Boyd
Kentucky

What stands out

Three things set Boyd County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the overdose death rate is among the highest in America (75 per 100,000), violent crime is in the top 4% of American counties (5.0 per 1,000), and unemployment is in the top 10% of American counties (5.1%). Within Kentucky it ranks 11th of 120 counties for the overdose death rate.

Where you are

You live in Boyd County, Kentucky. 48,242 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.5% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +24).

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 $58,327 a year, lower than 57% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $59,231. Unemployment runs 5.1%, higher than 90% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home.

Kentucky takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,041 a year.

Home

The median home costs $137K, cheaper than 89% of American counties, about 1.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $761 a month. Property tax is 0.96% of home value, roughly $1,234 a year on that median home, higher than 57% of American counties. 69% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 5.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 96% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 75 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 72.5 years, shorter than 84% of American counties. There are 220 active physicians in the county, about 45.6 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 7.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.04 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 57% of American counties. 89% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 33 points. 59% 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 57°F, highs near 68 and lows near 45, warmer than 54% of American counties. About 48 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 42 out of 100, safer than 58% of American counties; the county has had 33 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 267 Mbps down, faster than 82% of American counties. There are 0 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.