Barren County, KY Property Tax: $1,212/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Barren County is 0.73% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $166,900, that works out to about $1,218 per year, or $102 per month. Barren County is located in southern Kentucky, and is home to approximately 44,670 residents.
About Barren County
Barren County covers approximately 487.4 square miles in Kentucky. The county is home to about 44,670 residents living in roughly 20,107 housing units, of which 58.2% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $49,171, and the median home was built in 1984.
Barren County borders Allen County, Edmonson County, Hart County, Metcalfe County, Monroe County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Kentucky
Property taxes in Kentucky are administered at the county level. Each county sets a millage rate applied to the assessed value of real property — the effective rate above accounts for any partial assessments and exemptions already built into the local tax base. Assessed value can differ meaningfully from current market value depending on how often the county reassesses and what fraction of market value it uses.
Most counties in Kentucky offer exemptions that reduce the taxable assessed value: homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior exemptions, disability exemptions, and veteran exemptions are common. These reduce your effective rate below the county-wide average shown here. Contact the Barren County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Barren County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barren County, KY | 0.73% | $166,900 | $1,218 |
| Kentucky state average | 0.72% | — | $1,202* |
| Allen County | 0.55% | $176,300 | $972 |
| Edmonson County | 0.58% | $136,600 | $795 |
| Hart County | 0.75% | $124,600 | $935 |
| Metcalfe County | 0.72% | $103,100 | $743 |
| Monroe County | 0.77% | $116,300 | $892 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Barren County's median home value of $166,900. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Barren County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Kentucky?
At 0.73%, Barren County is higher than the Kentucky state average of 0.72%. On a home at the county median of $166,900, that means about $1,218 per year — versus $1,202 at the state average rate, a difference of $16 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Barren County is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Barren County?
For a home at the county median value of $166,900, the annual property tax in Barren County is approximately $1,218 — or about $102 per month. For a home worth $250,350, expect around $1,828 per year. For a $333,800 home, approximately $2,437 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Barren County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Barren County are handled by the Barren County Assessor's office. Most jurisdictions require filing within 30–90 days of receiving your assessment notice — confirm the specific deadline with the assessor's office before submitting, as deadlines and procedures vary by county. A successful appeal can reduce your assessed value and lower your tax bill for the current and future tax years.
What exemptions are available in Barren County?
Kentucky counties commonly offer homestead exemptions for owner-occupied primary residences, senior citizen exemptions for qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older, exemptions for disabled residents, and veterans' exemptions. Each exemption reduces your assessed taxable value, which in turn reduces your effective tax rate below the county-wide 0.73% shown here. Contact the Barren County Assessor's office to confirm which exemptions are available and the application deadlines.
Data sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates, US Census Gazetteer (2024), County Adjacency File