Living in Lexington, KY
Lexington is the 59th-largest city in the US, home to about 330,000 people in 2025. It has grown 2.2% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run below the national average (92.9 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 329,751+2.2% since 2020
- Median home value
- $293,5004.2 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,164/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $69,479median, per year
- Price level
- 92.9US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 42° / 87°lows 25° / 67°
- Average commute
- 21 min12% work from home
- State income tax
- 3.5%top rate, flat
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County: Fayette County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 968 ft
Metro area: Lexington-Fayette, KY
Cost of living in Lexington
The median home in Lexington is worth $293,500 and the median household earns $69,479 a year, so a typical home costs about 4.2 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,164 a month, about 20% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Lexington-Fayette, KY metro area at 92.9, with housing at 77.1 and goods at 96.2 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $69,700 here. Kentucky taxes wages at a top rate of 3.5% (a flat rate). The average combined state and local sales tax in Kentucky is 6%.
What would my salary be worth in Lexington?
Lexington weather
Average highs run from 42°F in January to 87°F in July, and January nights average 25°F. It gets 50 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 14 inches of snow. Nights drop below freezing about 90 times a year. The most comfortable months are April and September to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Lexington
People and work
The median resident is 35.3 years old, and 48% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 54% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 21 minutes; 12% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 35.3206th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 48%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 54%of households
- People per sq mile
- 1,162283.9 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 2%3% walk, 0.5% bike
- Unemployment
- 4.9%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 14.9%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1984median year
Who moves to Lexington, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Pike County, KY, Chicago (Cook County) and Bowling Green (Warren County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Nashville (Davidson County), Chicago (Cook County) and Columbus (Franklin County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA rating for Fayette County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: tornado, winter weather, strong wind, lightning.
Home prices
+6.1% in a year
Up 53% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Lexington-Fayette, KY area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
73% good days
0 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Lexington-Fayette, KY area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Lexington
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- University of Kentucky 2 miles
- Eastern Kentucky University 22 miles
- Berea College 33 miles
- Midway University 14 miles
- Asbury University 16 miles
- Kentucky State University 24 miles
- Centre College 31 miles
- Transylvania University 2 miles
- Georgetown College 13 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Lexington
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Grass Airport LEX | 7 mi | 776,297 |
| Louisville International Airport SDF | 70 mi | 2,343,305 |
| Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport CVG | 71 mi | 4,500,414 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Lexington
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Kentucky | 2 mi | 24,763 | $18,868 | 72% |
| Eastern Kentucky University | 22 mi | 12,318 | $11,925 | 51% |
| Asbury University | 16 mi | 1,420 | $21,061 | 65% |
| Kentucky State University | 24 mi | 1,309 | $17,637 | 30% |
| Midway University | 14 mi | 1,262 | $29,981 | 45% |
| Georgetown College | 13 mi | 1,097 | $13,270 | 49% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Lexington
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before April 13, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 19 and the first frost comes around October 28.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Lexington Bluegrass Airport, KY, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Lexington.
Wildfire smoke in Lexington
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Lexington on about 129 days a year, including about 24 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Lexington
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 139,715 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Lexington
Downtown Lexington is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fayette County School District | Pre-K to 12 | 42,138 | 80 | 13.8 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Scott County School District (9,830 students), Jessamine County School District (8,331 students), Clark County School District (5,552 students), Woodford County School District (4,064 students), Bourbon County School District (2,557 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Lexington's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Lexington's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Rogers, AR83% matchCompare
- Columbia, MO83% matchCompare
- Springdale, AR80% matchCompare
- Fayetteville, AR79% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Lexington
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Lexington
- Perfect North Slopes 81 miles
- Paoli Peaks 116 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Lexington
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 7% below the US average (BEA).
- Data Commutes are short: 21 minutes each way on average.
Cons
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what should newcomers know?
Lexington report card from locals
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Lexington through locals' eyes
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Cities near Lexington
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville, KY | 66 mi | 641,962 | $233,900 | 93.1 | Compare |
| Cincinnati, OH | 79 mi | 314,367 | $230,900 | 95.4 | Compare |
| Dayton, OH | 120 mi | 136,688 | $100,600 | 92.7 | Compare |
| Bowling Green, KY | 128 mi | 78,505 | $241,900 | 90.2 | Compare |
| Bloomington, IN | 135 mi | 83,307 | $321,400 | 95.1 | Compare |
| Knoxville, TN | 144 mi | 202,021 | $239,700 | 92.6 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Lexington with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Lexington a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show prices below the national average, short commutes. Compare Lexington side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Lexington?
The Census Bureau estimates Lexington had 329,751 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 322,563 in April 2020 (+2.2%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Lexington?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $69,700 in the Lexington area. The median household here earns $69,479.
When is the best time to visit Lexington?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, April and September to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 87°F and January 42°F for daytime highs.
What county is Lexington in?
Lexington is in Fayette County, Kentucky. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Lexington in?
Lexington is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Lexington?
About 968 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Kentucky have a state income tax?
Yes. Kentucky has a flat income tax with a top rate of 3.5% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Lexington. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Lexington-Fayette, KY metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Lexington Bluegrass Airport, KY station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.