Jessamine County scores 70.7 on the composite livability index, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper tier of American counties for overall livability, reflecting solid fundamentals across measured dimensions.
2 / 5
Just Below Kentucky's Average
The county ranks slightly below Kentucky's state average of 75.0, placing it squarely in the middle tier among the state's 120 counties. This positioning reflects a reasonable balance of opportunity and affordability for residents.
3 / 5
Tax Efficiency Leads the Way
Jessamine County shines with a tax score of 80.6 and an effective tax rate of just 0.771%, making it tax-competitive within the state. Housing affordability also performs well with a cost score of 72.9, where the median home value of $245,100 and median rent of $994 remain reasonable for the region.
4 / 5
Income Growth Lags Behind
The county's income score of 32.3 is a notable constraint, with a median household income of $74,886 trailing the local tax advantages. Additional data on safety, health, schools, and water quality would provide a fuller picture of livability factors.
5 / 5
Best for Tax-Conscious Families
Jessamine County appeals to families and retirees seeking lower tax burden and reasonable housing costs, though income levels suggest moderate rather than high earnings potential. The county works well for those prioritizing fiscal efficiency over high wage growth.
Jessamine County scores 70.7 on the composite livability index, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper tier of American counties for overall livability, reflecting solid fundamentals across measured dimensions.
Just Below Kentucky's Average
The county ranks slightly below Kentucky's state average of 75.0, placing it squarely in the middle tier among the state's 120 counties. This positioning reflects a reasonable balance of opportunity and affordability for residents.
Tax Efficiency Leads the Way
Jessamine County shines with a tax score of 80.6 and an effective tax rate of just 0.771%, making it tax-competitive within the state. Housing affordability also performs well with a cost score of 72.9, where the median home value of $245,100 and median rent of $994 remain reasonable for the region.
Income Growth Lags Behind
The county's income score of 32.3 is a notable constraint, with a median household income of $74,886 trailing the local tax advantages. Additional data on safety, health, schools, and water quality would provide a fuller picture of livability factors.
Best for Tax-Conscious Families
Jessamine County appeals to families and retirees seeking lower tax burden and reasonable housing costs, though income levels suggest moderate rather than high earnings potential. The county works well for those prioritizing fiscal efficiency over high wage growth.
Score breakdown
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🏛80.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.