Kentucky · Property Tax & Closing Costs
Kentucky property tax by county
Property tax rates, median home values, and closing cost estimates for all 120 counties in Kentucky. The average effective rate across the state is 0.70%, ranking Kentucky 31 of 51. Data is sourced from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2024 5-year estimates.
Average rate
0.70%
across 120 counties
National rank
#31
of 51, highest rate first
Median home value
$148,150
county median in state
Rate range
0.48%–1.01%
Rockcastle County → Campbell County
Same home, different county
On a $148,150 home (the typical county median in Kentucky), the annual property tax bill depends heavily on where you buy:
Difference
$788/yr
$66/mo · $7,882 over 10 years
Estimate: purchase price × each county's effective rate. Actual bills depend on assessed value, local levies, and exemptions.
Lowest property tax rates in Kentucky
The five Kentucky counties with the lowest effective property tax rates, useful for buyers comparing total cost of ownership across the state.
| County | Rate |
|---|---|
| Rockcastle County | 0.48% |
| Carter County | 0.49% |
| Menifee County | 0.51% |
| Clinton County | 0.52% |
| Cumberland County | 0.54% |
Highest property tax rates in Kentucky
The five Kentuckycounties with the highest effective property tax rates. High rates often reflect strong school district funding or municipal services rather than weakness, but they materially change a buyer's monthly carrying cost.
| County | Rate |
|---|---|
| Campbell County | 1.01% |
| Harlan County | 0.99% |
| Kenton County | 0.98% |
| Letcher County | 0.96% |
| Bracken County | 0.92% |
Kentucky real estate transfer tax
Kentucky charges a combined transfer tax of about 0.10% of the purchase price. On a $148,150 home, that is roughly $148 in total.
| Paid by | Rate | On $148,150 |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer | 0.00% | $0 |
| Seller | 0.10% | $148 |
$0.50/$500 (0.1%) on grantor per KRS 142.050. Seller pays.
Kentucky is an attorney-closing state: expect a real estate attorney fee of roughly $600–$1,500 at closing.
Official Kentucky source → · Verified April 2026
Closing costs in Kentucky
Across Kentucky's 120 counties, buyer closing costs run $3,033 to $10,310 at each county's median home value with 20% down. Cash needed at closing, with closing costs and the down payment, runs $16,518 to $88,930. Pick your county for your own figures.
Kentucky closing cost calculatorKentucky property tax exemptions
Ways buyers in Kentucky may reduce their annual property tax. These programs apply statewide; verify county specifics with your local assessor.
Homestead Exemption (Age 65+ or Totally Disabled)
Kentucky's homestead exemption for the 2025-2026 assessment years is $49,100, deducted from assessed value of the primary residence for homeowners 65+ or totally disabled.
View official source →Disabled Veteran Homestead Exemption
Veterans with 100% combined service-connected disability rating qualify for the same $49,100 disability homestead exemption under KY Constitution Section 170.
View official source →Last verified April 2026. Exemption amounts and eligibility change frequently. Always confirm with your county assessor before claiming.
All 120 counties in Kentucky
Effective property tax rate, median home value, and median annual taxes paid for every county in Kentucky. Click a county to open its full property tax calculator and closing cost breakdown.
Source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey 2024 5-year estimates, tables B25077 (median home value) and B25103 (median real estate taxes paid). Effective rate is computed as median taxes paid divided by median home value at the county level and represents the typical owner-occupied home. Actual bills vary by purchase price, exemptions, and special assessments.