63.7
County Score
Safety 91.3Disaster Risk 88.1Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Trimble County, Kentucky

Trimble County Leads the National Pack

Trimble County boasts an impressive composite score of 63.7, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This makes it a standout choice for livability on the national stage.

One of Kentucky’s Top Living Destinations

With a score of 63.7, Trimble County is significantly stronger than the Kentucky average of 58.6. It is one of the highest-performing counties in the state for safety and environmental stability.

Top-Tier Safety and Environmental Security

Safety is the county's crown jewel with a score of 91.3, paired with a Risk Score of 88.1. These metrics, alongside a Water Score of 86.0, make it one of the most secure counties in the region.

Growing Health and Education Systems

While safe, the county has room to grow in Health at 44.3 and Education at 49.8. Strengthening these areas would elevate the county's already high overall livability profile.

Best for Peace, Safety, and Stability

Trimble County is the premier choice for families and retirees seeking peace of mind and environmental security. Its elite safety rankings make it a hidden gem for those who prioritize a quiet, low-risk lifestyle.

2040608010065.451.891.344.349.861.388.18665.9Tax65.4Cost51.8Safety91.3Health44.3Schools49.8Income61.3Risk88.1Water86Weather65.963.7/100
This county
National avg
5 above average

Trimble County DNA

D+overall

How Trimble County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Trimble County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Disaster Risk (88.1/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
65.4+13.400000000000006
Cost
51.8
Safety
91.3+36.3
Health
44.3
Schools
49.8
Income
61.3+10.299999999999997
Risk
88.1+41.099999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
65.9+9.900000000000006
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Compare mortgage rates in Trimble County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$172,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$935/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$172,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $67,813/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Trimble County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Trimble County

via TaxByCounty

Trimble County below national median

Trimble County's effective tax rate of 0.680% sits below the national median of 0.876%, placing it in the lower half of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,175 represents less than 44% of the national median of $2,690, delivering notable tax relief. Trimble County homeowners enjoy advantages compared to most American peers.

Slightly below Kentucky average

Trimble County's rate of 0.680% undercuts Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, while its median tax of $1,175 slightly exceeds the state median of $1,093. With median home values of $172,700, Trimble offers reasonable property tax burden within Kentucky's context.

Trimble competitive in the region

At 0.680%, Trimble County's rate ranks nearly identical to Scott County (0.681%) and falls between Simpson County (0.637%) and Shelby County (0.810%). Trimble positions itself as a moderate, reasonable option in the Bluegrass region.

What Trimble County homeowners pay

With a median property value of $172,700, Trimble County residents pay approximately $1,175 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that burden rises to $1,670; without one, it drops to $584.

Appeal to verify assessment accuracy

Trimble County homeowners should request assessment reviews during revaluation periods to confirm property values reflect true market conditions. A successful appeal can reduce annual tax obligations and protect long-term affordability.

Cost of Living in Trimble County

via CostByCounty

Trimble County rents match the national standard

Trimble County renters spend 16.6% of their $67,813 median household income on housing—nearly equal to the national average of roughly 17% and slightly below Kentucky's 17.0% state average. This modest above-average income helps offset typical regional rental costs.

Slightly above-average in Kentucky affordability

Trimble County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio sits just below the state average of 17.0%, placing it in Kentucky's slightly-better-than-average tier for rental affordability. The county benefits from a rent-to-income ratio that gives residents modest budget relief compared to statewide norms.

Lower rents, moderate incomes

Trimble County's $935 median rent is lower than Scott ($1,181) and Simpson ($1,011) but higher than Taylor ($691) and Todd ($841), while its $67,813 household income sits in the mid-range. The $172,700 median home value is among the lowest, reflecting modest property demand.

Homeownership offers significant savings

Renters dedicate 16.6% of the $67,813 median income to the $935 monthly rent, while homeowners spend just 12.6% on monthly costs of $712. Trimble County is unusual in offering substantially lower ownership costs than rental costs—a significant advantage for buyers.

Trimble County: a buyer's market opportunity

Trimble County's modest home values and low ownership costs make it ideal for homebuyers seeking affordable mortgages and strong equity potential. Renters should weigh Trimble's solid affordability against more attractive options in nearby Taylor or Shelby counties before relocating.

Income & Jobs in Trimble County

via IncomeByCounty

Trimble County moderately trails the nation

Trimble County's median household income of $67,813 runs 9.3% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it slightly below the national average. It reflects a typical rural Kentucky county facing headwinds from broader economic trends.

Upper-middle earners in Kentucky

Trimble County's median income of $67,813 ranks 21.3% above the state average of $55,909, placing it among Kentucky's better-performing counties. It stands as one of the more prosperous rural areas in the state.

Trimble outearns most rural counterparts

Trimble County's $67,813 household income exceeds all counties except Spencer ($98,333), Scott ($83,660), and Shelby ($82,671), ranking it fourth regionally. Its per capita income of $31,542 reflects solid household-level earnings distributed across the community.

Housing costs remain reasonable

Trimble County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% sits comfortably below the 20% caution threshold, allowing households to allocate income to other priorities. The median home value of $172,700 aligns well with household earning power.

Use stability to build long-term wealth

Trimble County residents enjoy above-average incomes and manageable housing costs that create space for consistent saving and investing. Develop a diversified approach to wealth building that combines regular retirement contributions with modest real estate or stock market investments.

Safety in Trimble County

via CrimeByCounty

Trimble County Reports Extraordinary Safety

Trimble County reports a remarkably low crime rate of 152.8 per 100,000, far below the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a safety score of 99.8. While these numbers are impressive, they represent data from a single reporting agency and should be interpreted with caution.

A Top Safety Performer in Kentucky

Trimble County's crime rate of 152.8 is roughly five times lower than the Kentucky state average of 786.2. Its safety score of 99.8 is one of the highest in the state, surpassing the 98.8 average. This indicates a very peaceful environment with minimal reported criminal activity.

Quiet and Secure Compared to Neighbors

Trimble County is significantly quieter than nearby Shelby County, which has a crime rate of 981.2. Even compared to other rural counties, Trimble's reported crime numbers are exceptionally low. This provides a very high level of perceived safety for the local community.

Minimal Violent and Property Crimes

Violent crime is very low at 35.3 per 100,000, while property crime sits at just 117.5. These figures suggest that crime is an infrequent occurrence in the daily life of Trimble County residents. The data reflects a community that is largely free from serious criminal disruption.

Simple Steps for Continued Security

Despite the low crime rates, basic home security remains a wise investment for peace of mind. Keeping entry points locked and participating in local community networks helps maintain this high level of safety. Vigilance is the best tool for preserving Trimble County's peaceful atmosphere.

Schools in Trimble County

via SchoolsByCounty

Trimble County's Efficient Public Education

Trimble County operates a small, streamlined system of four public schools serving 1,236 students. The infrastructure includes two elementary schools and two high schools, managed by a single district. This smaller scale allows for a highly integrated educational community where students are well-known by staff.

Beating the National Graduation Average

Trimble County achieves a 92.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national mark of 87%. The county spends $6,783 per pupil, which is nearly equal to the Kentucky state average, while maintaining a school score of 54.1. These metrics indicate a stable and effective system that successfully prepares students for post-secondary life.

District-Wide Focus on Student Growth

All 1,236 public school students in the county are enrolled in the Trimble County school district. There are no charter schools in the county, ensuring that all local public education resources stay within the traditional district system. This helps maintain consistent standards across the two elementary and two secondary campuses.

A Truly Rural Academic Environment

Every school in Trimble County is located in a rural setting, providing a quiet and traditional atmosphere for learning. The average school size is 412 students, with the Trimble County JR/SR High School serving as the largest campus with 558 students. Smaller primary schools like Milton Elementary offer a very intimate environment with just 209 students.

Quiet Living with Quality Schools

For families seeking a rural lifestyle, Trimble County offers a high-performing school system with graduation rates that outpace the nation. The small-town feel and consolidated district make it easy for families to get involved in their children's education. Start your home search today to join this close-knit community.

Disaster Risk in Trimble County

via RiskByCounty

Trimble County's disaster risk compared nationally

Trimble County scores 11.90 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating that ranks among America's safest counties for natural disaster exposure. Trimble residents enjoy exceptional protection from major hazards nationwide.

Where Trimble ranks among Kentucky counties

Trimble County's composite risk score of 11.90 ranks it as Kentucky's lowest-risk county in this analysis, far below the state average of 44.21. Few Kentucky counties offer comparable natural disaster protection.

How Trimble compares to nearby counties

Trimble's 11.90 score makes it the safest county in this comparison group, beating Spencer County (13.33) and dramatically outpacing Scott County (56.08) and Shelby County (61.86). Trimble residents face the lowest disaster risk among all surrounding counties.

Trimble's minimal natural disaster exposure

Tornadoes represent Trimble's highest hazard risk at 52.58, well below concerning thresholds. Trimble's consistently low scores across all major hazard types—earthquakes at 27.96, floods at 23.47—reflect genuine community protection.

Standard coverage suits Trimble County well

Trimble's exceptionally low disaster risk profile means basic homeowners insurance provides comprehensive protection for residents. Standard policies offer adequate coverage across all major natural hazards in Trimble County.

Water Quality in Trimble County

via WaterByCounty

Zero Violations in Trimble County

Trimble County earns a Grade A for its drinking water systems, with no health-based violations in five years. Its violation rate is 0.0 per 100,000, significantly better than the state average of 35.7.

Assessed Water Body Passing

The single assessed water body in Trimble County met all standards during the 2022 reporting cycle. With 0.0% impairment, the assessed portion of the county's watershed is in good health.

Focus on Biological Health

Five monitoring sites have recorded 518 measurements over the last five years in Trimble County. The most measured characteristics include biological counts, fish populations, and physical water properties.

No Live Streamflow Data

Trimble County currently lacks a primary USGS streamgage providing live discharge readings. Monitoring efforts here are centered on biological health rather than real-time flow volume.

Maintain Biological Awareness

With active monitoring of fish and biological health, the county shows a strong commitment to ecosystem stability. Residents should continue to support watershed protection to maintain these high standards.

Soil Quality in Trimble County

via SoilByCounty

Soil profile of the Ohio River valley

Trimble County currently lacks digital records for soil pH and taxonomic order. We know the Kentucky state average pH is 5.80, which is more acidic than the national 6.5 median. A professional soil test will provide the precise information needed for tailored fertilization and liming.

River influence on local soil texture

Specific data on sand, silt, and clay percentages is currently unavailable for Trimble County. Many areas along the river feature alluvial soils that can be rich in silt and nutrients. Home gardeners should check for heavy clay, which is common in many hilly parts of northern Kentucky.

Assessing the land's natural riches

Organic matter and water capacity stats are not presently listed for the county, but the state averages are 3.55% and 0.186 in/in. Adding organic material like cover crops can help improve the soil's structure and its ability to hold water. Healthy fertility is within reach for any local grower with the right amendments.

Watching the water flow

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not available, making local site assessment vital. The hilly terrain of the region often leads to rapid runoff, while flat areas near the river may experience slower drainage. Careful planning helps prevent erosion on slopes and standing water in low-lying fields.

Gardening success in Hardiness Zone 6b

Trimble County is situated in Hardiness Zone 6b, offering a climate suited for apples, peaches, and hearty vegetables. Even without detailed soil data, the reliable rainfall and temperate seasons are great for beginners and experts alike. Plant a garden this season and enjoy the bounty of the Ohio River valley.

Lawn Care in Trimble County

via LawnByCounty

Trimble County Offers Favorable Conditions

Trimble County earns a solid 69.8 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it easier to maintain than most Kentucky counties. This Zone 6b area benefits from a temperate climate that stays close to ideal growing parameters.

Lower Heat Stress for Your Grass

With only 25 extreme heat days per year, Trimble is cooler than the state average of 30. Combined with 48.6 inches of rain, your lawn is less likely to go dormant or brown during the peak of summer.

Baseline Testing Informs Proper Care

No specific soil data is available for the county, so a DIY test kit is your first step for a better lawn. Use the lower heat levels to your advantage by focusing on building a nutrient-rich topsoil layer.

Moderate Drought Exposure Currently

The area only saw 3 weeks of drought last year, though 18.5% of the county is currently showing as abnormally dry. Monitoring your lawn for signs of wilting will help you manage these occasional dry patches efficiently.

Cool-Season Grasses Thrive Here

Zone 6b is perfect for a mix of Kentucky Bluegrass and Fescue, which will love the mild 25 days of heat. Plant in the fall to allow roots to establish before the ground freezes, ensuring a lush return in the spring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Trimble County's county score?
Trimble County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 63.7 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 Trimble County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Trimble County ranks #37 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 Trimble County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Trimble County is $1,175, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Trimble County a tax score of 65.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Trimble County?
The median household income in Trimble County, Kentucky is $67,813 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Trimble County earns an income score of 61.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Trimble County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Trimble County scores 63.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #37 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Trimble 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 Trimble County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.