-to-rent ratio advantage is unmatched in the region, making Spencer the clear winner for renters.

Homeownership carries the weight

While renters spend just 11.6% of income on housing, Spencer County homeowners allocate 14.4% toward monthly costs of $1,410—the highest owner costs in the comparison. Renters here get the premium deal, while homebuyers face steeper monthly commitments despite strong household incomes.

Spencer County: the relocation sweet spot

If affordability is your priority, Spencer County offers the region's unbeaten combination of high incomes and low rent burdens—renters here keep over 88% of earnings for everything else. Homebuyers should budget carefully for the $1,410 average owner cost, but strong household incomes make the $297,600 median home value manageable.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Spencer County

via IncomeByCounty

Spencer County leads the nation in income

Spencer County's median household income of $98,333 towers 31.5% above the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it among the most prosperous counties nationwide. This exceptional performance reflects a thriving local economy.

Kentucky's wealthiest county

Spencer County dominates Kentucky's income rankings with a median household income 75.9% above the state average of $55,909. It stands as the clear economic leader among all Kentucky counties.

Spencer outearns all regional peers

Spencer County's $98,333 household income substantially exceeds Scott County ($83,660) and Shelby County ($82,671), making it the undisputed regional wealth leader. Its per capita income of $40,963 reflects broad-based economic strength.

Housing remarkably affordable for high earners

Spencer County's rent-to-income ratio of just 11.6% is the lowest among all eight counties, leaving ample household budget room for savings and other expenses. The median home value of $297,600 is easily manageable given the strong income base.

Exceptional opportunity to multiply wealth

With median income nearly a third above the national average, Spencer County residents possess exceptional capacity for aggressive saving, real estate investment, and portfolio diversification. Work with a wealth advisor to structure long-term strategies for retirement, education funding, and generational wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Spencer County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Levels in Spencer County

Spencer County is one of the safest regions in the country with a crime rate of only 368.3 per 100,000. This rate is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5, earning the county a nearly perfect safety score of 99.4. This creates a highly secure environment for families and retirees.

Outperforming Kentucky Safety Benchmarks

Spencer County's safety score of 99.4 easily surpasses the Kentucky state average of 98.8. Its total crime rate of 368.3 is also much lower than the state average of 786.2. These metrics place Spencer County among the top tier of Kentucky counties for public safety.

Safer Than Neighboring Shelby County

When compared to neighboring Shelby County, Spencer County is twice as safe based on total crime rates. Shelby reports 981.2 crimes per 100,000, while Spencer maintains a remarkably low 368.3. This highlights Spencer County as a quiet haven within the regional landscape.

Violent Crime is Extremely Rare

Violent crime in Spencer County is nearly non-existent at just 20.5 per 100,000 residents. Property crime is also very low at 347.8, which is far below the state and national norms. These figures indicate an exceptionally peaceful community with very few serious law enforcement incidents.

Maintaining a Secure Community

While crime is low, maintaining safety requires consistent community vigilance and simple home security. Standard practices like locking doors and lighting entryways help preserve the county's low crime status. Participating in community groups ensures that neighbors look out for one another.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Spencer County

via SchoolsByCounty

Spencer County's Rural Learning Infrastructure

Spencer County manages 3,369 students within a focused network of six public schools. The system is built around two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, all overseen by a single district. This structure provides a straightforward educational path for families in this growing community.

Solid Graduation Rates and Efficient Operations

The county maintains a 93.0% graduation rate, which is six points higher than the national average and nearly matches the state average. While per-pupil spending is relatively low at $5,981, the district achieves a respectable school score of 52.9. These numbers reflect an efficient system that delivers strong results for its high school students.

Unified District Serving a Growing Population

All 3,369 public school students in the county are served by the Spencer County school district. There are no charter schools available, maintaining a 100% reliance on the traditional public school model. This centralized administration allows for consistent curriculum and resource management across the entire county.

The Essence of Rural Schooling

Every school in Spencer County is classified as rural, offering a consistent environment for all students. The average school size is 562 students, ranging from the Spencer County High School with 992 students to the small Early Learning Center with 173. This rural setting fosters a close-knit community feel throughout the academic journey.

Invest in a High-Growth Rural District

Families seeking a rural lifestyle without sacrificing educational quality will find Spencer County highly attractive. High graduation rates make the area a smart choice for those looking to invest in a home near reputable schools like Spencer County High. Start your property search in this thriving district today.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Spencer County

via RiskByCounty

Spencer County's disaster risk compared nationally

Spencer County's composite risk score of 13.33 earns a Very Low rating, making it one of Kentucky's safest counties—and far safer than the national average. Spencer residents enjoy exceptional protection from major natural disaster hazards.

Where Spencer ranks among Kentucky counties

Spencer County ranks among Kentucky's lowest-risk counties with a composite score of 13.33, well below the state average of 44.21. Few Kentucky counties offer residents comparable natural disaster protection.

How Spencer compares to nearby counties

Spencer's 13.33 score makes it the safest county in this comparison group, substantially outpacing Trimble County (11.90), Todd County (28.56), and Taylor County (38.71). Spencer residents face notably lower disaster risk than virtually all surrounding counties.

Spencer's minimal natural disaster exposure

Tornadoes represent Spencer's highest hazard risk at 56.68, well below concerning thresholds. Spencer's low composite risk across all major hazard types reflects genuine protection from earthquakes, flooding, hurricanes, and wildfires.

Standard coverage suits Spencer County well

Spencer's exceptionally low disaster risk profile means basic homeowners insurance provides comprehensive protection for most residents. Standard policies offer adequate coverage for Spencer's minimal natural hazard exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Spencer County

via WaterByCounty

Excellent Compliance in Spencer County

Spencer County earns a Grade A for its drinking water systems, reporting zero health violations in the last five years. It remains much safer than the state average violation rate of 35.7 per 100,000 people.

Watersheds Meeting Federal Standards

Both assessed water bodies in Spencer County met all health standards in the 2022 ATTAINS reporting cycle. The county currently reports a 0.0% impairment rate, matching the state's best-performing regions.

Intensive Monitoring at Single Site

A single monitoring site in the county has recorded 2,962 measurements over the last five years. The data primarily tracks organics, pesticides, and PCBs, providing a deep look at a specific location.

Brashears Creek Below Normal

Streamflow at Taylorsville is currently 40 cfs, which is just 10% of the long-term mean of 395 cfs. This indicates significantly drier conditions than usual for the local watershed.

Watch for Pesticide Runoff

Given the high volume of monitoring for pesticides and PCBs, residents should stay aware of agricultural runoff during rain events. The current low streamflow also means any contaminants present are less diluted than usual.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Spencer County

via SoilByCounty

A mystery in the Kentucky hills

Spencer County currently lacks comprehensive digital data for specific soil pH and taxonomic classification. While we know the state average pH is 5.80, local variations can significantly impact gardening success. Homeowners should utilize local extension offices for soil tests to identify their specific baseline.

Local textures await detailed mapping

Detailed percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not presently available in the primary dataset for this county. Generally, this region of Kentucky features limestone-derived soils that provide a mix of clay and silt. Understanding your specific texture is the first step toward effective land management.

Unlocking the potential of Spencer soil

Organic matter and water capacity data are currently unavailable for this area, though state averages sit at 3.55% and 0.186 in/in respectively. Adding compost is a universally safe way to improve fertility and moisture retention regardless of your starting point. Local knowledge remains the best guide for assessing your land's growing potential.

Planning for drainage on the farm

Without specific hydrologic group data, observing your land after a heavy rain is the best way to determine drainage quality. Sloped areas in Spencer County likely drain well, while valley floors may hold water longer. Always check for drainage issues before starting a foundation or a large garden.

Steady growth in Hardiness Zone 6b

Spencer County sits in Zone 6b, supporting a wide range of vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Even with limited soil data, the temperate climate is perfect for cool-season crops like kale and spring peas. Start small and use local amendments to build a productive and beautiful garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Spencer County

via LawnByCounty

Spencer County Matches Regional Averages

Spencer County maintains a lawn difficulty score of 64.4, placing it right in line with the Kentucky state average of 66.3. It is significantly more manageable than the national median, offering a fair balance of rain and sun for Zone 6b.

Predictable Weather Patterns Support Mowing

The county sees 34 days of extreme heat annually, paired with 49.8 inches of rain to keep things growing. These conditions generally support a steady mowing schedule without the frequent burnouts seen in hotter southern counties.

Conduct Tests to Guide Soil Care

Specific soil texture and pH data are currently unavailable for this area, making a home test kit your most valuable tool. Knowing your pH is essential for ensuring the local 49.8 inches of rain actually reaches your grass's roots effectively.

Stable Moisture Levels This Year

Spencer County only experienced 3 weeks of drought over the last year, suggesting a very stable water table for lawns. Current conditions are clear of any dry designations, so standard rain-fed growth is likely for most of the season.

Resilient 6b Grasses are Recommended

Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass are excellent choices for Spencer County's temperate 6b climate. Focus on building organic matter in your soil to make the most of the favorable local precipitation.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Spencer County's county score?
Spencer County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 59.3 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 Spencer County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Spencer County ranks #65 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 Spencer County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Spencer County is $2,118, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Spencer County a tax score of 61.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Spencer County?
The median household income in Spencer County, Kentucky is $98,333 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Spencer County earns an income score of 94.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Spencer County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Spencer County scores 59.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #65 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Spencer 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 Spencer 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.