Monroe County
KY · Pop. 11,318 · Suburban County
Monroe County, Kentucky covers 329 square miles with a population of 11,318 and a density of 34.4 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 $116,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.77%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 185-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.6°F and average winter lows of 24.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 52.3 inches, and with drought risk rated high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Monroe County Medical Center is 2.3 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 77.6% of homes. On the hazard side, tornado risk is high, drought risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 185-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 $116,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Monroe County Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 2.3 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
Cons
- Broadband reaches only 77.6% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- A poverty rate of 22.2% reflects a constrained local economy with limited off-farm income options.
At a glance
Monroe County, KY is a strong overall fit for homesteading.
- Homestead score
- 86/100
- Median home price
- $116k
- Property tax
- 0.77%
- Growing season
- 185 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 52.3"
- Broadband
- 77.6%
- Nearest hospital
- Monroe County Medical Center, 2.3 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Monroe County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Monroe County?
- Monroe County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 185-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 $116,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.77%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 77.6% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Monroe County Medical Center is 2.3 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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Lands of America
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Kentucky
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The closest counties to Monroe 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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