Property Tax in Bell County
via TaxByCounty
Bell County has lowest absolute taxes
Bell County's 0.743% effective tax rate falls just below the national median of 0.85%, placing it in the lower-middle range nationally. The median annual property tax of just $617—the lowest among our profiled counties—represents just 23% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting depressed regional home values.
Moderate rate, lowest tax bills
Bell County's 0.743% effective rate slightly exceeds Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, but the median property tax of $617 is 44% below the state median of $1,093. This reflects southeastern mountain home values that remain among Kentucky's lowest.
Affordable taxes in coal region
Bell County's 0.743% rate sits amid other eastern Kentucky mining-region counties facing similar economic realities and depressed property values. Harlan and Pike counties nearby experience comparable or even higher rates with similar low tax bills.
What $83,000 home costs annually
A median Bell County home valued at just $83,000 generates approximately $617 in annual property taxes—the lowest tax burden among our eight counties. Total annual housing costs including mortgage reach roughly $1,048.
Low values don't eliminate appeal options
Despite Bell County's depressed property values, homeowners should still verify assessment accuracy, as overvaluation compounds even on modest-priced homes. Appeals are particularly worthwhile if recent sales suggest lower market values.