Boone
Kentucky

What stands out

Against every county in America, Boone County is unusual in three ways: the uninsured rate is in the bottom 5% of American counties (5.4%), the median household income is in the top 6% of American counties ($91,697), and home internet speed is in the top 6% of American counties (296 Mbps). Within Kentucky it ranks 3rd of 120 counties for the uninsured rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Boone County, Kentucky. 136,150 people live here with you. The population grew 1.0% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +428).

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 $91,697 a year, higher than 94% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $59,189. Unemployment runs 3.1%, lower than 60% of American counties. 11% of workers work from home.

Kentucky takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,209 a year.

Home

The median home costs $351K, pricier than 79% of American counties, about 2.2 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,204 a month. Property tax is 0.91% of home value, roughly $2,154 a year on that median home, higher than 54% of American counties. 76% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.9 per 1,000 residents, higher than 53% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 12 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 78.3 years, longer than 78% of American counties. There are 194 active physicians in the county, about 14.2 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 5.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.11 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 61% of American counties. 94% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 36 points. 71% 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 55°F, highs near 65 and lows near 45, colder than 52% of American counties. About 50 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 75 out of 100, riskier than 75% of American counties; the county has had 13 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 296 Mbps down, faster than 94% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery, 3 museums.