KentuckyPop. 323,725Big cities
Is Lexington a Good Place to Live? Lexington, Kentucky: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Lexington ranks #405 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #11 of 53 big cities and #5 of 20 in Kentucky. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (228 per 100,000, #8 of 50) and fast population growth (+0.8%, #10 of 53), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Lexington by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Lexington'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 Lexington?
Lexington's cost of living index is 92.9, 7% below the US level of 100 and #371 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,164/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $293,500.
| Measure | Lexington | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 92.9#371 of 1,308 | 90.2 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $293,500#512 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,164/mo#404 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 4.2x#631 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 20.1%#458 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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.
Is Lexington safe?
Lexington recorded 228 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 30% below the US rate of 328 and 8% above Kentucky's 212. That ranks #411 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #8 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lexington Police Department. Property crime runs 2,083 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Lexington | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 228#411 of 1,085 | 212 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 2,083#731 of 1,085 | 1,262 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 Lexington?
The median household in Lexington earns $69,479, 16% below the US figure of $83,163 and 8% above Kentucky ($64,526). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 14.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Lexington | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $69,479#825 of 1,312 | $64,526 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 3.8%#390 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 14.9%#858 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.8%#279 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 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Kentucky is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Lexington?
The median resident of Lexington is 35.3 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 48.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #290 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Lexington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 35.3 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 48.3%#290 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 53.8% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Lexington's schools and health?
Lexington's 62 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (Kentucky 90.1%), with 13.8 students per teacher and $18,318 spent per pupil. 33.9% of adults are obese and 11.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Lexington | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 88%#518 of 1,063 | 90.1% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 13.8#261 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $18,318#321 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 33.9%#694 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 11.4%#688 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 17.3%#700 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 6.6%#206 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Kentucky is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 39,582 students are enrolled in Lexington's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Lexington?
The average commute in Lexington is 20.9 minutes (Kentucky 24.5); 1.5% of workers take transit and 12.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Lexington scores 11.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #574 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 75.2°F and winters 36.4°F, with 49.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Lexington | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 20.9 min#415 of 1,312 | 24.5 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4.2%#431 of 1,312 | 6.5% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 73.1% | 76.4% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.5% | 0.6% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 3.1% | 1.9% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.5% | 0.2% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 12.2% | 9.5% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 11.1#574 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 | 42.3 | 25.4 | 3.4 |
| Feb | 46.8 | 28.3 | 3.6 |
| Mar | 56.1 | 35.8 | 4.5 |
| Apr | 67.2 | 45.2 | 4.4 |
| May | 75.8 | 55 | 5.4 |
| Jun | 83.8 | 62.8 | 5 |
| Jul | 86.9 | 66.5 | 5.1 |
| Aug | 86.2 | 65.2 | 3.7 |
| Sep | 80.2 | 58.1 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 68.6 | 47 | 3.7 |
| Nov | 55.8 | 36.4 | 3.4 |
| Dec | 45.9 | 29.6 | 4.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lexington Bluegrass Airport.
| Measure | Lexington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 56.3°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 75.2°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 36.4°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 49.8 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lexington Bluegrass Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Lexington?
Fayette County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 75% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Fayette County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, tornado, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 70% of US counties.
| Measure | Lexington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 40#354 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.12%#430 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Fayette County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Fayette County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.009% | 77% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.014% | 69% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0012% | 65% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0028% | 57% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.002% | 50% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.08% | 48% 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 Lexington compare with similar-size cities?
Lexington is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #11 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 323,725.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexington, KYPop. 323,725 | #405 | 59.9 | $69,479 | $1,164/mo | 228 | 20.9 min |
| Henderson, NVPop. 332,141 | #682 | 55.3 | $90,138 | $1,824/mo | 225 | 24.3 min |
| Stockton, CAPop. 322,326 | #1245 | 42.6 | $79,907 | $1,577/mo | 1,029 | 31.7 min |
| Orlando, FLPop. 319,758 | #789 | 53.4 | $72,336 | $1,747/mo | part year | 26.2 min |
| Corpus Christi, TXPop. 317,419 | #1181 | 45.6 | $67,394 | $1,292/mo | 799 | 21.3 min |
| Cincinnati, OHPop. 311,224 | #1194 | 45.2 | $52,909 | $1,001/mo | 785 | 22.4 min |
| Newark, NJPop. 310,178 | #1109 | 47.7 | $52,060 | $1,392/mo | 517 | 32.6 min |
| St. Paul, MNPop. 307,284 | #508 | 57.9 | $73,394 | $1,281/mo | 491 | 21.1 min |
| Pittsburgh, PAPop. 304,759 | #364 | 60.7 | $65,742 | $1,261/mo | 468 | 22.7 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 Lexington compare with the rest of Kentucky?
Lexington ranks #5 of the 20 Kentucky cities we track, with a score of 59.9 against Kentucky's statewide 44.8. Its households earn 8% above the Kentucky median. Violent crime is 8% above the statewide rate.
| 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 Lexington's score calculated?
Lexington scores 59.9 out of 100, #405 of 1,312 (grade B+, 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 Lexington. Similar-size median 53.8.
51.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Lexington's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
77.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Lexington. Similar-size median 54.8.
54.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Lexington's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
69.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Lexington's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
75.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Lexington. Similar-size median 47.2.
43.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Lexington. Similar-size median 42.4.
49.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Lexington. Similar-size median 53.7.
52.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Lexington's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
53.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
65.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Lexington's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Lexington 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 Lexington
Is Lexington, KY a good place to live?
Lexington ranks #405 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #11 of 53 big cities and #5 of 20 in Kentucky. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (228 per 100,000, #8 of 50) and fast population growth (+0.8%, #10 of 53), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Lexington?
Lexington's cost of living index is 92.9, 7% below the US level of 100 and #371 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,164/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $293,500.
What is the crime rate in Lexington?
Lexington recorded 228 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 30% below the US rate of 328 and 8% above Kentucky's 212. That ranks #411 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #8 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lexington Police Department. Property crime runs 2,083 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Lexington?
The median household in Lexington earns $69,479, 16% below the US figure of $83,163 and 8% above Kentucky ($64,526). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.3%). 14.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Lexington?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,164/mo (Census), #404 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 20.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Lexington?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in Lexington is $293,500, #512 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in Lexington?
Lexington's 62 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (Kentucky 90.1%), with 13.8 students per teacher and $18,318 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Lexington?
The average commute is 20.9 minutes, #415 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.5 minutes across Kentucky. 4.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Lexington?
Lexington averages 56.3°F over the year, 75.2°F in summer and 36.4°F in winter, with 49.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Lexington walkable?
Lexington scores 11.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #574 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 Lexington at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Fayette County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, tornado, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.12% of building value, lower than 70% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Lexington?
Fayette County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 75% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Lexington?
Lexington has 323,725 residents. The median resident of Lexington is 35.3 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 48.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #290 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 53.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Lexington compare with the rest of Kentucky?
Lexington ranks #5 of the 20 Kentucky cities we track, with a score of 59.9 against Kentucky's statewide 44.8. Its households earn 8% above the Kentucky median. Violent crime is 8% above the statewide rate.
What cities are similar in size to Lexington?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Lexington's population of 323,725 are Henderson, NV (#682 overall), Stockton, CA (#1245 overall), Orlando, FL (#789 overall), Corpus Christi, TX (#1181 overall), and Cincinnati, OH (#1194 overall). Lexington is #405.