The objective of this research was to compare the effects of management practices and housing types on SCC. Data were acquired for 34 Kentucky dairy herds, participating in the Southeast Quality Milk Initiative project. Herds were grouped into SCC categories where low = 2013 mean bulk tank SCC ≤250,000 cells/mL (n = 16), and high = >250,000 cells/mL (n = 18). Herd size ranged from 42 to 660 lactating cows. Thirty-eight percent (n = 6) and 50% (n = 9) of low and high herds, respectively, were housed in freestalls. Lactating cow bedding of sawdust or wood shavings was most commonly used for low (47%, n = 7) and high (53%, n = 9) herds. Fans were provided in the parlor and housing for low (75%, n = 12) and high (67%, n = 12) herds. Mastitis-treated cows were not commonly housed separately from lactating cows for low (75%, n = 12) and high (67%, n = 12) herds. Lactating cow housing was split into 3 respective groups: total confinement, pasture access for <4 h a day, and pasture access for ≥4 h a day. Total confinement was used in 50% (n = 8) and 33% (n = 6) of low and high herds, respectively. Pasture access for <4 h a day was 6% (n = 1) and 17% (n = 3) for low and high, respectively. Finally, pasture access for ≥4 h a day was 38% (n = 6) and 50% (n = 9) for low and high, respectively. Of the herds using freestalls, manure was removed from stalls twice daily in 67% (n = 8) and 77% (n = 10) for low and high herds, respectively. Soakers were used in 31% (n = 5) and 41% (n = 7) of low and high herds, respectively. Udder hair was singed or clipped in 25% (n = 4) and 39% (n = 7) of low and high herds, respectively. Overall system checks of the parlor were performed annually in 31% (n = 5) and 53% (n = 9) of low and high herds, respectively. Results of this research may be used to help producers improve their dairy operations by understanding the management practices low and high SCC herds implement. This work was supported by a grant award from USDA-NIFA-AFRI (2013-68004-20424).