Leslie County
KY · Pop. 10,261 · Suburban County
Leslie County sits in Kentucky across 401 square miles, home to 10,261 people at 25.6 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, potatoes, peppers. A median home price of $74,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.72% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 165-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.4°F and average winter lows of 26.8°F. Annual rainfall averages 51.5 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Mary Breckinridge Arh Hospital is 5.3 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 57.7% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.72% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $74,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Mary Breckinridge Arh Hospital, with an emergency room, is just 5.3 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- Annual rainfall of 51.5 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.
- Broadband reaches only 57.7% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- A poverty rate of 27.3% 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
Leslie County, KY is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 79/100
- Median home price
- $74k
- Property tax
- 0.72%
- Growing season
- 165 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 51.5"
- Broadband
- 57.7%
- Nearest hospital
- Mary Breckinridge Arh Hospital, 5.3 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Leslie County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Leslie County?
- Leslie County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 165-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.4°F, and average winter lows of 26.8°F. The established crops are hay, potatoes, peppers.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $74,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.72%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 57.7% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Mary Breckinridge Arh Hospital is 5.3 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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AcreTrader
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More counties in Kentucky
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The closest counties to Leslie 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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