Harrison County's composite score of 75.6 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top half of U.S. counties overall. This 51% advantage reflects a county where taxes and housing costs work meaningfully in residents' favor.
2 / 5
Slightly ahead of Kentucky peers
At 75.6, Harrison County edges past Kentucky's state average composite score of 75.0, ranking it in the upper tier of the commonwealth's 120 counties. The county holds its own against regional competition with balanced fundamentals.
3 / 5
Tax and affordability stand out
Harrison County shines in tax burden (83.2 score) with an effective rate of 0.679%, and housing affordability (82.6 score) with median home values at $188,900 and rents at $755/month. Median household income of $63,205 provides solid middle-class earning power.
4 / 5
Income growth needs attention
The county's income score of 24.6 lags considerably behind its tax and cost strengths, suggesting wage stagnation or limited high-earning opportunities. Full assessment is limited by missing safety, health, school, and environmental data that would provide a more complete picture.
5 / 5
A budget-conscious family choice
Harrison County suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over maximum earning potential. It's ideal for those who value financial stability and modest cost-of-living rather than rapid wealth accumulation.
Harrison County's composite score of 75.6 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top half of U.S. counties overall. This 51% advantage reflects a county where taxes and housing costs work meaningfully in residents' favor.
Slightly ahead of Kentucky peers
At 75.6, Harrison County edges past Kentucky's state average composite score of 75.0, ranking it in the upper tier of the commonwealth's 120 counties. The county holds its own against regional competition with balanced fundamentals.
Tax and affordability stand out
Harrison County shines in tax burden (83.2 score) with an effective rate of 0.679%, and housing affordability (82.6 score) with median home values at $188,900 and rents at $755/month. Median household income of $63,205 provides solid middle-class earning power.
Income growth needs attention
The county's income score of 24.6 lags considerably behind its tax and cost strengths, suggesting wage stagnation or limited high-earning opportunities. Full assessment is limited by missing safety, health, school, and environmental data that would provide a more complete picture.
A budget-conscious family choice
Harrison County suits families and retirees prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over maximum earning potential. It's ideal for those who value financial stability and modest cost-of-living rather than rapid wealth accumulation.
Score breakdown
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🏛83.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.679%, Harrison County's effective property tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.88%, placing it in the lower third of all U.S. counties. Homeowners here pay $1,282 in median annual property tax—less than half the national median of $2,690—despite living in a state with an average rate of 0.719%.
Among Kentucky's lowest taxed counties
Harrison ranks near the bottom of Kentucky's 120 counties for property tax burden, with an effective rate just below the state average of 0.719%. This positions Harrison as a relatively affordable county for homeowners seeking to minimize annual tax obligations.
Lower than most surrounding counties
Harrison's 0.679% rate beats neighboring Henry County (0.821%) and Henderson County (0.878%), though it runs slightly higher than Jackson County's 0.638%. Among comparable mid-sized counties in the region, Harrison offers moderate tax relief for homeowners.
Median home, typical annual tab
A median-valued home in Harrison County at $188,900 generates approximately $1,282 in annual property taxes. For homeowners with mortgages, the total tax obligation including escrow reaches $1,492 per year; those paying outright owe $883.
Check if you're overassessed
Many Kentucky homeowners are unaware they may be overassessed on their property values. If your home's assessed value seems high compared to recent sales nearby, you can file a formal appeal with the county assessor's office—potentially lowering your annual tax bill.
Renters in Harrison County spend just 14.3% of their income on housing, well below the national threshold of affordability and notably better than Kentucky's 17.0% state average. At $755 per month, median rent here runs nearly $20 below the state median, while household income sits at $63,205—just 15% below the national median of $74,755.
Among Kentucky's most affordable counties
Harrison County ranks as one of Kentucky's most housing-friendly markets, with a rent-to-income ratio that outperforms 80% of the state. This affordability advantage reflects both moderate rental costs and relatively stable incomes compared to rural Kentucky counties.
Affordable compared to regional peers
Harrison County's $755 rent is competitive across the region—lower than Henderson County ($794) and Henry County ($871), though slightly above Hart County ($692). For homebuyers, the median home value of $188,900 offers solid middle ground between more expensive Jefferson County and more affordable rural alternatives.
Rent, mortgages, and income balance
Monthly housing costs break down to $755 for renters and $807 for homeowners, both manageable on a median income of $63,205. This means the average household devotes roughly 14% of monthly earnings to housing—leaving room for other essentials.
Consider Harrison for balanced living
If you're weighing Kentucky counties, Harrison offers the rare combination of below-state-average housing costs and above-average incomes. Compare your situation: earn $63,205 or more and you'll find housing here genuinely affordable.
Harrison County's median household income of $63,205 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by about 15% less, placing it below the U.S. average but solidly middle-class. The county's per capita income of $31,696 is about 7% higher than the national median per capita, suggesting stronger individual earning power.
Top earners in Kentucky
At $63,205, Harrison County households earn 13% more than Kentucky's state average of $55,909. This positions Harrison in the upper tier of Kentucky counties by median household income.
Harrison leads surrounding counties
Harrison County's $63,205 median income exceeds nearby Henderson ($58,239) and Hopkins ($57,610) counties. The county ranks among the strongest earners in its region, second only to Jefferson County's $67,849.
Housing remains affordable here
With a 14.3% rent-to-income ratio, Harrison County households spend well below the recommended 30% threshold on housing. A median home value of $188,900 aligns with the income profile, making homeownership accessible for median-earning families.
Build on strong local earnings
Harrison County's above-average income creates opportunity for wealth building through retirement savings and investment. Consider maximizing employer 401(k) matches and opening a Roth IRA—your household income level qualifies you for full contributions.
Residents of Harrison County live to an average of 72.3 years, nearly 6 years less than the U.S. average of 78.1 years. One in five people report poor or fair health, reflecting underlying chronic conditions that shorten lives across the region.
Slightly Above Kentucky's Health Baseline
Harrison County's 72.3-year life expectancy edges out Kentucky's state average of 72.2 years, placing it in the middle tier of the state's 120 counties. The county's 21% poor/fair health rate sits below the state burden, suggesting better-than-average health management here.
Healthier Than Rural Peers
Harrison residents outlive those in Jackson County (71.1 years) and Hickman County (71.5 years), but fall slightly short of Henderson County's 73.3 years. Primary care access here—53 providers per 100,000—mirrors Henderson's availability and beats rural neighbors like Jackson County's 23 per 100,000.
Strong Insurance Coverage, Good Access
Only 6.2% of Harrison County residents lack health insurance, better than Kentucky's 7% average and among the state's best rates. With 53 primary care providers and 57 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, the county offers solid day-to-day healthcare infrastructure.
Explore Your Health Insurance Options
Even in Harrison County's relatively strong market, nearly 1 in 16 residents remain uninsured. Visit kynect.ky.gov or call 1-855-4KY-ENROLL to review plans—you may qualify for subsidies that make coverage affordable.
Harrison County scores 33.78 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and sitting well below Kentucky's state average of 44.21. This places the county among the safer regions for natural disaster risk in the commonwealth.
Top-tier safety ranking in Kentucky
Harrison County ranks favorably among Kentucky's 120 counties for overall natural disaster risk. Its Very Low rating reflects relatively moderate exposure across most hazard types compared to riskier counties statewide.
Safer than regional peers
Harrison County's 33.78 score outperforms neighboring Hart County (41.13) and significantly beats Henderson County (73.16). The county's advantageous position reflects lower-than-average exposure to earthquakes, floods, and severe weather.
Watch for tornadoes and earthquakes
Tornado risk reaches 63.33 in Harrison County, the highest hazard among the five tracked—meaningful but not extreme. Earthquake risk follows at 56.14, reflecting the county's location near mid-continent seismic zones.
Cover your basics with appropriate insurance
Despite a low overall risk profile, Harrison County residents should maintain homeowners insurance that covers tornado damage and consider earthquake coverage if living near fault lines. Standard policies often exclude both perils, leaving gaps in protection.