countyscore
60.4
County Score
Safety 76Lawn Care 75Soil Quality 66.4

County Report Card

About Harrison County, Kentucky

Harrison County Exceeds National Standards

Harrison County earns a composite score of 60.5, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This strong performance indicates a quality of life that outpaces the typical American county.

A Top Performer in Kentucky

With a score of 60.5, Harrison County outperforms the Kentucky state average of 58.6. It maintains a competitive edge over many neighbors by balancing affordability with public safety.

Safety and Low Taxes Drive Appeal

The county excels in safety with a high score of 76.0 and maintains a low tax burden reflected in its 65.6 tax score. Homeowners benefit from an effective tax rate of just 0.679%, leaving more money in local pockets.

Improving Water Infrastructure and Health Outcomes

Harrison County faces its steepest challenges in water quality, where it scores a 39.4. Health metrics also lag behind at 46.5, suggesting a need for better access to wellness resources.

Ideal for Secure and Affordable Living

This county is a perfect match for families prioritizing safety and low overhead. With median rents at $755 and high safety ratings, it offers a secure, budget-friendly lifestyle.

2040608010065.462.87646.550.653.166.239.459.2Tax65.4Cost62.8Safety76Health46.5Schools50.6Income53.1Risk66.2Water39.4Weather59.260.4/100
This county
National avg
4 above average1 below average

Harrison County DNA

Doverall

How Harrison County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Harrison County excels in 4 of 9 measured dimensions, led by Safety (76/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Water Quality (39.4/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
65.4+13.400000000000006
Cost
62.8+14.799999999999997
Safety
76+21
Health
46.5
Schools
50.6
Income
53.1
Risk
66.2+19.200000000000003
Water
39.4-18.6
Weather
59.2
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Compare mortgage rates in Harrison County

Whether buying or refinancing in Harrison County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$202,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$765/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$202,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$30,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $66,442/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

36.9

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Harrison County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Harrison County

via TaxByCounty

Harrison's tax rate beats national average

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.

Income & Jobs in Harrison County

via IncomeByCounty

Harrison beats national income average

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.

Safety in Harrison County

via CrimeByCounty

Harrison County Outshines National Safety Standards

Harrison County maintains a high safety score of 99.1, significantly outperforming the national average. Its total crime rate of 574.4 per 100K is about one-fourth of the national benchmark of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer in the Commonwealth

With a total crime rate sitting well below the Kentucky average of 786.2, Harrison ranks among the safer regions in the state. Its safety score beats the state average of 98.8 by a healthy margin.

Consistently Safe Among Regional Peers

Harrison performs better than neighboring counties like Henry, which has a similar safety score but slightly higher crime rates. It maintains a peaceful environment relative to more urban Kentucky centers.

Property Crime Dominates Local Reports

The vast majority of local crime is property-related, occurring at a rate of 547.8 per 100K. Violent crime is remarkably rare here, with just 26.6 incidents per 100K residents compared to the national average of 369.8.

Proactive Habits Maintain High Safety

Even in safe areas like Harrison, simple security measures like smart locks and motion lighting go a long way. Stay proactive about your property safety to keep these impressive numbers steady.

Weather & Climate in Harrison County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Temperatures and High Annual Rain

Harrison County's 54.8°F annual average temperature is typical for the U.S. interior. However, its 47.7 inches of annual precipitation is well above the national median, ensuring a lush landscape.

Slightly Drier and Cooler Than Average

Harrison is cooler than the state average of 56.2°F and drier than the state average of 50.6 inches. It sits in a transitional zone where it misses some of the heavier southern rains.

Cold Winters Compared to the South

With a January average of 32.0°F, Harrison is colder in mid-winter than Green County. It also faces 29 extreme heat days, placing it in the middle of the pack for temperature extremes in Kentucky.

Chilly Januaries and Warm Julys

The county experiences a July average of 76.0°F with nearly a month's worth of days over 90°F. January is the coldest month, averaging exactly 32.0°F, which creates frequent freeze-thaw cycles during the winter.

Year-Round Climate Control is Key

A reliable HVAC system is necessary to navigate both the freezing 32°F January nights and the 29 days of summer heat. Residents should also prepare for a mix of winter precipitation given the freezing average temperature in January.

Soil Quality in Harrison County

via SoilByCounty

A High-Scoring Soil Foundation

Harrison County earns a soil score of 66.4, significantly outperforming the Kentucky state average of 56.2. Its average pH of 6.22 is more alkaline than the state average of 5.80 and sits very close to the national neutral ideal of 6.5.

Silt-Driven Soil Texture

The soil contains 58.6% silt and 24.5% clay, resulting in a fine-textured mix that holds nutrients well. With only 16.9% sand, this composition offers excellent workability but requires monitoring to prevent surface crusting.

Superior Water Retention Power

At 2.60%, the organic matter content exceeds the national average of 2.0%, though it remains below the state average. The available water capacity of 0.194 in/in is higher than the state mean, giving crops an edge during dry spells.

Moisture-Rich Growing Conditions

While specific drainage and hydrologic data are limited for this area, the heavy silt concentration suggests high water retention. Growers should plan for soils that stay cool and moist longer into the spring planting season.

Thriving in Zone 6b

The local hardiness zone 6b is perfect for growing robust root vegetables and hardy fruit trees like apples. With high water capacity and balanced pH, Harrison County offers one of the best gardening environments in the Bluegrass State.

Lawn Care in Harrison County

via LawnByCounty

Harrison County's High Lawn Success Score

Harrison County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 75.0, making it significantly easier to maintain a yard here than the national median of 50.0. This score also outperforms the Kentucky state average of 66.3. Homeowners in this Hardiness Zone 6b region enjoy some of the most favorable growing conditions in the Commonwealth.

Optimal Rainfall and Growing Days

With 47.7 inches of annual precipitation, the county sits perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy turf. The area experiences 29 extreme heat days per year, which is just below the state average of 30 days. These factors, combined with 3,758 growing degree days, create a steady but manageable mowing schedule.

Balanced Soil for Healthy Roots

The local soil pH of 6.22 falls right within the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for nutrient uptake in grass. A clay content of 24.5% helps retain moisture during dry spells, while the 16.9% sand component provides necessary aeration. Most lawns will thrive here with standard fertilization and minimal pH adjustments.

Brief Dry Spells and Resilience

Harrison County faced only 4 weeks of drought over the past year, keeping it more resilient than many of its western neighbors. Currently, 0.0% of the area is under abnormally dry conditions. To maintain this health, residents should water deeply twice a week during the peak of summer.

Best Grasses for Zone 6b

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass are the top choices for this climate and soil profile. Aim to finish your spring seeding after the last frost on April 18 or plan for fall renovation before the first frost on October 23. These cool-season grasses will appreciate the county's relatively mild July temperatures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Harrison County's county score?
Harrison County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 60.4 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Harrison County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Harrison County ranks #55 among all counties in Kentucky on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Harrison County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Harrison County is $1,328, with an effective tax rate of 0.66%. This earns Harrison County a tax score of 65.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Harrison County?
The median household income in Harrison County, Kentucky is $66,442 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Harrison County earns an income score of 53.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Harrison County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Harrison County scores 60.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #55 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Harrison County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Harrison County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.