Mason
Kentucky

What stands out

Three things set Mason County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the overdose death rate is among the lowest in America (-999 per 100,000), violent crime is in the top 11% of American counties (4.7 per 1,000), and life expectancy is in the bottom 12% of American counties (72.0 years). Within Kentucky it ranks 10th of 120 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Mason County, Kentucky. 17,068 people live here with you. The population shrank 0.4% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -6).

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 $48,460 a year, lower than 82% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $50,145. Unemployment runs 4.8%, higher than 86% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home.

Kentucky takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,696 a year.

Home

The median home costs $173K, cheaper than 75% of American counties, about 2.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $754 a month. Property tax is 0.64% of home value, roughly $998 a year on that median home, lower than 73% of American counties. 69% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.7 per 1,000 residents, higher than 89% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 72.0 years, shorter than 88% of American counties. There are 38 active physicians in the county, about 22.3 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 8.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.83 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 83% of American counties. 86% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 39 points. 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 55°F, highs near 66 and lows near 43, colder than 55% of American counties. About 51 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 27 out of 100, safer than 73% of American counties; the county has had 23 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 249 Mbps down, faster than 74% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.0 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.