Estill
Kentucky

What stands out

If you had to describe Estill County in numbers, start here: violent crime is among the highest in America (5.6 per 1,000), the overdose death rate is among the highest in America (79 per 100,000), and rainfall is among the wettest in America (62 inches a year). Within Kentucky it ranks 18th of 120 counties for violent crime.

Where you are

You live in Estill County, Kentucky. 14,138 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +15).

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 $39,980 a year, lower than 94% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $46,527. 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 $1,399 a year.

Home

The median home costs $125K, cheaper than 92% of American counties, about 1.9 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $653 a month. Property tax is 0.73% of home value, roughly $731 a year on that median home, lower than 62% of American counties. 74% 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 79 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 70.6 years, shorter than 95% of American counties. There are 7 active physicians in the county, about 5.0 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 9.5% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.77 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 77% of American counties. 76% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 57 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 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 67 and lows near 46, warmer than 55% of American counties. About 62 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 25 out of 100, safer than 75% of American counties; the county has had 38 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 148 Mbps down, slower than 72% 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.