Bell
Kentucky

What stands out

Against every county in America, Bell County is unusual in three ways: violent crime is among the highest in America (6.0 per 1,000), life expectancy is among the shortest in America (67.7 years), and the median home price is in the bottom 2% of American counties ($95K). Within Kentucky it ranks 7th of 120 counties for violent crime.

Where you are

You live in Bell County, Kentucky. 24,248 people live here with you. The population shrank 1.3% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -123).

Kentucky moved to a flat income tax, 3.5% for 2026, and exempts the first $31,110 of pension and retirement income per person. It has an inheritance tax, but spouses, children, parents and siblings are exempt. Home prices are among the lowest in the country outside Louisville and Lexington, and the state has some of the cheapest electricity, much of it still coal-fired.

Money

The typical household here brings in $33,658 a year, lower than 97% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $42,450. Unemployment runs 5.0%, higher than 89% of American counties. 4% of workers work from home.

Kentucky takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,178 a year.

Home

The median home costs $95K, cheaper than 98% of American counties, about 1.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $474 a month. Property tax is 0.77% of home value, roughly $594 a year on that median home, lower than 58% of American counties. 63% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 6.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than almost every county in America. Drug overdoses killed 47 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 67.7 years, shorter than almost every county in America. There are 33 active physicians in the county, about 13.6 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 1.0 of 5 stars. 8.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.93 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 65% of American counties. 78% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 63 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 48% of eligible voters turned out. Under Kentucky law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 56°F, highs near 67 and lows near 45, warmer than 52% of American counties. About 58 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 55 out of 100, riskier than 55% of American counties; the county has had 29 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 296 Mbps down, faster than 94% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.