Jefferson
Kentucky

What stands out

Three things set Jefferson County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the overdose death rate is in the top 4% of American counties (45 per 100,000), natural-hazard risk is in the top 4% of American counties (96 of 100), and home internet speed is in the top 6% of American counties (294 Mbps). Within Kentucky it ranks 22nd of 120 counties for the overdose death rate.

Where you are

You live in Jefferson County, Kentucky. 779,232 people live here with you. The population held steady at 0.1% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -5,371).

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 $66,296 a year, higher than 66% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $71,280. Unemployment runs 3.8%, higher than 63% of American counties. 11% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 20 minutes each way.

Kentucky takes 3.5% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,320 a year.

Home

The median home costs $269K, pricier than 62% of American counties, about 2.6 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,067 a month. Property tax is 0.86% of home value, roughly $1,905 a year on that median home, higher than 50% of American counties. 62% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.9 per 1,000 residents, higher than 54% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 45 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 74.1 years, shorter than 69% of American counties. There are 4,271 active physicians in the county, about 54.8 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 2.8 of 5 stars. 7.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.80 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 77% of American counties. 91% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 20 points. 68% 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 57°F, highs near 68 and lows near 46, warmer than 55% of American counties. About 54 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 96 out of 100, riskier than 96% of American counties; the county has had 25 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 294 Mbps down, faster than 94% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.8 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 18 breweries, 20 museums.