countyscore
51.6
County Score
Safety 79.5Cost of Living 78Disaster Risk 70.8

County Report Card

About Webster County, Kentucky

Meeting the National Median

Webster County earns a composite score of 51.6, placing it slightly above the national median of 50.0. It provides a stable living environment that aligns with typical American expectations for quality of life.

Below the Kentucky Average

While competitive nationally, Webster County's 51.6 score is lower than the Kentucky state average of 58.6. Local deficits in infrastructure and education keep it from ranking among the state's top performers.

Safety and Affordable Homes

The county boasts a strong safety score of 79.5 and a cost score of 78.0. Homes are remarkably affordable here, with a median value of just $97,600 and a median rent of $774.

Infrastructure and School Gaps

Water quality is a significant challenge with a score of 5.1, while the school score of 27.5 is among the lowest in the area. Health outcomes also require attention, currently scoring just 24.5.

Ideal for First-Time Homebuyers

Webster County is a strong choice for first-time buyers looking for sub-$100k homes in a very safe community. It appeals most to those who are comfortable trading some local services for peace and quiet.

Score breakdown

Tax39.1Cost78Safety79.5Health24.5Schools27.5Income34.7Risk70.8Water5.1Weather56
🏛39.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡79.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤24.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓27.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡70.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧5.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱57.5
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

Hopkins County
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Union County
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Henderson County
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Deep Dives

Webster County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Webster County

via TaxByCounty

Webster County: Highest-tax county in Kentucky

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Webster County

via CostByCounty

Webster County: solid middle ground

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Webster County

via IncomeByCounty

Webster County earnings fall short nationally

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Webster County

via CrimeByCounty

Quiet and safe in Webster County

Webster County earns a safety score of 99.2, signaling an exceptionally secure community for its residents. Its total crime rate of 486.4 per 100,000 is nearly five times lower than the national average.

Surpassing the state safety average

With a crime rate of 486.4 per 100,000, Webster County is considerably safer than the Kentucky average of 786.2. This makes it one of the top rural counties for safety in the Commonwealth.

Leading neighboring counties in safety

Webster County is even safer than its neighbor, Union County, which has a crime rate of 637.3 per 100,000. Local law enforcement maintains one of the lowest incident rates in the region across four reporting agencies.

Extremely low violent crime figures

The violent crime rate is just 46.3 per 100,000, which is significantly lower than the national 369.8 average. Property crime is also minimal at 440.1, compared to over 2,000 nationally.

Keeping Webster County secure

Residents can maintain this peaceful environment by using smart doorbells and keeping valuables out of sight. Even in very safe areas, preventative measures discourage opportunistic property crime.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Webster County

via HealthByCounty

Webster County trails national health

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Webster County

via SchoolsByCounty

Traditional Rural Schooling in Webster

Webster County provides public education through 7 schools serving a total of 2,168 students. The system includes four elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools within a single district. There are no alternative or charter schools, reflecting a very traditional rural school structure.

Graduation Rates Match National Standards

Webster County's graduation rate currently stands at 87.0%, matching the national average exactly. The county invests $6,311 per student annually, which is below the state average of $6,894. The overall school score of 50.5 indicates the county is performing right at the national median.

One District Supporting Local Families

The Webster County school district manages the education of all 2,168 students in the area. Without any charter schools, the district remains the primary focal point for all community educational resources. The enrollment is distributed fairly evenly across several small elementary campuses.

Exclusively Rural and Appropriately Sized

All seven schools in the county are situated in rural locales, providing a quiet learning environment. The average school size is 361 students, with Webster County High being the largest at 676 students. Providence Elementary represents one of the smaller community schools with 290 students.

Quiet Living Near Rural Schools

Webster County is perfect for those seeking a rural lifestyle without sacrificing proximity to local schools. The small average school size ensures that students receive plenty of individual attention. Consider local real estate if you value a traditional, district-led education for your family.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Webster County

via RiskByCounty

Webster County enjoys below-average disaster risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Webster County

via WeatherByCounty

Above Average Temperatures in Webster County

Webster County averages 57.5°F, placing it notably above the national median for temperature. It receives a moderate 48.0 inches of annual precipitation, consistent with its regional climate.

One of Kentucky's Warmer Regions

At 57.5°F, Webster County is significantly warmer than the state average of 56.2°F. It ranks high among Kentucky counties for heat intensity and summer averages.

Significant Heat Compared to Eastern Neighbors

Webster is much hotter than Woodford County, recording 56 extreme heat days compared to Woodford’s 14. Its July average of 79.3°F is also several degrees higher than its eastern counterparts.

Intense Summers and Mild Winters

Summer dominates the calendar with 56 days reaching 90°F or higher and an average temperature of 77.6°F. Winters are relatively mild, averaging 36.6°F with less than 10 inches of snow.

Planning for Sustained Summer Heat

Homeowners must prioritize high-efficiency HVAC systems to manage nearly two months of temperatures over 90°F. Winter preparation is lighter, as the county only sees 9.8 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Webster County

via SoilByCounty

Webster County's Hidden Soil Profile

Specific data on pH and soil taxonomy is currently unavailable for Webster County's dominant soil types. Without local figures, residents can look to the state average pH of 5.8 as a general guide for their gardening plans.

Variable Soil Composition

Current datasets do not list the exact sand, silt, and clay percentages for this county. Local testing is the best way to determine if your soil is heavy clay or a more workable silty loam.

Targeting Kentucky Fertility Benchmarks

Organic matter and water capacity data remain unrecorded for Webster County. Gardeners should aim to improve their soil quality to match the state average organic matter content of 3.55% for optimal results.

Planning for Local Hydrology

There is no dominant drainage class currently listed, making on-site observation vital for construction and farming. Understanding how your specific plot handles heavy rain will dictate whether you need raised beds or drainage tile.

Planting the Seeds in Zone 7a

Webster County is located in Hardiness Zone 7a, offering a generous growing season for a wide array of crops. Start a garden today and discover the unique potential of your local soil through hands-on experience.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Webster County

via LawnByCounty

Webster County's High-Heat Lawn Challenge

At a difficulty score of 57.5, Webster County is more challenging for lawn care than the state average of 66.3. Residents in this Zone 7a region must contend with significantly more extreme heat than many of their neighbors.

The Impact of 56 Extreme Heat Days

Webster County experiences 56 days of extreme heat annually, nearly double the state average of 30 days. With 4,467 growing degree days, lawns here grow aggressively but face severe stress when temperatures soar above 90°F.

Foundational Prep and Soil Care

Detailed soil data is limited for this area, but the high heat suggests a need for soil that can hold moisture effectively. We recommend adding organic compost to improve water retention and performing a pH test to ensure your lawn can survive the intense summers.

Combating Dryness and Heat Exhaustion

With 41.7% of the county currently abnormally dry, water management is a top priority for local gardeners. Six weeks of drought in the past year highlights the importance of choosing drought-tolerant cultivars and installing efficient irrigation systems.

Summer Survival and Seeding

Because of the 56 heat days, Bermuda grass or hybrid Zoysia are excellent choices for their superior heat resistance. Seeding should occur after the April 7th frost date, giving the lawn time to mature before the mid-summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Webster County's county score?
Webster County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 51.6 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 Webster County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Webster County ranks #95 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 Webster County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Webster County is $961, with an effective tax rate of 0.98%. This earns Webster County a tax score of 39.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Webster County?
The median household income in Webster County, Kentucky is $58,786 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Webster County earns an income score of 34.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Webster County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Webster County scores 51.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #95 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Webster 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 Webster 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.