countyscore
34.3
County Score
Water Quality 86Weather & Climate 64.3Income & Jobs 61.4

County Report Card

About Jefferson County, Kentucky

Jefferson County Faces Urban Pressures

Jefferson County earns a composite score of 34.3, falling well below the national median of 50.0. As a major urban center, its scores reflect the complex challenges of a large metropolitan area.

A Unique Profile in Kentucky

With a score of 34.3, Jefferson County sits significantly below the Kentucky state average of 58.6. This variance highlights the massive difference between Louisville’s urban environment and the rest of the state.

Economic Engine with Great Water

The county leads the region with an income score of 61.4, reflecting its status as a major job hub. It also boasts a high water quality score of 86.0 and relatively solid health metrics at 51.4.

Safety and Environmental Risk Hurdles

The safety score is very low at 4.6, and the risk score of 1.7 highlights significant environmental or infrastructure vulnerabilities. Housing costs also press residents, with a cost score of only 19.8.

Built for High-Earning Urbanites

Jefferson County is best for those who prioritize career opportunities and urban amenities over quiet safety. It suits residents who can leverage the $67,849 median income to navigate a higher-cost and higher-risk environment.

Score breakdown

Tax48.7Cost19.8Safety4.6Health51.4Schools45.2Income61.4Risk1.7Water86Weather64.3
🏛48.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠19.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼61.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡4.6
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤51.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡1.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤64.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨57
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱60.7
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Floyd County
Indiana
44
Bullitt County
Kentucky
49.5
Clark County
Indiana
40.2
Harrison County
Indiana
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Oldham County
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Spencer County
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Shelby County
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Nelson County
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Deep Dives

Jefferson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Jefferson County

via CrimeByCounty

Urban Challenges in Jefferson County

As Kentucky's most populous county, Jefferson faces unique challenges with a total crime rate of 3,621.5 per 100K. This figure exceeds the national average, resulting in a safety score of 94.3.

Elevated Crime Relative to State

Jefferson's crime rate is more than four times higher than the Kentucky average of 786.2. This places the county significantly below the state’s average safety score of 98.8.

Complex Safety Landscape for Jefferson

Jefferson reports much higher crime rates than all surrounding rural counties like Henry. A large network of 26 reporting agencies manages public safety across this urban landscape.

Property and Violent Crime Breakdown

Violent crime is a serious concern at 633.7 per 100K, nearly double the national average. Property crime is also high, with 2,987.8 incidents per 100K residents.

Invest in Robust Home Security

Residents should prioritize high-quality home security systems and stay informed about local crime trends. Awareness and proactive property protection are essential in Jefferson’s active urban environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Jefferson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Kentucky's Largest Educational Hub in Jefferson County

Jefferson County hosts a massive educational infrastructure with 170 public schools serving 95,647 students. The landscape is dominated by 94 elementary schools, 35 high schools, and 18 specialized facilities. This is the state's largest school network, managed by three distinct districts to handle the immense student population.

Significant Investment Amidst Urban Challenges

Jefferson County leads the state in investment with a per-pupil expenditure of $8,382, far exceeding the Kentucky average of $6,894. However, the graduation rate of 84.0% trails the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 93.8%. The county maintains a school score of 53.4, reflecting the complex needs of a massive urban and suburban student body.

Jefferson County Public Schools and Beyond

Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) is the primary district, managing 168 schools and over 95,000 students. The county also includes the prestigious Anchorage Independent district and the Kentucky School for the Blind. Despite the scale, there are no charter schools, keeping the focus on a diverse array of traditional and specialized public campuses.

A Diverse Mix of City and Suburban Learning

The county features 138 schools in city locales and 32 in suburban settings, providing a truly urban educational experience. Marion C. Moore School is the largest campus with 2,320 students, and the average school size is 573 students. This variety allows families to choose between massive high school environments and specialized schools of innovation.

Discover Homes in Kentucky's Top Districts

Jefferson County offers an unparalleled variety of educational programs, from urban magnets to elite suburban independents like Anchorage. High per-pupil spending ensures access to unique resources that are a major draw for metro-area homebuyers. Start exploring local neighborhoods to find a home near one of these diverse educational institutions.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Jefferson County

via WeatherByCounty

A warm, humid urban climate

Jefferson County's annual average temperature of 57.9°F is notably warmer than the national median. The humid subtropical environment is often influenced by an urban heat island effect within the Louisville metro area.

Warm and wet relative to Kentucky

The county is warmer than the state average of 56.2°F, though its 49.4 inches of rain falls just below the state average. This makes it a relatively warm hub within the Commonwealth.

Snowier than its western neighbors

Jefferson County receives 10.9 inches of annual snowfall, which is significantly higher than Henderson County's 6.5 inches. Its temperature profile is also slightly cooler than the extreme heat found in Hopkins County.

Hot summers and snowy spells

July brings an average of 78.8°F and contributes to 39 days of extreme heat per year. Winter features a January average of 34.9°F and the highest snowfall on this list at 10.9 inches.

Winter prep and summer cooling

A sturdy snow shovel and salt are necessary for the nearly 11 inches of annual snow. High electricity bills are likely in July when 39 days of heat over 90°F stress local power grids.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jefferson County

via SoilByCounty

Urban Soil Profile

Jefferson County holds a soil score of 57.0, resting right near the state average of 56.2. The average pH is 5.88, which is slightly more acidic than the national median of 6.5 but typical for the Louisville region.

Balanced Urban Texture

The soil contains 62.7% silt, 18.9% clay, and 18.4% sand. This relatively balanced mix provides the workability needed for landscaping while maintaining enough clay to hold onto essential plant nutrients.

Stable Water Availability

Organic matter is 2.08%, meeting the national average but falling below the Kentucky average of 3.55%. However, the available water capacity of 0.194 in/in is quite high, helping urban gardens survive the city's heat-island effects.

Hydrology in the City

Specific drainage classes are not listed, but the high silt content can lead to slow infiltration in urban settings. Homeowners should ensure their properties have clear drainage paths to manage heavy rain runoff effectively.

Growing in Zone 7a

Located in zone 7a, Jefferson County gardeners can enjoy a long season of peppers, tomatoes, and ornamental flowers. The reliable water capacity makes this an excellent place for raised-bed gardening or community plots.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jefferson County

via LawnByCounty

Jefferson County's Suburban Lawn Standard

Jefferson County earns a lawn difficulty score of 60.7, indicating it is slightly easier to maintain a lawn here than the national average. This score is just below the Kentucky state average of 66.3. As a Zone 7a region, it offers a predictable but active growing season for local homeowners.

Balancing Rainfall and City Heat

The county receives 49.4 inches of rain annually, which is nearly perfect for healthy turf. However, 39 extreme heat days and 4,516 growing degree days mean the grass grows quickly and faces significant summer stress. Homeowners in urban areas should also consider the heat-island effect, which can raise temperatures even further.

Managing Acidic and Clay Soils

The local soil pH is 5.88, slightly below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, which may require a light application of lime. The soil is a mix of 18.9% clay and 18.4% sand, offering a decent balance of drainage and moisture retention. Regular aeration is recommended to prevent the clay from compacting under heavy foot traffic.

Resilient Against Recent Dry Spells

With only 3 weeks of drought over the past year and 0.0% current drought coverage, Jefferson County is in good shape. The consistent rainfall helps maintain deep soil moisture levels throughout the spring. To keep this resilience, avoid mowing your grass too short during the hottest weeks of July.

A Long Season for Growth

The 7a climate is perfect for Tall Fescue, which stays green for most of the year. With a long growing season bounded by a last frost on April 3 and a first frost on November 7, there is plenty of time for root development. Fall is the optimal time for overseeding to repair any thinning caused by summer's 39 heat days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jefferson County's county score?
Jefferson County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 34.3 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 Jefferson County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Jefferson County ranks #120 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 Jefferson County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Jefferson County is $2,023, with an effective tax rate of 0.85%. This earns Jefferson County a tax score of 48.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jefferson County?
The median household income in Jefferson County, Kentucky is $67,849 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jefferson County earns an income score of 61.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jefferson County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Jefferson County scores 34.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #120 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Jefferson 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 Jefferson County with other counties side by side.

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