Bracken
Kentucky

What stands out

Three things set Bracken County apart from the other 3,142 counties: violent crime is in the top 6% of American counties (4.9 per 1,000), natural-hazard risk is in the bottom 9% of American counties (9 of 100), and the typical two-bedroom rent is in the bottom 10% of American counties ($613 a month). Within Kentucky it ranks 59th of 120 counties for violent crime.

Where you are

You live in Bracken County, Kentucky. 8,420 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population held steady at 0.1% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +8).

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 $59,911 a year, lower than 52% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $47,259. Unemployment runs 4.3%, higher than 76% of American counties. 6% of workers work from home.

Kentucky takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,097 a year.

Home

The median home costs $204K, cheaper than 61% of American counties, about 1.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $613 a month. Property tax is 0.93% of home value, roughly $1,069 a year on that median home, higher than 55% of American counties. 80% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.9 per 1,000 residents, higher than 94% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 32 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 71.5 years, shorter than 90% of American counties. There are 2 active physicians in the county, about 2.4 per 10,000 people. 8.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.01 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 55% of American counties. 88% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 61 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 67% 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 66 and lows near 44, colder than 54% of American counties. About 53 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 9 out of 100, safer than 91% of American counties; the county has had 18 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 149 Mbps down, slower than 71% of American counties. For a night or a weekend out: 0.8 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.