Counties with the highest COVID-19 death rate in Kentucky
Counties with the highest COVID-19 death rate in Kentucky
The vaccine deployment in December 2020 signaled a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of May 2021, 40% of the U.S. population was fully vaccinated. But as vaccination rates lagged over the summer, new surges of COVID-19 came, including Delta in the summer of 2021, and now the Omicron variant, which comprises the majority of cases in the U.S.
Researchers around the world have reported that Omicron is more transmissible than Delta, making breakthrough and repeat infections more likely. Early research suggests this strain may cause less severe illness than Delta and the original virus, however, health officials have warned an Omicron-driven surge could still increase hospitalization and death rates—especially in areas with less vaccinated populations.
The United States as of Feb. 16 reached 926,680 COVID-19-related deaths and nearly 78.1 million COVID-19 cases, according to Johns Hopkins University. Currently, 64.5% of the population is fully vaccinated, and 43% have received booster doses.
Stacker compiled a list of the counties with highest cumulative COVID-19 death rates in Kentucky using data from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Counties are ranked by the highest death rate per 100,000 residents as of Feb. 15, 2021.
Keep reading to see whether your county ranks among the highest COVID-19 death rates in your state.
#50. Knox County
--- 29.7% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #1,076 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 19.3 (6 new deaths, +200% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 35,030 (10,910 total cases)
--- 26.2% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,400 (436 new cases, -22% change from previous week)
#49. Lyon County
--- 30.0% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #1,074 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.0 (0 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 33,155 (2,722 total cases)
--- 19.4% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,194 (98 new cases, +40% change from previous week)
#48. Ohio County
--- 30.7% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #1,049 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 12.5 (3 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 29,849 (7,162 total cases)
--- 7.5% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 825 (198 new cases, -24% change from previous week)
#47. Martin County
--- 31.0% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #1,045 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.0 (0 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 27,021 (3,025 total cases)
--- 2.7% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,456 (163 new cases, +8% change from previous week)
#46. Leslie County
--- 31.7% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #1,025 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.0 (0 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 33,816 (3,340 total cases)
--- 21.8% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,853 (183 new cases, +25% change from previous week)
#45. Breathitt County
--- 32.0% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #1,018 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.0 (0 new deaths, -100% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 25,899 (3,271 total cases)
--- 6.7% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,338 (169 new cases, +4% change from previous week)
#44. Nicholas County
--- 33.0% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #992 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.0 (0 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 24,831 (1,805 total cases)
--- 10.5% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 605 (44 new cases, -24% change from previous week)
#43. Boyle County
--- 33.0% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #988 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.0 (0 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 27,036 (8,127 total cases)
--- 2.6% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,374 (413 new cases, +71% change from previous week)
#42. Clinton County
--- 33.7% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #978 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.0 (0 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 31,660 (3,235 total cases)
--- 14.1% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 920 (94 new cases, +3% change from previous week)
#41. Casey County
--- 34.0% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #970 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.0 (0 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 23,021 (3,720 total cases)
--- 17.1% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 873 (141 new cases, +18% change from previous week)
#40. Graves County
--- 35.0% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #953 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 18.8 (7 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 30,060 (11,202 total cases)
--- 8.3% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 920 (343 new cases, -1% change from previous week)
#39. Logan County
--- 35.3% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #945 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 11.1 (3 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 29,802 (8,077 total cases)
--- 7.4% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,041 (282 new cases, -11% change from previous week)
#38. Whitley County
--- 37.0% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #917 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 5.5 (2 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 36,554 (13,256 total cases)
--- 31.7% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,371 (497 new cases, +2% change from previous week)
#37. Trimble County
--- 37.7% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #910 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.0 (0 new deaths, -100% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 24,838 (2,104 total cases)
--- 10.5% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 590 (50 new cases, -17% change from previous week)
#36. Letcher County
--- 39.3% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #876 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.0 (0 new deaths, -100% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 29,550 (6,369 total cases)
--- 6.5% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,420 (306 new cases, -21% change from previous week)
#35. Pike County
--- 39.3% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #872 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 1.7 (1 new deaths, -83% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 28,755 (16,642 total cases)
--- 3.6% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,282 (742 new cases, +19% change from previous week)
#34. Wayne County
--- 41.0% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #836 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 14.8 (3 new deaths, -40% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 23,076 (4,692 total cases)
--- 16.9% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 979 (199 new cases, +26% change from previous week)
#33. Taylor County
--- 41.0% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #835 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 3.9 (1 new deaths, -50% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 32,368 (8,341 total cases)
--- 16.6% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,793 (462 new cases, +130% change from previous week)
#32. McCreary County
--- 41.3% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #824 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 17.4 (3 new deaths, +200% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 27,642 (4,763 total cases)
--- 0.4% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 714 (123 new cases, -22% change from previous week)
#31. Simpson County
--- 41.7% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #816 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.0 (0 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 29,421 (5,464 total cases)
--- 6.0% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 619 (115 new cases, -16% change from previous week)
#30. Russell County
--- 43.3% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #792 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 16.7 (3 new deaths, +200% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 32,740 (5,868 total cases)
--- 17.9% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,216 (218 new cases, -8% change from previous week)
#29. Allen County
--- 44.0% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #784 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.0 (0 new deaths, -100% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 30,007 (6,396 total cases)
--- 8.1% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,159 (247 new cases, +28% change from previous week)
#28. Floyd County
--- 47.0% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #725 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 14.0 (5 new deaths, +400% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 32,389 (11,527 total cases)
--- 16.7% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 2,048 (729 new cases, +2% change from previous week)
#27. Grayson County
--- 47.7% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #711 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 11.4 (3 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 29,027 (7,671 total cases)
--- 4.6% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,192 (315 new cases, +1% change from previous week)
#26. Larue County
--- 48.3% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #703 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 20.8 (3 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 25,038 (3,605 total cases)
--- 9.8% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 764 (110 new cases, +6% change from previous week)
#25. Washington County
--- 48.7% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #689 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.0 (0 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 30,831 (3,729 total cases)
--- 11.1% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,017 (123 new cases, -13% change from previous week)
#24. Mercer County
--- 49.0% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #680 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.0 (0 new deaths, -100% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 32,330 (7,091 total cases)
--- 16.5% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,199 (263 new cases, +38% change from previous week)
#23. Barren County
--- 49.0% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #677 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 11.3 (5 new deaths, +400% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 27,818 (12,309 total cases)
--- 0.2% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 902 (399 new cases, -8% change from previous week)
#22. Caldwell County
--- 51.7% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #622 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 7.8 (1 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 30,140 (3,842 total cases)
--- 8.6% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,302 (166 new cases, +6% change from previous week)
#21. Menifee County
--- 54.0% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #582 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 15.4 (1 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 20,404 (1,324 total cases)
--- 26.5% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 663 (43 new cases, +19% change from previous week)
#20. Crittenden County
--- 55.3% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #565 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 22.7 (2 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 22,326 (1,966 total cases)
--- 19.6% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 784 (69 new cases, -12% change from previous week)
#19. Hart County
--- 57.7% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #522 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 10.5 (2 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 27,455 (5,226 total cases)
--- 1.1% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 699 (133 new cases, -60% change from previous week)
#18. Lincoln County
--- 60.3% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #490 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 12.2 (3 new deaths, +50% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 24,347 (5,977 total cases)
--- 12.3% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 758 (186 new cases, -18% change from previous week)
#17. Bell County
--- 61.3% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #477 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 11.5 (3 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 32,698 (8,512 total cases)
--- 17.8% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,464 (381 new cases, +27% change from previous week)
#16. McLean County
--- 63.0% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #456 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.0 (0 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 27,946 (2,573 total cases)
--- 0.7% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 793 (73 new cases, -9% change from previous week)
#15. Adair County
--- 66.7% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #420 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 5.2 (1 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 27,060 (5,196 total cases)
--- 2.5% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 927 (178 new cases, -6% change from previous week)
#14. Hickman County
--- 67.3% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #415 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.0 (0 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 18,447 (808 total cases)
--- 33.5% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 365 (16 new cases, -47% change from previous week)
#13. Gallatin County
--- 69.0% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #404 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.0 (0 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 24,106 (2,138 total cases)
--- 13.2% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 361 (32 new cases, -27% change from previous week)
#12. Jackson County
--- 72.7% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #356 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 45.0 (6 new deaths, +200% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 30,137 (4,017 total cases)
--- 8.6% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,163 (155 new cases, +14% change from previous week)
#11. Owsley County
--- 73.7% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #342 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.0 (0 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 32,707 (1,444 total cases)
--- 17.8% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,835 (81 new cases, +11% change from previous week)
#10. Hopkins County
--- 75.3% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #311 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 6.7 (3 new deaths, +50% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 31,764 (14,194 total cases)
--- 14.4% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,224 (547 new cases, +23% change from previous week)
#9. Mason County
--- 81.7% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #255 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.0 (0 new deaths, -100% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 25,841 (4,411 total cases)
--- 6.9% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 644 (110 new cases, -19% change from previous week)
#8. Perry County
--- 85.0% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #236 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 7.8 (2 new deaths, -33% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 37,208 (9,584 total cases)
--- 34.0% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 2,147 (553 new cases, +6% change from previous week)
#7. Metcalfe County
--- 88.7% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #212 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 29.8 (3 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 26,969 (2,716 total cases)
--- 2.8% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 804 (81 new cases, +31% change from previous week)
#6. Lewis County
--- 91.0% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #202 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 15.1 (2 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 32,271 (4,284 total cases)
--- 16.3% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,273 (169 new cases, +7% change from previous week)
#5. Livingston County
--- 103.0% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #146 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 54.4 (5 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 23,755 (2,184 total cases)
--- 14.4% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 674 (62 new cases, -19% change from previous week)
#4. Lee County
--- 107.0% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #130 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 27.0 (2 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 34,121 (2,526 total cases)
--- 22.9% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 2,215 (164 new cases, +37% change from previous week)
#3. Monroe County
--- 119.0% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #93 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.0 (0 new deaths, -100% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 33,061 (3,521 total cases)
--- 19.1% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 535 (57 new cases, -53% change from previous week)
#2. Harlan County
--- 123.0% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #80 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 3.8 (1 new deaths, -67% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 33,449 (8,700 total cases)
--- 20.5% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,269 (330 new cases, -28% change from previous week)
#1. Robertson County
--- 232.0% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
--- #5 highest rate among all counties nationwide
- New deaths per 100k in the past week: 0.0 (0 new deaths, -100% change from previous week)
- Cumulative cases per 100k: 28,083 (592 total cases)
--- 1.2% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
- New cases per 100k in the past week: 712 (15 new cases, -12% change from previous week)