Woodford County

Kentucky · KY

#41 in Kentucky
72
County Score

County Report Card

About Woodford County, Kentucky

Woodford County ranks nationally strong

Woodford County's composite score of 72.1 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 44%, placing it firmly in the upper half of U.S. counties. This solid standing reflects a more prosperous economic profile than rural peers.

Slightly below state average

Woodford County scores 72.1 against Kentucky's state average of 75.0, placing it slightly below the Commonwealth's middle tier. The 2.9-point gap reflects competitive but not leading performance statewide.

Income stands out significantly

Woodford County's income score of 35.6 and median household income of $80,006 are the highest in this group, reflecting a prosperous, educated workforce. The tax score of 81.4 with an effective rate of 0.741% maintains reasonable fiscal burden.

Housing costs rising rapidly

Woodford County's cost score of 74.2 and median home value of $270,400 represent the highest prices in this group, driven by proximity to Lexington and horse country affluence. Rent at $1,000 monthly further signals gentrification. Safety, health, schools, and water data are unavailable.

Best for affluent professionals

Woodford County appeals to well-earning professionals and established families seeking Kentucky's most prosperous county culture. The strong incomes and moderate taxes offset the elevated housing costs, making it ideal for those with disposable income.

Score breakdown

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

Tax81.4Cost74.2SafetyComing SoonHealth75.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome35.6Risk60WaterComing Soon
🏛81.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠74.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼35.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
75.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
60
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Woodford County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Woodford County

via TaxByCounty

Woodford County taxes: Below national average

Woodford County's effective tax rate of 0.741% falls slightly below the national median of 0.84%, positioning the county in the lower-middle range of U.S. jurisdictions. At $2,003 annually, median property taxes remain well below the national median of $2,690, though higher-valued homes here push costs upward.

Above Kentucky's average but homes costlier

Woodford County's 0.741% effective rate sits 3% above Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, but its median tax of $2,003 far exceeds the state median of $1,093. This gap reflects Woodford's higher home values: the median here is $270,400 versus Kentucky's typical property.

Higher-value homes drive higher bills

Woodford County's 0.741% rate clusters near Union County at 0.787% but exceeds Warren County at 0.642%, Washington County at 0.716%, and Wayne County at 0.578%. The significantly higher median home value of $270,400 means Woodford residents pay the highest median tax bill in this analysis: $2,003.

Median tax bill: $2,003 annually

On Woodford County's median home valued at $270,400, homeowners pay approximately $2,003 per year in property taxes. With mortgage escrow included, typical annual costs reach roughly $2,055.

High values demand careful review

Woodford County homeowners with valuable properties should prioritize assessment reviews—even small overvaluations compound into hundreds in annual savings. An appeal is free and particularly worthwhile when your home's market value may differ from the county's assessment.

Cost of Living in Woodford County

via CostByCounty

Woodford County: affluent and affordable

Woodford County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% pairs exceptional affordability with the state's highest median household income of $80,006. Renters and homeowners alike enjoy the luxury of comfortable incomes matched with reasonable housing costs—a rare combination in most American counties.

Kentucky's wealthiest county

Woodford County's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio beats Kentucky's state average of 17.0%, but what truly distinguishes it is the $80,006 median household income—the highest among all eight counties profiled. This prosperity drives strong purchasing power despite higher absolute housing costs.

Premium position with premium income

Woodford County's $1,000 monthly rent and $1,058 homeowner costs significantly exceed all neighbors, yet its $80,006 median income eclipses every comparison county. Home values near $270,400 reflect the county's upscale character and strong property market.

15% of robust income to housing

Woodford County residents allocate roughly $1,000 monthly—15.0% of a median household income of $80,006—to rent, leaving $5,333 for other needs. Homeowners invest $1,058 monthly on properties with a median value near $270,400, representing sustainable long-term wealth building.

Premium living at a fair price

Woodford County offers Kentucky's most affluent lifestyle with housing costs that remain surprisingly manageable relative to local incomes. If you've secured high-earning employment in the state, Woodford delivers the best combination of income stability and housing affordability.

Income & Jobs in Woodford County

via IncomeByCounty

Woodford County exceeds national average

Woodford County's median household income of $80,006 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by $5,251, placing it solidly in the national upper-middle class. This achievement ranks Woodford among Kentucky's most prosperous counties.

Kentucky's top-earning county

Woodford County's $80,006 median towers $24,097 above Kentucky's state average of $55,909, making it the clear income leader among all counties analyzed. The county represents Kentucky's economic pinnacle and a national model of rural prosperity.

Decisive economic leader in the region

Woodford County's $80,006 median substantially exceeds all peer counties—Warren ($64,801), Union ($60,989), Washington ($59,762), and dramatically outpaces struggling Wayne ($41,933) and Whitley ($41,719). This dominance reflects Woodford's role as a regional economic engine and wealth anchor.

Excellent affordability despite premium homes

Woodford County's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio demonstrates exceptional affordability, with housing costs remaining minimal relative to household earnings. The median home value of $270,400 reflects robust property appreciation and genuine wealth-building through homeownership.

Maximize wealth-building opportunities

Woodford County households have substantial capacity to invest beyond mortgages, building generational wealth through diversified portfolios, education funds, and entrepreneurship. Prioritize maxing retirement contributions, real estate investments, and wealth transfer strategies to compound advantages.

Health in Woodford County

via HealthByCounty

Woodford County's health leads nation

At 76.7 years, Woodford County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 71.4 years by 5.3 years—exceptional longevity. The county's 15.7% poor or fair health rate trails the national average of 21%, meaning residents not only live significantly longer but report better daily health.

Kentucky's healthiest county

Woodford County's 76.7-year life expectancy ranks 4.5 years above Kentucky's state average of 72.2 years, placing it at the top of the state's health rankings. This sustained advantage reflects strong healthcare, economic stability, and community investment.

Regional health gold standard

Woodford County outpaces all regional peers—Warren County (75.3 years), Washington County (74.2 years), Union County (73.3 years), and Wayne County (72.7 years). The county's 78 primary care providers and 132 mental health providers per 100,000 residents provide robust healthcare infrastructure supporting this exceptional health profile.

Excellent coverage, abundant providers

Woodford County's 5.8% uninsured rate is the lowest in the region and well below Kentucky's 7.0% average, ensuring nearly all residents have coverage access. With 78 primary care and 132 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, the county offers abundant care options for every health need.

Maintain Woodford's health advantage

With 5.8% of residents uninsured, Woodford County is close to universal coverage—uninsured residents should visit healthcare.gov to complete the picture. Maintaining continuous coverage and preventive care visits keeps Woodford County at the forefront of state health outcomes.

Disaster Risk in Woodford County

via RiskByCounty

Woodford County's risk is below national average

Woodford County's composite risk score of 40.01 earns a Very Low rating and sits below the national average for natural disasters. Notably low wildfire exposure and minimal earthquake risk provide residents with relative safety.

Safer than most Kentucky counties

Woodford County's score of 40.01 falls below Kentucky's average of 44.21, placing it among the state's lower-risk areas. This modest safety margin positions the county ahead of many peers in overall disaster resilience.

Safest in its central Kentucky region

Woodford County's score of 40.01 makes it notably safer than higher-risk Warren County (88.49) to the west. It ranks similarly to Union County (42.78) and provides residents with above-average protection for the Bluegrass region.

Tornadoes represent Woodford's primary threat

Tornado risk of 73.19 is Woodford County's highest hazard, reflecting typical spring severe weather for central Kentucky. Flood risk of 47.96 and earthquake risk of 57.95 remain moderate, while wildfire exposure is minimal at 7.70.

Tornado readiness is priority for Woodford

Identify a safe room in your home—preferably a basement or interior room on the lowest floor—for severe spring storms. Maintain standard homeowners insurance and consider a weather radio to catch tornado watches and warnings early.

ByCounty Network

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