countyscore
60
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 78.4Schools 70.3

County Report Card

About Taylor County, Kentucky

Taylor County Beats National Trends

Taylor County earns a 60.0 composite score, placing it significantly higher than the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a highly livable environment that excels in education and affordability.

Leading the Kentucky State Average

The county's 60.0 score outperforms the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It manages to deliver a better balance of services and cost than many of its neighbors in the region.

Exceptional Value and School Quality

Affordability is a major strength, with a Cost Score of 78.4 and a median gross rent of only $691. This is paired with a strong School Score of 70.3 and excellent water quality scoring 86.0.

Moderate Income and Health Gains

The county's lowest marks are in Health at 43.0 and Income at 44.8, with a median income of $61,871. These figures suggest that while the cost of living is low, economic and wellness growth are more gradual.

Ideal for Young Families and Seekers of Value

Taylor County is perfect for young families who want high-quality schools without the financial strain of high housing costs. It offers an incredible quality-of-life-to-cost ratio that is hard to beat.

Score breakdown

Tax61.3Cost78.4Safety45.3Health43Schools70.3Income44.8Risk61.3Water86Weather59.9
🏛61.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼44.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡45.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤43
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓70.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡61.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤59.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱55.7
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

Green County
Kentucky
68.3
Marion County
Kentucky
62.5
Adair County
Kentucky
65.7
Larue County
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Casey County
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Metcalfe County
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Washington County
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Nelson County
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Deep Dives

Taylor County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Taylor County

via TaxByCounty

Taylor County below national average

Taylor County's effective tax rate of 0.717% sits below the national median of 0.876%, placing it in the lower-to-moderate range nationally. The median property tax of $1,174 is less than half the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower home values and favorable rates. Taylor County offers a tax advantage compared to typical U.S. properties.

Competitive rate, moderate tax burden

Taylor County's effective rate of 0.717% matches Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, while its median tax of $1,174 slightly exceeds the state median of $1,093. With lower median home values of $163,700, Taylor County provides affordable homeownership with manageable tax obligations.

Taylor competitive with rural peers

Taylor County's 0.717% rate places it between Spencer County (0.712%) and Scott County (0.681%), offering solid value in rural Kentucky. Its low home values compare favorably to other non-metro counties in the region.

What Taylor County homeowners pay

With a median home value of $163,700, Taylor County residents pay approximately $1,174 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that burden rises to $1,208; without one, it drops to $1,136.

Appeal to lower your bill

Taylor County's modest assessments still warrant verification during revaluation cycles, as overassessment can occur at any income level. Homeowners discovering inflated property values can file an appeal with the county assessor to secure immediate tax relief.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Taylor County

via CostByCounty

Taylor County offers genuine rental bargains

Taylor County renters spend just 13.4% of their $61,871 median household income on housing—nearly 4 percentage points below the national average and substantially better than Kentucky's 17.0% state average. At $691 monthly, Taylor's median rent is the lowest in this group, creating real budget relief for renters.

Strong affordability on Kentucky scale

With a 13.4% rent-to-income ratio, Taylor County ranks well above average for affordability across Kentucky, beating the state average by 3.6 percentage points. Despite below-average household income, Taylor's low rent base creates genuine relief for residents.

Cheapest rents in the region

Taylor County's $691 median rent is 41% lower than Scott County ($1,181) and 31% below Shelby County ($998), making it the bargain market in this comparison. Even Todd County's $841 rent runs 22% higher, and Taylor's $163,700 median home value undercuts every neighbor.

Renters and homeowners equally positioned

Both renters and homeowners in Taylor County spend roughly 13% of the $61,871 median household income on housing—renters at 13.4% and homeowners at 13.5%. This rare parity reflects Taylor's affordable fundamentals across both rental and ownership markets.

Taylor County: budget-conscious relocation choice

Taylor County delivers the region's lowest rents and home values, ideal for anyone prioritizing affordability and willing to accept below-average local incomes. Rural character and minimal housing costs make Taylor perfect for remote workers, retirees, or anyone seeking maximum housing cost relief.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Taylor County

via IncomeByCounty

Taylor County lags behind national income

Taylor County's median household income of $61,871 runs 17.2% below the U.S. median of $74,755, putting it in the lower-middle range of American counties. This reflects rural economic pressures across much of Kentucky.

Near-average earners in Kentucky

Taylor County's median income of $61,871 ranks just 10.7% above the state average of $55,909, positioning it modestly above the Kentucky baseline. The county represents a middle ground in the state's income distribution.

Taylor outearns some, trails others locally

Taylor County's $61,871 household income exceeds Simpson County ($57,392) and Todd County ($57,759), but lags behind Trimble County ($67,813) and the wealthier counties to the north. Its per capita income of $28,714 aligns with rural state averages.

Rent-to-income ratio remains manageable

Taylor County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.4% sits comfortably below the 20% affordability caution zone, giving households breathing room in their budgets. The median home value of $163,700 is relatively modest and accessible to most earning families.

Build steady financial security over time

Taylor County residents benefit from reasonable housing costs that free up income for savings and investments. Establish a disciplined approach to wealth building through regular contributions to retirement accounts and emergency savings, even if amounts are modest.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Taylor County

via CrimeByCounty

Taylor County Safer Than National Norms

Taylor County reports a total crime rate of 1,220.4 per 100,000 residents, roughly half the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a safety score of 98.1 out of 100. Residents benefit from a level of security that is far superior to many other regions in the United States.

Tracking Above the Kentucky Average

While safe nationally, Taylor County's crime rate of 1,220.4 is higher than the Kentucky state average of 786.2. Its safety score of 98.1 is slightly below the state average of 98.8. This suggests that Taylor County experiences more frequent police activity than many of its rural neighbors.

Competitive Safety Ratings in the Region

Taylor County is notably safer than Simpson County, which has a higher crime rate of 1,864.8 per 100,000. However, it sees more activity than nearby Todd or Trigg counties. This positions Taylor County as a central hub with moderate but manageable crime levels.

Focusing on Property Crime Statistics

The local violent crime rate is 95.9 per 100,000, while property crime is significantly higher at 1,124.5. This means that for every violent incident, there are roughly 11 property-related crimes reported. The data shows that the community's primary safety challenge is theft and related offenses.

Effective Strategies for Home Safety

Focusing on deterrents for property crime is the most effective way for residents to stay safe. Simple additions like porch cameras and motion-activated lights can discourage potential thieves. Always ensure that garages and sheds are locked to protect tools and outdoor equipment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Taylor County

via HealthByCounty

Taylor County Faces Life Expectancy Gap

At 71.7 years, Taylor County's life expectancy falls 2.7 years short of the U.S. average of 74.4 years. Additionally, 21.6% report poor or fair health, above the national average of 21%, indicating significant health challenges across the county.

Below-Average Health Outcomes

Taylor County's 71.7-year life expectancy falls 0.5 years below Kentucky's 72.2-year average, placing it in the lower half of state health rankings. This shortfall reflects persistent wellness disparities in the region.

Worst-Performing Peer County

Taylor County's 71.7-year life expectancy is the lowest among all peer counties, trailing Scott (75.7 years) by 4 years and Shelby (76.2 years) by 4.5 years. Its 21.6% poor/fair health rate ranks among the region's worst.

Exceptional Provider Access

Despite health challenges, Taylor County boasts impressive healthcare infrastructure with 72 primary care providers per 100,000—among the highest in the region—and 269 mental health providers per 100,000. At 6.4% uninsured, below the state average, coverage is strong but health outcomes remain poor.

Use Available Resources Fully

Taylor County's excellent provider availability offers a unique advantage; 6.4% of residents still lack insurance. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your county health department to ensure you're enrolled in coverage and accessing the mental and primary care services available locally.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Taylor County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Dual-District System in Taylor County

Taylor County features a robust educational landscape with 10 public schools serving 4,017 students. Unlike many neighbors, the county is split between two districts: Taylor County and Campbellsville Independent. The system includes three elementary, two middle, and five high school programs.

Exceptional Success in Taylor County Schools

Taylor County achieves a remarkable 98.5% graduation rate, far surpassing both the national (87%) and state (93.8%) averages. This excellence is supported by a $7,103 per-pupil expenditure and a strong school score of 58.2. These metrics place the county among the top-performing educational regions in Kentucky.

Taylor County and Campbellsville Independent

The Taylor County district is the larger of the two, managing six schools and 2,731 students, while Campbellsville Independent serves 1,286 students across four schools. Charter schools are non-existent here, with 100% of enrollment in traditional districts. This dual-district structure offers families different educational environments within the same county.

Town-Based Learning with a Personal Touch

Most schools are located in town settings, with an average enrollment of 446 students per campus. Taylor County High is the largest school with 817 students, while several primary centers provide more specialized, smaller environments. This smaller-than-average school size allows for more personalized attention for students.

Find a Home in a Top-Tier District

With some of the highest graduation rates in the state, Taylor County is a premier destination for families. Real estate near these high-achieving schools is often in high demand due to the district's reputation for academic excellence. Explore local listings to find your place in this thriving educational community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Taylor County

via RiskByCounty

Taylor County's disaster risk compared nationally

Taylor County scores 38.71 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and falling below Kentucky's state average of 44.21. This positions Taylor as a relatively safe county compared to many American communities.

Where Taylor ranks among Kentucky counties

Taylor County's composite risk score of 38.71 places it in Kentucky's safer tier, with below-average exposure to major hazards. Taylor residents benefit from substantially lower natural disaster risk than the state median.

How Taylor compares to nearby counties

Taylor's 38.71 score sits safely below Scott County (56.08) and Shelby County (61.86), but above Spencer County (13.33) and Todd County (28.56). Taylor occupies a moderate position within the regional risk landscape, offering reasonable protection compared to higher-risk neighbors.

Taylor's primary natural disaster threats

Tornadoes pose Taylor's greatest hazard risk at 68.89, warranting serious preparedness attention. Earthquakes rank second at 67.21, creating secondary but meaningful ground-shaking exposure.

Prepare Taylor County homes thoughtfully

Taylor's moderate tornado and earthquake risks suggest adding wind and earthquake coverage to standard homeowners policies. Flood insurance is also worth reviewing, given Taylor's 40.62 flood risk score indicating real water damage potential.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Taylor County

via SoilByCounty

Southern Kentucky soil characteristics

Taylor County lacks specific digital records for pH and taxonomic order at this time. Most Kentucky soils trend toward acidity, with a state average pH of 5.80 compared to the national median of 6.5. A quick local soil test is the most authoritative way to find your ground's identity.

Observing the texture of the land

Specific sand, silt, and clay data is currently unavailable for Taylor County. The region typically features soils that range from loamy to clay-heavy depending on the proximity to local waterways. Digging a small test hole can reveal if your soil is gritty like sand or sticky like clay.

Building fertility in a data gap

While organic matter and water capacity stats are not listed, the state average organic matter content is a healthy 3.55%. Improving your soil with leaf mulch or aged manure is a great way to ensure you hit these benchmarks. High water capacity is vital for keeping Taylor County gardens green during hot Kentucky summers.

Assessing water movement locally

Dominant drainage classes are not currently mapped for this county, making personal observation essential. If water pools for more than 24 hours after a storm, you likely have slow-draining soil that may need aeration. Proper site planning is key for both agricultural yields and structural integrity.

Abundant sunshine in Zone 7a

Being in Zone 7a gives Taylor County a head start on the spring growing season compared to northern neighbors. This zone is excellent for okra, melons, and late-season tomatoes that thrive in the heat. There is plenty of opportunity to turn your backyard into a thriving food source.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Taylor County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Effort Needed for Taylor County

Taylor County sits at a lawn difficulty score of 55.7, indicating a moderate level of maintenance is required. While it scores above the national median, it is slightly more challenging than the typical Kentucky county.

Warm Summers and Generous Rainfall

The county endures 41 extreme heat days, which is 11 days more than the state average. This heat is offset by 51.7 inches of annual precipitation, though the 77.6°F July average demands careful afternoon watering.

Custom Soil Care is Essential

With no specific local soil data available, local gardeners should prioritize testing for pH and drainage. Healthy soil is the best defense against the 41 days of high heat that can otherwise scorch Zone 7a lawns.

Monitor Water Use During Dry Weeks

Taylor County recorded 8 weeks of drought in the past year, doubling the frequency of some northern neighbors. While current conditions show no immediate drought, those eight weeks suggest you should prepare for occasional mandatory water restrictions.

Selecting Heat-Hardy Grass Types

For Zone 7a, heat-tolerant fescues or hybrid bluegrasses are the most reliable performers. Get a head start by aerating and overseeding in the early fall to take advantage of the 51.7 inches of annual rain.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Taylor County's county score?
Taylor County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 60 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 Taylor County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Taylor County ranks #58 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 Taylor County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Taylor County is $1,174, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Taylor County a tax score of 61.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Taylor County?
The median household income in Taylor County, Kentucky is $61,871 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Taylor County earns an income score of 44.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Taylor County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Taylor County scores 60/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #58 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Taylor 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 Taylor 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.