Property Tax in Kentucky (2026): Rates, Exemptions, and Real Numbers

Kentucky Property Tax Rates by County

Highest and lowest effective rates within Kentucky

Property Tax Calculator — Kentucky

Pre-loaded with Kentucky's 0.80% effective rate and $216,500 median price

Property Tax by City in Kentucky

Annual and monthly property tax by city, based on local median prices and the statewide effective rate

Kentucky Homestead Exemption

How Kentucky Assesses Property Values

Assessment cycle: Annual assessment. Property Valuation Administrators (PVAs) in each county assess at 100% of fair cash value.

Property Tax's Impact on Your True Monthly Cost

On a $216,500 home in Kentucky

Property tax represents 8% of the true monthly cost in Kentucky.

Mortgage Calculator Including Property Tax — Kentucky

See your full PITI (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) payment

How Kentucky's Property Tax Affects Affordability

$144/month in property tax reduces the home price you can afford. Use the affordability calculator to see the real impact.

Property Tax After Refinancing in Kentucky

Refinancing changes your P&I but not your property tax. If your home was reassessed at a higher value, your tax bill increases regardless of your rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the property tax rate in Kentucky?

Kentucky's effective property tax rate is 0.80%, ranking #31 nationally. The median annual property tax bill is $1,732 ($144/month). Rates range from 0.52% in Robertson County to 0.99% in Jefferson County (Louisville). Source: Tax Foundation Property Taxes by State 2024.

Does Kentucky have a homestead exemption?

Yes — Kentucky offers a homestead exemption for primary residences. Homestead Exemption: owner-occupied primary residences of homeowners 65+ or permanently disabled qualify for exemption of $46,350 from assessed value (2024; amount adjusted annually for inflation). No general exemption for younger owners. Residential property assessed at 100% of fair cash value.. Apply through your county assessor's office after purchasing your home.

How often is property reassessed in Kentucky?

Kentucky reassesses property on a annual assessment. property valuation administrators (pvas) in each county assess at 100% of fair cash value. basis. When your property is reassessed, your tax bill changes based on the new assessed value multiplied by the applicable rate. If you believe your assessment is too high, you can appeal — most counties allow 30-90 days after receiving your assessment notice.

How is property tax calculated in Kentucky?

Property tax = Assessed Value × Mill Rate (or effective rate). In Kentucky, the effective rate is 0.80% of market value. On a $216,500 home: $216,500 × 0.80% = $1,732/year. Assessments may use a fraction of market value — the effective rate accounts for this.

Can I appeal my property tax assessment in Kentucky?

Yes. If your assessed value is higher than comparable sales in your area, you can file an appeal with your county assessment board. Steps: (1) Get your assessment notice, (2) Research comparable recent sales, (3) File an appeal by the deadline (typically 30-90 days from assessment notice). Studies show 20-40% of appeals result in a reduction. The process is free and you represent yourself — no attorney required.

Are property taxes included in my mortgage payment in Kentucky?

Most lenders require an escrow account that collects $144/month ($1,732/year ÷ 12) along with your mortgage payment, then pays the county on your behalf. If your loan-to-value is below 80%, you may be able to opt out of escrow and pay taxes directly. Note: if your assessed value rises, your escrow payment adjusts and your total monthly cost increases.

What Kentucky counties have the highest and lowest property taxes?

Kentucky's highest effective rate is in Jefferson County (Louisville) at 0.99%. The lowest is Robertson County at 0.52%. That's a 0.47% spread — on a $216,500 home, the difference is $1,018/year.