countyscore
47.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 77.1Weather & Climate 68.3Lawn Care 67.9

County Report Card

About Jessamine County, Kentucky

Slightly Below the National Median

Jessamine County earns a composite score of 47.5, placing it just under the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a mix of high earning potential balanced against higher local living costs.

Behind the Kentucky Average

The county trails the Kentucky state average composite score of 58.6. While it offers high incomes for the region, other Kentucky counties provide a more balanced profile of affordability and safety.

A Hub for High Earners

Jessamine excels in earning potential with an income score of 77.1 and a median household income of $74,886. It also maintains a strong health score of 62.0, indicating better access to care than many neighbors.

Housing and Safety Pressures

Affordability is a hurdle, as the cost score sits at a low 25.1 with median home values reaching $245,100. Additionally, the safety score of 34.1 suggests there is significant room for improvement in local security.

Best for Mobile Professionals

This county suits high-earning professionals who prioritize income and health over low housing costs. It is an ideal spot for those working in nearby metro areas who want the amenities of a wealthier community.

Score breakdown

Tax55.6Cost25.1Safety34.1Health62Schools56.2Income77.1Risk60.2Water43.3Weather68.3
🏛55.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠25.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼77.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡34.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤62
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓56.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡60.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧43.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤68.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱67.9
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Jessamine County

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

See Today's Rates

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Jessamine County with Kodiak Island Borough →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Kodiak Island Borough
Alaska
Median income: $83,716
47.5
Jackson County
Georgia
Median income: $85,012
47.5
McIntosh County
Georgia
Median income: $50,348
47.5
Hawaii County
Hawaii
Median income: $77,215
47.5
Honolulu County
Hawaii
Median income: $104,264
47.5
Gooding County
Idaho
Median income: $62,395
47.5
Hendricks County
Indiana
Median income: $99,988
47.5
Clark County
Kentucky
Median income: $67,824
47.5

Nearby counties

Garrard County
Kentucky
54.2
Mercer County
Kentucky
60.1
Fayette County
Kentucky
37.5
Woodford County
Kentucky
56.3
Madison County
Kentucky
47.6
Boyle County
Kentucky
55.2
Clark County
Kentucky
47.5
Anderson County
Kentucky
59.6

Deep Dives

Jessamine County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Jessamine County

via TaxByCounty

Jessamine taxes run light nationally

At 0.771%, Jessamine's effective tax rate sits below the national median of 0.85%, putting homeowners in a favorable position compared to most U.S. counties. The median property tax of $1,889 is roughly 30% lower than the national median of $2,690, even as median home values here ($245,100) approach national levels.

Above average within Kentucky

Jessamine ranks above Kentucky's state average effective rate of 0.719%, meaning property owners here pay slightly more than typical for the state. The county's median tax of $1,889 significantly exceeds Kentucky's state median of $1,093, reflecting both higher home values and a moderately elevated rate.

Mid-range among central Kentucky

Jessamine's 0.771% rate falls between Kenton County's higher 1.004% and nearby Larue County's lower 0.630%. Home values and tax burdens here reflect its position as a growing suburban corridor between more expensive Kenton County and rural areas to the south.

What $245,100 home costs annually

A typical Jessamine homeowner with a median-valued property pays roughly $1,889 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure remains stable at $1,869; without one, it rises slightly to $1,983.

Challenge your assessment if overvalued

Many Kentucky homeowners discover their properties are assessed above market value, opening the door to successful tax appeals. If your home's assessed value seems high, requesting a reassessment could lower your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jessamine County

via CostByCounty

Jessamine ranks better than nation

Jessamine County renters spend 15.9% of income on rent, beating the national average and well below what experts consider the affordability threshold of 30%. With a median household income of $74,886—matching the national median—residents here enjoy housing costs that are more manageable than most Americans face.

Top tier affordability in Kentucky

Jessamine's rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% ranks it among Kentucky's most affordable counties, outpacing the state average of 17.0%. The county's median rent of $994 exceeds the state average by $223, but higher local incomes make housing genuinely affordable for renters.

Pricier than peers but worth it

Jessamine's median rent of $994 runs higher than most neighboring Bluegrass Region counties, but so do local incomes and home values ($245,100 median). The trade-off reflects Jessamine's position as a more prosperous, fast-growing suburb of Lexington with stronger economic fundamentals.

Rent and ownership both reasonable

Renters allocate 15.9% of their $74,886 income to the $994 median rent, while homeowners pay $1,147 monthly (18.4% of income) on a median home valued at $245,100. Both housing pathways remain well within the 30% affordability benchmark, giving residents flexibility in how they house themselves.

Affordability meets opportunity

If you're relocating to Kentucky and want reasonable housing costs without sacrificing income potential, Jessamine offers the rare combination of above-average wages and manageable housing expenses. Compare these numbers to your current rent-to-income ratio—you may find Jessamine's Lexington proximity and affordability hard to beat.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jessamine County

via IncomeByCounty

Jessamine matches the nation's income baseline

At $74,886, Jessamine County's median household income is virtually identical to the national median of $74,755—a rare alignment that puts the county squarely in the American middle class. This parity suggests Jessamine households enjoy earnings power comparable to the U.S. average, despite Kentucky's state median sitting 25% lower at $55,909.

Top tier earner in Kentucky

Jessamine ranks among Kentucky's highest-income counties, with a median household income 34% above the state average. The county's per capita income of $40,444 also exceeds the state average of $29,616 by 37%, signaling strong individual earning power across the community.

Outpacing regional peers significantly

Jessamine's $74,886 household income towers over nearby Laurel County ($56,999) and Larue County ($67,770), making it the clear income leader in its region. This advantage reflects Jessamine's proximity to the Lexington metro area and access to higher-wage employment.

Income covers local costs comfortably

A rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% means Jessamine households spend just over 1/6 of earnings on housing—well below the 30% affordability threshold. With a median home value of $245,100, homeownership remains accessible to families earning at the county median.

Build on Jessamine's income advantage

With household income at the national average, Jessamine residents have breathing room to invest beyond basic needs. Consider automating retirement contributions and exploring tax-advantaged accounts; your relative income stability makes consistent wealth-building realistic.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jessamine County

via CrimeByCounty

Jessamine County Outperforms National Safety Averages

Jessamine County earns a safety score of 97.6 out of 100, indicating it is significantly safer than the average U.S. community. The total crime rate of 1532.3 per 100K residents sits well below the national average of 2,385.5. This data from 2022 highlights a relatively secure environment for local families.

Comparing Local Safety to Kentucky Standards

While Jessamine is safer than the nation, its safety score of 97.6 is slightly lower than the Kentucky state average of 98.8. The county's total crime rate of 1532.3 per 100K is higher than the state average of 786.2. Residents experience more frequent reported incidents than the typical Kentuckian.

Regional Safety Trends Near Jessamine

Jessamine County sees 1532.3 crimes per 100K, which is higher than nearby Kenton County's rate of 978.3. This puts Jessamine in a more active crime bracket than some of its regional peers. However, it still maintains a safety profile that ranks highly on a national scale.

A Closer Look at Local Crime Types

Property crime dominates the local landscape at 1416.2 incidents per 100K residents. Violent crime remains relatively low at 116.1 per 100K, though this exceeds the state average of 78.1. These numbers suggest that while physical safety is high, theft and burglary are more common concerns.

Staying Secure in Jessamine County

With property crimes making up the bulk of local reports, home security awareness is vital for residents. Investing in smart lighting and monitored security systems provides an extra layer of defense for your property. Staying informed about local trends helps you stay one step ahead.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Jessamine County

via HealthByCounty

Jessamine's life expectancy tops national norm

At 75.7 years, Jessamine County residents live nearly 2 years longer than the U.S. average of 73.8 years. Only 17.3% report poor or fair health, well below the national rate of 21%, signaling stronger overall health outcomes across the county.

A healthier corner of Kentucky

Jessamine's 75.7-year life expectancy ranks among Kentucky's best, exceeding the state average of 72.2 years by 3.5 years. The county's 17.3% poor/fair health rate also beats Kentucky's 25% statewide rate.

Strong advantage over regional peers

Jessamine outperforms most neighboring counties: its 75.7-year life expectancy surpasses Kenton County (76.3 years, a regional leader) and significantly exceeds Johnson County (69.4 years). The county's robust provider network of 75 primary care doctors per 100K supports this healthier profile.

Good coverage and strong access

Jessamine's 7.5% uninsured rate is slightly above Kentucky's 7.0% average, leaving most residents with healthcare coverage. With 75 primary care providers per 100K and 175 mental health providers per 100K, residents enjoy better-than-average provider access.

Check your coverage options

If you're among Jessamine's uninsured, visit kynect.ky.gov or call 1-855-4-KYNECT to explore Medicare, Medicaid, and private plans. Even small coverage gaps can add up—ensure your family has the protection it needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Jessamine County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Growing Infrastructure for Jessamine Students

Jessamine County operates a streamlined educational network consisting of 14 public schools serving 8,392 students. The infrastructure includes seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and five high schools managed by a single district. This focused system supports a significant student population within a mix of town and rural settings.

High Graduation Rates with Efficient Spending

The county achieves a strong 94.0% graduation rate, surpassing both the national average of 87% and the state average of 93.8%. While per-pupil expenditure is lower than the national average at $6,713, the county's school score of 55.0 remains competitive with the state average of 55.3. These figures suggest the district is effectively translating local investment into student success.

Centralized Learning in Jessamine County Schools

The Jessamine County school district manages all 14 schools in the area, providing a unified curriculum for over 8,000 students. There are currently no charter schools operating in the county, maintaining a traditional public school model. This centralized approach ensures consistent educational standards across the entire county.

Large Schools in a Town Setting

Education here feels community-oriented, with nine schools in town locales and five in rural areas. West Jessamine High School is the largest campus with 1,301 students, while schools average 646 students overall. The presence of specialized centers like the Jessamine Early Learning Village highlights a commitment to early childhood development.

Plan Your Future Near Top-Tier Schools

With graduation rates exceeding state and national benchmarks, Jessamine County is an attractive destination for families. Proximity to high-performing campuses like West Jessamine High can be a significant factor in local real estate decisions. Explore the area to find a home that puts your children's education first.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jessamine County

via RiskByCounty

Jessamine ranks among safest counties

Jessamine County's composite risk score of 39.79 places it well below the national average, earning a "Very Low" rating. This means your county faces significantly lower natural disaster threats than most American counties.

One of Kentucky's lowest-risk counties

With a score of 39.79, Jessamine ranks among the safest counties in Kentucky, where the state average is 44.21. Only a handful of Kentucky counties enjoy comparable protection from natural hazards.

Safer than most nearby counties

Jessamine's 39.79 score significantly outperforms neighboring Fayette and Woodford counties. However, nearby Larue County (12.44) remains the region's lowest-risk option.

Tornadoes pose the main threat

Tornado risk at 69.27 is Jessamine's primary hazard, though still lower than state averages. Earthquake risk (55.66) and flood risk (42.33) round out the county's secondary concerns.

Secure coverage for tornado season

Even in a low-risk county, tornado insurance is essential during severe weather season—most homeowners policies don't cover wind damage. Consider a dedicated endorsement and maintain a family storm plan.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jessamine County

via WeatherByCounty

Lush precipitation in the Bluegrass

While annual temperature data is not recorded for Jessamine County, its 51.5 inches of annual rainfall is higher than the national average. It shares the humid subtropical climate typical of central Kentucky.

Higher rainfall than state averages

With 51.5 inches of annual precipitation, the county is wetter than the Kentucky average of 50.6 inches. While temperature rankings are unavailable, the county's snowfall of 10.2 inches is a key feature of its climate.

Snowier than many western neighbors

Jessamine's 10.2 inches of annual snow is nearly double what Henderson County receives. It records slightly less snow than Jefferson County, which averages 10.9 inches annually.

Significant snowfall during winter months

Though seasonal temperature averages are missing, the 10.2 inches of snow indicates a robust winter season. Residents can expect the humid summers typical of the region to accompany the high annual rainfall.

Prioritize drainage and winter gear

The 51.5 inches of rain requires clear gutters and basement waterproofing to prevent flooding. Residents should also keep winter tires or chains ready for the 10.2 inches of snow that hits the region.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jessamine County

via SoilByCounty

A Classic Kentucky Soil Profile

While specific local taxonomy is currently being updated, Jessamine County sits in a region where soils often track Kentucky’s average pH of 5.80. This is notably more acidic than the national median of 6.5, requiring local growers to monitor lime levels carefully. These levels define the unique chemical identity of the central Bluegrass region.

Balancing Silt and Clay Texture

Detailed percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not currently mapped for this specific area, but these proportions dictate how well local land breathes. A balanced mix ensures that plant roots do not drown during heavy rains while maintaining enough structure for nutrients to stick. Understanding this physical makeup is the first step toward better land management.

Strong Organic Matter Potential

Jessamine County benefits from Kentucky's strong soil health, where the state average organic matter of 3.55% far exceeds the national average of 2.0%. The state's average available water capacity of 0.186 in/in provides a solid foundation for moisture retention during summer dry spells. These benchmarks suggest high potential for nutrient density in local crops.

Managing Water Flow and Drainage

Hydrologic data and drainage classifications for this specific county tract are currently unavailable in the central database. For builders and farmers, this means conducting site-specific tests is crucial to ensure proper water runoff and foundation stability. Proper drainage management remains a vital step for any new agricultural project in the county.

Planting in Hardiness Zone 7a

With a USDA Hardiness Zone of 7a, Jessamine County offers a robust growing season for everything from orchard fruits to heirloom tomatoes. Local gardeners should take advantage of the early spring to establish cool-weather crops before the summer heat. This climate and soil combination makes the county a prime spot for diverse horticultural pursuits.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jessamine County

via LawnByCounty

Jessamine County Lawns Beat National Averages

Jessamine County earns a 67.9 lawn difficulty score, making it significantly easier to maintain than the national average of 50.0. Located in Hardiness Zone 7a, local lawns also perform slightly better than the Kentucky state average of 66.3.

High Rainfall Supports Constant Growth

The county receives 51.5 inches of annual precipitation, which is just above the ideal range of 30-50 inches for most grasses. This surplus of water compared to the state average of 50.4 inches ensures that lawns stay hydrated even when specific heat data is unavailable.

Monitor Your Soil Foundation

While specific soil pH and texture data are limited for this area, regional trends often require testing for proper nutrient levels. Most Kentucky lawns benefit from checking drainage and aim for a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 before establishing new sod.

Low Drought Risk for Local Grass

The area experienced only 4 weeks of drought over the past year, and currently, 0.0% of the county faces abnormal dryness. Homeowners should prioritize deep, infrequent watering during peak summer months to maintain this natural resilience.

Start Your 7a Lawn Success

Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass thrive in this 7a zone due to their durability and color. Plan your primary seeding for the fall to ensure deep root establishment before the winter dormant season begins.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jessamine County's county score?
Jessamine County, Kentucky has a composite county score of 47.5 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 Jessamine County rank among counties in Kentucky?
Jessamine County ranks #109 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 Jessamine County, Kentucky?
The median annual property tax in Jessamine County is $1,889, with an effective tax rate of 0.77%. This earns Jessamine County a tax score of 55.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jessamine County?
The median household income in Jessamine County, Kentucky is $74,886 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jessamine County earns an income score of 77.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jessamine County, Kentucky a good place to live?
Jessamine County scores 47.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #109 in Kentucky. The best way to evaluate Jessamine 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 Jessamine County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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