Knott County
KY · Pop. 14,046 · Suburban County
Knott County sits in Kentucky across 352 square miles, home to 14,046 people at 39.9 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay. A median home price of $75,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.72% set the cost of entry. 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 48.8 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Mcdowell Arh Hospital is 13.3 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 100% 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 0.72% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $75,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 100% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Annual rainfall of 48.8 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.
- The nearest hospital, Mcdowell Arh Hospital, is 13.3 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- A poverty rate of 25.9% 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
Knott County, KY is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 91/100
- Median home price
- $75k
- Property tax
- 0.72%
- Growing season
- 205 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 48.8"
- Broadband
- 100%
- Nearest hospital
- Mcdowell Arh Hospital, 13.3 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Knott County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Knott County?
- Knott 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.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $75,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.72%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 100% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Mcdowell Arh Hospital is 13.3 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Kentucky Resources
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LandWatch
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Kentucky
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The closest counties to Knott 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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