Boyd County, Kentucky
7 ZIP codes · Avg score 52/100 · Grade D · Updated 2026-06-03
Systems across Boyd County's 7 ZIP codes show elevated violation counts — the county's low safety grade reflects that ongoing compliance pattern.
How Boyd County Compares
How Boyd County Compares
Boyd County scores 9 points below the Kentucky state average (61/100) and 16 points below the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
ZIP Code Risk Map
Water Quality Map: Boyd County, Kentucky
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Key Risk Factors
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,859, driven primarily by flood
Infrastructure: 0.343% avg pipe failure probability, 43% of ZIPs at high risk
61.6% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)
Violation History (2021–2025)
↑ Worsening trendEPA violation counts by year across Boyd County water systems. Health-based shown in red, total in blue.
Peak year: 2024 with 11 violations. Past 5 years: 17 total (17 health-based). Health-based violations are rising versus the prior 2-year window — worth closer monitoring.
Source: EPA SDWIS historical violations. Data may lag 6–12 months for the most recent year.
Infrastructure Overview
Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.
Compound Risk Breakdown
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,859
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
24,162 housing units in Boyd County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).
Water Safety Affordability
How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in Boyd County
Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Boyd County, representing a small fraction of property value.
Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.
Water Systems with Most Violations
Top 5 systems in Boyd County ranked by EPA violation count.
| # | Water System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ashland Water Works | 44,402 | 8 |
| 2 | Cannonsburg Water District | 8,953 | 8 |
| 3 | Big Sandy Water District | 13,044 | 5 |
| 4 | LOUISA WATER DEPARTMENT | 8,236 | 4 |
| 5 | Flatwoods Water Company | 9,649 | 2 |
9 total water systems serve Boyd County.
All ZIP Codes in Boyd County
7 ZIP codes tracked in Boyd County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 41129 | Catlettsburg | 63 | C | 4 (4 health) | $153K |
| 2 | 41105 | Ashland | 56 | C | 1 (1 health) | — |
| 3 | 41114 | Ashland | 56 | C | 1 (1 health) | — |
| 4 | 41121 | Argillite | 55 | C | 0 | $128K |
| 5 | 41168 | Rush | 50 | D | 0 | $138K |
| 6 | 41101 | Ashland | 46 | D | 1 (1 health) | $120K |
| 7 | 41102 | Ashland | 41 | D | 1 (1 health) | $153K |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Boyd County
Federal and certification sources drive the ordering: EPA monitoring data, NSF certifications, FEMA flood maps, and CDC lead guidance — guides surface only when county data warrants them.
- Best Lead Paint Test Kits — 61.6% of homes built before 1978
- Best Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis Systems — Multi-contaminant removal at the kitchen tap
- Best Sump Pumps — Flood is the top compound risk factor
- Best Mold Test Kits — Flood-driven moisture and mold risk
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Boyd County, Kentucky
Overview
Boyd County in Kentucky covers 7 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of D (52/100).
5 of 7 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 8 health-based violations have been documented.
← Back to Kentucky water quality report
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (median estimates by ZCTA)
Updated daily.
What You Can Do
Boyd County has a grade of D. Here are steps to protect your household.
Test your tap water
Order a certified lab test kit ($20-$50) to check for lead, bacteria, and other contaminants specific to your ZIP code.
Consider a certified water filter
NSF-certified filters can remove most common contaminants. Match the filter to your test results for best protection. Try our filter matcher
Contact your water utility
Request the latest Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your water provider. It details exactly what was found in your water supply.
Check for lead in your home
61.6% of homes in this county were built before 1978. Older plumbing and solder can leach lead into drinking water, especially in the morning.