Breathitt
Kentucky

What stands out

Against every county in America, Breathitt County is unusual in three ways: the overdose death rate is among the highest in America (124 per 100,000), unemployment is among the highest in America (7.3%), and violent crime is among the highest in America (5.6 per 1,000). Within Kentucky it ranks 2nd of 120 counties for the overdose death rate.

Where you are

You live in Breathitt County, Kentucky. 13,580 people live here with you. The population shrank 3.0% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -311).

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 $38,209 a year, lower than 95% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $46,008. Unemployment runs 7.3%, higher than almost every county in America. 3% of workers work from home.

Kentucky takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,337 a year.

Home

The median home costs $96K, cheaper than 98% of American counties, about 1.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $557 a month. Property tax is 0.87% of home value, roughly $514 a year on that median home, higher than 51% of American counties. 73% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 5.6 per 1,000 residents, higher than almost every county in America. Drug overdoses killed 124 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 67.5 years, shorter than almost every county in America. There are 17 active physicians in the county, about 12.5 per 10,000 people. 9.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.83 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 81% of American counties. 79% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 52 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 56% 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 55% of American counties. About 57 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 30 out of 100, safer than 70% of American counties; the county has had 49 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 129 Mbps down, slower than 78% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation.