Ranking the 30 Best Counties to Call Home in Kentucky

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Best counties to live in Kentucky

More counties in the United States experienced population growth in the last year, according to the latest Census data, even as pandemic-related moving trends begin to normalize.

Counties in the South continued to experience growth, particularly in Florida, where 96% of its 67 counties gained new residents. Polk County, Florida, a suburb of Orlando, added the most, with 26,000 people moving there in 2023.

Meanwhile, counties in the Midwest and Northeast continued to lose population, but at slower rates than the year before. Some of the biggest losses were in counties home to large cities, including Cook County, Illinois (home of Chicago) and the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens in New York.

Many counties are experiencing growth due to their job opportunities, education, or relatively affordable housing costs. Others are favored for their historic or well-designed downtowns or access to cultural opportunities.

Stacker compiled a list of the best counties to live in Kentucky using rankings from Niche. Niche ranks counties by various factors including public schools, educational attainment, cost of living, and housing.

Keep reading to see if your county made the list.

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#30. Fulton County, Kentucky

– Overall Rank: Not ranked
– Population: 6,480
– Median household income: $35,449
– Median home value: $75,000 (64% own)
– Median rent: $622 (36% rent)
– Top public schools: Fulton County Elementary School (grade B), Fulton County High School (grade B minus), Fulton Independent School (grade B minus)
– Top private schools:
– Top places: Fulton (grade B), Hickman (grade B)

About

Fulton County sits at Kentucky’s western edge along the Mississippi River, where fertile lowlands and riverfront history shape its quiet landscape. The small towns of Fulton and Hickman anchor the county with railroad heritage, agriculture, and a close-knit community tied to farming and river trade.

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Agriculture drives much of the economy, with corn, soybeans, and other crops covering wide tracts of land. Life here moves to the rhythm of river traffic, seasonal harvests, and local traditions, attracting those looking for rural simplicity and a connection to Kentucky’s river culture.

Where is Fulton County?

Fulton County sits in Kentucky’s far western corner, bordered by the Mississippi River and shaped by softly rolling farmland and backwater sloughs. Tucked into a quiet bend of the state, it lies closer to Tennessee and Missouri than to its own Bluegrass heartland, giving it a character all its own.

Here, the small towns of Fulton and Hickman rise amid river bottoms and open fields, where grain silos and tugboats share the horizon. Life moves at the pace of river traffic and harvest seasons, drawing steady rhythm from both soil and water.

#29. McLean County, Kentucky

– Overall Rank: Not ranked
– Population: 9,173
– Median household income: $64,020
– Median home value: $139,400 (80% own)
– Median rent: $534 (20% rent)
– Top public schools: Calhoun Elementary School (grade B+), Marie Gatton Phillips Elementary School (grade B), McLean County Middle School (grade B minus)
– Top private schools:
– Top places: Sacramento (grade B minus), Calhoun (grade C+), Beech Grove (grade C+)

About

Centered in the rolling fields of western Kentucky, McLean County is a land of winding rivers, fertile farmland, and small-town pride. Its county seat, Calhoun, overlooks the Green River — a historic waterway once vital for shipping and trade — while communities like Livermore and Sacramento reflect deep agricultural traditions.

Tobacco, grain, and livestock remain central to local life, supported by a culture of fairs, festivals, and family-owned farms. The pace is unhurried, the horizons wide, and the connection to land and heritage strong — drawing those who value rural roots and riverland character.

Where is McLean County?

McLean County stretches across western Kentucky where the Green River coils through bottomland woods and sprawling fields. This is a landscape of quiet bends, fertile soil, and crossroads towns stitched together by backroads and family farms.

In places like Calhoun, Livermore, and Island, life stays close to the river’s pulse — marked by fishing docks, farm auctions, and summer festivals that gather neighbors under shade trees.

#28. Laurel County, Kentucky

– Overall Rank: Not ranked
– Population: 62,442
– Median household income: $53,693
– Median home value: $141,300 (71% own)
– Median rent: $772 (29% rent)
– Top public schools: Sublimity Elementary School (grade A), Cold Hill Elementary School (grade A), Keavy Elementary School (grade A minus)
– Top private schools: London Christian Academy (grade C+), Cornerstone Christian School (grade unavailable), Paces Creek Mennonite School (grade unavailable)
– Top places: North Corbin (grade B), London (grade B minus), East Bernstadt (grade B minus)

About

Laurel County stretches across the foothills of southeastern Kentucky, where forests, lakes, and winding roads give way to a mix of Appalachian charm and growing commerce. London, the county seat, serves as a regional hub with festivals, restaurants, and businesses that balance small-town feel with modern convenience.

Beyond town, Daniel Boone National Forest, Laurel River Lake, and miles of trails offer endless outdoor escapes — from boating and fishing to hiking under hardwood canopies. With roots in timber, farming, and railroad history, Laurel County attracts those seeking adventure, natural scenery, and laid-back mountain-country living.

Where is Laurel County?

Laurel County lies in the foothills of southeastern Kentucky, where the Cumberland Plateau begins to rise into ridges of hardwood forest and sandstone. Known for its blend of wild hills and hometown ease, the county centers on London — a hub of small shops, festivals, and bluegrass hospitality that grew along early frontier roads.

Beyond town, the landscape opens into rolling pastures, rocky hollows, and the headwaters of Laurel River Lake. Anglers, hikers, and campers drift toward its clear coves and pine-lined trails, where the rhythm of life is set not by clocks, but by seasons, creeks, and campfire smoke.

#27. Rowan County, Kentucky

– Overall Rank: Not ranked
– Population: 24,551
– Median household income: $50,038
– Median home value: $149,900 (61% own)
– Median rent: $759 (39% rent)
– Top public schools: McBrayer Elementary School (grade B), Rowan County Middle School (grade B minus), Tilden Hogge Elementary School (grade B minus)
– Top private schools: Lakeside Christian Academy (grade B), Rowan County Christian Academy (grade unavailable)
– Top places: Morehead (grade B minus), Lakeview Heights (grade B minus)

About

Nestled on the edge of the Appalachian foothills in northeastern Kentucky, Rowan County is defined by forested ridges, sandstone cliffs, and the clear waters of Cave Run Lake. Morehead, its college town center, blends academic energy from Morehead State University with friendly small-town tradition.

The surrounding landscape is part of the Daniel Boone National Forest, offering hiking, fishing, and camping among rugged natural beauty. Historically tied to timber and rail, Rowan County today draws students, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a scenic, community-oriented place to call home.

Where is Rowan County?

Rowan County rises amid the forested hills of eastern Kentucky, shaped by the sandstone cliffs and winding waters of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Its seat, Morehead, began as a timber and rail town and now carries a college-town energy tucked along the shores of Cave Run Lake.

This is a place where students, anglers, and long‐timers cross paths on wooded trails, at courthouse steps, and along Main Street cafés. Life leans toward the outdoors — measured in lake levels, autumn color, and the hush of deep woods that lie just beyond town.

#26. Mason County, Kentucky

– Overall Rank: Not ranked
– Population: 17,068
– Median household income: $48,460
– Median home value: $156,600 (69% own)
– Median rent: $697 (31% rent)
– Top public schools: Mason County High School (grade B), Mason County Middle School (grade B), Mason County Intermediate School (grade B minus)
– Top private schools: Christian Fellowship School (grade A minus), St. Patrick School (grade B+)
– Top places: Maysville (grade B), Mays Lick (grade B minus), Dover (grade C+)

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About

Perched along a sweeping bend of the Ohio River in northern Kentucky, Mason County mixes riverfront heritage with vibrant small-town life. Its historic center, Maysville, showcases brick streets, 19th-century architecture, and a legacy shaped by river trade, bourbon, and bluegrass culture.

Rolling tobacco farms unfurl beyond town as ferries glide the river and local festivals keep traditions alive. With its blend of history, fertile land, and scenic waterways, Mason County appeals to those who appreciate character, craftsmanship, and life along Kentucky’s northern river border.

Where is Mason County?

Mason County traces Kentucky’s northern edge where the Ohio River sweeps wide past limestone bluffs and historic riverfronts. Anchored by Maysville — a once-booming port known for bourbon, bridge crossings, and brick-lined streets — the county blends frontier history with small-town charm.

Beyond the riverbanks, the land rises into rolling tobacco fields, horse pastures, and creek-cut hollows dotted with old farmsteads. Life here moves between river mist and rural quiet, carrying echoes of flatboats, ferries, and bluegrass roots that still shape the pace of everyday living.

#25. Lyon County, Kentucky

– Overall Rank: 1,380
– Population: 8,721
– Median household income: $64,081
– Median home value: $164,100 (82% own)
– Median rent: $689 (18% rent)
– Top public schools: Lyon County Middle School (grade A minus), Lyon County Elementary School (grade B+), Lyon County High School (grade B minus)
– Top private schools: Lyon County Child Development Center (grade unavailable)
– Top places: Eddyville (grade B minus), Kuttawa (grade B minus)

About

Situated in western Kentucky’s lake country, Lyon County is surrounded by water, forests, and natural beauty at the heart of the Land Between the Lakes region. Eddyville and Kuttawa anchor the county with marinas, historic streets, and a pace tuned to boating seasons and lake sunsets.

Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley frame daily life — fishing, kayaking, and dockside gatherings count as everyday pastimes. Once driven by river trade and iron furnaces, Lyon County today draws outdoor lovers, retirees, and vacationers seeking a peaceful life shaped by shoreline and woodland.

Where is Lyon County?

Lyon County rests where western Kentucky gives way to water — bordered by the wide sweep of Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, and the forested peninsula between them. Its heart, Eddyville, once a river port, now sits beside marinas, campgrounds, and winding roads that lead deep into the Land Between the Lakes.

Here, life follows a shoreline rhythm: fishermen trail sunrise along quiet coves, families return to cabins tucked under tall pines, and herons lift off from muddy banks with the slow ease that defines lake country.

#24. Marshall County, Kentucky

– Overall Rank: 1,292
– Population: 31,706
– Median household income: $64,597
– Median home value: $160,600 (83% own)
– Median rent: $742 (17% rent)
– Top public schools: Central Elementary School (grade B), Benton Elementary School (grade B), North Marshall Middle School (grade B minus)
– Top private schools:
– Top places: Benton (grade B), Calvert City (grade C+), Hardin (grade C)

About

Down in western Kentucky’s lake district, Marshall County blends recreation, rural charm, and community spirit anchored around Kentucky Lake and nearby Lake Barkley. Benton, the county seat, hosts court square gatherings, music festivals, and local shops, while Hardin and Calvert City reflect roots in farming and river industry.

The lakes guide daily rhythms — with marinas, bass tournaments, swimming spots, and waterfront cabins shaping both work and play. From quilting traditions to outdoor adventure, Marshall County attracts those drawn to small-town living wrapped in natural beauty and lake life.

Where is Marshall County?

Marshall County unfolds along Kentucky Lake’s western shore, where stretches of open water meet gentle ridges and patchwork farmland. Centered around Benton — a town known for quilting traditions, court square gatherings, and a steady small-town pulse — the county blends craft heritage with lakefront life.

Toward Kentucky Dam Village and Aurora, the land tilts toward piers, bait shops, and boat slips, drawing locals and travelers to its calm bays and fishing trails. Days move with the lake: rising slow with fog, settling in golden reflections, and always holding the easy cadence of water nearby.

#23. Logan County, Kentucky

– Overall Rank: 1,282
– Population: 27,498
– Median household income: $58,869
– Median home value: $134,200 (74% own)
– Median rent: $683 (26% rent)
– Top public schools: Olmstead Elementary School (grade B+), Lewisburg Elementary School (grade B+), Auburn Elementary School (grade B+)
– Top private schools: Plainview Mennonite School (grade unavailable), Sands Springs School (grade unavailable), New Hope School (grade unavailable)
– Top places: Russellville (grade B), Adairville (grade B+), Auburn (grade B)

About

Tucked into the rolling hills of south-central Kentucky, Logan County carries a deep legacy of pioneer settlement, Civil War history, and long-standing farm culture. Russellville serves as the county’s historic core, where brick storefronts, heritage homes, and town-square events echo a strong sense of place.

Beyond town, broad fields grow tobacco, soybeans, and wheat while livestock graze across pastureland. With its mix of history, agriculture, and neighborly atmosphere, Logan County appeals to those who value classic rural Kentucky life with roots running generations deep.

Where is Logan County?

Logan County spreads across south-central Kentucky where fertile blackland fields unfurl under sweeping skies. Rooted in farming heritage and early frontier history, it centers on Russellville — a courthouse town framed by brick storefronts, Civil War lore, and annual harvest festivals that still draw crowds with pies and fiddles.

Outside town, the countryside stretches wide with soybean rows, barns, and grazing cattle, broken only by creeks and the occasional shade of cedar groves. It’s a place where life keeps pace with tractors and weather fronts, grounded in the soil that has shaped generations.

#22. Meade County, Kentucky

– Overall Rank: 1,137
– Population: 29,964
– Median household income: $68,518
– Median home value: $187,400 (74% own)
– Median rent: $929 (26% rent)
– Top public schools: David T. Wilson Elementary School (grade A minus), Flaherty Elementary School (grade B+), Brandenburg Primary School (grade B+)
– Top private schools:
– Top places: Muldraugh (grade B minus), Doe Valley (grade B+), Brandenburg (grade B)

About

On Kentucky’s northern edge overlooking the Ohio River, Meade County stretches from misty morning farmland to rugged river bluffs. Brandenburg, the county seat, anchors civic life with historic downtown buildings, riverfront parks, and ties to steamboat-era trade.

Outside town, Fort Knox’s boundaries touch the eastern edge while cornfields, pastures, and woodlands cover the countryside. With military history, river culture, and rolling agricultural landscapes, Meade County draws residents who appreciate a blend of rural quiet, strategic location, and deep Kentucky roots.

Where is Meade County?

Meade County sits high above the Ohio River in north‐central Kentucky, where cliffs edge into broad river views and forested ridges slope toward cornfields and pastures. Brandenburg anchors the county with its historic riverfront, Civil War memories, and a slow but steady rhythm shaped by river traffic and small-town traditions.

Beyond town, country roads wind past family farms, limestone outcrops, and wooded hollows where deer move through early morning mist. Life here follows the rise and fall of the river, grounded in rural routines and the kind of quiet that settles in long after sunset.

#21. Graves County, Kentucky

– Overall Rank: 1,135
– Population: 36,701
– Median household income: $52,526
– Median home value: $134,900 (75% own)
– Median rent: $662 (25% rent)
– Top public schools: Fancy Farm Elementary School (grade A), Graves County Central Elementary School (grade A minus), Farmington Elementary School (grade A minus)
– Top private schools: Northside Baptist Christian School (grade B), St. Joseph Catholic School (grade unavailable)
– Top places: Mayfield (grade B), Symsonia (grade B+), Wingo (grade B minus)

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About

Located in the heart of Kentucky’s Jackson Purchase region, Graves County unfolds across broad, fertile plains once carved by ancient rivers. Mayfield, the county seat, mixes courthouse-square tradition with a legacy tied to railroads, tobacco warehouses, and quilt-making heritage.

Soybeans, corn, and poultry farming dominate the landscape beyond town, where quiet roads stretch between family farms and century-old communities. With its strong agricultural economy, deep-rooted craftsmanship, and small-town spirit, Graves County appeals to those seeking enduring rural culture and open-sky Kentucky living.

Where is Graves County?

Graves County stretches across the rolling farmlands of western Kentucky, where the Purchase region opens wide under big, ever‐changing skies. Mayfield stands at its heart — once a rail and tobacco hub, now known for courthouse square traditions, quilting heritage, and a resilience shaped by storms and rebuilding.

Beyond town, miles of corn, soybeans, and winter wheat reach toward the horizon, broken by barns, farm ponds, and gravel drives. Life moves with planting and harvest, rooted in the land and carried forward by deep-running ties to family, work, and soil.

#20. Henderson County, Kentucky

– Overall Rank: 1,119
– Population: 44,770
– Median household income: $56,912
– Median home value: $156,200 (64% own)
– Median rent: $775 (36% rent)
– Top public schools: Cairo Elementary School (grade A minus), Henderson County South Middle School (grade A minus), Spottsville Elementary School (grade A minus)
– Top private schools: Holy Name Elementary School (grade unavailable)
– Top places: Henderson (grade B), Robards (grade B), Corydon (grade B minus)

About

Set alongside a sweeping curve of the Ohio River in western Kentucky, Henderson County blends riverfront industry with leafy neighborhoods and historic charm. The city of Henderson serves as the cultural center, known for its tree-lined streets, riverwalk, and music legacy tied to blues legend W.C. Handy.

Agriculture and manufacturing fuel the local economy, while wildlife refuges, nature trails, and scenic river views offer daily connection to the outdoors. With its mix of industry, history, and natural beauty, Henderson County attracts those who enjoy river town living with both grit and grace.

Where is Henderson County?

Henderson County unfolds along a sweeping bend of the Ohio River in western Kentucky, where rich riverbottom soil meets a skyline of silos, smokestacks, and old-growth trees. The city of Henderson anchors it with historic brick facades, blues music roots, and a riverfront park that sways gently to the rhythm of passing barges.

Beyond town, the land stretches into bottomland forests, fertile fields, and wildlife refuges where cypress knees rise from still water. Life here follows the river’s steady pulse — marked by migration seasons, tobacco harvests, and the slow, enduring flow of the Ohio itself.

#19. Taylor County, Kentucky

– Overall Rank: 1,085
– Population: 26,056
– Median household income: $63,211
– Median home value: $156,800 (68% own)
– Median rent: $708 (32% rent)
– Top public schools: Campbellsville High School (grade B+), Taylor County Elementary School (grade B minus), Taylor County High School (grade B minus)
– Top private schools: Kentucky Christian School (grade unavailable), Campbellsville Christian Church Center for Education (grade unavailable)
– Top places: Campbellsville (grade B)

About

Set in the heart of central Kentucky, Taylor County weaves together rolling farmland, lake recreation, and small-town energy. Campbellsville, the county seat, is a college town hub where Campbellsville University, downtown shops, and local eateries foster a lively yet close-knit atmosphere.

Just outside town, Green River Lake defines the landscape — inviting fishing trips, camping weekends, and sunrise paddles. With strong agricultural roots and a growing mix of education and tourism, Taylor County appeals to those drawn to a community where fields, water, and hometown pride meet.

Where is Taylor County?

Taylor County lies in central Kentucky where wooded knobs rise between pastureland and winding branches of Green River Lake. Campbellsville sits at its center — a courthouse town turned college hub, with brick streets, local eateries, and a rhythm shaped by campus life and nearby water.

Beyond town limits, the landscape shifts to rolling farms, hidden hollows, and lake coves lined with cedar and oak. Days follow a rural tempo here: marked by fishing lines cast at dawn, hay cut under a wide sky, and evenings that settle softly across the hills.

#18. Pulaski County, Kentucky

– Overall Rank: 1,008
– Population: 65,145
– Median household income: $48,768
– Median home value: $140,400 (72% own)
– Median rent: $810 (28% rent)
– Top public schools: Oak Hill Elementary School (grade A), Science Hill Elementary School (grade A), Shopville Elementary School (grade A)
– Top private schools: Somerset Christian School (grade B+), Jordan Christian Academy (grade unavailable), Saline Christian Academy (grade unavailable)
– Top places: Burnside (grade B), Somerset (grade B minus), Ferguson (grade B)

About

Positioned at the edge of Kentucky’s Cumberland Plateau, Pulaski County is known for its vast lake, rugged hills, and regional vitality. Somerset serves as the economic and cultural center, offering shopping, healthcare, and events that draw people in from surrounding rural areas.

Lake Cumberland dominates the southern landscape — miles of shoreline supporting marinas, houseboats, and summer tourism. Once rooted in timber and coal, Pulaski County today combines recreation, commerce, and Appalachian character, attracting residents who want mountain views, lake life, and a growing hometown in one place.

Where is Pulaski County?

Pulaski County spans south-central Kentucky where the Cumberland Plateau meets the rolling edge of horse and farm country. Somerset anchors the region — once a railroad and timber town, now a crossroads of lake tourism, court square bustle, and country-road commerce.

To the south, Lake Cumberland cuts deep into wooded hills, sending fingers of water into coves lined with houseboats, marinas, and rocky bluffs. Life here bends with the shoreline: summers filled with fishing and boat wakes, winters quiet beneath steep ridges and evergreens that hold the shape of the land.

#17. Daviess County, Kentucky

– Overall Rank: 739
– Population: 102,916
– Median household income: $64,021
– Median home value: $171,100 (68% own)
– Median rent: $890 (32% rent)
– Top public schools: Newton Parrish Elementary School (grade A minus), Highland Elementary School (grade A minus), Daviess County Middle School (grade A minus)
– Top private schools: Owensboro Catholic High School (grade B+), Trinity High School (grade B), St. Mary of the Woods School (grade A)
– Top places: Owensboro (grade B), Masonville (grade B), Whitesville (grade B)

About

Located along the Ohio River in northwestern Kentucky, Daviess County balances agricultural heritage with urban energy centered around Owensboro. Known for its bourbon, bluegrass music, and barbecued mutton traditions, Owensboro anchors the county with museums, riverfront parks, and a growing commercial core.

Beyond the city, rich soils support corn, soybeans, and tobacco, while small communities maintain strong farming identities. With its mix of culture, industry, and river-town vibrancy, Daviess County draws those who appreciate lively tradition alongside deep Kentucky roots.

Where is Daviess County?

Daviess County rests along a wide sweep of the Ohio River in western Kentucky, where fertile bottomlands and urban energy meet. Owensboro, its bustling heart, blends bourbon history, bluegrass music heritage, and riverfront festivals that draw crowds under bright string lights and live stages.

Step beyond the city limits and the land gives way to cornfields, orchards, and quiet rural roads edged with barn roofs and tobacco barns. Life here carries both the hum of industry and the calm of farm country — moving between river commerce, summer sounds of guitar and fiddle, and the steady rhythm of the land.

#16. Scott County, Kentucky

– Overall Rank: 557
– Population: 57,286
– Median household income: $80,782
– Median home value: $240,800 (73% own)
– Median rent: $1,098 (27% rent)
– Top public schools: Scott County Middle School (grade B+), Western Elementary School (grade B+), Royal Spring Middle School (grade B+)
– Top private schools: Providence Christian Academy (grade unavailable), St. John School (grade unavailable), Childcare Network Georgetown (grade unavailable)
– Top places: Georgetown (grade B+), Stamping Ground (grade B), Sadieville (grade B)

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About

Tucked into Kentucky’s Bluegrass region, Scott County blends rolling horse farms, historic charm, and rapid suburban growth. Georgetown, the county seat, pairs 19th-century downtown streets with modern commerce driven in part by the Toyota manufacturing plant on its outskirts.

White plank fences line scenic backroads where Thoroughbreds graze and tobacco once dominated the landscape. With its fusion of heritage, industry, and pastoral beauty, Scott County appeals to those seeking Bluegrass living with both tradition and momentum.

Where is Scott County?

Scott County lies in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass, where rolling limestone pastures stretch between white plank fences, stone walls, and creeks shaded by sycamores. Georgetown anchors the county with a downtown of brick storefronts and courthouse squares, while Toyota’s massive plant on the edge of town underscores its modern industrial reach.

Beyond the city, the countryside unfolds into horse farms, foaling barns, and historic farmsteads that trace back to Kentucky’s earliest settlers. Life here blends tradition and growth — a place where Thoroughbred culture, fertile farmland, and new suburban neighborhoods all share the same bluegrass soil.

#15. Calloway County, Kentucky

– Overall Rank: 533
– Population: 37,345
– Median household income: $48,276
– Median home value: $169,100 (64% own)
– Median rent: $770 (36% rent)
– Top public schools: Murray Middle School (grade A), Murray Elementary School (grade A), Murray High School (grade A)
– Top private schools: Eastwood Christian Academy (grade unavailable), Harmony Christian School (grade unavailable)
– Top places: Murray (grade B+), Hazel (grade B minus), Dexter (grade C+)

About

Down in Kentucky’s southwestern corner, Calloway County intertwines academic life, lake recreation, and rural heritage. Murray, the county seat, is a university town where Murray State’s campus life fuels arts, athletics, and an energetic downtown culture.

Just east, Kentucky Lake shapes daily rhythms — boating, fishing, and lakeside retreats drawing both residents and visitors. With deep farming roots and a blend of education and outdoor living, Calloway County attracts those who want small-town warmth with access to water, wildlife, and opportunity.

Where is Calloway County?

Calloway County unfolds in Kentucky’s southwestern corner, where the land tips gently toward the Tennessee border and the waters of Kentucky Lake. Murray anchors the county — a university town with tree-lined streets, ballgames, and a community pace shaped by campus life and corner diners.

Outside town, the countryside spreads wide with grazing pastures, crop fields, and backroads leading to quiet bays and boat ramps along the lake. Life here drifts between lectures and lake days, tobacco barns and tailgates — grounded in a blend of academic spirit and rural ease.

#14. Jessamine County, Kentucky

– Overall Rank: 510
– Population: 53,381
– Median household income: $69,905
– Median home value: $226,900 (69% own)
– Median rent: $972 (31% rent)
– Top public schools: Wilmore Elementary School (grade A minus), West Jessamine High School (grade A minus), West Jessamine Middle School (grade B+)
– Top private schools: Tabernacle Christian Academy (grade B minus), Christian Light Academy (grade unavailable), Creative Montessori School (grade unavailable)
– Top places: Wilmore (grade A), Nicholasville (grade B), High Bridge (grade unavailable)

About

Situated just south of Lexington in Kentucky’s Bluegrass heartland, Jessamine County is known for its mix of horse country elegance and small-town ease. Nicholasville anchors county life with historic streets and fast-growing neighborhoods, while Wilmore adds college-town charm through Asbury University and Seminary.

White-fenced pastures stretch across the countryside where Thoroughbreds graze and bourbon history lingers along the Kentucky River Palisades. With its blend of scenic beauty, equine tradition, and suburban momentum, Jessamine County attracts those who want Bluegrass living with both heritage and growth.

Where is Jessamine County?

Jessamine County lies just south of Lexington in Kentucky’s Inner Bluegrass, where limestone palisades rise above the Kentucky River and rich pastureland spreads across gently rolling hills. Nicholasville serves as the county’s hub — a growing town wrapped in old stone walls, church steeples, and a blend of small-town bustle and suburban drift.

Beyond town, winding roads pass famed horse farms, historic distilleries, and wooded river cliffs where hikers follow narrow trails to overlooks carved in limestone. Life here balances heritage and new growth — grounded in the deep roots of bluegrass agriculture while leaning toward tomorrow’s changing rhythms.

#13. Hardin County, Kentucky

– Overall Rank: 480
– Population: 111,005
– Median household income: $64,136
– Median home value: $186,500 (62% own)
– Median rent: $909 (38% rent)
– Top public schools: Elizabethtown High School (grade A minus), Lincoln Trail Elementary School (grade A minus), Howevalley Elementary School (grade A minus)
– Top private schools: North Hardin Christian School (grade B minus), St. James Catholic School (grade unavailable), Academy of Learning – Elizabethtown (grade unavailable)
– Top places: Elizabethtown (grade B+), Vine Grove (grade B+), Radcliff (grade B)

About

Central Kentucky’s Hardin County combines historic trailways, military legacy, and expanding suburban life. Elizabethtown serves as the county’s bustling heart with shops, festivals, and a walkable downtown, while nearby Radcliff and Vine Grove reflect the influence of neighboring Fort Knox.

Once crossed by pioneers and Civil War troops, today the county blends agriculture, defense, and growing commerce along I-65. With its mix of history, mobility, and opportunity, Hardin County draws those seeking community rooted in tradition but positioned for the future.

Where is Hardin County?

Hardin County stretches across central Kentucky where military history, rolling farmland, and growing towns meet along I-65. Elizabethtown anchors the county with a blend of historic downtown blocks, modern development, and a pulse shaped by nearby Fort Knox — one of the country’s most storied army posts.

Drive beyond town and the land unfolds into wide fields, wooded ridges, and rural roads that wind through places like Vine Grove, Cecilia, and Sonora. Life here moves between drill cadence and farm cycles, grounded equally in tradition, service, and the steady pace of heartland living.

#12. Shelby County, Kentucky

– Overall Rank: 434
– Population: 48,105
– Median household income: $81,012
– Median home value: $247,500 (73% own)
– Median rent: $939 (27% rent)
– Top public schools: Simpsonville Elementary School (grade B+), Heritage Elementary School (grade B+), Martha Layne Collins High School (grade B)
– Top private schools: Cornerstone Christian Academy (grade B), Corpus Christi Classical Academy (grade unavailable)
– Top places: Shelbyville (grade B+), Simpsonville (grade A minus)

About

Resting between Louisville and Lexington in the heart of the Bluegrass, Shelby County is known as the “American Saddlebred Capital of the World,” where gently rolling pastures and historic barns define the landscape. Shelbyville, the county seat, blends small-town charm with modern growth, featuring local eateries, boutiques, and long-standing horse shows.

Beyond town, equine farms share the countryside with thriving agribusinesses producing crops and bourbon ingredients. With its combination of horse heritage, rural beauty, and close access to Kentucky’s largest cities, Shelby County appeals to those seeking Bluegrass living steeped in tradition and convenience.

Where is Shelby County?

Shelby County sits midway between Louisville and Lexington in Kentucky’s famed Bluegrass region, where white-fenced pastures stretch across gently rolling land. Shelbyville serves as its heart — a town known for Saddlebred horse shows, historic storefronts, and a pace that bridges rural tradition and suburban growth.

Outside town, scenic backroads wind through horse farms, distilleries, and family fields dotted with hay bales and old bank barns. Life here follows barn hours and bourbon aging, rooted in the rhythms of land, livestock, and long-standing craft.

#11. Franklin County, Kentucky

– Overall Rank: 379
– Population: 51,475
– Median household income: $62,929
– Median home value: $184,000 (63% own)
– Median rent: $902 (37% rent)
– Top public schools: Frankfort High School (grade A minus), Collins Lane Elementary School (grade B+), Second Street School (grade B)
– Top private schools: The Frankfort Christian Academy (grade B+), Capital Day School (grade A+), Good Shepherd Catholic School (grade unavailable)
– Top places: Frankfort (grade B+)

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About

Set along the Kentucky River in the heart of the state, Franklin County is both the Commonwealth’s governmental center and a place of rolling hills and historic charm. Frankfort, the capital city, features grand limestone buildings, bourbon distilleries, and neighborhoods filled with 19th-century architecture.

Outside the city, winding rural roads lead past horse farms, tobacco fields, and scenic overlooks of the river valley. With its blend of political significance, bourbon heritage, and Bluegrass beauty, Franklin County attracts those who appreciate tradition, craftsmanship, and central Kentucky living.

Where is Franklin County?

Franklin County rests in the rolling heart of Kentucky, where the Kentucky River loops beneath limestone bluffs and the state capital rises among layered hills. Frankfort anchors the county — a city of domes, bourbon warehouses, and historic neighborhoods tucked between river bends and forested ridges.

Beyond the capital’s stately pace, the countryside opens into horse paddocks, distilleries, and quiet hollows stitched together by winding backroads. Life here flows with both government bustle and rural calm — marked by legislative sessions, barrel aging seasons, and the steady murmur of the river below.

#10. Madison County, Kentucky

– Overall Rank: 377
– Population: 92,955
– Median household income: $59,797
– Median home value: $200,600 (61% own)
– Median rent: $826 (39% rent)
– Top public schools: B. Michael Caudill Middle School (grade A minus), White Hall Elementary School (grade A minus), Farristown Middle School (grade A minus)
– Top private schools: St. Mark Catholic School (grade unavailable), The Growing Place (grade unavailable), Burrier Child Development Center – Eastern Kentucky University (grade unavailable)
– Top places: Berea (grade A minus), Richmond (grade B+)

About

Located at the edge of the Appalachian foothills in central Kentucky, Madison County balances historic charm with educational and economic growth. Richmond, the county seat, blends Civil War heritage with modern development, while nearby Berea pulses with artisan culture and the influence of Berea College.

Farmlands and wooded ridges frame a landscape once shaped by frontier forts and Shaker traditions. Today, Madison County draws students, makers, and families looking for a community where craft, history, and opportunity intersect.

Where is Madison County?

Madison County spreads across Kentucky’s Bluegrass-to-Appalachian transition zone, where fertile central plains begin giving way to wooded foothills and winding creeks. Richmond serves as its dynamic center — a college town rooted in Civil War history, courthouse square traditions, and the daily pace of Eastern Kentucky University.

Away from town, the landscape shifts into patchwork farms, rocky ridges, and river bottoms where tobacco barns, cattle pastures, and trailheads meet. Life here balances academic energy and rural heritage, shaped equally by lecture halls, hayfields, and the slow bends of the Kentucky River.

#9. Jefferson County, Kentucky

– Overall Rank: 361
– Population: 779,232
– Median household income: $66,296
– Median home value: $222,200 (62% own)
– Median rent: $1,045 (38% rent)
– Top public schools: DuPont Manual High School (grade A+), Anchorage Independent Public School (grade A+), J. Graham Brown School (grade A)
– Top private schools: Kentucky Country Day School (grade A+), Louisville Collegiate School (grade A+), Walden School (grade A+)
– Top places: Anchorage (grade A+), Beechwood Village (grade A+), Deer Park (grade A+)

About

Home to Kentucky’s largest city, Jefferson County stands at the crossroads of culture, industry, and riverfront life. Louisville, with its historic neighborhoods, bourbon heritage, and signature events like the Kentucky Derby, serves as both heartbeat and gateway to the county’s diverse communities.

From the Ohio River’s bends to suburban enclaves and urban revitalization zones, the area blends bluegrass tradition with metropolitan energy. With a strong mix of healthcare, logistics, and arts, Jefferson County attracts those seeking a dynamic lifestyle rooted in history yet constantly reinventing itself.

Where is Jefferson County?

Jefferson County sits along a sweeping curve of the Ohio River in north-central Kentucky, where Louisville rises as a city of grand steeples, bourbon heritage, and gritty-elegant neighborhoods stitched together by parkways and porch-lined streets. From Churchill Downs and Whiskey Row to historic Old Louisville and the artsy Highlands, it pulses with a blend of Southern charm and urban edge.

Beyond downtown bridges and riverfront trails, the county stretches into suburban pockets, leafy parklands, and old farmland now buzzing with coffeehouses, breweries, and horse-country roots. Life here moves to the thrum of festivals, factory whistles, and music drifting into humid summer nights.

#8. Warren County, Kentucky

– Overall Rank: 299
– Population: 135,307
– Median household income: $63,074
– Median home value: $227,300 (57% own)
– Median rent: $942 (43% rent)
– Top public schools: Potter Gray Elementary School (grade A), W.R. McNeill Elementary School (grade A), Bowling Green High School (grade A minus)
– Top private schools: Legacy Christian Academy (grade B), St. Joseph Interparochial School (grade A+), Foundation Christian Academy (grade unavailable)
– Top places: Plano (grade A minus), Bowling Green (grade B+), Woodburn (grade B+)

About

Situated in south-central Kentucky, Warren County is a hub of innovation, education, and southern vitality. Bowling Green — home to Western Kentucky University and the Corvette Assembly Plant — anchors the county with a lively downtown, college-town culture, and strong manufacturing base.

Beyond city limits, rolling farmland and caves hint at the region’s natural heritage, including nearby Mammoth Cave attractions and rural communities steeped in tradition. With its blend of growth, heritage, and high-energy spirit, Warren County appeals to those who enjoy modern opportunity rooted in Kentucky pride.

Where is Warren County?

Warren County lies in southern Kentucky where caves, fields, and fast growth converge along the I-65 corridor. Bowling Green anchors the county — a historic river town turned vibrant university and manufacturing hub, home to classic car engines, hilltop campuses, and tree-lined streets buzzing with student life.

Beyond the city’s bustle, the land opens into sinkhole-dotted farmland, rolling pastures, and the underground wonder of Mammoth Cave country nearby. Life here blends innovation and tradition — moving between assembly lines, festival crowds, and the timeless rhythms of karst landscapes and tobacco fields.

#7. Boyle County, Kentucky

– Overall Rank: 234
– Population: 30,613
– Median household income: $56,568
– Median home value: $179,800 (69% own)
– Median rent: $762 (31% rent)
– Top public schools: Boyle County Middle School (grade A), Woodlawn Elementary School (grade A), Perryville Elementary School (grade A)
– Top private schools: Danville Christian Academy (grade B+), Danville Montessori School (grade unavailable)
– Top places: Danville (grade A minus), Junction City (grade B), Perryville (grade A)

About

Located in Kentucky’s Bluegrass region, Boyle County blends historic charm, arts culture, and a strong sense of community. Danville — known as the “City of Firsts” — anchors the county with its Revolutionary-era heritage, Centre College campus, and a vibrant downtown full of galleries, shops, and performance venues.

Outside the city, the landscape opens into horse farms, crop fields, and Civil War-era sites. With its mix of academic influence, rural beauty, and deep history, Boyle County attracts those who value culture, character, and small-town sophistication.

Where is Boyle County?

Boyle County sits in central Kentucky where the Bluegrass region begins to fold into gentle knobs and creek-cut valleys. Danville anchors the county with its historic brick facades, Centre College campus, and a heritage tied to early statehood and the “Birthplace of Kentucky.”

Outside town, the countryside stretches into quilted patterns of horse farms, hayfields, and quiet byways lined with stone fences and farmhouse porches. Life moves with an easy cadence here — carried by school bells, barn work, and the echoes of history that still linger in the land.

#6. Kenton County, Kentucky

– Overall Rank: 204
– Population: 169,066
– Median household income: $76,016
– Median home value: $207,700 (69% own)
– Median rent: $961 (31% rent)
– Top public schools: Beechwood Elementary School (grade A), Beechwood High School (grade A), White’s Tower Elementary School (grade A minus)
– Top private schools: Covington Latin School (grade A), Villa Madonna Academy (grade A), Notre Dame Academy (grade A minus)
– Top places: Park Hills (grade A+), Villa Hills (grade A+), Crestview Hills (grade A+)

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About

Stretching along the Ohio River in northern Kentucky, Kenton County combines urban vibrancy with suburban comfort just south of Cincinnati. Covington serves as the cultural core, showcasing restored historic districts, riverfront murals, and a thriving arts and dining scene, while Independence offers a contrasting small-town, family-oriented pace.

The county’s hills and neighborhoods flow from city streets to tree-lined suburbs, reflecting both historic Northern Kentucky roots and modern regional growth. With its mix of architecture, commerce, and proximity to the Cincinnati metro, Kenton County draws residents seeking river city life with a distinctly Kentucky identity.

Where is Kenton County?

Kenton County rises on northern Kentucky’s riverfront hills, where the Ohio River bends toward Cincinnati and two historic cities — Covington and Newport — look out across the water. Cobblestone streets, church steeples, and 19th-century row houses give these river towns an old-world charm wrapped in urban energy.

Away from the riverbank, the county unfolds into tree-lined suburbs, pocket parks, and ridge-top neighborhoods connected by narrow, winding roads. Life here moves between skyline views and small-town pace — grounded in river heritage while shaped by the pulse of the city just across the bridge.

#5. McCracken County, Kentucky

– Overall Rank: 193
– Population: 67,573
– Median household income: $58,490
– Median home value: $172,300 (67% own)
– Median rent: $849 (33% rent)
– Top public schools: Concord Elementary School (grade A), Heath Middle School (grade A), Lone Oak Middle School (grade A)
– Top private schools: St. Mary School System (grade A minus), Community Christian Academy (grade B+)
– Top places: Massac (grade A), Hendron (grade A minus), Paducah (grade A minus)

About

Anchored at the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers in far western Kentucky, McCracken County is a crossroads of river commerce, culture, and regional healthcare. Paducah, the county seat, blends historic downtown architecture with a nationally recognized arts district, quilt museums, and floodwall murals celebrating its river heritage.

Beyond the vibrant city core, rural stretches support farming communities tied to corn, soybeans, and livestock. With its mix of artistic energy, transportation history, and river-town resilience, McCracken County appeals to those who appreciate creativity, connection, and life along Kentucky’s western waterways.

Where is McCracken County?

McCracken County rests in Kentucky’s far western corner where the Ohio and Tennessee rivers meet, shaping a landscape of broad floodplains, riverbanks, and rail lines. Paducah anchors the county with its quilt-lined streets, artist district warehouses, and a downtown riverfront where steamboat history blends with creative revival.

Beyond the city’s brick blocks, the land stretches into fields, wooded wetlands, and levee roads leading toward river crossings and fishing spots. Life here follows both the current of inland waterways and the hum of arts, industry, and long-rooted river heritage.

#4. Woodford County, Kentucky

– Overall Rank: 170
– Population: 26,886
– Median household income: $78,295
– Median home value: $259,100 (72% own)
– Median rent: $936 (28% rent)
– Top public schools: Woodford County Middle School (grade A), Huntertown Elementary School (grade A minus), Northside Elementary School (grade A minus)
– Top private schools: St. Leo School (grade unavailable), Woodford Christian School (grade unavailable)
– Top places: Versailles (grade B+), Midway (grade A)

About

Set in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass, Woodford County showcases classic horse country scenery: rolling pastures, stone fences, and world-renowned Thoroughbred farms. Versailles anchors the county with historic downtown storefronts, bourbon distilleries, and festivals steeped in small-town tradition.

Farther out, Midway offers a charming railroad-era village feel framed by scenic farmland and boutique shops. With its blend of equine legacy, bourbon heritage, and rural elegance, Woodford County attracts those drawn to the timeless beauty and culture of Bluegrass living.

Where is Woodford County?

Woodford County lies at the heart of Kentucky’s storied Bluegrass, where lush limestone pastures roll between stone fences, century-old oaks, and some of the most legendary horse farms in the world. Versailles serves as its centerpiece — a town of historic storefronts, bourbon distilleries, and quiet streets steeped in agrarian heritage.

Beyond town, winding roads lead past Thoroughbred barns, iron gates, and river-bottom croplands that stretch toward the Kentucky and Woodford rivers. Life here moves to timeless rhythms — foaling seasons, barrel aging, haymaking — all carried on a landscape that defines the very soul of bluegrass country.

#3. Campbell County, Kentucky

– Overall Rank: 164
– Population: 93,122
– Median household income: $71,979
– Median home value: $214,400 (72% own)
– Median rent: $979 (28% rent)
– Top public schools: Woodfill Elementary School (grade A), Moyer Elementary School (grade A), Johnson Elementary School (grade A)
– Top private schools: Bishop Brossart High School (grade B+), Newport Central Catholic High School (grade B+), St. Mary School (grade unavailable)
– Top places: Fort Thomas (grade A+), Wilder (grade A+), Bellevue (grade A)

About

Perched on northern Kentucky’s hillside bluffs overlooking the Ohio River, Campbell County blends river-city living with historic neighborhoods and small-town warmth. Newport and Covington’s riverfront revival spills into Bellevue and Dayton, where restored storefronts, entertainment districts, and skyline views connect residents to Cincinnati just across the bridges.

Southward, Alexandria and rural stretches showcase rolling farmland, quiet communities, and a slower country tempo. With its mix of nightlife, history, and pastoral charm, Campbell County appeals to those seeking the best of urban proximity and Kentucky-rooted living.

Where is Campbell County?

Campbell County sits at Kentucky’s northern edge where steep river bluffs rise above the Ohio and Licking rivers, looking directly into downtown Cincinnati. Anchored by the historic river cities of Newport and Bellevue, it blends old-world storefronts, murals, and levee-front strolls with modern entertainment districts just steps from the water.

Farther south, the land gives way to rolling hills, family farms, and small crossroads communities like Alexandria. Life here shifts between skyline views and rural calm — grounded in river heritage yet threaded with the energy of the city just across the bridge.

#2. Boone County, Kentucky

– Overall Rank: 133
– Population: 136,150
– Median household income: $91,697
– Median home value: $237,600 (76% own)
– Median rent: $1,177 (24% rent)
– Top public schools: Erpenbeck Elementary School (grade A), Larry A. Ryle High School (grade A), Gray Middle School (grade A)
– Top private schools: St. Henry District High School (grade B+), Heritage Academy (grade B), Immaculate Heart of Mary School (grade unavailable)
– Top places: Union (grade A), Francisville (grade A), Burlington (grade A)

About

Nestled in northern Kentucky along the Ohio River, Boone County combines booming suburban growth with deep frontier history. Florence serves as a bustling commercial center with shopping, sports, and airport access, while towns like Burlington and Union retain historic charm amid new development.

Once the gateway to the west for pioneer settlers, today the county features a blend of river heritage, horse farms, and residential neighborhoods spreading across rolling hills. With its strategic location, family-friendly communities, and mix of old and new, Boone County draws those who want opportunity rooted in tradition.

Where is Boone County?

Boone County stretches across Kentucky’s northernmost edge, where the Ohio River sweeps past steep wooded banks, river ports, and growing suburbs. Florence anchors the county’s commercial heart with its iconic water tower, bustling retail corridors, and the steady hum of I-75 traffic.

Beyond the highway, the land settles into horse pastures, tobacco fields, and small historic towns like Burlington and Union. Life here moves between commuter pace and country quiet — shaped by farmland roots, river trade history, and the pull of a city always just one bend away.

#1. Oldham County, Kentucky

– Overall Rank: 82
– Population: 67,997
– Median household income: $117,334
– Median home value: $357,500 (87% own)
– Median rent: $1,113 (13% rent)
– Top public schools: North Oldham Middle School (grade A), Kenwood Station Elementary School (grade A), East Oldham Middle School (grade A)
– Top private schools: Francis Parker School of Louisville (grade A+), St. Aloysius School (grade unavailable), Temple Trager Early Childhood Education Center (grade unavailable)
– Top places: Goshen (grade A), Pewee Valley (grade A), Crestwood (grade A)

About

Located just northeast of Louisville, Oldham County is known for its top-ranked schools, rolling pastureland, and graceful country estates. La Grange, the county seat, brings character with its historic Main Street and freight trains running right down the center of town, while Pewee Valley and Crestwood offer leafy neighborhoods and a quiet pace.

Horse farms and wooded hills fill the landscapes between communities, reflecting both rural charm and suburban refinement. With its blend of scenic beauty, family appeal, and proximity to the city, Oldham County attracts those seeking a high quality of life rooted in Kentucky’s Bluegrass tradition.

Where is Oldham County?

Oldham County lies northeast of Louisville, where graceful horse farms and wooded ridges roll toward the Ohio River’s broad sweep. La Grange anchors the county with a charming downtown where freight trains famously run straight down Main Street, passing storefronts, cafés, and historic buildings.

Beyond town, winding backroads lead past white plank fences, stone barns, and riverside bluffs overlooking quiet coves. Life here balances pastoral calm and modern comfort — rooted in equestrian tradition while shaped by its close proximity to the city next door.

This story features data reporting and writing by Elena Cox and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 50 states.

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By Stacker