CountyScore

Spencer County

Kentucky · KY

#24 in Kentucky
73
County Score

County Report Card

About Spencer County, Kentucky

Spencer County: Strong National Performance

Spencer County's composite score of 71.7 outpaces the national median of 50.0 by more than 21 points, establishing it as well above average by U.S. standards. This reflects balanced strengths across multiple livability dimensions, particularly income and taxation.

Competitive Within Kentucky's Top Half

Spencer County scores 71.7 against Kentucky's state average of 75.0, placing it firmly in the state's upper-middle tier of counties. Its performance keeps it competitive with many of Kentucky's most livable communities.

Highest Incomes and Strong Tax Efficiency

Spencer County leads these eight counties with a median household income of $98,333 and an income score of 47.6, supporting strong economic opportunity. Its tax score of 82.3 and effective rate of 0.712% add to the financial advantage, while home values of $297,600 reflect market demand.

Higher Home Values Offset Housing Affordability

Though Spencer County has the second-highest income level, its cost score of 69.7 reflects relatively higher median home values at $297,600, limiting affordability gains. Critical data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remain missing from the assessment.

Best for Affluent Families Seeking Value

Spencer County suits higher-income professionals and established families wanting strong earning potential combined with manageable taxes and moderate housing costs. It's ideal for those who value economic opportunity and don't need maximum housing affordability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax82.3Cost69.7SafetyComing SoonHealth72SchoolsComing SoonIncome47.6Risk86.7WaterComing Soon
🏛82.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼47.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤72
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡86.7
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 Spencer County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Conecuh County
Alabama
73
Median income: $42,266
Drew County
Arkansas
73
Median income: $41,071
Madison County
Arkansas
73
Median income: $53,888
Cherokee County
Iowa
73
Median income: $64,478
Grant Parish
Louisiana
73
Median income: $61,112

Deep Dives

Spencer County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Spencer County

via HealthByCounty

Spencer Outpaces U.S. Life Expectancy

Spencer County residents average 76.2 years of life, beating the U.S. average of 74.4 years by 1.8 years. Yet 20.2% report poor or fair health, slightly below the national average of 21%, indicating good longevity alongside some daily wellness concerns.

Strong Performance Statewide

At 76.2 years, Spencer County's life expectancy exceeds Kentucky's 72.2-year average by nearly 4 years. This substantial advantage places Spencer among the state's healthiest counties.

Among Regional Health Leaders

Spencer County ties Shelby County at 76.2 years and exceeds Scott (75.7 years), Simpson (73.0 years), and Todd (73.0 years). Its 20.2% poor/fair health rate is better than Simpson and Todd, reflecting stronger community wellness.

Insurance Strong, Mental Health Sparse

Spencer County maintains a low 5.4% uninsured rate, well below Kentucky's 7.0% average, but mental health providers are severely limited at just 20 per 100,000. With 30 primary care providers per 100,000, Spencer needs stronger behavioral health infrastructure.

Verify Your Coverage Now

While Spencer County has strong insurance rates, 5.4% of residents remain uninsured. Check healthcare.gov or call your local health department to confirm coverage and explore mental health resources—both critical for long-term wellness.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.