60
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 79.8Safety 72.8

County Report Card

About Trigg County, Kentucky

Trigg County Outperforms the National Median

Trigg County earns a composite score of 60.0, placing it 10 points higher than the national median of 50.0. This score highlights its status as a highly desirable and secure place to live.

A Safe Haven Above State Averages

At 60.0, Trigg County surpasses the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It distinguishes itself through a combination of fiscal responsibility and high safety standards for its residents.

Safety, Water, and Financial Benefits

Residents enjoy significant financial benefits from a Tax Score of 79.8 and an effective tax rate of 0.555%. This is complemented by a Safety Score of 72.8 and a perfect Water Score of 86.0.

Limited Economic and Health Metrics

The county faces challenges in economic mobility with an Income Score of 24.4 and a median income of $54,630. Health outcomes also score 35.0, indicating a need for better regional medical infrastructure.

A Haven for Retirees and Remote Workers

Trigg County is ideal for retirees or remote workers who prioritize personal safety and low taxes. It offers a high-quality, peaceful environment for those who do not depend on high local wages.

Score breakdown

Tax79.8Cost59.9Safety72.8Health35Schools56.4Income24.4Risk51.6Water86Weather64.7
🏛79.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠59.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼24.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡72.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
35
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓56.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
51.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤64.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱47.7
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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Deep Dives

Trigg County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Trigg County

via TaxByCounty

Trigg County rivals nation's lowest rates

Trigg County's effective tax rate of 0.555% stands among America's most affordable, sitting well below the national median of 0.876%. The median property tax of $1,065 is less than 40% of the national median of $2,690, positioning Trigg as a genuine tax haven. Trigg County homeowners enjoy substantially lower burden than typical American properties.

Second-lowest in Kentucky

Trigg County's 0.555% rate ranks second-lowest in this eight-county study, falling significantly below Kentucky's state average of 0.719%. Its $1,065 median tax also ranks favorably, making Trigg a compelling choice for cost-conscious Kentucky homebuyers.

Trigg near bottom of regional rates

Only Todd County (0.553%) edges below Trigg's 0.555% rate in this regional cohort, making Trigg essentially tied for the region's most favorable property tax environment. Trigg offers better rates than every other county in this study except Todd.

What Trigg County homeowners pay

With a median property value of $192,000, Trigg County residents pay approximately $1,065 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that burden rises to $1,240; without one, it drops to $777.

Challenge assessments annually

Trigg County's exceptionally low rate creates opportunity: homeowners with properties assessed above market value stand to gain substantially from successful appeals. Filing a revaluation challenge in Trigg can yield hundreds in annual tax savings.

Cost of Living in Trigg County

via CostByCounty

Trigg County renters face above-average housing pressure

Trigg County renters spend 17.6% of their $54,630 median household income on housing—above the national average of roughly 17% and higher than Kentucky's 17.0% state average. The county's lowest household income among this group amplifies the burden of moderate regional rents.

Below-average affordability in Kentucky

With a 17.6% rent-to-income ratio, Trigg County ranks slightly below the state average of 17.0%, indicating tighter housing budget pressure than most of Kentucky. The county's $54,630 median household income—the lowest in this comparison—compounds the affordability challenge.

Cheap rents, lower incomes than peers

Trigg County's $802 median rent is competitive with Shelby ($998) and Spencer ($954) but higher than Taylor ($691), while household incomes lag significantly behind nearly every neighbor except Todd County. The $192,000 median home value sits mid-range, but lower wages make ownership relatively expensive.

Renters and homeowners both squeezed

Renters spend 17.6% of the $54,630 median income on housing, while homeowners allocate 17.1% toward monthly costs of $777. Both groups face similar pressure, with limited monthly income left after housing expenses consume their largest share.

Trigg County best for regional stability

Trigg County works best for those already embedded in the region with stable, local employment—job prospects elsewhere are limited compared to neighboring urban areas. Remote workers relocating to Trigg should ensure their income significantly exceeds the county median to maintain comfortable housing affordability.

Income & Jobs in Trigg County

via IncomeByCounty

Trigg County's income below national norm

Trigg County's median household income of $54,630 runs 27.0% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it among the lower-income counties nationally. This reflects the economic realities of rural western Kentucky.

Lowest earners in Kentucky

Trigg County's median income of $54,630 ranks at the bottom of Kentucky, falling 2.3% below the state average of $55,909. The county faces the steepest income challenges among all eight profiled counties.

Trigg trails all comparable counties

Trigg County's $54,630 household income ranks lowest among all eight counties and lags Simpson ($57,392), Todd ($57,759), Taylor ($61,871), and Trimble ($67,813). Its per capita income of $31,732 is high relative to household income, suggesting concentrated wealth rather than broad prosperity.

Housing costs strain household finances

At 17.6%, Trigg County's rent-to-income ratio presses toward the affordability caution zone, consuming a substantial share of already-modest incomes. The median home value of $192,000 requires significant commitment relative to the median household income.

Focus on foundational financial stability first

Trigg County residents should prioritize building emergency savings and reducing any high-interest debt before pursuing aggressive investment strategies. Once a 3-to-6 month emergency fund is established, explore low-cost retirement options and begin systematic saving habits.

Safety in Trigg County

via CrimeByCounty

Trigg County Among the Nation's Safest

Trigg County features a total crime rate of 650.0 per 100,000, which is vastly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. It earns a high safety score of 99.0 out of 100. This data confirms that Trigg County is an exceptionally safe place for residents and visitors alike.

Leading the Way in Kentucky Safety

Trigg County's safety score of 99.0 is higher than the state average of 98.8. Furthermore, its crime rate of 650.0 is lower than the Kentucky average of 786.2. Local law enforcement agencies successfully maintain a level of security that exceeds state norms.

A Secure Regional Leader

Trigg County is safer than neighboring Todd County, which reports a crime rate of 798.0 per 100,000. It also offers a much more secure environment than Simpson County further to the east. This reputation for safety makes Trigg County a standout in western Kentucky.

Very Low Violent Crime Incidents

The violent crime rate in Trigg County is 70.7 per 100,000, which is lower than the state average. Property crime also remains low at 579.3 per 100,000 residents. These numbers reflect a community where major incidents are infrequent and property theft is the primary concern.

Keep Trigg County Safe and Secure

Residents can help keep these numbers low by securing their homes and being active in the community. Installing simple security cameras and motion lights are effective ways to protect property. Reporting suspicious activity to local authorities ensures that Trigg County remains a safe haven.

Health in Trigg County

via HealthByCounty

Trigg County Below National Health Standards

Trigg County's 72.5-year life expectancy falls 1.9 years short of the U.S. average of 74.4 years, and 22.8% report poor or fair health, above the national benchmark of 21%. These metrics indicate persistent health challenges throughout the county.

Marginally Above State Average

At 72.5 years, Trigg County's life expectancy edges just 0.3 years above Kentucky's 72.2-year average, placing it near the state median. Its 22.8% poor/fair health rate exceeds most state peers, reflecting broader wellness concerns.

Middle-of-Pack Regional Performance

Trigg County's 72.5-year life expectancy outpaces Todd (73.0 years on par) but trails Spencer (76.2 years) and Scott (75.7 years). Its 22.8% poor/fair health rate ranks worse than Spencer and Scott but better than Todd (27.2%).

Limited Data, Concerning Coverage

Primary care provider data for Trigg County is unavailable, though mental health providers number just 28 per 100,000—among the region's lowest. At 8.3% uninsured, Trigg exceeds Kentucky's 7.0% average, suggesting insurance is less accessible.

Close the Coverage Gap

Trigg County's 8.3% uninsured rate demands action. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your local health department to explore Medicaid and marketplace options—securing coverage is essential when local provider availability is limited.

Schools in Trigg County

via SchoolsByCounty

Trigg County's Focused Educational Campus

Trigg County provides public education to 1,964 students through a specialized network of five schools. The system is organized into two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools under a single district. This structure allows for a cohesive student experience from the primary years through graduation.

Strong Outcomes and Competitive Spending

The county maintains a 92.0% graduation rate, comfortably beating the national average of 87%. Trigg County invests $7,270 per student—surpassing the state average—and achieves a solid school score of 55.2. This level of investment suggests a community that is deeply committed to funding its children's future.

One District, One Mission

The Trigg County school district oversees all five schools and the entire enrollment of 1,964 students. With 0% charter school participation, the district remains the sole provider of public education in the area. This allows for a unified community approach to school improvement and student activities.

Town-Centered Learning with Small Classrooms

Four of the county's five schools are located in town settings, making the school system a central part of community life. The average school size is 393 students, with Trigg County High School being the largest at 617 students. Smaller environments like Harbor Academy provide specialized options for students needing a more intimate setting.

Make Your Home in a Dedicated School District

Trigg County offers a community-focused school system with graduation rates that exceed national benchmarks. For those buying a home, the proximity to the county's centralized town campuses is a significant benefit for family logistics. Explore local listings to find a home in this dedicated Kentucky district.

Disaster Risk in Trigg County

via RiskByCounty

Trigg County's disaster risk compared nationally

Trigg County scores 48.41 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating slightly above Kentucky's state average of 44.21. This moderate profile reflects meaningful but manageable natural disaster exposure.

Where Trigg ranks among Kentucky counties

Trigg County's composite risk score of 48.41 places it in the middle tier of Kentucky counties, with moderate exposure relative to the state average. Trigg faces more hazard risk than the safest Kentucky counties but substantially less than the highest-risk regions.

How Trigg compares to nearby counties

Trigg's 48.41 score positions it between Scott County (56.08) and Simpson County (27.00), reflecting moderate regional risk. Trigg faces notably higher disaster exposure than Spencer County (13.33) and Todd County (28.56), but lower than Scott and Shelby.

Trigg's two major natural disaster threats

Earthquakes represent Trigg's highest hazard risk at 85.21, among Kentucky's most concerning seismic exposure levels. Tornadoes rank second at 69.72, creating a secondary but significant severe weather vulnerability.

Strengthen Trigg County home protection

Trigg's exceptionally high earthquake risk of 85.21 makes earthquake insurance a priority consideration for homeowners. Review your tornado and wind coverage as well, given Trigg's 69.72 tornado risk score.

Weather & Climate in Trigg County

via WeatherByCounty

Significant Rainfall in Trigg

Trigg County averages 54.7 inches of precipitation, making it much wetter than the national median of 38 inches. Annual temperature data for this specific location is not available in current national datasets.

Higher Rainfall than Most Counties

At 54.7 inches of rain, Trigg is wetter than the Kentucky state average of 50.6 inches. This reflects the high-moisture climate typical of the state's western region.

Low Snowfall Compared to State

The county receives just 3.9 inches of snow annually, which is far less than the 9.4 inches found in Rowan County. It shares a similar high-rain profile with southern neighbor Russell County.

Mild Winters with Little Snow

Winter precipitation usually falls as rain, as the county only averages 3.9 inches of snow per year. While temperature data is limited, the high annual rainfall suggests humid transition seasons.

Invest in Wet Weather Gear

With nearly 55 inches of rain, waterproof gear and reliable umbrellas are essential for residents. Snow removal is a minor concern compared to managing water runoff around the home.

Soil Quality in Trigg County

via SoilByCounty

Exploring the Western Kentucky dirt

Trigg County does not have specific digital data available for soil pH or taxonomic orders at this time. Statewide, Kentucky soils average a pH of 5.80, which is slightly acidic compared to the national median of 6.5. Local testing is highly recommended to understand the unique chemistry of your specific property.

Texture varies across the county

Detailed percentages for sand, silt, and clay are currently unavailable for this region. Soils near Lake Barkley and the Land Between the Lakes may vary significantly from inland fields. Observing how well your soil crumbles in your hand can give you a quick estimate of its clay and sand balance.

Maximizing growth potential in Trigg

With organic matter and water capacity data currently unlisted, gardeners should look to state averages of 3.55% and 0.186 in/in as goals. Integrating organic compost or mulch can help any soil type reach these benchmarks. High-quality soil is the foundation of every successful farm and backyard garden.

Hydrology in the lake country

While specific drainage classes are not recorded, the proximity to major water bodies impacts the local water table. It is important to watch for seasonal saturation, especially in lower elevations. Proper drainage management is essential for both agricultural success and stable home foundations.

Warm weather gardening in Zone 7a

Trigg County’s 7a hardiness zone provides a long, warm season that is perfect for summer favorites like watermelons and peppers. The climate supports a vast range of plant life, from native trees to productive vegetable plots. Start your garden today to make the most of the long southern Kentucky summer.

Lawn Care in Trigg County

via LawnByCounty

Trigg County Facing Tough Growth Hurdles

With a difficulty score of 47.7, Trigg County is one of the more challenging places in Kentucky to keep a lawn green. It falls below both the state average of 66.3 and the national median of 50.0.

High Rainfall vs. High Variability

Trigg receives a massive 54.7 inches of rain annually, which is significantly higher than the state average. However, this water doesn't always come when you need it most, leading to a boom-and-bust cycle for grass growth.

Focus on Soil Health Basics

Data on soil texture and pH is unavailable, so local residents must rely on professional testing to diagnose growth issues. Given the county's low difficulty score, poor soil quality is a likely culprit that requires manual correction.

Severe Drought Risks are Common

The county suffered through 18 weeks of drought in the past year, and 90.0% of the area is currently abnormally dry. This extreme variability makes an automated irrigation system or rain barrels a smart investment for local homeowners.

Tough Grasses for a Tough Climate

In Zone 7a, only the hardiest grasses like Zoysia or improved Bermudagrass will thrive through the long dry periods. Start your lawn improvement project with a soil test to ensure your investment survives the next drought.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Trigg County's county score?
Trigg 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 Trigg County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Trigg County ranks #59 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 Trigg County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Trigg County is $1,065, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Trigg County a tax score of 79.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Trigg County?
The median household income in Trigg County, Kentucky is $54,630 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Trigg County earns an income score of 24.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Trigg County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Trigg County scores 60/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #59 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Trigg 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 Trigg County with other counties side by side.