Metcalfe County
KY · Pop. 10,372 · Suburban County
Metcalfe County is a suburban county in Kentucky, spanning 290 square miles with 10,372 residents at a density of 35.8 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, corn, haylage. The median home price is $103,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.72%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 193-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.6°F and average winter lows of 24.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 48.7 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. T J Samson Community Hospital is 15 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 87.7% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 193-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 $103,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Annual rainfall of 48.7 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
Cons
- The nearest hospital, T J Samson Community Hospital, is 15 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
- A poverty rate of 25.7% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
At a glance
Metcalfe County, KY is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 84/100
- Median home price
- $103k
- Property tax
- 0.72%
- Growing season
- 193 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 48.7"
- Broadband
- 87.7%
- Nearest hospital
- T J Samson Community Hospital, 15 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Metcalfe County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Metcalfe County?
- Metcalfe County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 193-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.6°F, and average winter lows of 24.6°F. The established crops are hay, corn, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $103,000 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 87.7% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- T J Samson Community Hospital is 15 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.
Explore Kentucky Resources
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More counties in Kentucky
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The closest counties to Metcalfe 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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