countyscore
71
County Score
Cost of Living 99.3Safety 87.4Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Wolfe County, Kentucky

An Elite National Score

Wolfe County achieves a composite score of 71.0, placing it in the top tier of counties nationwide compared to the 50.0 median. This score highlights an exceptional balance of safety and extreme affordability.

One of Kentucky's Best

With a 71.0 score, Wolfe County far surpasses the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It is a standout performer in the state, particularly regarding its low tax and cost profiles.

Extreme Affordability and Safety

Wolfe County earns a near-perfect cost score of 99.3 and a safety score of 87.4. With a median home value of $66,400 and rent at $507, it is one of the most budget-friendly places in America.

Persistent Economic Hardship

The income score is nearly zero at 0.1, reflecting a very low median household income of $29,052. Health outcomes are also a concern, with the health score currently sitting at 22.9.

Best for Extreme Budgeting

Wolfe County is a haven for those who need to minimize their living expenses above all else. It is ideal for those who value safety and rural beauty but do not rely on a high-wage local job market.

Score breakdown

Tax75.4Cost99.3Safety87.4Health22.9Schools74Income0.1Risk81.5Water86Weather66.7
🏛75.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠99.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼0.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡87.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤22.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓74
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡81.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤66.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱70
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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Compare Wolfe County with LaSalle Parish →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Menifee County
Kentucky
68.8
Lee County
Kentucky
61.7
Morgan County
Kentucky
62.4
Breathitt County
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59.8
Powell County
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Magoffin County
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Owsley County
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Estill County
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58.7

Deep Dives

Wolfe County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wolfe County

via TaxByCounty

Wolfe County offers ultra-low taxes

Wolfe County's effective tax rate of 0.589% ranks among America's lowest-tax jurisdictions, significantly below the national median of 0.84%. At just $391 annually, Wolfe County homeowners pay less than 15% of the national median property tax of $2,690.

Second-lowest taxes in Kentucky

Wolfe County ranks second to Wayne County with a 0.589% effective rate, sitting 18% below Kentucky's state average of 0.719%. The median property tax of $391 is the second-lowest in the state, a mere 36% of Kentucky's median of $1,093.

Among the region's tax bargains

Wolfe County's 0.589% rate trails only Wayne County's 0.578% in the broader region, beating Whitley County at 0.657%, Washington County at 0.716%, Union County at 0.787%, and Webster County at 0.985%. For rural Appalachian Kentucky, Wolfe offers exceptional tax advantages.

Just $391 on median home annually

The median Wolfe County home, valued at $66,400, triggers approximately $391 in annual property taxes—among the state's lowest. Adding mortgage escrow, the estimated annual bill reaches roughly $548.

Appeal your assessment today

Even with low rates, Wolfe County homeowners should verify their assessments match reality—overages do occur. A no-cost appeal can identify errors and ensure you're paying only what you owe.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wolfe County

via CostByCounty

Wolfe County: the state's poorest match

Wolfe County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.9% represents one of the nation's worst housing affordability scenarios, driven by an exceptionally low median household income of $29,052. At $507 monthly rent, even modest housing costs consume over one-fifth of residents' limited earnings.

Kentucky's most challenged county

Wolfe County's 20.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the absolute worst in Kentucky, far exceeding the state average of 17.0%. The county faces a fundamental economic challenge: extremely limited household incomes make even affordable rents feel burdensome.

The region's deepest crisis

Wolfe County's $29,052 median income stands dramatically below neighboring counties—less than half of Union ($60,989) or Warren ($64,801). Its 20.9% rent burden edges out even Whitley (20.7%), making it the most strained housing market in the region.

20.9% of minimal income to shelter

Wolfe County residents spend approximately $507 monthly—20.9% of a median household income of just $29,052—on rent, leaving only $1,897 for all other expenses. Homeowners pay $391 monthly on properties valued near $66,400, Kentucky's lowest median home price, yet this represents a heavy burden on minimal incomes.

Reconsider unless work brings you

Wolfe County's 20.9% rent burden reflects deeper economic challenges rooted in limited job opportunities and minimal wages across the county. Only relocate here if you've secured employment that significantly exceeds the county median income—otherwise, the housing burden will prove unsustainable.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wolfe County

via IncomeByCounty

Wolfe County in deepest economic crisis

Wolfe County's median household income of $29,052 represents a staggering 61% gap below the U.S. median of $74,755, the largest deficit among all peer counties. This extreme poverty signals severe structural challenges and economic abandonment in Kentucky's Appalachian heartland.

Kentucky's poorest county in this cohort

Wolfe County's $29,052 median runs $26,857 below Kentucky's state average of $55,909, making it the lowest-earning county in this analysis. The county represents an economic emergency requiring comprehensive intervention.

Isolated by extreme poverty

Wolfe County ($29,052) stands alone at the economic bottom, trailing even struggling Wayne County ($41,933) and Whitley County ($41,719) by thousands of dollars. This isolation signals unique vulnerability to population loss, youth out-migration, and systemic collapse.

Housing barely affordable at any price

Wolfe County's 20.9% rent-to-income ratio nears the affordability crisis threshold, with the median home value of only $66,400 indicating a community in advanced economic decline. Even the cheapest housing strains the budgets of median-earning Wolfe County families.

Focus on survival and opportunity seeking

Wolfe County households must prioritize securing stable employment, pursuing remote work opportunities, and accessing regional job centers beyond county boundaries. Wealth-building requires either significant income increases or targeted relocation to economically healthier communities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Wolfe County

via CrimeByCounty

Wolfe County reports minimal crime activity

Wolfe County features a top-tier safety score of 99.6, one of the highest in the region. Its reported crime rate of 273.8 per 100,000 is nearly nine times lower than the national average.

Among the safest reporting areas in Kentucky

The county's crime rate of 273.8 is far below the Kentucky state average of 786.2 per 100,000 residents. Note that these figures come from a single reporting agency and should be interpreted with some caution.

The lowest crime rate in the vicinity

Wolfe County reports significantly less crime than Whitley County, which has a rate of 368.3 per 100,000. It stands as a very quiet community even compared to other safe Kentucky counties.

Zero reported violent crime in recent data

The county reported a violent crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents for 2022, a rare distinction. All 273.8 reported incidents per 100,000 were property-related crimes.

Smart security for a quiet county

Because all reported crimes are property-related, residents should focus on basic security like locking doors and windows. Even with zero reported violent crime, staying aware of local trends remains important.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Wolfe County

via HealthByCounty

Wolfe County faces severe health crisis

At 65.5 years, Wolfe County's life expectancy ranks 5.9 years below the U.S. average of 71.4 years—among the lowest in America. The county's 35.5% poor or fair health rate is nearly double the national average of 21%, indicating a health emergency.

Kentucky's most serious health crisis

Wolfe County's 65.5-year life expectancy ranks 6.7 years below Kentucky's state average of 72.2 years—the lowest in the state's dataset. With over one-third of residents reporting poor or fair health, the county faces an urgent public health challenge.

Isolated in regional health struggle

Wolfe County's life expectancy is dramatically lower than all regional peers—Union County (73.3 years), Warren County (75.3 years), and even Webster County (70.1 years). The county's 31 primary care providers and 223 mental health providers per 100,000 residents offer modest care infrastructure, but this hasn't reversed the health crisis.

Coverage exists but barriers remain

Wolfe County's 7.6% uninsured rate mirrors Kentucky's state average, and the county provides 31 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—suggesting coverage and access shouldn't be bottlenecks. Yet the devastating 65.5-year life expectancy and 35.5% poor/fair health rate point to deeper crises: poverty, substance abuse, or lack of trust in the healthcare system itself.

Coverage is step one of recovery

Wolfe County residents without insurance should enroll at healthcare.gov or contact local health centers immediately—coverage opens doors to treatment for chronic disease and substance use disorder. Beyond insurance, the county needs sustained investment in mental health, addiction services, and economic opportunity to reverse its health trajectory.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Wolfe County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Schools Serving a Small Community

Wolfe County operates a total of 7 public schools serving a population of 1,150 students. The infrastructure includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and two high school programs. This small system is managed by a single district focused on local rural education.

High Per-Pupil Spending Yields Top Scores

Wolfe County leads the region with a school score of 59.6, well above the state average of 55.3. This success is supported by significant investment, with per-pupil spending at $9,307, the highest in the area. The graduation rate is a solid 92.0%, comfortably beating the national average.

One District with Significant Investment

The Wolfe County school district manages all 1,150 students across its 7 schools. There are no charter schools in the county, allowing the district to focus all resources on traditional and alternative public education. This concentration of funds results in the highest per-pupil spending among its neighbors.

The Most Intimate Learning Environments

With an average school size of only 164 students, Wolfe County offers the most personal educational setting in the region. All schools are rural, ranging from Wolfe County High (368 students) to Red River Valley Elementary (112 students). This low student-to-school ratio allows for highly individualized attention.

Perfect for Families Seeking Small Classes

If you are looking for the smallest school sizes and the highest per-pupil investment, Wolfe County is a top choice. The high school scores reflect a community deeply committed to its children's success. Look for homes in this rural district to benefit from an intimate and well-funded education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wolfe County

via RiskByCounty

Wolfe County ranks among safest in nation

Wolfe County's composite risk score of 18.54 earns a Very Low rating and sits far below the national average for natural disasters. Low tornado and earthquake risk provide residents with uncommon protection from major hazards.

Third-safest county in Kentucky

Wolfe County's score of 18.54 ranks near the bottom of Kentucky's risk scale, well below the state average of 44.21. Only Washington County (16.73) and Webster County (29.23) show comparable safety.

Safest in east-central Kentucky

Wolfe County's score of 18.54 nearly matches Washington County (16.73) as the region's safest area. By contrast, nearby Whitley County (62.21) and Wayne County (54.68) carry substantially higher risk profiles.

Wildfires and floods pose modest exposure

Wildfire risk of 63.80 is Wolfe County's notable hazard, reflecting its Appalachian forest landscape and seasonal dry periods. Flood risk of 42.62 remains manageable, while tornado risk of 21.41 is among the state's lowest.

Wildfire awareness key for Wolfe County

Maintain clearance around your property to reduce wildfire risk, and consider fire-resistant landscaping in the dry season. Standard homeowners insurance covers most exposures in Wolfe County's favorable risk environment.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Wolfe County

via SoilByCounty

Understanding Wolfe County's Unknown Soils

Wolfe County does not have specific soil taxonomy or pH data available in current county-level summaries. For planning purposes, note that the Kentucky state average pH of 5.8 is significantly more acidic than the national 6.5 median.

Assessing Soil Texture by Hand

There are no recorded percentages for sand, silt, or clay for the dominant soils in this area. Gardeners can use a simple ribbon test to feel the clay content and determine how easy the ground is to work.

Optimizing Land for Native Growth

Specific organic matter and Available Water Capacity figures are missing for Wolfe County. Aiming for the state's 3.55% organic matter average can help you transform even the most mysterious soil into a productive garden.

Navigating Local Water Challenges

The lack of official drainage and hydrologic data means local site assessments are critical. Before starting a building project or planting an orchard, observe how quickly your land sheds water during the wet season.

Long Growing Seasons in Zone 7a

Wolfe County’s location in Hardiness Zone 7a supports a diverse range of agricultural and gardening activities. Grab a shovel and start exploring your soil to see what this temperate climate can produce.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Wolfe County

via LawnByCounty

Top-Tier Lawn Conditions in Wolfe County

Wolfe County is a standout for Kentucky lawn care with a difficulty score of 70.0. This makes it significantly easier to maintain a healthy lawn here than in the average American county, which scores a 50.0 on the same scale.

Gentle Summers and Steady Rain

The local climate features 50.3 inches of annual rain and only 20 days of extreme heat, mimicking the state's average rainfall while offering much cooler summers. This combination is ideal for cool-season grasses that typically struggle in the Kentucky heat.

Natural Advantages in the Soil

Specific local soil data is currently unavailable, but the general success of local lawns points to a hospitable growing environment. We advise checking for proper drainage to ensure the 50.3 inches of rain doesn't lead to standing water or root rot.

The Gold Standard for Drought Resilience

Wolfe County is remarkably resilient, with only two weeks of drought recorded over the entire past year. Currently, 0.0% of the county is dry, meaning homeowners rarely have to worry about water restrictions or scorched turf.

Embrace the Green in Wolfe County

In Zone 7a, a mix of Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass will thrive with minimal intervention. Take advantage of the mild summer and consistent rainfall by starting your lawn project during the temperate spring or fall months.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wolfe County's county score?
Wolfe County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 71 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 Wolfe County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Wolfe County ranks #3 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 Wolfe County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Wolfe County is $391, with an effective tax rate of 0.59%. This earns Wolfe County a tax score of 75.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wolfe County?
The median household income in Wolfe County, Kentucky is $29,052 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wolfe County earns an income score of 0.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wolfe County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Wolfe County scores 71/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Wolfe 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 Wolfe 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.