CountyScore

Jefferson County

Kentucky · KY

#120 in Kentucky
62.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Jefferson County, Kentucky

Jefferson exceeds national median

Jefferson County's composite score of 68.0 still tops the national median of 50.0 by 36%, confirming above-average livability at the national scale. However, it ranks below most peers in this comparison group, suggesting regional competition.

Below Kentucky average

At 68.0, Jefferson County significantly trails Kentucky's 75.0 state average—the largest gap in this analysis—placing it well below average for the commonwealth. It represents below-average livability within Kentucky's county landscape.

Highest income in the dataset

Jefferson County claims the highest income score (27.7) with median household income of $67,849, the strongest earnings in this group of eight counties. A tax score of 78.3 provides moderate relief on that higher income base.

Housing costs severely strain affordability

Jefferson County's cost score of 70.3 is the lowest in the dataset, with median home values of $237,200 and rents of $1,097/month—roughly double peers' costs. The high-income advantage disappears when measured against these housing price burdens.

For urban professionals accepting tradeoffs

Jefferson County suits well-earning professionals and families prioritizing urban amenities, job markets, and higher incomes over affordability. It requires acceptance that housing costs will consume a larger share of the household budget.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax78.3Cost70.3SafetyComing SoonHealth69SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.7Risk1.7WaterComing Soon
🏛78.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤69
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡1.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Jefferson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Pima County
Arizona
62.7
Median income: $67,929
Eagle County
Colorado
62.7
Median income: $103,174
El Paso County
Colorado
62.7
Median income: $87,470
Mitchell County
Georgia
62.7
Median income: $51,908
Woodford County
Illinois
62.7
Median income: $85,629

Deep Dives

Jefferson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Jefferson County

via TaxByCounty

Jefferson County taxes still beat national median

At 0.853%, Jefferson County's effective rate sits near the national average, and its median property tax of $2,023 approaches the national median of $2,690. Jefferson's median home value of $237,200 is higher than all other counties profiled, approaching the national median of $281,900.

Kentucky's most expensive county here

Jefferson County's 0.853% effective rate exceeds Kentucky's state average of 0.719%, and its median property tax of $2,023 nearly doubles the state median of $1,093. Jefferson (Kentucky's largest county, home to Louisville) is among the state's highest-taxed counties.

Highest taxes and home values in region

Jefferson's 0.853% rate trails only Henderson County (0.878%) among those profiled, but its median home value of $237,200 far exceeds all neighbors. Jefferson combines higher tax rates with substantially higher property values.

Premium home, premium tax bill

A median Jefferson County home valued at $237,200 generates $2,023 in annual property tax—the highest median among these eight counties. Homeowners with mortgages pay $2,120 per year; those without mortgages pay $1,864.

Challenge high assessments aggressively

Given Jefferson County's high tax bills and competitive real estate market, overassessment is a real risk. If your property's assessed value exceeds recent comparable sales, file a free appeal with the county assessor—potentially saving thousands over time.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jefferson County

via CostByCounty

Jefferson County shows mixed affordability signals

Renters in Jefferson County spend 19.4% of income on housing—above Kentucky's 17.0% state average and notably above the national comfort threshold. Median rent of $1,097 stands 42% above the state average of $771, though median income of $67,849 provides stronger support than most other Kentucky counties.

Least affordable among these eight counties

Jefferson County's 19.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks as the highest in this group and places it among Kentucky's least affordable counties. This reflects its urban (Louisville) character and correspondingly higher housing costs.

Significantly pricier urban market

Jefferson County's $1,097 rent vastly exceeds all seven other counties in this set, with its $237,200 median home value the highest by far. This reflects Louisville's position as Kentucky's largest metro area with proportionally higher costs.

Urban costs demand urban incomes

Renters pay $1,097 monthly while homeowners pay $1,192, both substantially higher than other Kentucky counties. On $67,849 income, these costs consume 19.4% for renters and 21% for owners—demanding careful budgeting.

Jefferson works if you earn urban wages

Jefferson County suits household incomes of $75,000+ willing to accept higher housing ratios for Louisville's job market and urban amenities. Compare your income against these benchmarks: if you're earning less, explore Harrison, Hickman, or Henderson; if you're earning more, Jefferson offers urban advantages.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jefferson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jefferson County exceeds national income

Jefferson County's median household income of $67,849 trails the national median of $74,755 by about 9%, placing it well above most Kentucky counties. The per capita income of $41,267 substantially exceeds the national average, reflecting strong individual earning power.

Kentucky's highest-earning county

At $67,849, Jefferson County households earn 21% more than Kentucky's state average of $55,909. The county ranks as the top income earner in the state.

Significantly outearns regional peers

Jefferson County's $67,849 median income substantially exceeds all neighboring counties, from Harrison ($63,205) to Hickman ($63,750). The county sits in a distinct economic class within its region.

Housing costs remain manageable

At 19.4% of median income, Jefferson County's rent-to-income ratio stays well below the affordability threshold despite higher home values. A median home value of $237,200 requires substantial resources but aligns with income levels.

Maximize tax-advantaged investing

Jefferson County's higher income creates significant wealth-building opportunity through maximized 401(k) and IRA contributions, taxable investments, and real estate diversification. Work with a financial advisor to optimize tax efficiency and create a comprehensive long-term investment strategy.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Jefferson County

via HealthByCounty

Jefferson Leads Kentucky, Still Behind Nation

Jefferson County residents live to 73.3 years on average—5 years below the U.S. average of 78.1 years—but this is Kentucky's highest rate among these counties. Just 19.9% report poor or fair health, the lowest in the region and a reflection of Louisville's urban healthcare infrastructure.

Kentucky's Health Leader and Urban Hub

At 73.3 years, Jefferson County—home to Louisville—ranks at the top of Kentucky's life expectancy tier and exceeds the state average of 72.2 years by 1.1 years. Its 19.9% poor/fair health rate is among the state's lowest, evidence of stronger disease management in an urban setting.

Urban Advantage Over Rural Peers

Jefferson's 73.3-year life expectancy ties with Henderson County as the region's highest, and its 19.9% poor/fair health rate ranks second-best. With 92 primary care and 407 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Jefferson's urban scale and resources dwarf rural peers like Jackson and Hickman.

Strongest Insurance and Provider Access

Jefferson County's 6.3% uninsured rate is the lowest in the region and well below Kentucky's 7% average, reflecting Louisville's larger economy and employer base. With 92 primary care and 407 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—by far the highest mental health density in the comparison—the county offers unmatched healthcare access.

Jefferson: Keep Coverage Current

Jefferson County's healthcare strength depends on broad insurance participation. Even here, over 6% remain uninsured—visit kynect.ky.gov to confirm your coverage or explore plans if your circumstances have shifted.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jefferson County

via RiskByCounty

Jefferson County faces exceptional risk

Jefferson County's composite risk score of 98.28 earns a Relatively High rating and is more than double Kentucky's state average of 44.21. The county ranks among the nation's highest-risk regions for natural disasters.

Kentucky's highest-risk county by far

Jefferson County ranks at the very top of Kentucky's 120 counties for natural disaster risk, facing substantially elevated exposure to tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes. The Relatively High rating reflects the urban density and geographic vulnerability of Kentucky's largest metropolitan area.

Dramatically riskier than surrounding counties

Jefferson County's 98.28 score vastly exceeds all analyzed peers, including Henderson (73.16) and Hopkins (72.55). The gap reflects Louisville's urban concentration and the county's significant flood exposure near the Ohio River.

Tornadoes and floods are critical threats

Tornado risk reaches 99.75—nearly maximal—with flood risk following at 99.11, making Jefferson County exceptionally vulnerable to both perils. Earthquake risk (96.79) adds a third major hazard, and wildfire exposure (56.11) remains meaningful for urban areas.

Comprehensive insurance is non-negotiable

Jefferson County residents must obtain flood insurance immediately through the National Flood Insurance Program, ensure tornado coverage in homeowners policies, and strongly consider earthquake endorsements. These three perils collectively pose extreme risk and should not be left uncovered.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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