Edmonson
Kentucky

What stands out

Against every county in America, Edmonson County is unusual in three ways: rainfall is among the wettest in America (67 inches a year), the average commute is in the top 3% of American counties (33 minutes), and violent crime is in the top 4% of American counties (5.1 per 1,000). Within Kentucky it ranks 6th of 120 counties for rainfall.

Where you are

You live in Edmonson County, Kentucky. 12,179 people live here with you. The population grew 1.2% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +218).

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 $53,029 a year, lower than 72% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $42,464. Unemployment runs 4.8%, higher than 86% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 33 minutes each way.

Kentucky takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,856 a year.

Home

The median home costs $201K, cheaper than 62% of American counties, about 1.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $670 a month. Property tax is 0.68% of home value, roughly $794 a year on that median home, lower than 67% of American counties. 83% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 5.1 per 1,000 residents, higher than 96% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 16 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 75.3 years, shorter than 57% of American counties. There are 3 active physicians in the county, about 2.5 per 10,000 people. 9.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.31 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 81% of American counties. 82% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 59 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 62% 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 59°F, highs near 70 and lows near 47, warmer than 62% of American counties. About 67 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 21 out of 100, safer than 79% of American counties; the county has had 26 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 145 Mbps down, slower than 73% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.4 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 National Park Service site.