Harrison
Kentucky

What stands out

Three things set Harrison County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the overdose death rate is among the lowest in America (-999 per 100,000), rainfall is in the top 8% of American counties (55 inches a year), and violent crime is in the top 11% of American counties (4.7 per 1,000). Within Kentucky it ranks 10th of 120 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Harrison County, Kentucky. 18,803 people live here with you. The population grew 1.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +342).

Kentucky moved to a flat income tax, 3.5% for 2026, 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.

Money

The typical household here brings in $58,840 a year, lower than 55% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $50,516. Unemployment runs 3.3%, lower than 56% of American counties. 6% of workers work from home.

Kentucky takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,059 a year.

Home

The median home costs $248K, pricier than 55% of American counties, about 2.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $690 a month. Property tax is 0.68% of home value, roughly $1,167 a year on that median home, lower than 67% of American counties. 71% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.7 per 1,000 residents, higher than 89% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 73.1 years, shorter than 79% of American counties. There are 27 active physicians in the county, about 14.4 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 7.5% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.96 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 63% of American counties. 87% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 44 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 61% of eligible voters turned out. Under Kentucky law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 56°F, highs near 67 and lows near 45, colder than 51% of American counties. About 55 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 36 out of 100, safer than 64% of American counties; the county has had 24 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 175 Mbps down, slower than 60% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.