Martin County
KY · Pop. 11,181 · Suburban County
Martin County, Kentucky covers 230 square miles with a population of 11,181 and a density of 48.6 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage. The median home price is $85,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.77%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 189-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.3°F and average winter lows of 23.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 45.5 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Tug Valley Arh Regional Medical Center is 14.1 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 78.5% 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 189-day growing season in USDA zone 7a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.77% holds annual carrying costs down.
- A median home price of $85,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Annual rainfall of 45.5 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.
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- Broadband reaches only 78.5% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The nearest hospital, Tug Valley Arh Regional Medical Center, is 14.1 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- A poverty rate of 29.2% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
At a glance
Martin County, KY is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 73/100
- Median home price
- $85k
- Property tax
- 0.77%
- Growing season
- 189 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 45.5"
- Broadband
- 78.5%
- Nearest hospital
- Tug Valley Arh Regional Medical Center, 14.1 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Martin County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Martin County?
- Martin County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 189-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.3°F, and average winter lows of 23.6°F. The established crops are hay, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $85,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.77%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 78.5% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Tug Valley Arh Regional Medical Center is 14.1 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Kentucky Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Kentucky
All Kentucky countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Martin 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.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.