CountyScore

Warren County

Kentucky · KY

#112 in Kentucky
66
County Score

County Report Card

About Warren County, Kentucky

Warren County leads the nation

Warren County's composite score of 71.9 dramatically exceeds the national median of 50.0, putting it nearly 44% above the typical U.S. county. This strong national standing reflects balanced performance across multiple livability dimensions.

Slightly below state average

Warren County scores 71.9 against Kentucky's state average of 75.0, placing it just below the middle tier of the Commonwealth's counties. The 3.1-point gap suggests competitive but not exceptional performance statewide.

Taxes and income lead the way

Warren County boasts the lowest effective tax rate among this group at 0.642%, earning a tax score of 84.2. Its income score of 25.7 and median household income of $64,801 reflect a relatively prosperous workforce compared to rural Kentucky peers.

Housing affordability softening

Warren County's cost score of 74.3 and median home value of $242,600 signal less affordable housing than rural counterparts, reflecting urbanization around Bowling Green. Data gaps in safety, health, schools, and water quality prevent a more complete assessment.

Ideal for upwardly mobile professionals

Warren County appeals to working professionals and growing families drawn to higher incomes and urban amenities. The low tax burden and moderate incomes balance the higher housing costs, making it competitive for those seeking prosperity without big-city expense.

Score breakdown

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

Tax84.2Cost74.3SafetyComing SoonHealth68.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome25.7Risk11.5WaterComing Soon
🏛84.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤68.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡11.5
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 Warren County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Craighead County
Arkansas
66
Median income: $57,615
Putnam County
Georgia
66
Median income: $64,163
Hendricks County
Indiana
66
Median income: $99,988
Boyd County
Kentucky
66
Median income: $60,659
Daviess County
Kentucky
66
Median income: $65,323

Deep Dives

Warren County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Warren County

via TaxByCounty

Warren County taxes: Well below national average

Warren County's effective tax rate of 0.642% ranks in the lowest quartile nationally, significantly below the national median of 0.84%. Homeowners here pay $1,558 annually—less than 60% of the $2,690 national median property tax.

Among Kentucky's lowest-tax counties

Warren County ranks in the bottom third of Kentucky's 120 counties with a 0.642% effective rate, well below the state average of 0.719%. Despite higher home values here, the median tax of $1,558 exceeds the state median of $1,093 only because homes are worth more.

Lower taxes than surrounding counties

Warren County's 0.642% rate edges below Union County's 0.787% and Washington County's 0.716%, making it one of the region's tax-friendly jurisdictions. Only Wayne County at 0.578% offers lower rates in the immediate area.

Median home triggers $1,558 yearly tax

With the median home valued at $242,600, Warren County homeowners pay approximately $1,558 in annual property taxes. Including mortgage escrow, the typical bill climbs to around $1,624.

Appeals can reduce your assessment

Even in lower-tax counties, overassessments happen—many Warren County homeowners qualify for reductions they don't claim. A simple appeal process lets you challenge your assessment and reclaim money already paid.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Warren County

via CostByCounty

Warren County: pricier than the nation

Warren County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8% edges above the national standard, reflecting higher housing costs relative to local income. At $963 monthly rent against a median household income of $64,801, renters here spend a slightly larger share of earnings on housing than the typical American household.

Among Kentucky's higher-cost counties

Warren County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Kentucky's state average of 17.0%, making it one of the pricier markets in the commonwealth. The county's higher housing costs reflect its role as a regional economic hub, centered on Bowling Green.

A premium within the region

Warren County's $963 rent significantly outpaces Union County ($787) and Washington County ($696), reflecting stronger demand and a larger urban center. Home values also climb here, with median prices near $242,600—well above most neighboring counties.

Nearly 18% of income to rent

Warren County renters dedicate roughly $963 monthly—about 17.8% of median income—to housing, leaving $4,400 for other expenses. Homeowners invest more substantially, with monthly costs averaging $1,094 on properties valued around $242,600.

Warren offers growth but at a cost

Moving to Warren County means trading affordability for access to Bowling Green's jobs and services—a worthwhile tradeoff for many. Compare this county's 17.8% housing burden against lower-cost options like Washington County before deciding.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Warren County

via IncomeByCounty

Warren County trails national earnings benchmark

Warren County's median household income of $64,801 sits about $9,954 below the U.S. median of $74,755, representing a 13% gap. Despite the shortfall, Warren outperforms many rural and post-industrial counties nationwide.

Top earners in Kentucky

Warren County ranks among Kentucky's stronger income performers, with a median of $64,801 topping the state average by $8,892. Only a handful of Kentucky counties match Warren's earning power and economic momentum.

Clear income leader in the region

Warren County's $64,801 median substantially exceeds surrounding counties like Union ($60,989), Washington ($59,762), and Wayne ($41,933), but falls behind Woodford County ($80,006). This positions Warren as a regional economic hub supporting both middle-class stability and upward mobility.

Housing costs rising but manageable

Warren County's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio remains below the 30% affordability ceiling, though it ranks higher than neighbors, reflecting its premium housing market. The median home value of $242,600 represents a significant investment but aligns with regional property appreciation trends.

Leverage Warren's growing prosperity

Warren County households earning above the median have genuine opportunities to build wealth through home equity, retirement savings, and local investment. Prioritize maximizing employer 401(k) matches and exploring property investments in this appreciating market.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Warren County

via HealthByCounty

Warren County's life expectancy shines

Warren County residents live an average of 75.3 years—well above the U.S. average of 71.4 years, representing a 3.9-year longevity advantage. With only 19.3% reporting poor or fair health, Warren County outperforms the national average of 21%, indicating both length and quality of life.

Among Kentucky's healthiest counties

At 75.3 years, Warren County's life expectancy ranks it in Kentucky's top tier, a full 3.1 years ahead of the state average of 72.2 years. This performance places Warren among the state's consistently strongest health outcomes.

Regional health leader

Warren County boasts the second-highest life expectancy in its region after Woodford County (76.7 years), and significantly outpaces neighboring Union County (73.3 years) and Washington County (74.2 years). The county's robust provider network—66 primary care providers and 359 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—reflects strong healthcare infrastructure.

Good coverage, excellent access

Warren County's 9.2% uninsured rate edges slightly above Kentucky's 7.0% average, yet the county compensates with outstanding provider availability at 66 primary care and 359 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. This rich healthcare landscape ensures residents can access the care they need, when they need it.

Maximize your health advantage

Warren County's uninsured residents should explore coverage options at healthcare.gov or through their employer—with 9.2% lacking insurance, enrollment could prevent costly gaps in care. Local community health centers and the Medicaid program can help connect uninsured residents to Warren's excellent provider network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Warren County

via RiskByCounty

Warren County faces above-average disaster risk

Warren County's composite risk score of 88.49 places it in the Relatively Moderate category and significantly above the national average for natural disasters. This county experiences elevated exposure across multiple hazard types, particularly tornadoes and flooding.

Highest-risk county in Kentucky

Warren County's score of 88.49 far exceeds Kentucky's average of 44.21, making it the state's most disaster-prone county. Its tornado risk of 93.10 and flood risk of 87.34 are among the highest in Kentucky.

Dramatically riskier than surrounding areas

Warren County's risk score of 88.49 dwarfs nearby Edmonson, Hart, and Simpson counties' much lower profiles. Even Whitley County (62.21) to the southeast carries significantly less risk, making Warren's hazard exposure notably regional.

Tornadoes and floods dominate Warren's threats

Tornado risk of 93.10 is among Kentucky's highest; Warren sits in a storm corridor vulnerable to supercell development. Flood risk of 87.34 reflects the county's proximity to creeks and seasonal wet conditions that can trigger rapid overflow.

Invest in comprehensive flood and storm coverage

Warren County residents need flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program—standard policies don't cover water damage. Identify safe rooms or shelters for tornado events and consider impact-resistant windows and reinforced roofing in high-exposure areas.

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.