Rowan County, KY Property Tax: $862/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Rowan County is 0.55% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $155,900, that works out to about $857 per year, or $71 per month. Rowan County is located in northeastern Kentucky, and is home to approximately 24,525 residents.
About Rowan County
Rowan County covers approximately 279.9 square miles in Kentucky. The county is home to about 24,525 residents living in roughly 10,577 housing units, of which 55.7% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $53,657, and the median home was built in 1992.
Rowan County borders Bath County, Carter County, Elliott County, Fleming County, Lewis 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 Rowan County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Rowan County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rowan County, KY | 0.55% | $155,900 | $857 |
| Kentucky state average | 0.72% | — | $1,122* |
| Bath County | 0.73% | $111,800 | $817 |
| Carter County | 0.49% | $126,100 | $622 |
| Elliott County | 0.69% | $97,400 | $671 |
| Fleming County | 0.72% | $115,200 | $824 |
| Lewis County | 0.65% | $86,100 | $558 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Rowan County's median home value of $155,900. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Rowan County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Kentucky?
At 0.55%, Rowan County is lower than the Kentucky state average of 0.72%. On a home at the county median of $155,900, that means about $857 per year — versus $1,122 at the state average rate, a difference of $265 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Rowan County is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Rowan County?
For a home at the county median value of $155,900, the annual property tax in Rowan County is approximately $857 — or about $71 per month. For a home worth $233,850, expect around $1,286 per year. For a $311,800 home, approximately $1,715 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Rowan County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Rowan County are handled by the Rowan 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 Rowan 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 0.55% shown here. Contact the Rowan 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