Carroll
Kentucky

What stands out

Against every county in America, Carroll County is unusual in three ways: violent crime is in the top 3% of American counties (5.2 per 1,000), the overdose death rate is in the top 3% of American counties (48 per 100,000), and life expectancy is in the bottom 6% of American counties (70.8 years). Within Kentucky it ranks 43rd of 120 counties for violent crime.

Where you are

You live in Carroll County, Kentucky. 10,842 people live here with you. The population grew 0.4% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +37).

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 $50,625 a year, lower than 78% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $73,076. Unemployment runs 3.1%, lower than 60% of American counties. 4% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 22 minutes each way.

Kentucky takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,772 a year.

Home

The median home costs $192K, cheaper than 66% of American counties, about 2.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $838 a month. Property tax is 0.74% of home value, roughly $954 a year on that median home, lower than 60% of American counties. 68% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 5.2 per 1,000 residents, higher than 97% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 48 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 70.8 years, shorter than 94% of American counties. There are 7 active physicians in the county, about 6.5 per 10,000 people. 9.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.58 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 93% of American counties. 83% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 44 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 53% 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 66 and lows near 46, warmer than 51% of American counties. About 49 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 28 out of 100, safer than 71% of American counties; the county has had 22 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 227 Mbps down, faster than 62% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.