Larue County scores 75.1 on the composite index, substantially exceeding the national median of 50.0. This central Kentucky county ranks among the nation's better performers on overall livability measures.
2 / 5
Right at Kentucky Average
With a score of 75.1, Larue County essentially matches Kentucky's state average of 75.0, placing it squarely in the middle-to-upper tier among the state's 120 counties. The result reflects a balanced approach to cost and income.
3 / 5
Tax Advantages and Moderate Income
Larue County boasts the lowest effective tax rate (0.630%) and highest tax score (84.6) among these eight counties, with median household income of $67,770 providing moderate earnings potential. The cost score of 79.8 reflects reasonable housing at $816/month rent and $177,500 median home value.
4 / 5
Income Growth Could Be Stronger
The county's income score of 27.6 suggests room for wage growth and economic development to attract higher-paying opportunities. Data on safety, health, schools, and water quality would provide a more complete livability assessment.
5 / 5
Sweet Spot for Tax Optimizers
Larue County suits families and retirees seeking the best tax efficiency combined with moderate income levels and reasonable housing costs. It's ideal for those wanting balanced affordability without settling for extreme rural economics.
Larue County scores 75.1 on the composite index, substantially exceeding the national median of 50.0. This central Kentucky county ranks among the nation's better performers on overall livability measures.
Right at Kentucky Average
With a score of 75.1, Larue County essentially matches Kentucky's state average of 75.0, placing it squarely in the middle-to-upper tier among the state's 120 counties. The result reflects a balanced approach to cost and income.
Tax Advantages and Moderate Income
Larue County boasts the lowest effective tax rate (0.630%) and highest tax score (84.6) among these eight counties, with median household income of $67,770 providing moderate earnings potential. The cost score of 79.8 reflects reasonable housing at $816/month rent and $177,500 median home value.
Income Growth Could Be Stronger
The county's income score of 27.6 suggests room for wage growth and economic development to attract higher-paying opportunities. Data on safety, health, schools, and water quality would provide a more complete livability assessment.
Sweet Spot for Tax Optimizers
Larue County suits families and retirees seeking the best tax efficiency combined with moderate income levels and reasonable housing costs. It's ideal for those wanting balanced affordability without settling for extreme rural economics.
Score breakdown
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🏛84.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Larue County's effective rate of 0.630% falls notably below the national median of 0.85%, placing homeowners in a favorable position. The median property tax of $1,118 is significantly lower than the national median of $2,690, even as median home values ($177,500) approach national levels.
Below Kentucky's state average
Larue's 0.630% rate is the second-lowest among the eight counties profiled and sits comfortably below Kentucky's state average of 0.719%. The median tax of $1,118 slightly exceeds the state median of $1,093, reflecting Larue's slightly higher home values offset by its favorable rate.
Lowest rate in central Kentucky
Larue's 0.630% effective rate is the lowest in the central Kentucky cluster, well below Jessamine County (0.771%) and significantly lower than Kenton County's 1.004%. This makes Larue an especially attractive option for property owners seeking tax efficiency in the Louisville region.
What $177,500 home costs yearly
A median Larue County homeowner pays roughly $1,118 per year in property taxes on a typical $177,500 home. With a mortgage, that climbs to $1,229; without one, it drops to $946.
Favorable rates don't prevent overassessment
Even in low-tax Larue County, properties sometimes receive inflated assessments that don't reflect actual market value. Filing an appeal is free and could provide additional savings atop the county's already-competitive rate.
Larue County renters spend just 14.4% of income on rent, the lowest ratio in this analysis and well below Kentucky's 17.0% state average. With a median household income of $67,770 and moderate $816 monthly rents, the county delivers genuine housing affordability for working families.
Top-tier Kentucky affordability
Larue County's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Kentucky's best, outperforming the state average by 2.6 percentage points. The county's balance of reasonable rents and solid local incomes creates one of the state's most favorable housing markets.
Sweet spot for central Kentucky
Larue County's $816 median rent and $67,770 median income position it as a more affordable alternative to nearby Jessamine County while remaining within reasonable commuting distance of Louisville. The median home value of $177,500 reflects a stable, attractive market.
Room to breathe in the budget
Renters allocate just 14.4% of their $67,770 income to $816 monthly rent, leaving ample resources for savings and other expenses. Homeowners spend $918 monthly (16.2% of income) on median homes valued at $177,500, making both housing pathways financially sustainable.
Underrated gem for relocators
Larue County offers the rare combination of low rent-to-income ratios and genuine economic viability, ideal for workers seeking Louisville proximity without urban costs. If affordability is your priority, compare Larue's 14.4% ratio to your current burden—you might discover Kentucky's best-kept housing secret.
Larue County's median household income of $67,770 sits 9% below the national median of $74,755, representing solid middle-class earnings. While below the national average, Larue's income positioning is notably stronger than most Kentucky counties.
Above-average earner within Kentucky
Larue's $67,770 median income exceeds the Kentucky state average of $55,909 by 21%, placing the county in the upper half statewide. Per capita income of $30,533 also surpasses the state average by 3%, showing relatively balanced earning distribution.
Strong performer in central Kentucky region
Larue's $67,770 income positions it competitively against Jessamine ($74,886) and Laurel ($56,999) counties. The county's location in central Kentucky and proximity to Elizabethtown provide access to diverse employment opportunities.
Housing costs remain reasonable and sustainable
Larue's rent-to-income ratio of 14.4% is the second-lowest among the eight counties, indicating healthy housing affordability. With a median home value of $177,500, homeownership is accessible and sustainable for families at the median income.
Position yourself for steady wealth accumulation
Larue County's above-average income provides a platform for regular investing and long-term wealth building. Consider contributing to retirement accounts, establishing automatic savings transfers, and exploring home equity as a wealth-building tool.
Larue's 72.7-year life expectancy runs 1.1 years below the U.S. average, and 27.4% report poor or fair health versus the national 21%. The county faces mounting health challenges despite modest life expectancy figures.
Slightly above Kentucky's average life span
Larue's 72.7-year life expectancy edges Kentucky's 72.2-year average by 0.5 years—a thin margin for a county struggling with other health metrics. Its 27.4% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state average of 25%.
Mixed performance among regional peers
Larue's 72.7-year life expectancy sits between Laurel County (72.5 years) and Jessamine County (75.7 years), but its 27.4% poor/fair health rate ranks among the region's worst. With only 13 primary care providers per 100K, Larue faces the state's most severe provider shortage.
Highest uninsured rate, fewest doctors
Larue's 9.1% uninsured rate is the highest among these eight counties, and only 13 primary care providers per 100K represents Kentucky's most acute provider shortage. This combination creates a perfect storm for healthcare access.
Take action on coverage today
Visit kynect.ky.gov or call 1-855-4-KYNECT immediately to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or other coverage—Larue's uninsured rate shows many neighbors haven't yet enrolled. Ask your county health department about free clinics and emergency care options.
Larue County's composite risk score of 12.44 is exceptionally low, well below the national average, with a "Very Low" rating. Few counties in the nation enjoy comparable protection from natural disasters.
Kentucky's lowest-risk county
Larue's score of 12.44 is the lowest among all Kentucky counties, dramatically below the state average of 44.21. This rural central Kentucky county offers some of the most stable natural disaster conditions statewide.
Safest county in region by far
Larue's 12.44 score outperforms all neighboring counties, including Marion, Hardin, and Nelson counties. It stands as an outlier of safety in central Kentucky.
Tornado risk remains manageable
Tornado risk at 36.26 is Larue's primary hazard, though still low compared to state averages. Earthquake risk (50.80) and flood risk (22.87) are well-controlled secondary concerns.
Standard coverage suffices for peace of mind
Larue County's exceptional safety profile means standard homeowners insurance provides solid baseline protection. Maintain a family storm plan for tornado season and review your policy annually for adequate coverage limits.