Jefferson County, KY Property Tax: $2,023/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Jefferson County is 0.85% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $237,200, that works out to about $2,016 per year, or $168 per month. Jefferson County is located in northern Kentucky, with Louisville as its county seat, and is home to approximately 777,392 residents.
About Jefferson County
Jefferson County covers approximately 380.8 square miles in Kentucky. The county is home to about 777,392 residents living in roughly 357,923 housing units, of which 56.9% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $67,849, and the median home was built in 1971.
The county seat is Louisville. Jefferson County borders Clark County, Floyd County, Harrison County, Bullitt County, Hardin 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 Jefferson County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Jefferson County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson County, KY | 0.85% | $237,200 | $2,016 |
| Kentucky state average | 0.72% | — | $1,708* |
| Clark County | 0.74% | $212,400 | $1,566 |
| Floyd County | 0.70% | $235,100 | $1,656 |
| Harrison County | 0.55% | $219,200 | $1,195 |
| Bullitt County | 0.85% | $233,700 | $1,994 |
| Hardin County | 0.70% | $205,900 | $1,451 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Jefferson County's median home value of $237,200. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jefferson County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Kentucky?
At 0.85%, Jefferson County is higher than the Kentucky state average of 0.72%. On a home at the county median of $237,200, that means about $2,016 per year — versus $1,708 at the state average rate, a difference of $308 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Jefferson County is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Jefferson County?
For a home at the county median value of $237,200, the annual property tax in Jefferson County is approximately $2,016 — or about $168 per month. For a home worth $355,800, expect around $3,024 per year. For a $474,400 home, approximately $4,032 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Jefferson County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Jefferson County are handled by the Jefferson County Assessor's office in Louisville. 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 Jefferson 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 0.85% shown here. Contact the Jefferson 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