Webster County's composite score of 73.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 47%, placing it solidly above the typical American county. This strong performance masks some regional economic pressures.
2 / 5
Slightly below Kentucky's average
Webster County scores 73.6 against Kentucky's state average of 75.0, placing it just below the middle tier statewide. The 1.4-point gap reflects competitive but not leading performance among Commonwealth counties.
3 / 5
Housing costs are a major asset
Webster County's cost score of 85.8 and median home value of just $97,600 offer exceptional housing affordability. Median gross rent of $774 monthly further underscores the county's appeal to cost-conscious families.
4 / 5
Taxes and income both lag
Webster County's tax score of 74.6 reflects the highest effective tax rate in this group at 0.985%, and its income score of 21.8 (median household income $58,786) trails peers. Data on safety, health, schools, and water are not yet available.
5 / 5
For those seeking housing bargains
Webster County appeals to families and retirees prioritizing affordable shelter above all else, despite higher taxes and modest wage opportunities. The extremely low housing costs compensate for the elevated tax burden, making it viable for property owners.
Webster County's composite score of 73.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 47%, placing it solidly above the typical American county. This strong performance masks some regional economic pressures.
Slightly below Kentucky's average
Webster County scores 73.6 against Kentucky's state average of 75.0, placing it just below the middle tier statewide. The 1.4-point gap reflects competitive but not leading performance among Commonwealth counties.
Housing costs are a major asset
Webster County's cost score of 85.8 and median home value of just $97,600 offer exceptional housing affordability. Median gross rent of $774 monthly further underscores the county's appeal to cost-conscious families.
Taxes and income both lag
Webster County's tax score of 74.6 reflects the highest effective tax rate in this group at 0.985%, and its income score of 21.8 (median household income $58,786) trails peers. Data on safety, health, schools, and water are not yet available.
For those seeking housing bargains
Webster County appeals to families and retirees prioritizing affordable shelter above all else, despite higher taxes and modest wage opportunities. The extremely low housing costs compensate for the elevated tax burden, making it viable for property owners.
Score breakdown
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🏛74.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Webster County's effective tax rate of 0.985% exceeds the national median of 0.84%, placing it in the top 30% of U.S. counties. The median annual tax of $961 remains well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting lower home values rather than high rates.
Steepest property tax rate in state
Webster County ranks first among all 120 Kentucky counties with a 0.985% effective tax rate—37% above the state average of 0.719%. Despite the highest rate, the median tax bill of $961 stays below the state median because homes here are significantly less valuable.
Outlier with highest regional rates
Webster County's 0.985% rate far exceeds every neighbor: Union County at 0.787%, Washington County at 0.716%, Warren County at 0.642%, and Wayne County at 0.578%. Only Whitley County at 0.657% comes close, but still trails Webster by nearly 50 basis points.
Expect $961 yearly on median home
On Webster County's median home valued at $97,600, homeowners pay approximately $961 in annual property taxes. Adding mortgage escrow, the estimated annual bill reaches about $1,498.
Appeals matter most in high-rate counties
Webster County's highest-in-state tax rate makes assessment accuracy especially important for your wallet. Many homeowners here don't realize they can appeal—a free process that could reduce your tax burden substantially.
Webster County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% sits just below the national average, indicating reasonable housing affordability for its residents. At $774 monthly rent and $58,786 median household income, Webster households dedicate a manageable share of earnings to shelter.
Slightly better than Kentucky average
Webster County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio undercuts Kentucky's state average of 17.0%, positioning it as a moderately affordable option statewide. The county balances modest rents with solid household income relative to other commonwealth markets.
Competitive in the regional market
Webster County's $774 rent aligns closely with Union ($787) and the state average ($771), making it a middle-tier option regionally. Its 15.8% burden ranks better than Warren (17.8%) but not quite as favorable as Washington (14.0%).
15.8% of income toward rent
Webster County renters spend approximately $774 monthly—15.8% of their median household income of $58,786—on housing, preserving $4,157 for other bills. Homeowners enjoy even lower costs at $577 monthly on properties valued near $97,600, Kentucky's most affordable median home price.
Balanced affordability and value
Webster County offers a sweet spot for those seeking affordable homeownership—median home values under $100,000 combined with reasonable monthly costs. It's worth comparing against slightly pricier Warren or lower-rent Washington, depending on whether renting or buying fits your move.
Webster County's median household income of $58,786 runs $15,969 below the U.S. median of $74,755, a 21% deficit. This gap reflects the economic reality of Kentucky's smaller, rural communities in the broader national landscape.
Slightly above Kentucky average
Webster County earns $2,877 above Kentucky's state average of $55,909, placing it in the middle range of the state's 120 counties. The county maintains modest economic stability despite statewide headwinds.
Lower-middle earners regionally
Webster County ($58,786) edges out Union ($60,989) narrowly but trails Warren ($64,801) and Woodford ($80,006) substantially. The county occupies a precarious economic middle, vulnerable to further decline if regional anchors weaken.
Affordable housing with stable rent burden
Webster County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio maintains affordability, with housing costs remaining well within the 30% sustainability threshold. The median home value of $97,600—lowest among peer counties—ensures homeownership remains accessible for working families.
Build wealth through low housing costs
Webster County's exceptionally low median home price unlocks wealth-building through equity appreciation and frees income for savings. Households should prioritize building emergency reserves and retirement accounts to weather economic volatility.
At 70.1 years, Webster County's life expectancy ranks 1.3 years below the U.S. average of 71.4 years. The county's 24.6% poor or fair health rate exceeds the national average of 21%, indicating residents face both shorter lifespans and higher rates of daily health challenges.
Among Kentucky's weakest health outcomes
Webster County's 70.1-year life expectancy falls 2.1 years below Kentucky's state average of 72.2 years, placing it among the state's lowest performers. This substantial gap reflects systemic health challenges that demand attention and resources.
Struggling alongside regional peers
Webster County ranks at the bottom of its regional group, trailing even Wayne County (72.7 years) and Wolfe County (65.5 years by regional proximity). Most critically, the county has only 16 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in its region—and just 47 mental health providers, creating a severe access gap.
Double burden: uninsured and underserved
Webster County's 9.2% uninsured rate exceeds Kentucky's 7.0% average, and the crisis deepens when paired with critically low provider availability—just 16 primary care providers per 100,000 residents. This combination means many residents lack both coverage and access to care, compounding health vulnerabilities.
Insurance is the first step
Webster County residents without coverage should prioritize enrollment at healthcare.gov or through local health centers—9.2% uninsured is a barrier to better health. Once covered, residents can work with providers to address the chronic conditions and health concerns driving the county's poor outcomes.
Webster County's composite risk score of 29.23 earns a Very Low rating and sits well below the national average for natural disasters. Minimal wildfire exposure and moderate tornado risk contribute to the county's strong safety profile.
One of Kentucky's safest counties
Webster County's score of 29.23 ranks significantly below Kentucky's average of 44.21, placing it among the state's lower-risk areas. Only a handful of counties show comparable safety profiles.
Safest in its western Kentucky region
Webster County's score of 29.23 makes it notably safer than higher-risk Union County (42.78) and Whitley County (62.21). It rivals nearby counties for low-risk status, offering residents relative security from major disasters.
Tornadoes present biggest seasonal threat
Tornado risk of 39.69 is Webster County's highest hazard, though still below state average levels. Wildfire exposure is exceptionally low at 2.51, reflecting the county's non-forested landscape and reduced summer fire threat.
Basic preparedness sufficient for Webster County
Webster County residents benefit from low overall risk; standard homeowners insurance covers most exposures. Maintain a weather radio and know your tornado safe room location for spring and early summer storm season.