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Pike County

KY · Pop. 57,466 · Suburban County

85/100Homestead Score

Pike County, Kentucky covers 786 square miles with a population of 57,466 and a density of 73.1 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage, corn. The median home price is $104,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.73%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 181-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.1°F and average winter lows of 27.4°F. Annual rainfall averages 44 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Pikeville Medical Center is 6.2 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 94.4% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 0.73%
Growing Season: 181 days
Broadband: 94.4%
Density: 73.1/sq mi

Pros

  • A low effective property tax rate of 0.73% holds annual carrying costs down.
  • A median home price of $104,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
  • Broadband reaches 94.4% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
  • Pikeville Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 6.2 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
  • Annual rainfall of 44 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.
  • A poverty rate of 25% 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.

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate0.73%
Median Household Income$42,179
Poverty Rate25%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$104K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone7a
Growing Season181 days
Annual Rainfall44 inches
Avg Summer High87.1°F
Avg Winter Low27.4°F
Top CropsHay, Haylage, Corn

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought2/10
Wildfire10/10
Tornado2/10
Flood10/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalPikeville Medical Center (6.2 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities2

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage94.4%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate6.2%
Ag EconomyWeak

Homesteading in Pike County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Pike County?
Pike County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 181-day growing season, average summer highs of 87.1°F, and average winter lows of 27.4°F. The established crops are hay, haylage, corn.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $104,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.73%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 94.4% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
How close is healthcare?
Pikeville Medical Center is 6.2 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.

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Nearby counties

The closest counties to Pike 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.