What is the property tax rate in Jefferson County?

The combined effective property tax rate in Jefferson County, Kentucky is approximately 0.93%.

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

Property Tax in Jefferson County, 2026

A calculator and field guide for Louisville-area homeowners — and for anyone considering a move to Jefferson 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).

Jefferson County, home to Louisville and 755k 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 Jefferson 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. Jefferson County\'s combined rate is ~$0.93/$100 of AV (= $0.93% 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 Jefferson County rate breakdown ($ per $100 of AV (100% fair cash value, no AR reduction), Louisville district)

Taxing entity	Rate
Combined consolidated rate (Louisville Metro merged government, ~$0.93 / $100 of AV)	0.9300
Combined total	0.9300

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

Note: Jefferson County is **the most-populous county in Kentucky** (~755K residents) and **fully consolidated with the City of Louisville** under Louisville Metro Government (since 2003 — Kentucky's only "consolidated city-county," similar to Indianapolis-Marion County, Nashville-Davidson, Kansas City KS Wyandotte). Anchored by Louisville (the consolidated city-county, ~620K — the largest city in Kentucky), with major incorporated communities including Jeffersontown (~30K), St. Matthews (~17K), Shively (~16K), Lyndon, and Middletown. The county hosts the headquarters or major operations of Humana, Yum! Brands, Brown-Forman (Jack Daniel's, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester), Papa John's, Texas Roadhouse, and Ford Motor Company's Louisville Assembly Plant + Kentucky Truck Plant.

Note: Jefferson County effective property tax rates run approximately **0.93% — moderate by Kentucky standards**, with the consolidated city-county structure folding city and county levies into a single bill. Combined consolidated rate is ~$0.93/$100 of AV (Kentucky uses 100% AR, so this is also the effective rate against full market value). Median home values around $260K combined with the moderate rate produce median annual bills around $2,418.

Note: For relocation buyers: Jefferson County offers **the premier Ohio-River urban Kentucky** option — substantial corporate headquarters employment, the celebrated Old Louisville Victorian neighborhood (the largest preserved Victorian-era residential district in the United States), Bardstown Road / Highlands food and arts corridor, and proximity to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The Louisville Metro structure delivers urban amenities at substantially lower property tax rates than comparable Midwest urban counties (Marion-IN ~1.4%, Hamilton-OH ~1.65%, Jackson-MO ~1.27%).

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 Jefferson County

Jefferson County contains 6 incorporated municipalities, ranging from Louisville 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 Jefferson County is subject to Jefferson County's tax rolls, while the portion outside is subject to the adjacent county's.

City or town	Type	Population (2020)
Louisville County seat	consolidated_city_county	620,000
Jeffersontown	city	30,000
St. Matthews	city	17,000
Shively	city	16,000
Lyndon	city	12,000
Middletown	city	9,000

About city-level property tax rates: The rate breakdown and calculator on this page reflect the Louisville tax district. Other cities in Jefferson 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 Jefferson 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 Jefferson County

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

Weird fact

Louisville is **home to the Kentucky Derby** — held annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs (in Louisville, Jefferson County) since **1875**, making it **the longest continuously-held major sporting event in the United States** (150+ consecutive runnings as of 2025). The Derby is the first leg of the US Triple Crown of thoroughbred racing (followed by the Preakness Stakes in Maryland and the Belmont Stakes in New York). The Derby draws ~150,000 attendees per year and is preceded by the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival (Thunder Over Louisville fireworks, the Pegasus Parade, the Great Steamboat Race). Louisville Slugger baseball bats are also manufactured in Louisville — Hillerich & Bradsby has produced the iconic ash bats here since 1884.

Hometown hero

Muhammad Ali

The American boxing legend Muhammad Ali (1942-2016) — born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. in Louisville, Jefferson County — won the 1960 Olympic Light Heavyweight Gold Medal at age 18 before turning professional. Ali won the WBA, WBC, and lineal Heavyweight Championship of the World three times (1964, 1974, 1978) and is widely regarded as the greatest heavyweight boxer in history. His career produced legendary fights including the "Fight of the Century" vs. Joe Frazier (1971), the "Rumble in the Jungle" vs. George Foreman (1974, in Zaire), and the "Thrilla in Manila" vs. Frazier (1975). Beyond boxing, Ali was a major cultural and civil rights figure. The Muhammad Ali Center (in downtown Louisville) preserves his legacy. Louisville renamed its airport "Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport" in 2019.

Biggest annual event

Kentucky Derby + Kentucky Derby Festival

The Kentucky Derby (annual, first Saturday of May at Churchill Downs since 1875) is the dominant event — drawing 150,000+ attendees with national television coverage and the iconic mint juleps, "Run for the Roses," and the Derby Hat tradition. The Kentucky Derby Festival (annual, two weeks before the Derby) includes Thunder Over Louisville (the largest annual fireworks display in North America, ~600,000 attendees), the Pegasus Parade, and the Great Steamboat Race on the Ohio River.

Property Tax in Jefferson County, 2026