What is the property tax rate in Boone County?

The combined effective property tax rate in Boone County, Kentucky is approximately 0.85%.

Boone County Property Tax Calculator (2026) — Kentucky Property Tax Almanac

Property Tax in Boone County, 2026

A calculator and field guide for Florence-area homeowners — and for anyone considering a move to Boone County — including Kentucky's 100% fair cash value assessment (KY Const. §172), the $49,100 Homestead Exemption for 65+ or totally disabled (indexed every 2 years), HB 639 (2025) creating a NEW dedicated disabled-veteran exemption ($240,000 AV exemption for 100% P&T in 2026, rising to $400,000 by 2030 — effectively full exemption for most KY homes), and HB 44's 4% revenue cap (limits district revenue growth, not bills).

Boone County, home to Burlington and 140k Kentuckians, operates under Kentucky\'s straightforward 100% fair cash value property tax system. Real estate is assessed at 100% of fair cash value (KY Constitution §172) — no assessment ratio reduction. Tax = AV × rate / $100. Combined rates include state property tax (~$0.115/$100 of AV), county, city, school district, and special district levies. HB 44 (1979) caps district revenue growth at 4% — when total AV in a taxing district rises, rates must roll back so the district collects no more than 4% additional revenue from existing property (excluding new construction). Cap can be exceeded by public hearing + possible recall vote.

How the bill is built

Kentucky property tax follows a 3-step calculation. Step 1: Fair Cash Value. The Boone County Kentucky Property Valuation Administrator (Kentucky uses elected Property Valuation Administrators, NOT assessors) determines fair cash value annually using sales comparables. Step 2: Apply exemptions. The Homestead Exemption ($49,100 AV reduction for 2025-2026, indexed every 2 years) applies to owner-occupants 65+ or totally disabled. The HB 639 (2025) Disabled Veteran Exemption ($240,000 AV cap for 100% P&T in 2026, rising to $400K by 2030) replaces the Homestead when a vet qualifies — they don\'t stack. Step 3: Apply tax rate. Tax = (AV − exemptions) × rate / $100. Boone County\'s combined rate is ~$0.85/$100 of AV (= $0.85% effective rate against full FMV, since AR is 100%).

Kentucky\'s 100% AR distinguishes it from most Southeastern states. Most Southern states use sub-100% assessment ratios — Alabama uses 10% for Class III residential, Mississippi uses 10%, South Carolina uses 4% for Legal Residence. Kentucky uses 100%, which means the rate visible on the tax bill IS the effective rate against full FMV. This produces clearer comparisons against Northern/Midwestern states (which also typically use 100% AR or rates expressed against full value). Kentucky\'s ~0.83% statewide median effective rate is below the US median of ~1.10% but well above Alabama\'s ~0.40%.

HB 639 (2025) was a major expansion of disabled-veteran property tax benefits in Kentucky. Before HB 639, disabled veterans only received the regular $49,100 Homestead Exemption — meaningful but limited. HB 639 created a NEW dedicated, tiered exemption: 100% P&T disabled vets receive a $240,000 AV exemption in 2026, rising to $260K (2027), $300K (2028), $340K (2029), and $400K by 2030. Partial disability ratings receive prorated amounts (10% rating = $5,000 minimum). Surviving spouse retains if continued residency. For Kentucky\'s many military communities (Fort Knox / Hardin, Fort Campbell / Christian), the new exemption produces effectively full property tax exemption for most homes.

HB 44 (1979) caps district revenue growth at 4%. When total assessed values in a taxing district rise, tax rates must roll back so that the district collects no more than 4% additional revenue from existing property (excluding new construction). Districts can exceed the 4% limit only by holding a public hearing — and if a sufficient number of taxpayers file a petition, the rate increase goes to a public vote. This mechanism doesn\'t cap individual tax bills directly, but limits how much total revenue a district can collect — providing structural stability against tax-bill spikes during rapid value appreciation.

2026 Boone County rate breakdown ($ per $100 of AV (100% fair cash value, no AR reduction), Burlington district)

Taxing entity	Rate
Combined consolidated rate (~$0.85 / $100 of AV)	0.8500
Combined total	0.8500

As of April 26, 2026 · From Boone County Kentucky Property Valuation Administrator.

Note: Boone County is **home to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)** — the primary airport for the Cincinnati metropolitan area (located in Hebron, Boone County) — and the fastest-growing of the Northern Kentucky bi-state Cincinnati metro counties. Anchored by Florence (~33K, the largest city — fast-growing commercial hub home to substantial corporate offices including Citi's major back-office campus, Toyota Motor North America regional offices, and Mubea automotive), Union (~7K), Walton, Hebron (the airport community), and Burlington (the seat). The county is part of the bi-state Cincinnati metro and has experienced ~25%+ population growth since 2010.

Note: Boone County effective property tax rates run approximately **0.85% — among the lower in Kentucky**, reflecting the substantial commercial property tax base (CVG airport, distribution centers, corporate offices). Combined consolidated rate is ~$0.85/$100 of AV. Median home values around $325K combined with the lower rate produce median annual bills around $2,763.

Note: For relocation buyers: Boone County offers **the premier Northern Kentucky / Cincinnati exurban** option — strong public schools (Boone County School District is among the highest-rated in Northern Kentucky), substantial new construction in the Florence / Union / Hebron corridor, and excellent CVG airport access. The trade-off vs. Kenton: lower density (Boone is more suburban), longer Cincinnati commute (Florence to downtown Cincinnati ~25 min via I-71/I-75).

Deductions and exemptions for 2026

Kentucky homeowner property tax relief is concentrated in three mechanisms: (1) the $49,100 Homestead Exemption (KRS 132.810, indexed every 2 years) for owner-occupants 65+ OR totally disabled, (2) the HB 639 Disabled Veteran Exemption ($240,000 AV cap for 100% P&T in 2026, rising to $400K by 2030), and (3) the HB 44 4% revenue cap for taxing districts. Kentucky uses 100% AR — no assessment ratio reduction.

$49,100 Homestead Exemption (65+ OR Totally Disabled)

Kentucky\'s Homestead Exemption (KRS 132.810) is $49,100 AV reduction for the 2025-2026 biennium. The amount is indexed every 2 years for inflation (was $46,350 in 2023-2024). Available to homeowners 65+ OR classified as totally disabled under any government-administered retirement system program (Social Security, VA, etc.). At Kentucky\'s typical 0.95% effective rate, saves roughly $470/year. One-time application for seniors (carries forward automatically); annual recertification for disability-based qualification. File Form 62A350 with the County PVA.

HB 639 Disabled Veteran Exemption (NEW 2025)

HB 639 (passed 2025) created a NEW dedicated disabled-veteran property tax exemption with tiered benefits by VA disability rating. 100% P&T disabled vets receive a $240,000 AV exemption in 2026, rising annually to $260K (2027), $300K (2028), $340K (2029), and $400K by 2030. Partial disability ratings receive prorated exemptions ($5,000 minimum at 10%). Surviving spouse retains if continued residency. The Vet Exemption and Homestead don\'t stack — the Vet Exemption replaces the Homestead when both would qualify. For Kentucky\'s many military communities (Fort Knox / Hardin, Fort Campbell / Christian), the Vet Exemption produces effectively full property tax exemption for most homes (median KY home values are well below the $240K cap).

HB 44 4% Revenue Cap (1979)

HB 44 (1979) caps district revenue growth at 4% — when total assessed values in a taxing district rise, tax rates must roll back so that the district collects no more than 4% additional revenue from existing property (excluding new construction). Districts can exceed the 4% limit by holding a public hearing — and if a sufficient number of taxpayers file a petition, the rate increase goes to a public vote. This mechanism doesn\'t cap individual tax bills directly, but provides structural stability against tax-bill spikes during rapid value appreciation.

Appealing your assessment

Kentucky property tax appeals follow a 3-tier process. Level 1: PVA Conference. Schedule a conference with the County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) by May 1 or the deadline shown on your assessment notice. The PVA reviews and may adjust. Level 2: Local Board of Assessment Appeals. If unresolved, appeal to the Local Board within 30 days of the PVA conference. Level 3: Kentucky Board of Tax Appeals. Local Board decisions can be appealed to the Kentucky Board of Tax Appeals within 30 days. From there to Circuit Court. Most Kentucky appeals are resolved at the PVA conference or Local Board level.

Cities and towns in Boone County

Boone County contains 5 incorporated municipalities, ranging from Burlington to the smallest village. Search volume for property tax is often city-specific, so here is the complete list — with population from the 2020 US Census, rounded to the nearest 100.

Data: US Census Bureau, 2020 Decennial Census. Populations rounded. Cities marked as "split" straddle a county border — the portion inside Boone County is subject to Boone County's tax rolls, while the portion outside is subject to the adjacent county's.

City or town	Type	Population (2020)
Florence	city	33,000
Burlington County seat	Census-designated place	18,000
Union	city	7,000
Hebron	Census-designated place	5,500
Walton	city	4,500

About city-level property tax rates: The rate breakdown and calculator on this page reflect the Burlington tax district. Other cities in Boone County may pay into different school districts, city rates, and special districts — so their combined rates can differ, sometimes substantially. Always verify the specific rates for your address with the Boone County Kentucky Property Valuation Administrator before relying on any estimate.

Frequently asked questions

When are Kentucky property taxes due?

Kentucky property taxes are typically due by December 31. Tax bills are usually mailed in October. Late payments after January 31 of the following year accrue penalty (typically 5% if paid within 30 days, plus interest). Most counties offer a 2% discount for early payment (typically by November 1 or November 30, varying by county). Most Kentucky homeowners pay through escrow via mortgage servicer.

How does the Kentucky $49,100 Homestead Exemption work?

Kentucky\'s Homestead Exemption (KRS 132.810) reduces the assessed value of your primary residence by $49,100 for the 2025-2026 biennium. Available to homeowners 65+ OR classified as totally disabled (Social Security or any government-administered retirement system program). The amount is indexed every 2 years for inflation (was $46,350 in 2023-2024). At Kentucky\'s typical 0.95% effective rate, saves roughly $470/year. One-time application for seniors (carries forward automatically); annual recertification for disability-based qualification. File Form 62A350 with the County PVA.

What is the HB 639 disabled veteran exemption?

HB 639 (passed 2025) created a NEW dedicated disabled-veteran property tax exemption with tiered benefits by VA disability rating. 100% P&T disabled vets receive a $240,000 AV exemption in 2026, rising annually to $260K (2027), $300K (2028), $340K (2029), and $400K by 2030. Partial disability ratings receive prorated exemptions ($5,000 minimum at 10% rating). Surviving spouse retains if continued residency. The Vet Exemption and the regular Homestead Exemption don\'t stack — the Vet replaces the Homestead when both qualify. For Kentucky\'s many military communities (Fort Knox, Fort Campbell), the new exemption produces effectively full property tax exemption for most homes (median KY home values are well below the $240K cap).

What is HB 44 and how does the 4% cap work?

HB 44 (1979) caps district revenue growth at 4% — when total assessed values in a Kentucky taxing district rise, tax rates must roll back so that the district collects no more than 4% additional revenue from existing property (excluding new construction). Districts can exceed the 4% limit by holding a public hearing — and if a sufficient number of taxpayers file a petition, the rate increase goes to a public vote. This mechanism doesn\'t cap individual tax bills directly, but provides structural stability. HB 44 has been a defining feature of Kentucky property tax stability for over 40 years.

How do I appeal my Kentucky assessment?

Kentucky property tax appeals follow a 3-tier process. Level 1: PVA Conference. Schedule a conference with the County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) by May 1 or the deadline shown on your assessment notice. Level 2: Local Board of Assessment Appeals. Within 30 days of PVA conference. Level 3: Kentucky Board of Tax Appeals. Within 30 days of Local Board. From there to Circuit Court. Most appeals are resolved at the PVA conference or Local Board level.

About Boone County

Beyond the property tax — a few things you might not know about the place.

Weird fact

Florence is famous for **the iconic "Florence Y'all" water tower** — visible from I-71/I-75 just south of the Cincinnati metro core. The water tower originally said "Florence Mall" (advertising the under-construction shopping mall in 1974), but mall opening was delayed and the city was forced to remove the mall reference (since unbuilt malls couldn't be advertised on city water towers). Mayor C.M. "Hop" Ewing's solution was to convert the "M" to "Y" and add the apostrophe, turning "Florence Mall" into the homespun "Florence Y'all" — capturing the Northern Kentucky drawl. The water tower has become an iconic regional landmark and a celebrated symbol of regional Southern identity. The Florence Y'all Burger King, Florence Y'all baseball minor league team (Frontier League), and Florence Y'all merchandise have built on the water tower's cultural cachet.

Hometown hero

Boone County agricultural and political heritage

Boone County is named after **Daniel Boone** (1734-1820) — the legendary American frontiersman who blazed the Wilderness Road through the Cumberland Gap in 1775, opening Kentucky to American settlement. Boone County's most-famous modern resident may be **Larry Flynt** (1942-2021) — the controversial publisher of Hustler magazine and free-speech advocate, who was born in Lakeville, KY but had substantial Boone County connections through his Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky business operations (Hustler's headquarters was historically in Beverly Hills, CA but Flynt's personal estate was in the Cincinnati metro). Other Boone County figures include **Brent Spence** (1874-1967, US Congressman from Kentucky 1931-1963 — namesake of the Brent Spence Bridge between KY and OH).

Biggest annual event

CVG events + Florence Y'all baseball

CVG Airport (Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, in Hebron) is among the largest US air freight hubs (DHL's primary US hub since 2009 — making CVG the 8th-busiest cargo airport in the world). Florence Y'all Ballpark (in Florence, opened 2020) hosts the Florence Y'all baseball team (Frontier League, an independent professional baseball league) and is a celebrated regional minor league venue.

Property Tax in Boone County, 2026