Mortgage vs free-and-clear medians
- With mortgage
- $1,798/yr
- Without mortgage
- $1,201/yr
- Gap
- $597
Statewide · Property tax · ACS 2024
Kentucky Property Taxes
The average Kentucky homeowner pays $1,544 a year at an effective rate of 0.75%. That bill is 23% below the U.S. median bill. Compare 120 counties below.
- $1,544
- Avg median tax
- 0.75%
- Effective rate
- #29 of 51
- U.S. rank (burden)
- 120
- Counties
Kentucky homeowners pay a median of $1,544 a year in property tax, an effective rate of 0.75%, the 29th-highest burden of 51 U.S. jurisdictions (50 states and DC).
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (2024), the median Kentucky homeowner pays $1,544 a year on a home worth $205,600, an effective rate of 0.75%. The bill runs 23% below the $1,993 national median. County medians range $414 (Wolfe County) to $3,519 (Oldham County) across 120 counties.
What the statewide average misses
County medians in Kentucky run from $414 in Wolfe County to $3,519 (Oldham County). That range is why a statewide figure is a starting point, not a parcel-level estimate.
- $414–$3,519 (Oldham County)
- County median-bill range
- 0.77%
- Home-weighted county rate
- 39%
- Homes in the eight largest counties
County medians come from U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates · 2024. The statewide effective rate in the hero is median tax divided by median home value.
Government haul · mid share
Kentucky's government property-tax haul sits in the middle of the U.S. pack
In Census FY2024, Kentucky's state and local governments collected $5.1B in property tax - 0.7% of the U.S. total (#31 of 51).
Spread across 1,239,908 owner-occupied homes, that haul is about $4,133 per home - 2.7× the ACS median homeowner bill of $1,544. The gap is expected: LF0009 covers all taxable property (including commercial and other non-household parcels), while the ACS median is a household figure.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Annual Survey of State and Local Government Finances, FY2024, series LF0009 (property tax), government level State and Local (GOVTYPE 001). Amounts are published in thousands of dollars. This is a government-revenue series, not tax, legal, or financial advice, and not a substitute for the ACS homeowner median bill above.
ACS tenure & reporting signals · 2024
Mortgage tenure and zero-tax reporting in Kentucky
These sub-topics sit on dedicated research and guide pages fleet-wide; here they are computed for Kentucky from the same ACS tables that power county medians above.
Owners reporting no tax
- All owner-occupied
- 11.0%
- With mortgage
- 3.5%
- Sample (owned homes)
- 543,763
ACS reports what households paid, not approved exemptions. Exemption guide
County effective-rate spread
Published medians span 0.48% in Rockcastle County to 1.01% in Campbell County - a 0.53 percentage-point gap across 120 counties.
Appeal guide for when a parcel sits above its county median.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2024), Table B25087 (mortgage status medians) and county tax_distribution aggregates (zero-tax reporting shares). Informational only, not tax or legal advice.
The average median property tax in Kentucky is $1,544/year, which is 23% below the national average of $1,993. The average effective tax rate is 0.75% on a median home value of $205,600. Taxes range from $414 in Wolfe County to $3,519 (Oldham County).
Read the state signal first
What the data changes in Kentucky
A rate compares places with different home values. The annual bill shows a typical dollar amount. County spread shows why neither is a parcel estimate.
The clearest local difference
County bills span a wide range
Across 120 measured counties, the published median runs from $414 in Wolfe County to $3,519 (Oldham County). Local school levies, county bonds, municipal overlays, and assessment practice create this within-state spread.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not tax, legal, or financial advice. Figures describe median homeowner households reported to the Census Bureau. Individual bills can differ with assessed value, exemptions, special districts, and local overlays. Confirm current rates with your county assessor or a qualified professional before making a decision.
State Average vs National Average
Median Annual Tax
$1,544
-23% vs US avg
Median Home Value
$205,600
-10% vs US avg
Effective Tax Rate
0.75%
-18% vs US avg
Rate-band peers near Kentucky
Nearest ACS 2024 jurisdictions by effective rate (not geography). Each row names another state so Kentucky's 0.75% rate is read against real neighbors such as Indiana and Florida.
| Peer state | Effective rate | Vs Kentucky | Median bill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana Also open Indiana for county spread | 0.74% | Indiana nearly matches Kentucky | $1,614 |
| Florida Also open Florida for county spread | 0.76% | Florida nearly matches Kentucky | $2,730 |
| Virginia Also open Virginia for county spread | 0.73% | Virginia nearly matches Kentucky | $2,790 |
| Georgia Also open Georgia for county spread | 0.77% | Georgia nearly matches Kentucky | $2,341 |
| Mississippi Also open Mississippi for county spread | 0.72% | Mississippi nearly matches Kentucky | $1,215 |
| Montana Also open Montana for county spread | 0.72% | Montana nearly matches Kentucky | $2,693 |
Nationwide states with similar effective rate & median bill
Two PlainPropertyTax-derived comparison paths for Kentucky, excluding Kentucky itself so the link neighborhoods are not self-referential. Median-bill peers exclude the effective-rate peer set so the two axes stay disjoint.
Similar effective rate
Nearest other states by ACS effective rate. Kentucky: 0.75%.
Similar median bill
Nearest other states by ACS median annual tax. Kentucky: $1,544/yr. Rate peers are excluded so the two link sets stay distinct.
Where Kentucky sits among U.S. jurisdictions
Effective property tax rate (median tax ÷ median home value) across the 50 states and DC, ACS 2024.
Where Kentucky sits among U.S. jurisdictions
Effective rate · ACS 2024 · 50 states and DC
0.75% more affordable than 55% of 51 U.S. jurisdictions
Show national distribution
Each bar is a band; taller bars hold more U.S. jurisdictions. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count, share, and where it sits relative to this entry.
Source U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates · 2024
Kentucky has a higher effective property tax rate than 44% of U.S. jurisdictions (the 50 states and DC), ranking #29 of 51 for property tax burden. Rate neighbors: Indiana (0.74%, nearly level); Florida (0.76%, nearly level); Virginia (0.73%, nearly level).
What Kentucky's biggest counties actually charge
Effective rate in the eight Kentucky counties holding the most owner-occupied homes, ordered largest first (highlighted) and together holding 39% of the state's. ACS 2024.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2024). Counties ordered by owner-occupied housing units (B25003_002E), not by resident population.
Kentucky's median county rate is 0.75%, but that figure counts every county equally. Weight each county by how many owner-occupied homes it actually holds and the rate a typical Kentucky homeowner faces is 0.77%, close to the plain median, so Kentucky's larger counties are not unusual for the state.
Top 5 Lowest Tax Counties
Top 5 Highest Tax Counties
Tax Affordability Score
8.1
Very Affordable
Based on the average effective tax rate of 0.75% compared to the national average of 0.92%. Kentucky has below-average property tax rates, making it a more affordable state for homeowners.
Very Expensive Very Affordable
How this score is calculated: a 1-10 scale from Kentucky's 0.75% vs the national 0.92% - read beside Indiana and Florida before treating the score as band-typical. A ratio at or below 0.5× scores 10, at or above 2.0× scores 1, linear between. Census figures only, not a recommendation or endorsement.
Counties in Kentucky by tax bill
Ranked from highest median annual bill downward , showing the top 80 of 120 measured counties so the page stays crawlable. Gold/silver/bronze mark the top three list positions; effective rate is the focal comparison when home values differ.
| # | County | Median tax | Eff. rate | Home value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oldham County | $3,519 | 0.90% | $393,100 |
| 2 | Campbell County | $2,556 | 1.01% | $252,000 |
| 3 | Fayette County | $2,542 | 0.87% | $293,500 |
| 4 | Kenton County | $2,395 | 0.98% | $244,400 |
| 5 | Boone County | $2,372 | 0.86% | $277,300 |
| 6 | Shelby County | $2,339 | 0.77% | $304,800 |
| 7 | Spencer County | $2,188 | 0.66% | $330,000 |
| 8 | Jefferson County | $2,136 | 0.86% | $248,400 |
| 9 | Woodford County | $2,108 | 0.70% | $299,700 |
| 10 | Bullitt County | $2,050 | 0.83% | $247,200 |
| 11 | Jessamine County | $1,960 | 0.73% | $268,100 |
| 12 | Scott County | $1,908 | 0.66% | $288,500 |
| 13 | Nelson County | $1,891 | 0.79% | $238,000 |
| 14 | Boyle County | $1,731 | 0.82% | $209,900 |
| 15 | Franklin County | $1,716 | 0.79% | $216,600 |
| 16 | Madison County | $1,698 | 0.73% | $232,000 |
| 17 | Anderson County | $1,697 | 0.75% | $225,100 |
| 18 | Daviess County | $1,675 | 0.84% | $199,900 |
| 19 | Mercer County | $1,672 | 0.83% | $202,300 |
| 20 | Warren County | $1,668 | 0.65% | $258,000 |
| 21 | Bourbon County | $1,627 | 0.71% | $229,300 |
| 22 | Henry County | $1,611 | 0.81% | $197,900 |
| 23 | Henderson County | $1,548 | 0.90% | $171,900 |
| 24 | Hardin County | $1,480 | 0.66% | $225,800 |
| 25 | Gallatin County | $1,476 | 0.83% | $178,200 |
| 26 | Clark County | $1,451 | 0.71% | $205,800 |
| 27 | Grant County | $1,432 | 0.68% | $209,500 |
| 28 | Garrard County | $1,422 | 0.69% | $204,900 |
| 29 | McCracken County | $1,410 | 0.75% | $188,100 |
| 30 | Meade County | $1,408 | 0.68% | $207,900 |
| 31 | Simpson County | $1,371 | 0.60% | $229,400 |
| 32 | Harrison County | $1,328 | 0.66% | $202,100 |
| 33 | Pendleton County | $1,275 | 0.80% | $159,800 |
| 34 | Montgomery County | $1,265 | 0.73% | $172,200 |
| 35 | Marshall County | $1,252 | 0.72% | $173,800 |
| 36 | Owen County | $1,220 | 0.72% | $168,700 |
| 37 | Barren County | $1,212 | 0.68% | $178,000 |
| 38 | Taylor County | $1,202 | 0.69% | $174,200 |
| 39 | Lyon County | $1,196 | 0.63% | $189,500 |
| 40 | Calloway County | $1,195 | 0.65% | $183,200 |
| 41 | Washington County | $1,174 | 0.66% | $179,200 |
| 42 | Greenup County | $1,171 | 0.87% | $134,000 |
| 43 | Trigg County | $1,162 | 0.56% | $207,700 |
| 44 | Marion County | $1,157 | 0.69% | $168,100 |
| 45 | Boyd County | $1,156 | 0.88% | $130,700 |
| 46 | Bracken County | $1,149 | 0.92% | $125,000 |
| 47 | Trimble County | $1,139 | 0.66% | $172,000 |
| 48 | Christian County | $1,126 | 0.65% | $173,600 |
| 49 | Hopkins County | $1,104 | 0.77% | $142,800 |
| 50 | Larue County | $1,104 | 0.60% | $183,500 |
| 51 | Carroll County | $1,070 | 0.76% | $140,900 |
| 52 | Lincoln County | $1,066 | 0.72% | $147,300 |
| 53 | Ballard County | $1,065 | 0.73% | $145,800 |
| 54 | Pulaski County | $1,057 | 0.63% | $166,900 |
| 55 | Mason County | $1,055 | 0.65% | $161,500 |
| 56 | Allen County | $1,046 | 0.54% | $192,300 |
| 57 | Logan County | $1,010 | 0.61% | $164,900 |
| 58 | Webster County | $993 | 0.88% | $112,900 |
| 59 | Adair County | $971 | 0.64% | $150,800 |
| 60 | Graves County | $970 | 0.66% | $147,800 |
| 61 | Hart County | $965 | 0.66% | $146,000 |
| 62 | McLean County | $954 | 0.64% | $148,500 |
| 63 | Carlisle County | $945 | 0.78% | $120,400 |
| 64 | Grayson County | $930 | 0.57% | $164,600 |
| 65 | Hancock County | $930 | 0.66% | $141,200 |
| 66 | Russell County | $929 | 0.57% | $163,200 |
| 67 | Union County | $927 | 0.89% | $104,500 |
| 68 | Breckinridge County | $916 | 0.58% | $156,700 |
| 69 | Todd County | $909 | 0.55% | $166,700 |
| 70 | Laurel County | $906 | 0.57% | $159,500 |
| 71 | Robertson County | $893 | 0.54% | $165,100 |
| 72 | Monroe County | $891 | 0.77% | $115,900 |
| 73 | Rowan County | $885 | 0.55% | $161,800 |
| 74 | Edmonson County | $881 | 0.55% | $160,300 |
| 75 | Powell County | $875 | 0.62% | $141,100 |
| 76 | Fleming County | $866 | 0.64% | $134,700 |
| 77 | Bath County | $850 | 0.65% | $129,800 |
| 78 | Whitley County | $849 | 0.64% | $131,800 |
| 79 | Green County | $817 | 0.65% | $125,000 |
| 80 | Casey County | $812 | 0.60% | $136,300 |
40 additional Kentucky counties rank below this top-80 list in the same bill order. Open any county from the county directory or the Kentucky calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which county in Kentucky has the lowest property taxes? ▼
Wolfe County has the lowest median property tax in Kentucky at $414 per year with an effective rate of 0.55%. The highest is Oldham County at $3,519.
How does Kentucky compare to the national average? ▼
Kentucky property taxes are 23% below the national average. Homeowners here pay a median of $1,544 per year compared to $1,993 nationally.
What is the average property tax in Kentucky? ▼
The average median property tax paid in Kentucky is $1,544 per year, based on ACS 2024 data. The average effective tax rate is 0.75%.
Where does Kentucky sit in U.S. property-tax collections? ▼
In Census FY2024, Kentucky's state and local governments collected $5.1B in property tax - 0.7% of the U.S. total (#31 of 51). Spread across 1,239,908 owner-occupied homes, that haul is about $4,133 per home - 2.7× the ACS median homeowner bill of $1,544. The gap is expected: LF0009 covers all taxable property (including commercial and other non-household parcels), while the ACS median is a household figure.
What share of Kentucky owners report paying no property tax? ▼
11.0% of owner-occupied homes in Kentucky report zero property tax on the ACS survey (3.5% among mortgaged owners). That is a reporting signal, exemptions, caps, or non-levying jurisdictions, not an exemption headcount.
Do homeowners with a mortgage pay more property tax in Kentucky? ▼
ACS 2024 medians show mortgaged owners pay $1,798/yr versus $1,201 for owners without a mortgage, a $597 gap. Our mortgage-gap research page ranks this spread against all states.
What is the median home value in Kentucky? ▼
The median home value across Kentucky is $205,600, compared to $227,791 nationally. Home values directly impact property tax bills since taxes are assessed as a percentage of property value.
How are property taxes calculated? ▼
Property taxes are calculated by multiplying the assessed value of a property by the local tax rate (mill rate). Rates vary by county, city, and school district. The effective tax rate shown here is the median tax paid divided by the median home value, which provides a standardized comparison across counties.
Can I appeal my property taxes in Kentucky? ▼
Yes. Every Kentucky homeowner has the right to appeal their property tax assessment. The process typically starts at your county assessor's office within 30-90 days of receiving your assessment notice. You can challenge the assessed value by providing comparable sales data, evidence of property condition, or errors in the assessment. See our guide on how to appeal property taxes for detailed steps.
What to do with Kentucky's numbers
Turn the ACS 2024 statewide medians into a county check, an estimate, or an appeal path.
- Kentucky's ACS 2024 median bill is $1,544/yr at 0.75% (23% below the U.S. median). Open any county below to see how far local bills sit from that statewide figure. County list
- Inside Kentucky, Wolfe County posts the lowest median bill at $414/yr; Oldham County is highest at $3,519/yr. Open Wolfe County
- Estimate a parcel bill at Kentucky's published effective rate, or read the state's assessment and appeal path before treating the statewide median as your budget. State estimator
Statewide medians average across 120 counties; your parcel's assessed value, exemptions, and local levies set the real bill. U.S. Census Bureau ACS · 2024.
Editorial standards and provenance
PlainPropertyTax is rendered directly from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates, no number is typed in by an editor. This page draws directly on the Census ACS state-level record for Kentucky. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of 2026-08-09.