Is McCreary County, KY a radon risk area?

EPA places McCreary County in Zone 2 - Moderate Potential — a predicted county-wide average indoor radon level between 2 and 4 pCi/L, based on the geology, soil and aerial radioactivity data behind EPA's national map. Nationally, McCreary County ranks higher in radon potential than 44% of rated counties (the 44th percentile).

How McCreary County compares

About 16,824 people live in McCreary County, Kentucky, spread over 426.709 square miles. That works out to roughly 39 people per square mile. Rank 678 by population within its EPA zone puts McCreary County at the 34th percentile among zone peers. EPA's geology-based Region 4 groups McCreary County with 735 other counties nationally sharing its underlying rock and soil profile.

Zone vs. an actual test

McCreary County's predicted average falls between EPA's 4 pCi/L action level and the national indoor average of about 1.3 pCi/L (outdoor air runs roughly 0.4 pCi/L). Nothing about a Zone 2 label lowers the case for testing in McCreary County — EPA recommends it in every zone, moderate included.

Next steps for a home in McCreary County

Nothing about McCreary County's EPA zone changes the mitigation number: $800–$2,500 nationally (around $1,200 typical), set by the house's foundation rather than the county it sits in — and only relevant once a test actually clears 4 pCi/L.

Find Kentucky's state radon program

McCreary County's test kit answers today; a Airthings radon monitor keeps answering for McCreary County over time. Affiliate link, RadonZoneCheck earns a commission there, at no extra cost to you. Use code RADONZONE-10OFF at checkout for 10% off.

More on how this number was built

McCreary County's zone, rank and region all trace back to named EPA and Census sources — the methodology guide lists exactly which ones. If you're unsure why a low zone still deserves a test, the zone explainer covers that directly.