Rowan
Kentucky

What stands out

Against every county in America, Rowan County is unusual in three ways: the overdose death rate is among the highest in America (66 per 100,000), home internet speed is among the fastest in America (333 Mbps), and violent crime is in the top 7% of American counties (4.9 per 1,000). Within Kentucky it ranks 13th of 120 counties for the overdose death rate.

Where you are

You live in Rowan County, Kentucky. 24,551 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.1% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +25).

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 $50,038 a year, lower than 79% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $48,895. Unemployment runs 4.6%, higher than 83% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 20 minutes each way.

Kentucky takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,751 a year.

Home

The median home costs $188K, cheaper than 68% of American counties, about 2.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $735 a month. Property tax is 0.56% of home value, roughly $847 a year on that median home, lower than 81% of American counties. 61% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.9 per 1,000 residents, higher than 93% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 66 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 73.5 years, shorter than 75% of American counties. There are 68 active physicians in the county, about 27.7 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.0 of 5 stars. 7.7% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.01 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 53% of American counties. 87% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 21 points. 52% 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 44, colder than 53% of American counties. About 54 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 31 out of 100, safer than 69% of American counties; the county has had 32 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 333 Mbps down, faster than almost every county in America. There are 0 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.