countyscore
56.7
County Score
Property Tax 80.2Disaster Risk 71.5Safety 65.9

County Report Card

About Todd County, Kentucky

Todd County Exceeds National Averages

With a 56.7 composite score, Todd County ranks well above the national median of 50.0. It demonstrates that rural living can provide a high level of overall stability and safety.

Solid Performance in Rural Kentucky

Todd County's score of 56.7 is just shy of the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It remains a strong contender in the state by prioritizing low taxes and personal security over high-speed economic growth.

Low Taxes and Secure Living

The county excels with a Tax Score of 80.2 and an effective tax rate of just 0.553%. Residents also benefit from a very stable environment, with a Risk Score of 71.5 and a Safety Score of 65.9.

Addressing Healthcare and Income Needs

Health outcomes are the biggest hurdle, with a low score of 20.6. The Income Score of 32.4 and median income of $57,759 also suggest that higher-paying local employment is currently limited.

The Perfect Choice for Low-Tax Living

Todd County is an excellent match for people seeking a quiet, safe, and financially predictable lifestyle. It appeals most to those who prioritize safety and low tax burdens above proximity to major urban health centers.

Score breakdown

Tax80.2Cost58.2Safety65.9Health20.6Schools57.1Income32.4Risk71.5Water60.1Weather64.8
🏛80.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠58.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡65.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤20.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓57.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡71.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧60.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤64.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨59.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56.3
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

Christian County
Kentucky
38.9
Logan County
Kentucky
56.2
Muhlenberg County
Kentucky
57.9
Montgomery County
Tennessee
37.4
Robertson County
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Butler County
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Simpson County
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Hopkins County
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50.9

Deep Dives

Todd County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Todd County

via TaxByCounty

Todd County: lowest effective rate nationally

Todd County's effective tax rate of 0.553% ranks among the absolute lowest in the United States, dramatically undercutting the national median of 0.876%. The median property tax of $870 is just one-third the national median of $2,690, offering exceptional value for property owners. Todd County represents a genuine national outlier for tax affordability.

Lowest burden in Kentucky by far

Todd County's 0.553% rate significantly undercuts Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, and its $870 median tax is the lowest among all eight counties studied. Todd offers unmatched tax affordability within Kentucky, attracting budget-conscious homebuyers seeking minimal property tax exposure.

Todd leads region in tax relief

Todd County's 0.553% rate beats Trigg County (0.555%) and every other county in this peer group, delivering the region's most favorable tax environment. Combined with modest property values of $157,400, Todd provides exceptional overall affordability.

What Todd County homeowners pay

With a median home value of $157,400, Todd County residents pay approximately $870 annually—the lowest figure in this entire study. With a mortgage, that burden rises to $1,033; without one, it drops to $536.

Even low taxes deserve review

Todd County's exceptionally low rates don't eliminate the need for periodic assessment verification; overvaluation affects all counties. Homeowners should confirm their assessments align with market values and file appeals if discrepancies emerge.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Todd County

via CostByCounty

Todd County renters meet national affordability norms

Todd County renters spend 17.5% of their $57,759 median household income on housing—slightly above the national average but nearly matching Kentucky's 17.0% state average. While the rent-to-income ratio is reasonable, Todd's below-average household income means renters face real budget constraints despite typical regional costs.

Average affordability among Kentucky counties

Todd County's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio sits just above the state average of 17.0%, placing it squarely in Kentucky's middle tier for rental affordability. The county offers neither exceptional relief nor significant strain relative to statewide norms.

Mid-range costs in a varied landscape

Todd County's $841 median rent sits between bargain Taylor County ($691) and pricier Simpson County ($1,011), while the $157,400 median home value is the second-lowest in the region. Todd's positioning reflects its role as a rural but accessible county between cheaper and more expensive markets.

Homeownership offers modest relief

Renters in Todd County spend 17.5% of income on the $841 median rent, while homeowners dedicate 15.4% toward monthly costs of $741. The $100 monthly difference makes Todd's ownership market slightly more favorable than its rental market.

Todd works for homebuyers with modest means

Todd County's lower home prices ($157,400) and modest owner costs ($741) make it appealing for budget-conscious homebuyers with stable but modest incomes. Renters should compare Todd to nearby Taylor County's superior affordability or Shelby County's stronger income base before deciding to relocate here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Todd County

via IncomeByCounty

Todd County below U.S. income average

Todd County's median household income of $57,759 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 22.7%, reflecting economic challenges in rural western Kentucky. The gap underscores regional development needs.

Slightly above Kentucky average

Todd County's median income of $57,759 ranks just 3.3% above the state average of $55,909, placing it in Kentucky's lower-middle tier. The county tracks closely with broader state economic trends.

Todd faces stiff regional competition

Todd County's $57,759 household income barely edges Simpson County ($57,392) and falls significantly behind Trimble County ($67,813) and Taylor County ($61,871). Its per capita income of $29,483 ranks slightly above the state average but lags wealthier neighbors.

Housing costs press household budgets

At 17.5%, Todd County's rent-to-income ratio approaches the 20% comfort threshold, suggesting housing costs consume a notable share of household income. The median home value of $157,400 remains affordable but requires discipline in household budgeting.

Maximize low housing costs for savings

Todd County residents benefit from some of the region's lowest housing costs, freeing income for savings and financial goals. Prioritize building an emergency fund and exploring employer-sponsored retirement plans to create a foundation for long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Todd County

via CrimeByCounty

Todd County Boasts Strong Safety Metrics

Todd County's total crime rate of 798.0 per 100,000 is nearly three times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. With a safety score of 98.7, the county ranks as a very secure place to live. These figures reflect a community that is largely insulated from major crime trends.

Aligned with Kentucky Safety Standards

Todd County's crime rate of 798.0 is very close to the Kentucky state average of 786.2. Its safety score of 98.7 almost perfectly matches the state average of 98.8. This indicates that Todd County is a typical and representative example of Kentucky's safe rural landscape.

A Safer Alternative to Simpson County

Todd County is much safer than neighboring Simpson County, where the crime rate is 1,864.8 per 100,000. It also remains competitive with nearby Trigg County, though Trigg is slightly quieter at 650.0. This makes Todd County a reliable choice for those seeking a low-crime environment.

Balanced and Low Crime Rates

Violent crime in Todd County sits at 73.3 per 100,000, which is slightly below the state average of 78.1. Property crime is also low at 724.7 per 100,000 residents. The statistics show a community where serious crime is rare and public safety is consistently maintained.

Maintaining Peace of Mind at Home

Even in low-crime areas, basic security habits like locking vehicles and entry doors are vital. Outdoor lighting and keeping landscaping trimmed around windows can reduce hiding spots for intruders. Community awareness and neighborly communication further strengthen Todd County's safety profile.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Todd County

via HealthByCounty

Todd County Faces Critical Health Crisis

At 73.0 years, Todd County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 74.4 years by 1.4 years. With 27.2% reporting poor or fair health—the worst rate in the region—Todd residents face severe daily wellness challenges that demand urgent attention.

Bottom Tier of State Health

Todd County's 73.0-year life expectancy sits slightly above Kentucky's 72.2-year average, but its 27.2% poor/fair health rate is among the worst in the state. This disconnect signals acute health crises despite average longevity.

Regional Health Crisis

Todd County's 27.2% poor/fair health rate is the highest among all peer counties—5 percentage points worse than Simpson (21.0%) and Spencer (20.2%). Its 73.0-year life expectancy ties Simpson but trails all other regional peers.

Severe Care Gaps and Coverage Crisis

Todd County has critically low provider access with just 16 primary care providers per 100,000—the lowest in the region—and 56 mental health providers per 100,000. Most alarmingly, 12.7% are uninsured, nearly double Kentucky's 7.0% average, creating a perfect storm for poor health outcomes.

Get Covered Immediately

Todd County's 12.7% uninsured rate is a health emergency that demands action. Call 1-800-318-2596 or visit healthcare.gov today to enroll in Medicaid or marketplace coverage—securing insurance is your lifeline to the limited primary care available.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Todd County

via SchoolsByCounty

Todd County's Close-Knit School Network

Todd County manages a small but effective infrastructure of five public schools for its 1,887 students. The landscape consists of two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. This compact system ensures that students and teachers maintain close community ties throughout their education.

Elite Graduation Rates in a Rural Setting

Todd County reports an outstanding 97.0% graduation rate, well above the national average of 87%. The district operates efficiently with a per-pupil spending of $6,156 while maintaining a school score of 55.4, which aligns perfectly with the state average. These results show that the county is delivering top-tier outcomes with focused resources.

Single District Stability in Todd County

The Todd County school district manages all 1,887 students across its five public campuses. There are zero charter schools in the county, meaning every student benefits from the resources and standards of the local district. This centralized focus contributes to the area's high graduation performance.

Small Schools in a Purely Rural Setting

Every school in Todd County is situated in a rural locale, offering a quiet and focused learning environment. The average school size is just 377 students, with Todd County Central High being the largest at 551 students. Horizons High School serves as a specialized small-scale option with only 22 students.

Discover Rural Excellence in Todd County

Families looking for a high-performing rural school system will find Todd County's 97% graduation rate very compelling. The small school sizes and high success rates are major draws for homebuyers seeking a personal touch in education. Find your home in this tight-knit community today.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Todd County

via RiskByCounty

Todd County's disaster risk compared nationally

Todd County scores 28.56 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating well below Kentucky's state average of 44.21. This places Todd among America's safer counties for natural disaster exposure.

Where Todd ranks among Kentucky counties

Todd County's composite risk score of 28.56 ranks it as one of Kentucky's safest counties, with consistently low exposure across most hazard types. Todd residents benefit from well-below-average natural disaster risk statewide.

How Todd compares to nearby counties

Todd's 28.56 score closely mirrors Simpson County (27.00) and significantly beats Scott County (56.08) and Shelby County (61.86). Todd offers comparable safety to the region's lowest-risk counties, with substantially better protection than higher-risk neighbors.

Todd's minimal natural disaster threats

Earthquakes represent Todd's highest hazard risk at 77.32, though tornado exposure at 55.12 also warrants modest attention. Both scores fall below dangerous thresholds, reflecting Todd's overall safe profile.

Basic coverage protects Todd County homes

Todd's low overall risk profile means standard homeowners insurance provides solid protection for most residents. Consider earthquake coverage given Todd's relatively elevated seismic vulnerability score of 77.32.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Todd County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warmer, Wetter Environment

Todd County's 57.4°F average temperature is well above the national median. It is a wet county, receiving 52.1 inches of rain compared to the national average of 38 inches.

Exceeding Kentucky's Thermal Norms

Todd is warmer than the state average of 56.2°F, reflecting its position in the southern tier of Kentucky. It also receives more rainfall than the typical Kentucky county.

Higher Heat than Northern Neighbors

The county experiences 35 days of extreme heat, which is more than Rowan and Russell counties. Its 52.1 inches of rain makes it wetter than Shelby and Scott counties.

Hot Summers and Mild Winters

Summers are intense, with July temperatures averaging 78.4°F and frequent humidity. Winters are relatively mild, with the seasonal average staying above freezing at 36.8°F.

Plan for High Humidity

Outdoor activities should be scheduled around the 35 extreme heat days each year. Dehumidifiers and strong cooling systems are recommended to maintain comfort during the long, warm summer.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Todd County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced acidity in the southern plains

Todd County features an average soil pH of 5.89, which is slightly more alkaline than the Kentucky state average. This puts the soil in a good range for most regional crops, though it remains more acidic than the national 6.5 median. The county earns a respectable overall soil score of 59.6, indicating solid agricultural potential.

Silty soils with a sandy touch

This county has a composition of 62.9% silt and 16.4% sand, making it slightly sandier than many central Kentucky neighbors. The clay content sits at 20.7%, providing enough body to retain nutrients without becoming overly heavy. This mix generally offers good workability for spring plowing and planting.

Superior moisture holding for local crops

Todd County soil provides an available water capacity of 0.196 in/in, which is higher than the state average of 0.186. While organic matter is 2.26%—lower than the state average—it still exceeds the national average of 2.0%. These factors combine to create a resilient environment for row crops and gardens alike.

Naturally efficient water movement

Although specific hydrologic groups are not listed, the sandier-than-average silt mix often allows for better drainage than pure clay soils. This helps prevent root rot in sensitive plants during the wet spring months. Farmers should focus on maintaining organic matter to prevent the silty surface from washing away.

Long seasons in Zone 7a

The 7a hardiness zone in Todd County allows for a generous growing window that favors heat-loving crops. With soil that holds water well, you can successfully grow corn, soybeans, or a diverse family garden. Now is the perfect time to prep your beds for a productive season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Todd County

via LawnByCounty

Todd County Requires Active Management

A lawn difficulty score of 56.3 means Todd County homeowners face a moderate challenge in the yard. This Zone 7a region is more demanding than the state average but remains more manageable than many southern US counties.

Long Seasons and High Thermal Energy

With 4,383 growing degree days and a July average of 78.4°F, grass grows quickly and requires frequent mowing. The 52.1 inches of rain helps sustain growth, but 35 days of extreme heat will test your turf's limits.

Slightly Acidic Soil Needs Buffering

The local soil pH of 5.89 is just below the ideal range, likely requiring small lime applications to reach peak productivity. The soil blend of 20.7% clay and 16.4% sand provides decent drainage while holding onto necessary moisture.

Dry Conditions are Currently Present

Todd County spent 13 weeks in drought over the last year, and currently, 26.1% of the area is abnormally dry. You should prioritize deep, infrequent watering to encourage deep roots that can survive these dry spells.

Optimize for a Long Growing Season

With a last frost in early April and a first frost in late October, you have a very long window to establish grass. Choose resilient varieties like Tall Fescue that can handle the high heat and current dry trends.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Todd County's county score?
Todd County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 56.7 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 Todd County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Todd County ranks #79 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 Todd County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Todd County is $870, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Todd County a tax score of 80.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Todd County?
The median household income in Todd County, Kentucky is $57,759 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Todd County earns an income score of 32.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Todd County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Todd County scores 56.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #79 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Todd 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 Todd 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.