Property Taxes in Elizabethtown and Hardin County, KY

Last updated: February 2026

Property taxes are a key factor in your total homeownership cost, and Kentucky delivers good news on this front. The state consistently ranks among the lowest in the nation for property tax burden, and Hardin County is no exception. Whether you are buying your first home in Elizabethtown or evaluating an investment property, understanding how property taxes work here will help you budget accurately.

Hardin County Property Tax Rates

Property taxes in the Elizabethtown area are calculated using multiple overlapping rates. The combined rate for a home within city limits is approximately $1.07 per $100 of assessed value. This includes:

• State of Kentucky rate: $0.1220 per $100 (set by the state, applies to all Kentucky property).
• Hardin County rate: Approximately $0.476 per $100 (covers county government services).
• Hardin County Schools or Elizabethtown Independent Schools rate: The school tax is typically the largest component, varying by which school district your property falls within.
• City of Elizabethtown rate: Applies only to properties within E-town city limits. Homes in unincorporated Hardin County pay county and state rates only, resulting in a lower total.

For a home assessed at $250,000 (the current median), the annual property tax bill within Elizabethtown city limits works out to approximately $2,675. Homes outside city limits but within Hardin County pay somewhat less, typically in the $2,000-$2,400 range depending on the specific taxing district.

How Property Tax Assessments Work in Kentucky

Kentucky assesses real property at 100% of fair market value. The Hardin County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) is responsible for determining the assessed value of every property in the county. Here is how the process works:

• The PVA office reviews property values annually based on recent sales data, property characteristics, and market conditions.
• When you purchase a home, the sale price typically becomes the new assessed value. For existing owners who have not sold, the PVA adjusts values based on comparable sales in the area.
• Assessment notices are mailed to property owners, usually in late spring. If you believe your assessment is inaccurate, you can file an appeal with the PVA within 30 days of the notice.
• Kentucky does not have a Proposition 13-style cap on assessment increases. Assessed values can rise with market conditions, which means property taxes may increase even without a rate change if home values appreciate.

Homestead Exemption

Kentucky offers a homestead exemption that reduces the taxable value of a primary residence for qualifying homeowners:

• Eligibility: Homeowners who are age 65 or older, or who are classified as totally disabled, qualify for the exemption.
• Exemption amount: The current exemption is $46,350 of assessed value. This amount is adjusted periodically by the Kentucky General Assembly.
• Impact: For a qualifying homeowner with a $250,000 home, the exemption reduces the taxable value to $203,650, saving approximately $495 per year at current rates. The exemption applies to all property tax levies (state, county, school, and city).
• How to apply: File with the Hardin County PVA office. You will need proof of age or disability status and verification that the property is your primary residence.

How Hardin County Compares

Property tax rates vary across Kentucky counties. Here is how Hardin County stacks up against nearby areas:

• Jefferson County (Louisville): Combined rates are higher, typically $1.15-$1.25 per $100. Combined with Louisville's higher home values, the total tax burden is meaningfully greater than Hardin County.
• Bullitt County: Rates are comparable to Hardin County, in the $1.00-$1.10 range. Bullitt County borders Louisville to the south and competes for many of the same commuter buyers.
• Meade County: Slightly lower rates than Hardin County, though the smaller population means fewer services and amenities. Meade County attracts some Fort Knox families seeking lower taxes and more rural settings.
• Nelson County: Rates are similar to Hardin County. Nelson County (home to Bardstown) is growing but offers fewer employment options than the Elizabethtown area.
• Indiana (Clark and Floyd counties): Homeowners who cross the river to Indiana face significantly higher property tax rates, often double what Kentucky charges. This is a major reason many Louisville-area workers choose Kentucky addresses.

The bottom line: Hardin County's property taxes are among the most reasonable in the Louisville metro area. Combined with Elizabethtown's lower home prices, the total annual tax bill is very manageable. For a broader comparison of expenses, see our cost of living guide.