Lawrence County
KY · Pop. 16,171 · Suburban County
Lawrence County is a suburban county in Kentucky, spanning 416 square miles with 16,171 residents at a density of 38.9 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 $108,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.68%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 187-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.3°F and average winter lows of 23°F. Annual rainfall averages 44.6 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Three Rivers Medical Center is 7.4 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 99.7% 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 187-day growing season in USDA zone 6b supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.68% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $108,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 99.7% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Three Rivers Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 7.4 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
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.
- A poverty rate of 22% 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
Lawrence County, KY is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 99/100
- Median home price
- $108k
- Property tax
- 0.68%
- Growing season
- 187 days (zone 6b)
- Annual rainfall
- 44.6"
- Broadband
- 99.7%
- Nearest hospital
- Three Rivers Medical Center, 7.4 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Lawrence County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Lawrence County?
- Lawrence County is in USDA hardiness zone 6b with a 187-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.3°F, and average winter lows of 23°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $108,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.68%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 99.7% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Three Rivers Medical Center is 7.4 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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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Kentucky
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The closest counties to Lawrence 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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