countyscore
64.4
County Score
Cost of Living 86.7Safety 84.2Schools 71.5

County Report Card

About Whitley County, Kentucky

Outperforming the U.S. Median

Whitley County scores 64.4 on the composite index, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. It offers a higher baseline of livability than many counties with similar economic profiles.

A State Leader in Value

Whitley County's score of 64.4 is well above the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It succeeds by combining low living costs with high scores in public safety and education.

Solid Schools and Safe Streets

The county delivers a school score of 71.5 and an impressive safety score of 84.2. Its cost score of 86.7 reflects a very affordable market where median rent is just $720.

The Income and Health Gap

Economic scores are a hurdle, with income at 4.0 and a median household income of $41,719. Health and water scores also remain below average, suggesting these are the primary areas for local investment.

Perfect for Young Families

Whitley County is an excellent fit for families who want safe neighborhoods and good schools without a high price tag. It offers a rare combination of security and affordability.

2040608010067.886.784.231.571.5437.828.767.7Tax67.8Cost86.7Safety84.2Health31.5Schools71.5Income4Risk37.8Water28.7Weather67.764.4/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Whitley County DNA

D+overall

How Whitley County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Whitley County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (86.7/100) but notably weak in Income (4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
67.8+15.799999999999997
Cost
86.7+38.7
Safety
84.2+29.200000000000003
Health
31.5-18.5
Schools
71.5+17.5
Income
4-47
Risk
37.8-9.200000000000003
Water
28.7-29.3
Weather
67.7+11.700000000000003
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Think property taxes are too high in Whitley County?

Many homeowners in Whitley County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$120,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$720/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$120,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,800/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $41,719/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

32.6

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Whitley County with Fulton County →Share on X

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Lyon County
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Carroll County
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Traill County
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Marshall County
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Nearby counties

McCreary County
Kentucky
69.1
Knox County
Kentucky
56.5
Laurel County
Kentucky
51.1
Bell County
Kentucky
53
Campbell County
Tennessee
50.9
Claiborne County
Tennessee
64.5
Scott County
Tennessee
57.8
Pulaski County
Kentucky
57.1

Deep Dives

Whitley County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Whitley County

via TaxByCounty

Whitley County taxes: Below national median

Whitley County's effective tax rate of 0.657% sits below the national median of 0.84%, placing the county in the lower half of U.S. jurisdictions. At $792 annually, median property taxes here are less than 30% of the national median of $2,690.

Well below Kentucky's average rate

Whitley County's 0.657% effective rate ranks in the bottom third of Kentucky's 120 counties, about 9% below the state average of 0.719%. The median tax of $792 falls significantly below Kentucky's state median of $1,093.

Mid-range rates for the region

Whitley County's 0.657% rate sits between Wayne County's 0.578% and Union County's 0.787%, offering moderate taxation for Southeastern Kentucky. It trails Warren County's 0.642% slightly but exceeds Washington County's 0.716% by a small margin.

Median home: $792 annual tax

With the median home valued at $120,600, Whitley County homeowners pay roughly $792 per year in property taxes. Including mortgage escrow, annual costs total approximately $1,103.

Free appeals can lower your bill

Whitley County homeowners should review their property assessments—many discover inflated valuations eligible for reduction. Filing an appeal through the local assessor's office costs nothing and requires no attorney.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Whitley County

via CostByCounty

Whitley County: affordability crisis looms

Whitley County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.7% far exceeds the national average, signaling a severe affordability squeeze for renters. With median household income of just $41,719 and monthly rent of $720, residents here spend a distressing share of earnings on housing.

Among Kentucky's worst-hit counties

Whitley County's 20.7% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's highest, significantly surpassing Kentucky's 17.0% average. The burden reflects a combination of limited local income and housing costs that remain stubbornly high relative to earnings.

Worse off than most peers

Whitley County's 20.7% rent burden exceeds all nearby counties except Wolfe (20.9%), and its $41,719 median income trails neighbors like Union ($60,989) and Warren ($64,801). The dual challenge of low wages and moderate rents creates acute hardship for renters here.

20.7% of minimal income to rent

Whitley County residents allocate roughly $720 monthly—20.7% of a median household income of $41,719—to rent, leaving just $2,640 for all other needs. Homeowners face lower absolute costs at $539 monthly on properties worth around $120,600, though this still represents a substantial claim on limited incomes.

Move only with secure employment

Relocating to Whitley County requires confidence in strong, stable local employment—the county's affordability crisis stems from wage scarcity, not rent. Before moving, secure a job that pays significantly above the county median to avoid the housing burden facing most residents.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Whitley County

via IncomeByCounty

Whitley County faces deep income poverty

Whitley County's median household income of $41,719 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $33,036, a 44% gap. This severe shortfall places Whitley among America's most economically distressed counties, with median earners living well below national benchmarks.

Among Kentucky's poorest counties

Whitley County's $41,719 median runs $14,190 below Kentucky's state average of $55,909, positioning it in the lowest fifth of the state's counties. The county faces persistent economic decline and limited employment opportunity.

Deepest poverty in the region

Whitley County ($41,719) mirrors Wayne County ($41,933) as the regional income floor, trailing all peers except Wolfe County ($29,052). This concentration of low-income counties signals a regional economic crisis requiring intervention beyond individual household action.

Housing costs crush limited incomes

Whitley County's 20.7% rent-to-income ratio is the second-highest in the region, indicating severe housing-cost burden on already-stretched budgets. A median home value of $120,600 pushes homeownership beyond reach for many median-earning families.

Prioritize income stability and skills

Whitley County households must aggressively pursue education, certification, and job transitions to increase earnings above the county median. Even modest income growth can unlock homeownership, retirement savings, and financial resilience in this economically fragile county.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Whitley County

via CrimeByCounty

Whitley County is a national safety standout

Whitley County boasts a safety score of 99.4, placing it among the safest regions in the United States. Its total crime rate of 368.3 per 100,000 is remarkably lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

High ranking within the Commonwealth

The county’s crime rate of 368.3 is less than half the Kentucky state average of 786.2 per 100,000. It outperforms most of the state, supported by five different reporting agencies.

Safest among its regional peers

Whitley County reports significantly less crime than nearby Wayne County, which sits at 717.0 per 100,000. It maintains a secure reputation that attracts families and retirees to the area.

Violent crime is statistically rare

Whitley County sees only 51.8 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, roughly seven times lower than the national average. Property crime is also very low at 316.5 per 100,000.

Preserving Whitley's safe reputation

To keep property crime at these low levels, residents should focus on securing outdoor equipment and using light timers. Simple deterrence is often enough to maintain the county's high safety standards.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Whitley County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Multi-District Landscape in Southern Kentucky

Whitley County features an extensive education system with 21 public schools and three separate school districts. These schools serve 7,423 students across elementary, middle, and high school levels. The county also provides four alternative schools to support varied student requirements.

High Scores and Robust Graduation Rates

With a school score of 57.8, Whitley County outperforms the Kentucky state average of 55.3. The 96.5% graduation rate is nearly 10 points higher than the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil spending of $7,377 is also well above the state average, signaling a strong local investment.

Three Districts Offering Educational Choice

Whitley County district is the largest with 4,336 students, followed by Corbin Independent with 3,027, and Williamsburg Independent with 835. There are no charter schools, but the presence of three distinct districts offers residents multiple public options. Each district maintains high graduation and performance standards.

A Balance of Town and Rural Schools

The county's 21 schools are split almost evenly between town and rural locales. Large high schools like Whitley County High (980 students) and Corbin High (829 students) serve as major community hubs. The average school size is 391, offering a mix of larger secondary campuses and intimate primary schools.

Excellent School Districts for Your Next Move

Families moving to Whitley County can choose between three high-performing school districts. The high graduation rates and strong school scores make this region a standout for real estate investment. Explore homes in Corbin, Williamsburg, or rural Whitley County to find your perfect fit.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Whitley County

via RiskByCounty

Whitley County faces above-average disaster risks

Whitley County's composite risk score of 62.21 ranks as Relatively Low but exceeds the national average for natural disasters. Wildfire risk of 85.11 is notably elevated, making the county an exception among Kentucky counties.

Upper-tier risk among Kentucky counties

Whitley County's score of 62.21 significantly exceeds Kentucky's average of 44.21, placing it among the state's riskier counties. This positions Whitley well above most peers but below the highest-risk Warren County (88.49).

Distinctly riskier than surrounding counties

Whitley County's score of 62.21 far exceeds safer neighbors like Wayne County (54.68), Washington County (16.73), and Laurel County. However, it remains somewhat safer than the state's most hazardous areas in western Kentucky.

Wildfires and floods threaten Whitley residents

Wildfire risk of 85.11 is exceptionally high for Kentucky, reflecting the county's forested terrain and dry-season exposure. Flood risk of 71.09 and tornado risk of 63.99 round out a multi-hazard profile requiring active preparation.

Wildfire defense is essential in Whitley County

Create a defensible space around your home by clearing dead vegetation and overhanging branches at least 30 feet out. Obtain flood insurance if near streams, and install a metal roof or fire-resistant shingles to reduce wildfire vulnerability.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Whitley County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Compliance Below State Standards

Whitley County earns an F grade, recording 30 health violations over the past five years. At 72.7 violations per 100,000 people, the rate is double the Kentucky state average of 35.7.

Ten Local Streams Pass EPA Inspection

Data from the 2022 ATTAINS cycle shows that 100% of the 10 assessed water bodies in the county are unimpaired. None of these streams failed Clean Water Act §303(d) standards during the most recent review.

Diverse Monitoring Includes Biological Data

Five monitoring sites have logged 5,817 measurements over the last five years. Unique to this area, scientists track algae and phytoplankton alongside traditional metal and inorganic levels.

Cumberland River Running Below Normal

The Cumberland River at Williamsburg is flowing at 579 cfs, which is 21% of its typical volume. This level is well below the long-term mean of 2,720 cfs, reflecting regional dry conditions.

Address Compliance and Low Flow Risks

The 30 health violations suggest residents should review their annual water quality reports carefully. Low flow in the Cumberland River may also impact the concentration of substances in the source water.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Whitley County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Conditions in Whitley County

Whitley County’s 55.6°F average temperature aligns closely with the national median for temperate climates. It is a wet region, receiving 52.0 inches of precipitation annually.

Slightly Cooler Than the State Average

The county's 55.6°F annual average is slightly lower than the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. Despite the cooler air, it remains wetter than the state average of 50.6 inches.

Cooler and Drier than Wayne County

Whitley is roughly one degree cooler than neighboring Wayne County. It also sees slightly less snow, with 11.2 inches annually compared to Wayne’s 14.2 inches.

Moderate Summers and Steady Rainfall

Summer temperatures average 73.8°F, with only 20 days per year peaking above 90°F. Winter stays around 37.1°F, providing a distinct but manageable seasonal transition.

Focusing on Moisture and Waterproofing

Given the 52 inches of annual rain, ensuring proper roof health and basement waterproofing is essential. The mild 20 extreme heat days make for relatively lower summer cooling costs.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Whitley County

via SoilByCounty

A Blank Slate in Whitley County

Whitley County currently lacks specific taxonomic and pH data in the official soil records. Because national and state averages vary significantly, local testing is essential to find out where your land sits on the acidity scale.

Mapping Your Own Soil Mix

Exact figures for sand, silt, and clay are not provided for the county's dominant soil units. Residents may find a mix of textures that will dictate how well their gardens retain water and nutrients.

Striving for High Fertility

With no specific organic matter or water capacity data available, local growers can use the state soil score average of 56.2 as a general baseline. Adding organic amendments is a proven way to boost productivity in any unclassified soil.

Monitoring Ground Water Flow

Dominant drainage classes are not currently mapped for Whitley County, requiring a DIY approach to site assessment. Watching for ponding after a storm is a practical way to identify the best spots for gardening or building.

Growing Success in Zone 7a

Whitley County falls within Hardiness Zone 7a, which is ideal for everything from berry patches to summer squash. Even without a detailed soil map, the local climate provides a great foundation for any new garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Whitley County

via LawnByCounty

Above-Average Growing in Whitley County

Whitley County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 69.1, indicating an easier-than-average experience for local homeowners. This score comfortably beats the state average of 66.3 and the national median, making it a prime spot for a lush yard.

Ample Water and Mild Summers

The county enjoys 52.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the national ideal of 30-50 inches. Combined with only 20 extreme heat days, this climate prevents the common 'summer burnout' seen in other Kentucky regions.

Maintaining Healthy Mountain Soils

While specific soil metrics are not available, the 52.0 inches of rain often leads to nutrient leaching in regional soils. Homeowners should focus on regular fertilization and pH testing to ensure the high rainfall doesn't deplete the soil of essential minerals.

Weathering Long Dry Spells

Despite the high annual rainfall, Whitley County faced nine weeks of drought over the past year, the highest among these counties. Currently, 17.0% of the area is abnormally dry, necessitating a vigilant eye on soil moisture during the late summer months.

Seeding for Success in Zone 7a

With a first fall frost on October 22nd, autumn is the perfect time to establish cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass. The relatively low 3,774 growing degree days mean a slower, more manageable mowing schedule for most of the year.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Whitley County's county score?
Whitley County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 64.4 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 Whitley County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Whitley County ranks #31 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 Whitley County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Whitley County is $792, with an effective tax rate of 0.66%. This earns Whitley County a tax score of 67.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Whitley County?
The median household income in Whitley County, Kentucky is $41,719 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Whitley County earns an income score of 4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Whitley County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Whitley County scores 64.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #31 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Whitley 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 Whitley County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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