Boyle County
KY · Pop. 30,708 · Mixed County
Boyle County, Kentucky covers 180 square miles with a population of 30,708 and a density of 170.6 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, haylage, wheat. A median home price of $201,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.85% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 200-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.3°F and average winter lows of 26.3°F. Annual rainfall averages 46.4 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Ephraim Mcdowell Regional Medical Center is 5.5 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 87.4% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 200-day growing season in USDA zone 7a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.85% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Ephraim Mcdowell Regional Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 5.5 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- Annual rainfall of 46.4 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Flood risk is high, so low-lying parcels deserve careful evaluation before purchase.
At a glance
Boyle County, KY is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 71/100
- Median home price
- $201k
- Property tax
- 0.85%
- Growing season
- 200 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 46.4"
- Broadband
- 87.4%
- Nearest hospital
- Ephraim Mcdowell Regional Medical Center, 5.5 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Boyle County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Boyle County?
- Boyle County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 200-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.3°F, and average winter lows of 26.3°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, wheat.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $201,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.85%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 87.4% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Ephraim Mcdowell Regional Medical Center is 5.5 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
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More counties in Kentucky
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Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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