KentuckyPop. 28,503Small cities
Is Frankfort a Good Place to Live? Frankfort, Kentucky: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Frankfort ranks #774 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #139 of 208 small cities and #11 of 20 in Kentucky. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.3, #22 of 208) and short commutes (17 min, #33 of 208), and trails on low household income ($53,073, #168 of 208) and high poverty (19.1%, #158 of 208).
Frankfort by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Frankfort's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Frankfort?
Frankfort's cost of living index is 85.3, 15% below the US level of 100 and #33 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $944/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $250,122, 8% above the typical Kentucky home ($232,577).
| Measure | Frankfort | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 85.3#33 of 1,308 | 90.2 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $250,122#250 of 1,187 | $232,577 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,024/mo#30 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $183,700#176 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $944/mo#144 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 21.3%#594 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kentucky is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Frankfort housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Frankfort is in the Frankfort, KY metro.
Kentucky housing market →Is Frankfort safe?
Frankfort recorded 238 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 28% below the US rate of 328 and 12% above Kentucky's 212. That ranks #433 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #78 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Frankfort Police Department. Property crime runs 1,601 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Frankfort | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 238#433 of 1,085 | 212 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,601#524 of 1,085 | 1,262 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kentucky is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Frankfort?
The median household in Frankfort earns $53,073, 36% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below Kentucky ($64,526). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 19.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Frankfort | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $53,073#1182 of 1,312 | $64,526 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4.3%#615 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 19.1%#1084 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 of 1,132 | +0.5% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kentucky is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Frankfort?
The median resident of Frankfort is 35.3 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 28.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #859 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Frankfort | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 35.3 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 28.4%#859 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 48.8% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Frankfort's schools and health?
Frankfort's 12 public schools graduate 93.7% of students in four years (Kentucky 90.1%), with 15.6 students per teacher and $14,950 spent per pupil. 38.9% of adults are obese and 13.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Frankfort | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 93.7%#150 of 1,063 | 90.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 15.6#561 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $14,950#593 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 38.9%#1061 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.4%#1007 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 18%#857 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 6.9%#243 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kentucky is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 6,226 students are enrolled in Frankfort's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Frankfort?
The average commute in Frankfort is 17 minutes (Kentucky 24.5); 1.3% of workers take transit and 10.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Frankfort scores 8.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #956 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.7°F and winters 36.7°F, with 47.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Frankfort | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 17 min#137 of 1,312 | 24.5 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 2.6%#114 of 1,312 | 6.5% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 74.5% | 76.4% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 1.3% | 0.6% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.2% | 1.9% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 10.8% | 9.5% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.4#956 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Kentucky is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 43.1 | 25.1 | 3.3 |
| Feb | 47.6 | 28 | 3.4 |
| Mar | 57.2 | 35.3 | 4.7 |
| Apr | 68.5 | 44.8 | 4.6 |
| May | 76.7 | 54.4 | 5.1 |
| Jun | 84.7 | 62.8 | 4.3 |
| Jul | 87.6 | 66.8 | 4.7 |
| Aug | 87.1 | 65.1 | 3.2 |
| Sep | 81.1 | 57.3 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 69.5 | 45.7 | 3.6 |
| Nov | 56.7 | 35.6 | 3.4 |
| Dec | 46.8 | 29.3 | 3.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Frankfort Capital City Airport.
| Measure | Frankfort | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 56.5°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 75.7°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 36.7°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 47.3 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Frankfort Capital City Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Frankfort?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Frankfort's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Franklin County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, inland flooding, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 57% of US counties.
| Measure | Frankfort | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.16%#773 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Franklin County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Franklin County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Strong wind | 0.0064% | 82% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.12% | 79% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.017% | 79% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0038% | 59% of counties |
| Hail | 0.001% | 35% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Frankfort compare with similar-size cities?
Frankfort is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #139 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 28,503.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frankfort, KYPop. 28,503 | #774 | 53.8 | $53,073 | $944/mo | 238 | 17 min |
| Russellville, ARPop. 29,162 | #1024 | 49.7 | $50,877 | $842/mo | 460 | 15.7 min |
| Slidell, LAPop. 28,561 | #1005 | 50.0 | $70,497 | $1,375/mo | 275 | 29.1 min |
| Kalispell, MTPop. 28,504 | #608 | 56.6 | $63,415 | $1,078/mo | 409 | 14.9 min |
| Kahului, HIPop. 28,288 | #692 | 55.1 | $98,077 | $1,488/mo | no data | 22.8 min |
| Aberdeen, SDPop. 28,189 | #415 | 59.8 | $64,405 | $762/mo | 425 | 11.9 min |
| Greenville, MSPop. 28,166 | #1296 | 37.6 | $40,083 | $872/mo | part year | 18.8 min |
| Williston, NDPop. 28,056 | #380 | 60.4 | $79,381 | $1,122/mo | 432 | 17.6 min |
| Garden City, KSPop. 27,819 | #613 | 56.5 | $72,865 | $1,052/mo | 486 | 14 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Frankfort compare with the rest of Kentucky?
Frankfort ranks #11 of the 20 Kentucky cities we track, with a score of 53.8 against Kentucky's statewide 44.8. Its households earn 18% below the Kentucky median. Violent crime is 12% above the statewide rate. Homes are 8% above the typical Kentucky home.
| City | Rank in KY | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independence, KYPop. 29,392 | #1 | 64.4 | $102,361 | $1,250/mo | 49 |
| Jeffersontown, KYPop. 29,199 | #2 | 61.1 | $81,506 | $1,320/mo | 65 |
| Florence, KYPop. 32,803 | #3 | 60.5 | $71,003 | $1,329/mo | 199 |
| Georgetown, KYPop. 39,117 | #4 | 60.3 | $80,088 | $1,255/mo | 165 |
| Lexington, KYPop. 323,725 | #5 | 59.9 | $69,479 | $1,164/mo | 228 |
| Erlanger, KYPop. 19,875 | #6 | 58.4 | $75,840 | $970/mo | 69 |
| Nicholasville, KYPop. 32,197 | #7 | 58.0 | $68,503 | $1,147/mo | 197 |
| Covington, KYPop. 41,110 | #8 | 57.5 | $61,166 | $1,006/mo | 290 |
| Elizabethtown, KYPop. 32,576 | #9 | 57.4 | $60,760 | $909/mo | 110 |
| Richmond, KYPop. 37,111 | #10 | 55.5 | $50,870 | $917/mo | 243 |
| Frankfort, KYPop. 28,503 | #11 | 53.8 | $53,073 | $944/mo | 238 |
| Owensboro, KYPop. 60,302 | #12 | 51.6 | $56,357 | $905/mo | 413 |
| Bowling Green, KYPop. 75,388 | #13 | 50.8 | $48,873 | $998/mo | 187 |
| Ashland, KYPop. 21,295 | #14 | 50.8 | $52,715 | $872/mo | 244 |
| Louisville, KYPop. 631,818 | #15 | 50.0 | $66,849 | $1,120/mo | 674 |
| Paducah, KYPop. 26,845 | #16 | 49.8 | $49,915 | $834/mo | 274 |
| Henderson, KYPop. 27,852 | #17 | 49.6 | $48,186 | $771/mo | 278 |
| Madisonville, KYPop. 19,515 | #18 | 46.6 | $53,860 | $838/mo | 149 |
| Hopkinsville, KYPop. 30,906 | #19 | 45.9 | $49,139 | $902/mo | 300 |
| Radcliff, KYPop. 22,864 | #20 | 45.6 | $58,559 | $971/mo | 287 |
All 20 Kentucky cities we track, by overall score. Kentucky statewide: median income $64,526, violent crime 212.1 per 100,000.
How is Frankfort's score calculated?
Frankfort scores 53.8 out of 100, #774 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Kentucky's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Frankfort. Similar-size median 52.9.
41.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Frankfort's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
80.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Frankfort. Similar-size median 52.2.
42.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Frankfort's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
65.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Frankfort's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
87.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Frankfort. Similar-size median 46.7.
28.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Frankfort. Similar-size median 44.2.
40.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Frankfort. Similar-size median 47.3.
52.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Frankfort's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
38.9 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 54.8.
42.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Frankfort's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Frankfort has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Frankfort
Is Frankfort, KY a good place to live?
Frankfort ranks #774 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #139 of 208 small cities and #11 of 20 in Kentucky. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low living costs (85.3, #22 of 208) and short commutes (17 min, #33 of 208), and trails on low household income ($53,073, #168 of 208) and high poverty (19.1%, #158 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Frankfort?
Frankfort's cost of living index is 85.3, 15% below the US level of 100 and #33 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $944/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $250,122, 8% above the typical Kentucky home ($232,577).
What is the crime rate in Frankfort?
Frankfort recorded 238 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 28% below the US rate of 328 and 12% above Kentucky's 212. That ranks #433 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #78 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Frankfort Police Department. Property crime runs 1,601 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Frankfort?
The median household in Frankfort earns $53,073, 36% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below Kentucky ($64,526). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 19.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Frankfort?
Median rent in Frankfort is $944/mo (Census), #144 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,024/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Frankfort?
The typical home value in Frankfort is $250,122, down 0.3% in a year, against $232,577 for Kentucky and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $183,700.
How are the public schools in Frankfort?
Frankfort's 12 public schools graduate 93.7% of students in four years (Kentucky 90.1%), with 15.6 students per teacher and $14,950 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Frankfort?
The average commute is 17 minutes, #137 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.5 minutes across Kentucky. 2.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Frankfort?
Frankfort averages 56.5°F over the year, 75.7°F in summer and 36.7°F in winter, with 47.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Frankfort walkable?
Frankfort scores 8.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #956 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Frankfort at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Franklin County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, inland flooding, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 57% of US counties.
Who lives in Frankfort?
Frankfort has 28,503 residents. The median resident of Frankfort is 35.3 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 28.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #859 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Frankfort compare with the rest of Kentucky?
Frankfort ranks #11 of the 20 Kentucky cities we track, with a score of 53.8 against Kentucky's statewide 44.8. Its households earn 18% below the Kentucky median. Violent crime is 12% above the statewide rate. Homes are 8% above the typical Kentucky home.
What cities are similar in size to Frankfort?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Frankfort's population of 28,503 are Russellville, AR (#1024 overall), Slidell, LA (#1005 overall), Kalispell, MT (#608 overall), Kahului, HI (#692 overall), and Aberdeen, SD (#415 overall). Frankfort is #774.