Breathitt County
KY · Pop. 13,438 · Suburban County
Breathitt County is a suburban county in Kentucky, spanning 492 square miles with 13,438 residents at a density of 27.3 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, corn. The median home price is $62,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.84%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 205-day growing season, average summer highs of 83.4°F and average winter lows of 29°F. Annual rainfall averages 46.3 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Kentucky River Medical Center is 4.4 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 79.8% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 205-day growing season in USDA zone 7a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.84% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $62,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Kentucky River Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 4.4 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- Annual rainfall of 46.3 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- Broadband reaches only 79.8% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- A poverty rate of 28.2% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Breathitt County, KY is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 92/100
- Median home price
- $62k
- Property tax
- 0.84%
- Growing season
- 205 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 46.3"
- Broadband
- 79.8%
- Nearest hospital
- Kentucky River Medical Center, 4.4 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Breathitt County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Breathitt County?
- Breathitt County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 205-day growing season, average summer highs of 83.4°F, and average winter lows of 29°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $62,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.84%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 79.8% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Kentucky River Medical Center is 4.4 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Kentucky Resources
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LandWatch
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More counties in Kentucky
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The closest counties to Breathitt County by distance, including across state lines.
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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