56.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 83.9Lawn Care 77.8Health 77.1

County Report Card

About Woodford County, Kentucky

Staying Above the Median

Woodford County earns a composite score of 56.3, which is stronger than the national median of 50.0. Its high income and health metrics help maintain its competitive standing.

Slightly Below the State Average

The county's score of 56.3 is slightly lower than the Kentucky average of 58.6. While it is affluent, the high cost of living compared to other Kentucky counties weighs down its overall index.

Wealth and Wellness

Woodford County is a regional leader in income (83.9) and health (77.1). The median household income is a robust $80,006, supporting a high standard of personal well-being.

The High Price of Living

The cost score of 27.5 is the county's biggest weakness, with median home values reaching $270,400. Water quality and safety also score in the mid-range, leaving room for municipal improvements.

Built for Established Professionals

Woodford County is tailor-made for high-earning professionals who value health and top-tier schools. If you have the income to support the higher housing costs, the quality of life is among the best in the state.

Score breakdown

Tax58.6Cost27.5Safety53.2Health77.1Schools64.5Income83.9Risk60Water46Weather70.3
🏛58.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠27.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼83.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡53.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
77.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓64.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
60
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧46
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤70.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱77.8
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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Deep Dives

Woodford County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Safety in Woodford County

via CrimeByCounty

Woodford County maintains a strong safety score

Woodford County earns a safety score of 98.3, keeping it well within the range of safe American communities. Its total crime rate of 1,060.1 per 100,000 remains over 50% lower than the national average.

Slightly above the Kentucky crime average

Woodford's crime rate of 1,060.1 per 100,000 is higher than the state average of 786.2. However, its safety score of 98.3 is very close to the state average of 98.8, indicating a reliable living environment.

Safer than nearby regional hubs

Compared to Warren County’s high rate of 2,802.5, Woodford County is much quieter at 1,060.1 crimes per 100,000. It balances suburban growth with a relatively low number of police reports.

Property crime accounts for most reports

Violent crime is low at 70.7 per 100,000 residents, far outperforming the national average of 369.8. Property crimes make up the bulk of activity at 989.4 per 100,000 residents.

Enhance your home security today

Since property crime is the primary concern, residents should consider installing smart cameras and alarm systems. These tools provide peace of mind and help keep Woodford County safe as it grows.

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.

Schools in Woodford County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Highly Rated Town-Based System

Woodford County serves 4,010 students across 7 public schools within a single school district. The landscape features four elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. This well-established infrastructure supports a growing population in a primarily town-based setting.

Exceptional Graduation and Competitive Scores

The county maintains a 97.0% graduation rate, which is one of the highest in the state and far above the 87.0% national average. Per-pupil spending of $6,776 is nearly identical to the Kentucky state average. The overall school score of 56.7 places the county above both state and national medians.

One Unified District for the Entire County

The Woodford County school district manages all 4,010 students with no charter schools in operation. This centralized management ensures that all schools, from the large high school to local elementary campuses, share the same high standards. Enrollment is healthy and supports a wide range of extracurricular programs.

Bustling Town Schools with Large Campuses

Six out of seven schools are located in town locales, creating a more suburban feel than neighboring counties. Woodford County High School is a significant local hub with 1,300 students, while the average school size is 573 students. Schools like Southside Elementary provide a mid-sized environment with 577 students.

Find Your Home in a Top-Tier District

Woodford County is a premier destination for families who want high graduation rates and a town-centered lifestyle. The strong school performance is a key factor driving real estate demand in the area. Start your search near these well-regarded campuses to secure a bright future for your family.

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.

Weather & Climate in Woodford County

via WeatherByCounty

Woodford’s Mild National Climate Standing

Woodford County averages 55.2°F, making it one of the cooler areas in the humid subtropical region. It experiences 48.1 inches of rain annually, which is standard for the eastern U.S.

Cooler Than the Average Kentucky County

The county's 55.2°F annual temperature is a full degree lower than the Kentucky state average. This makes it a temperate outlier compared to the warmer western parts of the state.

A Mild Alternative to Western Kentucky

Woodford is significantly cooler than Webster County, which averages 57.5°F. It sees only 14 days over 90°F, while Webster endures four times that amount.

Gentle Summers and Crisp Winters

Summers are pleasant with an average of 73.8°F and very few extreme heat days. Winters average 35.6°F, though specific snowfall totals are not currently available for this county.

Preparing for Winter and Mild Summers

Residents should focus on home insulation for the 35.6°F winter average. While snowfall data is limited, the 14 extreme heat days suggest a lower demand for heavy-duty summer cooling.

Soil Quality in Woodford County

via SoilByCounty

Exploring the Soil of Woodford County

Specific soil identity metrics like pH and taxonomic order are currently not available for Woodford County. This makes local soil testing the only way to compare your land to the national 6.5 pH median.

A Mystery of Sand and Clay

The current dataset provides no specific breakdown of sand, silt, and clay for this county. Without these percentages, the drainage and workability of the land must be judged on a site-by-site basis.

Setting Your Own Fertility Goals

Woodford County lacks specific organic matter and Available Water Capacity data in current records. Using the Kentucky state average soil score of 56.2 can help residents understand the baseline potential for this legendary agricultural region.

Testing for Proper Drainage

Official drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not listed for Woodford County’s dominant soils. Local developers and farmers should conduct percolation tests to ensure the ground can support their specific needs.

Diverse Planting in Zone 6b

Woodford County is in Hardiness Zone 6b, which means gardeners should choose plants that can handle slightly colder winters than their southern neighbors. This famous farming region is a perfect place to start a garden with cold-hardy perennials.

Lawn Care in Woodford County

via LawnByCounty

Kentucky's Premier Lawn Care Region

Woodford County is a gardener's dream with a lawn difficulty score of 77.8, the highest in this group. This score far exceeds the state average of 66.3, marking it as one of the most hospitable regions for turfgrass in the Commonwealth.

Cooler Climates and Optimal Rain

As the only county in this set in Hardiness Zone 6b, Woodford enjoys a cooler climate with only 14 extreme heat days. The 48.1 inches of annual precipitation provides a consistent water supply without the saturation risks of wetter neighboring counties.

Bluegrass Country Foundations

Although specific soil percentages aren't listed, the region is famous for its nutrient-rich, limestone-based soils. These conditions naturally support vigorous root growth and vibrant green color for traditional Kentucky turfgrasses.

Consistently Lush and Hydrated

The county experienced just four weeks of drought in the last year and currently has no dry or drought designations. This stability makes it easy to maintain a premium lawn with standard mowing and minimal supplemental watering.

Perfect Timing in Zone 6b

With a last frost of April 12th and a long lead-up to the October 28th fall frost, the growing window is exceptionally favorable. Kentucky Bluegrass is the gold standard here, thriving in the 6b climate and the region's legendary soil profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Woodford County's county score?
Woodford County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 56.3 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 Woodford County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Woodford County ranks #82 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 Woodford County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Woodford County is $2,003, with an effective tax rate of 0.74%. This earns Woodford County a tax score of 58.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Woodford County?
The median household income in Woodford County, Kentucky is $80,006 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Woodford County earns an income score of 83.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Woodford County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Woodford County scores 56.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #82 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Woodford 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 Woodford County with other counties side by side.