Lyon
Kentucky

What stands out

Three things set Lyon County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the overdose death rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0 per 100,000), rainfall is in the top 7% of American counties (55 inches a year), and homeownership is in the top 10% of American counties (82%). Within Kentucky it ranks 14th of 120 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Lyon County, Kentucky. 8,721 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 1.0% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +159).

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 $64,081 a year, higher than 60% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $46,303. Unemployment runs 4.2%, higher than 75% 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 $2,243 a year.

Home

The median home costs $180K, cheaper than 72% of American counties, about 2.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $684 a month. Property tax is 0.63% of home value, roughly $1,040 a year on that median home, lower than 73% of American counties. 82% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.5 per 1,000 residents, higher than 80% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 75.6 years, shorter than 52% of American counties. There are 2 active physicians in the county, about 2.3 per 10,000 people. 8.8% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.19 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 84% of American counties. 91% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 48 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 61% 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 49, warmer than 65% of American counties. About 55 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 32 out of 100, safer than 68% of American counties; the county has had 22 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 138 Mbps down, slower than 75% of American counties. For a night or a weekend out: 1.0 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.