Kentuckyflat 4% income tax, 23rd lowest property tax, median home $215K
R+26 · Moderate tax burden · COL index 85
4%
Income Tax
228
Violent Crime / 100K
73.5
Life Expectancy
$215K
Median Home
$890
Childcare / Mo
Kentucky in plain English
Worth knowing before you move to Kentucky
Kentucky moved to a flat income tax of 4% and exempts the first $31,110 of pension and retirement income per person. It has an inheritance tax, but spouses, children, parents and siblings are exempt. Home prices are among the lowest in the country outside Louisville and Lexington, and the state has some of the cheapest electricity, much of it still coal-fired.
What Kentucky taxes, and what it doesn't
Kentucky levies a flat 4% income tax. A household earning $75,000 pays an effective 4.0%, about $3,000 a year; at $150,000 the effective rate is 4.0%. Among the 41 states that tax income, Kentucky has the 8th lowest effective rate at $100,000 of income.
Property tax runs 0.78% of home value a year, roughly $1,677 on the state's median home of $215K. The national effective rate is about 1.10%, and Kentucky has the 23rd lowest rate of the 50 states.
Combined state and local sales tax averages 6.00%, the 11th lowest in the country (the state portion is 6%).
For retirees: Social Security benefits are not taxed, pension income is partly exempt, and there is an inheritance tax on some heirs.
Capital gains are taxed as ordinary income.
Housing and the cost of living in Kentucky
Kentucky's cost of living index is 85, where 100 is the national average; that is the 3rd cheapest of the 50 states.
The median home costs $215K, 29% below the national figure and the 4th lowest among the states. A two-bedroom rents for about $1,050 a month.
Carrying costs matter as much as the price: home insurance averages $1,800 a year, flood coverage adds about $650 where it is needed, car insurance runs $2,040.
Budget $125 a month for electricity and gas, $400 a month in groceries for two, $890 a month for full-time infant care.
Safety, health and schools
Violent crime is 228 incidents per 100,000 residents in the FBI's 2023 Crime Data Explorer figures, below the median state (387); Kentucky is the 8th safest of the 50 by that measure. Property crime is 1,770 per 100,000.
Life expectancy is 73.5 years (County Health Rankings 2024). 6.8% of residents have no health insurance, and the state has expanded Medicaid. The Commonwealth Fund's 2023 scorecard ranks Kentucky's health system 24th of 50.
Education Week's 2023 Quality Counts report ranks K-12 schools 34th in the country, and the state runs a school-choice voucher program.
Politics, guns and social policy
Politically, Kentucky is a solidly Republican state that went to Trump by 26 points in 2024.
On guns, no permit is required to carry a concealed handgun, and Giffords grades the state's gun laws F.
Abortion is banned with narrow exceptions. Marijuana is medical only. Kentucky is a right-to-work state, and the minimum wage is $7.25 an hour.
Climate, risk and getting around
Natural disaster risk is moderate. The main hazards are tornado, flood, ice-storm. Annual average air quality index is 40 (under 50 is good).
Kentucky has no top-25 hub airport, with about 50 nonstop destinations from its busiest airport.
Written from the figures on this page. Rankings compare the 50 states. Sources and years are listed with each figure below.
Largest counties in Kentucky
State Profile
Kentucky will change its laws. We'll email you when it does.
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Taxes
Sources: state revenue departments · Tax Foundation 2026 · income-tax brackets 2026
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Taxes
Sources: state revenue departments · Tax Foundation 2026 · income-tax brackets 2026
Income Tax
Property Tax
~$1,677/yr on median home
Sales Tax
Social Security
Pension / IRA
Estate Tax
Inheritance tax on non-spouse/child heirs
Inheritance Tax
⚠ Your heirs pay this tax on what you leave them — even if you have no estate tax. PA charges 4.5% to children from dollar one.
Capital Gains
Housing & Cost of Living
Sources: Zillow · Census ACS · iii.org and state insurers 2026 · WRLURI 2018 · Census 2024 (HOA)
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Housing & Cost of Living
Sources: Zillow · Census ACS · iii.org and state insurers 2026 · WRLURI 2018 · Census 2024 (HOA)
Price Level vs US (BEA)
Below US average (100)
Mortgages 90+ Days Late
FHFA, latest quarter
Cost of Living Index
National avg = 100
Median Home Price
Median Rent (2BR)
Home Insurance
Near national avg (~$1,900/yr)
Flood Insurance
Homestead Exemption
Home equity protected from creditors
Asset Protection
Homes in HOAs
Moderate HOA presence (Census ACS 2024)
Zoning Restrictiveness
Among the least restrictive zoning (Wharton WRLURI 2018)
Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb)
State tax registration only; licensing varies by city.
Crime & Safety
Sources: FBI Crime Data Explorer 2023 · SafeHome registry counts 2025 · HUD PIT 2024
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Crime & Safety
Sources: FBI Crime Data Explorer 2023 · SafeHome registry counts 2025 · HUD PIT 2024
Violent Crime Rate
Near national avg
Property Crime Rate
Near national avg
Traffic Fatality Rate
Among the most dangerous
Registered Sex Offenders
Below the state median (SafeHome 2025)
Homeless Population
Moderate homelessness rate — 33% unsheltered (HUD 2024 PIT)
Healthcare
Sources: Commonwealth Fund 2023 · KFF · CDC
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Healthcare
Sources: Commonwealth Fund 2023 · KFF · CDC
State Healthcare Rank
Life Expectancy
Medicaid Expansion
Uninsured Rate
Education
Sources: Education Week 2023 · NCES · state statutes (school choice)
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Education
Sources: Education Week 2023 · NCES · state statutes (school choice)
College Completion Rate
College Scorecard, in-state institutions (mean)
Avg College Cost of Attendance
College Scorecard 2024
K-12 Quality Rank
School Choice / Vouchers
HS Graduation Rate
Above national avg (~87%)
Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Near national avg (~16)
Childcare
Sources: Child Care Aware · Census ACS 2022
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Childcare
Sources: Child Care Aware · Census ACS 2022
Avg Infant Care (Full-Time)
Below national avg
Utilities & Daily Costs
Sources: EIA (electricity, weekly gas) · USDA · eGRID 2022
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Utilities & Daily Costs
Sources: EIA (electricity, weekly gas) · USDA · eGRID 2022
Grid Carbon Intensity
Dirtier than US average (~820)
Avg Monthly Energy Bill
Electricity Rate
Below national avg (13¢)
Energy Mix
Avg Monthly Groceries
2-person household, moderate spending
Road Quality Rank
Airports & Travel
Sources: FAA · BTS
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Airports & Travel
Sources: FAA · BTS
Nonstop Destinations
From state's primary airport
Major Hub Airport
Regional airport — connections via hub
Culture & Lifestyle
Sources: Census CBP · Brewers Association 2024 · Pollstar · AANR/TNS · AGA 2024
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Culture & Lifestyle
Sources: Census CBP · Brewers Association 2024 · Pollstar · AANR/TNS · AGA 2024
Urban Population
Mix of urban and rural
Restaurant Density
Limited dining options
Religious Congregations
Pro Sports Teams
NFL + NBA + MLB + NHL + MLS
Major Venues
Stadiums, arenas, amphitheaters (10K+ capacity)
Craft Breweries
2.4/100K residents — Growing
Craft Distilleries
One of the nation's top distillery states
Live Music
Bourbon Trail is world-class (115+ distilleries); Louisville Bourbon & Beyond festival; Forecastle Fest
Transportation
Sources: NHTSA FARS · FCC · insurance rate surveys 2024 · IIHS helmet laws 2026
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Transportation
Sources: NHTSA FARS · FCC · insurance rate surveys 2024 · IIHS helmet laws 2026
Car Insurance (Avg Annual)
Traffic Fatality Rate
Broadband Access
Work From Home
State residents who primarily work from home (ACS)
Social & Legal
Sources: Guttmacher · KFF · NCSL · state statutes 2026
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Social & Legal
Sources: Guttmacher · KFF · NCSL · state statutes 2026
Formal Volunteering Rate
AmeriCorps / Census CPS 2023 (US ~28%)
Votes in Local Elections
AmeriCorps / Census CPS 2023
Abortion Access
Near-total ban; trigger law took effect after Dobbs
LGBTQ+ Protections
Marijuana
Minimum Wage
Right to Work
Sports Betting
Casino Gambling
Online Gambling
State Lottery
No casinos but famous for horse racing (Kentucky Derby). Sports betting launched 2023. Historical horse racing machines legal.
Age of Consent
Sex Education
Sex ed required by state
Nude Beaches & Naturist Clubs
Rock Haven Lodge (Brandenburg) · Kentucky naturists
Environment & Climate
Sources: EPA AQI · NOAA · FEMA National Risk Index
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Environment & Climate
Sources: EPA AQI · NOAA · FEMA National Risk Index
Air Quality (Annual AQI)
Near national avg
Natural Disaster Risk
Primary Hazards
Politics & Gun Laws
Sources: OpenElections 2024 · Giffords 2025 · state statutes
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Politics & Gun Laws
Sources: OpenElections 2024 · Giffords 2025 · state statutes
2024 Presidential Vote
Gun Laws
Carry Permit
Purchase Permit Required
Carry in Bars
Carry in Restaurants
Carry in Places of Worship
Prohibited in portions primarily devoted to dispensing alcohol; majority-food restaurants exempt.
Gambling
Hunting & Outdoors
Sources: state wildlife agencies · USFS · BLM · USFWS (May 2026)
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Hunting & Outdoors
Sources: state wildlife agencies · USFS · BLM · USFWS (May 2026)
Kentucky's archery season runs from Labor Day through January — one of the longest in the country. Strong trophy whitetail genetics in central Kentucky.
Kentucky Dept of Fish & Wildlife — Official Season Dates ↗Finding nearby venues...
From r/hunting
My cousin wonders why I never let him hunt at my farm and ...
In their county they're allowed to only kill does on specified days that only happen once or twice a season. Where I'm at a deer bundle lice...
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Please Read! Speaking input/advice for a backcountry trip.
I'm making it a point to take a serious several day hunting trip for some kind of big game, Any suggestions, types of game to pursue, places...
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This is why I got into hunting... : r/Hunting
I took my first deer last weekend and this is the first meal from that animal. Such an awesome journey from the hunt, the processing, and .....
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Looking for a hunter to tag along. : r/Hunting
Im considering a hunt at premier whitetail ranch in Kentucky in 2027. The hunt is 3950 includes lodging food and a guide guide. I went on an...
reddit.com ↗
Ravin Crossbows
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See Ravin crossbows →About this sponsor
Ravin sells it on rifle-style accuracy and HeliCoil cams. Those are Ravin's specs, not our test results. If your move comes with a hunting license, price this one first, and check the season dates on this page before you buy.
Jobs & Economy
Sources: BLS QCEW 2024 · BLS JOLTS 2024 · BLS union membership 2025 · Census ACS
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Jobs & Economy
Sources: BLS QCEW 2024 · BLS JOLTS 2024 · BLS union membership 2025 · Census ACS
Job Openings Rate (JOLTS)
Tight labor market (US ~4.5%)
Quits Rate (JOLTS)
Workers quit when they can find better; BLS 2024 average
Job Market
+1.2% job growth · 4% unemployment
Top Industries
Tech Jobs
Healthcare Jobs
Remote Work
Median Household Income
Union Membership
Below-average union presence (BLS 2025)
Business Climate
Sources: Tax Foundation · state filings
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Business Climate
Sources: Tax Foundation · state filings
Corporate Income Tax
LLC Formation Fee
LLC Annual Fee
Business Climate Rank
Daily Life
Sources: American Pyrotechnics Association · state statutes 2026 · IIHS
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Daily Life
Sources: American Pyrotechnics Association · state statutes 2026 · IIHS
Gas Price (Regular)
Well below avg (-0.28 vs national avg)
Consumer Fireworks
Consumer fireworks legal statewide
Motorcycle Helmet Law
Required under 21 (IIHS 2026)
Weather & Natural Risks
Sources: NOAA · NWS Storm Prediction Center · FEMA NRI
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Weather & Natural Risks
Sources: NOAA · NWS Storm Prediction Center · FEMA NRI
Winter Severity
Avg January high: 42°F
Summer Heat
Moderate summers
Annual Rainfall
Tornado Risk
Hurricane Risk
Wildfire Risk
Flood Risk
Natural Hazards
Sources: USGS · CDC · USDA APHIS · NOAA · FEMA NRI 2023
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Natural Hazards
Sources: USGS · CDC · USDA APHIS · NOAA · FEMA NRI 2023
Venomous Snakes
Spider Hazard
Hurricane Risk
Tornado Risk
Wildfire Risk
Earthquake Risk
Armadillo Leprosy Risk
Danger score is a composite index. Methodology ↗
Veteran Benefits
Sources: VA.gov · Military.com state guide · Tax Foundation
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Veteran Benefits
Sources: VA.gov · Military.com state guide · Tax Foundation
Veteran-Friendly Score
7.1% of state population are veterans
Property Tax Exemption
Up to $40,500 homestead exemption
Military Retirement Pay
Active Duty Pay
VA Facilities Access
Notable Benefits
Explore Kentucky counties
Income, housing, poverty, healthcare — ranked by county
See your full cost of living in Kentucky
Housing, taxes, childcare, insurance — all estimated.
Compare Similar States
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KY vs MO
Kentucky vs Missouri
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Kentucky vs Alabama
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Trending in Kentucky
Governor Beshear on data centers in Kentucky - WBKO
WBKO · Sep 8
Former Kentucky Governor Is Arrested Amid Child Support Battle - The New York Times
The New York Times · Sep 5
Former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin ordered to serve out 60-day sentence in jail - lex18.com
lex18.com · Sep 4
Former Kentucky governor sentenced to jail time - WKRN News 2
WKRN News 2 · Sep 7
What to know about KY ballot measure that would limit governor pardons - The Courier-Journal
The Courier-Journal · Sep 8
What Residents Say
From Lexington to Dayton? : r/dayton
Hello, I currently live in the Lexington, KY area. I have never lived in Dayton, but a lot of my family members live on the west side of Dayton & I visit ......
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DINKs looking to leave Kentucky : r/SameGrassButGreener
Criteria we are looking for: Medium or large city ~$700k budget for a house that can accommodate two cars in a nice/clean/safe area of town. ......
reddit.com ↗
How much do you need to live out of poverty in each state? ...
Kentucky at top of list for lowest cost of living. Good people, good weather, low taxes and a low cost of living. Plus there is a Dollar ......
reddit.com ↗
I WANT TO MOVE TO LOUISVILLE.
Cost of living, compared to Michigan, is much lower, but like some people have said, taxes are higher. it'll solidly be around 10-15 cents more ......
reddit.com ↗
What do you like most about living in Louisville?
Food is great, low cost of living, Cost of living isn't bad. Lots of stuff to do. A good mix of Southern culture and Midwest culture. There's ......
reddit.com ↗
Kentucky Republicans may be walking back plan to ...
no state income tax my net pay would be when moving to a state with income tax. No change in income. Kentucky is moving in the positive ......
reddit.com ↗
(21) Male. Rural Kentucky. Looking to move to the coast on a ...
Cost of living may not be terrible here but it's high for The South so your money could go farther somewhere else. I keep moving father away from "midtown ......
reddit.com ↗
32F, Relocating from Austin, TX - Advice? : r/Louisville
I didn't see anything in the rules against posts like this, but I am happy to remove if it's annoying. I have lived in Austin for the better part of ......
reddit.com ↗
Many Kentucky houseboat owners aren't paying their taxes. This ...
A rough count of all my property tax in a year is basically equal to 3 house payments....
reddit.com ↗
Where would you buy with 100k in cash? : r/homestead
Yes, taxes can be atrocious, but other costs of living can at least partially make up for it (insurance for example is downright reasonable ......
reddit.com ↗
Kentucky will change its laws. We'll email you when it does.
One email when Kentucky changes a tax, gun, cannabis or abortion law. Unsubscribe in one click.
Data is informational only. Verify with a tax professional, real estate agent, and local sources before making relocation decisions. Crime data: FBI Crime Data Explorer 2023. Healthcare: Commonwealth Fund 2023; life expectancy from County Health Rankings 2024. Education: Education Week 2023. Housing: Zillow monthly index and Census ACS 2022. Insurance: rate surveys 2024. Sponsored links marked “Sponsored” may earn a commission. This does not affect our data or rankings.