Laurel
Kentucky

What stands out

If you had to describe Laurel County in numbers, start here: rainfall is in the top 2% of American counties (60 inches a year), violent crime is in the top 3% of American counties (5.2 per 1,000), and the school test score is in the top 4% of American counties (3.53 where 3.0 is grade level). Within Kentucky it ranks 42nd of 120 counties for rainfall.

Where you are

You live in Laurel County, Kentucky. 62,442 people live here with you. The population grew 0.7% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +499).

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 $53,693 a year, lower than 70% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $48,566. Unemployment runs 4.2%, higher than 74% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home.

Kentucky takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,879 a year.

Home

The median home costs $182K, cheaper than 71% of American counties, about 2.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $759 a month. Property tax is 0.59% of home value, roughly $834 a year on that median home, lower than 78% of American counties. 71% 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 27 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 73.0 years, shorter than 80% of American counties. There are 81 active physicians in the county, about 13.0 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 9.4% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.47 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 96% of American counties. 84% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 67 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 60% 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 46, warmer than 55% of American counties. About 60 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 70 out of 100, riskier than 70% of American counties; the county has had 28 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 263 Mbps down, faster than 80% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.