W.marsh // Wikimedia Commons

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 Jan. 26 reached 874,510 COVID-19-related deaths and nearly 72.5 million COVID-19 cases, according to Johns Hopkins University. Currently, 63.5% of the population is fully vaccinated, and 40.3% 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 Jan. 25, 2021.

Keep reading to see whether your county ranks among the highest COVID-19 death rates in your state.

HiB2Bornot2B // Wikimedia Commons

#50. Johnson County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 374 (83 total deaths)
— 30.8% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #1,027 highest rate among all counties nationwide
– New deaths per 100k in the past week: 4.5 (1 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 21,453 (4,760 total cases)
— 11.7% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,325 (294 new cases, +78% change from previous week)

Nyttend // Wikimedia Commons

#49. Lyon County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 378 (31 total deaths)
— 32.2% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #1,001 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: 28,502 (2,340 total cases)
— 17.4% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,815 (149 new cases, +272% change from previous week)

JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ MD // Wikimedia Commons

#48. Wayne County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 379 (77 total deaths)
— 32.5% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #995 highest rate among all counties nationwide
– New deaths per 100k in the past week: 14.8 (3 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 20,454 (4,159 total cases)
— 15.8% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,180 (240 new cases, +200% change from previous week)

Joel Bradshaw // Wikimedia Commons

#47. Ohio County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 379 (91 total deaths)
— 32.5% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #994 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: 25,881 (6,210 total cases)
— 6.6% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 2,892 (694 new cases, +208% change from previous week)

Bedford // Wikimedia Commons

#46. Logan County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 380 (103 total deaths)
— 32.9% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #986 highest rate among all counties nationwide
– New deaths per 100k in the past week: 14.8 (4 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 25,795 (6,991 total cases)
— 6.2% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 2,387 (647 new cases, +137% change from previous week)

Paul Sableman // Wikimedia Commons

#45. Graves County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 381 (142 total deaths)
— 33.2% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #980 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: 26,308 (9,804 total cases)
— 8.3% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 2,987 (1,113 new cases, +303% change from previous week)

Calvin Beale // Wikimedia Commons

#44. Fulton County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 385 (23 total deaths)
— 34.6% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #954 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: 17,524 (1,046 total cases)
— 27.8% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,625 (97 new cases, +177% change from previous week)

Nyttend // Wikimedia Commons

#43. Breathitt County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 388 (49 total deaths)
— 35.7% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #930 highest rate among all counties nationwide
– New deaths per 100k in the past week: 7.9 (1 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 21,409 (2,704 total cases)
— 11.8% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,774 (224 new cases, +173% change from previous week)

Nyttend // Wikimedia Commons

#42. Martin County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 393 (44 total deaths)
— 37.4% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #902 highest rate among all counties nationwide
– New deaths per 100k in the past week: 26.8 (3 new deaths, +50% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 23,100 (2,586 total cases)
— 4.9% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,938 (217 new cases, +256% change from previous week)

Christopher L. Riley // Wikimedia Commons

#41. Boyle County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 393 (118 total deaths)
— 37.4% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #899 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: 22,888 (6,880 total cases)
— 5.8% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,593 (479 new cases, +165% change from previous week)

Nyttend // Wikimedia Commons

#40. Leslie County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 395 (39 total deaths)
— 38.1% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #881 highest rate among all counties nationwide
– New deaths per 100k in the past week: 10.1 (1 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 28,055 (2,771 total cases)
— 15.5% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 2,126 (210 new cases, +453% change from previous week)

Kybluegrass // Wikimedia Commons

#39. McCreary County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 395 (68 total deaths)
— 38.1% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #880 highest rate among all counties nationwide
– New deaths per 100k in the past week: 11.6 (2 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 25,112 (4,327 total cases)
— 3.4% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 911 (157 new cases, +241% change from previous week)

Nyttend // Wikimedia Commons

#38. Russell County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 396 (71 total deaths)
— 38.5% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #872 highest rate among all counties nationwide
– New deaths per 100k in the past week: 22.3 (4 new deaths, +33% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 28,410 (5,092 total cases)
— 17.0% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 2,427 (435 new cases, +213% change from previous week)

Nyttend // Wikimedia Commons

#37. Nicholas County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 399 (29 total deaths)
— 39.5% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #854 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: 22,149 (1,610 total cases)
— 8.8% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 2,022 (147 new cases, +277% change from previous week)

Nyttend // Wikimedia Commons

#36. Clinton County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 401 (41 total deaths)
— 40.2% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #838 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: 28,274 (2,889 total cases)
— 16.4% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 2,496 (255 new cases, +254% change from previous week)

Nyttend // Wikimedia Commons

#35. Casey County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 402 (65 total deaths)
— 40.6% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #825 highest rate among all counties nationwide
– New deaths per 100k in the past week: 12.4 (2 new deaths, +100% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 20,465 (3,307 total cases)
— 15.7% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,058 (171 new cases, +134% change from previous week)

No machine-readable author provided. Blinutne assumed (based on copyright claims). // Wikimedia Commons

#34. Whitley County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 403 (146 total deaths)
— 40.9% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #816 highest rate among all counties nationwide
– New deaths per 100k in the past week: 11.0 (4 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 31,491 (11,420 total cases)
— 29.7% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 2,606 (945 new cases, +167% change from previous week)

Bfreas // Wikimedia Commons

#33. Simpson County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 404 (75 total deaths)
— 41.3% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #812 highest rate among all counties nationwide
– New deaths per 100k in the past week: 5.4 (1 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 26,206 (4,867 total cases)
— 7.9% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 2,881 (535 new cases, +154% change from previous week)

Nyttend // Wikimedia Commons

#32. Letcher County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 404 (87 total deaths)
— 41.3% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #811 highest rate among all counties nationwide
– New deaths per 100k in the past week: 4.6 (1 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 24,261 (5,229 total cases)
— 0.1% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,981 (427 new cases, +421% change from previous week)

Nyttend // Wikimedia Commons

#31. Pike County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 406 (235 total deaths)
— 42.0% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #792 highest rate among all counties nationwide
– New deaths per 100k in the past week: 6.9 (4 new deaths, +100% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 24,668 (14,277 total cases)
— 1.6% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,942 (1,124 new cases, +324% change from previous week)

Nyttend // Wikimedia Commons

#30. Taylor County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 407 (105 total deaths)
— 42.3% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #788 highest rate among all counties nationwide
– New deaths per 100k in the past week: 7.8 (2 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 28,426 (7,325 total cases)
— 17.0% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,956 (504 new cases, +213% change from previous week)

Nyttend // Wikimedia Commons

#29. Allen County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 408 (87 total deaths)
— 42.7% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #776 highest rate among all counties nationwide
– New deaths per 100k in the past week: 9.4 (2 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 25,691 (5,476 total cases)
— 5.8% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 2,890 (616 new cases, +166% change from previous week)

W.marsh // Wikimedia Commons

#28. Larue County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 417 (60 total deaths)
— 45.8% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #726 highest rate among all counties nationwide
– New deaths per 100k in the past week: 13.9 (2 new deaths, +100% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 21,413 (3,083 total cases)
— 11.8% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,771 (255 new cases, +204% change from previous week)

Nyttend // Wikimedia Commons

#27. Floyd County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 421 (150 total deaths)
— 47.2% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #697 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: 26,368 (9,384 total cases)
— 8.6% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,928 (686 new cases, +165% change from previous week)

Huw Williams (Huwmanbeing) // Wikimedia Commons

#26. Grayson County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 428 (113 total deaths)
— 49.7% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #649 highest rate among all counties nationwide
– New deaths per 100k in the past week: 15.1 (4 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 24,448 (6,461 total cases)
— 0.7% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 2,467 (652 new cases, +223% change from previous week)

Nyttend // Wikimedia Commons

#25. Menifee County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 431 (28 total deaths)
— 50.7% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #634 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: 18,031 (1,170 total cases)
— 25.8% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 740 (48 new cases, +300% change from previous week)

C. Bedford Crenshaw // Wikimedia Commons

#24. Caldwell County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 431 (55 total deaths)
— 50.7% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #630 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: 25,371 (3,234 total cases)
— 4.5% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 2,338 (298 new cases, +255% change from previous week)

Nyttend // Wikimedia Commons

#23. Barren County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 432 (191 total deaths)
— 51.0% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #623 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: 24,599 (10,885 total cases)
— 1.3% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 2,029 (898 new cases, +173% change from previous week)

Nyttend // Wikimedia Commons

#22. Mercer County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 433 (95 total deaths)
— 51.4% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #612 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: 27,151 (5,955 total cases)
— 11.8% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 2,371 (520 new cases, +154% change from previous week)

Nyttend // Wikimedia Commons

#21. Crittenden County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 443 (39 total deaths)
— 54.9% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #557 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: 19,634 (1,729 total cases)
— 19.2% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,317 (116 new cases, +66% change from previous week)

Brian Stansberry // Wikimedia Commons

#20. Washington County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 446 (54 total deaths)
— 55.9% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #539 highest rate among all counties nationwide
– New deaths per 100k in the past week: 8.3 (1 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 26,565 (3,213 total cases)
— 9.4% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,926 (233 new cases, +174% change from previous week)

JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ MD // Wikimedia Commons

#19. Hart County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 447 (85 total deaths)
— 56.3% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #536 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: 24,066 (4,581 total cases)
— 0.9% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,424 (271 new cases, +161% change from previous week)

FloNight (Sydney Poore) and Russell Poore // Wikimedia Commons

#18. Lincoln County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 452 (111 total deaths)
— 58.0% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #515 highest rate among all counties nationwide
– New deaths per 100k in the past week: 12.2 (3 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 21,687 (5,324 total cases)
— 10.7% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,279 (314 new cases, +160% change from previous week)

W.marsh // Wikimedia Commons

#17. Jackson County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 458 (61 total deaths)
— 60.1% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #487 highest rate among all counties nationwide
– New deaths per 100k in the past week: 7.5 (1 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 25,988 (3,464 total cases)
— 7.0% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,733 (231 new cases, +216% change from previous week)

Nyttend // Wikimedia Commons

#16. Bell County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 465 (121 total deaths)
— 62.6% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #457 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: 28,150 (7,328 total cases)
— 15.9% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 2,601 (677 new cases, +224% change from previous week)

Nyttend // Wikimedia Commons

#15. McLean County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 478 (44 total deaths)
— 67.1% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #403 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: 24,145 (2,223 total cases)
— 0.6% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 2,900 (267 new cases, +238% change from previous week)

W.marsh // Wikimedia Commons

#14. Adair County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 495 (95 total deaths)
— 73.1% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #334 highest rate among all counties nationwide
– New deaths per 100k in the past week: 10.4 (2 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 23,675 (4,546 total cases)
— 2.5% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,635 (314 new cases, +114% change from previous week)

Brian Stansberry // Wikimedia Commons

#13. Hickman County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 502 (22 total deaths)
— 75.5% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #314 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: 16,279 (713 total cases)
— 33.0% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,484 (65 new cases, +333% change from previous week)

Jim.henderson // Wikimedia Commons

#12. Hopkins County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 506 (226 total deaths)
— 76.9% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #298 highest rate among all counties nationwide
– New deaths per 100k in the past week: 6.7 (3 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 26,532 (11,856 total cases)
— 9.2% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 3,046 (1,361 new cases, +199% change from previous week)

Nyttend // Wikimedia Commons

#11. Gallatin County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 507 (45 total deaths)
— 77.3% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #297 highest rate among all counties nationwide
– New deaths per 100k in the past week: 11.3 (1 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 21,840 (1,937 total cases)
— 10.1% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 2,221 (197 new cases, +82% change from previous week)

JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ MD // Wikimedia Commons

#10. Owsley County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 521 (23 total deaths)
— 82.2% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #263 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: 27,248 (1,203 total cases)
— 12.2% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 2,356 (104 new cases, +373% change from previous week)

Greg5030 // Wikimedia Commons

#9. Mason County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 521 (89 total deaths)
— 82.2% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #260 highest rate among all counties nationwide
– New deaths per 100k in the past week: 23.4 (4 new deaths, +300% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 22,824 (3,896 total cases)
— 6.0% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 2,683 (458 new cases, +229% change from previous week)

Nyttend // Wikimedia Commons

#8. Metcalfe County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 536 (54 total deaths)
— 87.4% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #215 highest rate among all counties nationwide
– New deaths per 100k in the past week: 9.9 (1 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 24,496 (2,467 total cases)
— 0.9% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,470 (148 new cases, +244% change from previous week)

Nyttend // Wikimedia Commons

#7. Perry County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 536 (138 total deaths)
— 87.4% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #213 highest rate among all counties nationwide
– New deaths per 100k in the past week: 11.6 (3 new deaths, +200% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 30,682 (7,903 total cases)
— 26.3% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 2,244 (578 new cases, +259% change from previous week)

C. Bedford Crenshaw // Wikimedia Commons

#6. Lewis County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 542 (72 total deaths)
— 89.5% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #200 highest rate among all counties nationwide
– New deaths per 100k in the past week: 7.5 (1 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 27,699 (3,677 total cases)
— 14.0% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 2,154 (286 new cases, +136% change from previous week)

Nyttend // Wikimedia Commons

#5. Livingston County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 555 (51 total deaths)
— 94.1% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #183 highest rate among all counties nationwide
– New deaths per 100k in the past week: 21.8 (2 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 20,666 (1,900 total cases)
— 14.9% less cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,490 (137 new cases, +270% change from previous week)

W.marsh // Wikimedia Commons

#4. Lee County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 594 (44 total deaths)
— 107.7% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #139 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: 28,542 (2,113 total cases)
— 17.5% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 1,648 (122 new cases, +154% change from previous week)

W.marsh // Wikimedia Commons

#3. Harlan County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 646 (168 total deaths)
— 125.9% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #76 highest rate among all counties nationwide
– New deaths per 100k in the past week: 11.5 (3 new deaths, -25% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 28,358 (7,376 total cases)
— 16.8% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 2,787 (725 new cases, +319% change from previous week)

Brian Stansberry // Wikimedia Commons

#2. Monroe County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 648 (69 total deaths)
— 126.6% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #75 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: 29,362 (3,127 total cases)
— 20.9% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 2,300 (245 new cases, +175% change from previous week)

W.marsh // Wikimedia Commons

#1. Robertson County

– Cumulative deaths per 100k: 949 (20 total deaths)
— 231.8% more deaths per 100k residents than Kentucky
— #4 highest rate among all counties nationwide
– New deaths per 100k in the past week: 47.4 (1 new deaths, 0% change from previous week)
– Cumulative cases per 100k: 25,285 (533 total cases)
— 4.1% more cases per 100k residents than Kentucky
– New cases per 100k in the past week: 2,135 (45 new cases, +350% change from previous week)