Hardin County
KY · Pop. 111,452 · Mixed County
Hardin County, Kentucky covers 624 square miles with a population of 111,452 and a density of 178.6 people per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated moderate, built on hay, soybeans, corn. A median home price of $206,000 and an effective property tax rate of 0.7% set the cost of entry. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 185-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.6°F and average winter lows of 25.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 50.8 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Baptist Health Hardin is 4.8 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 94.2% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 185-day growing season in USDA zone 7a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.7% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Broadband reaches 94.2% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Baptist Health Hardin, with an emergency room, is just 4.8 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- Annual rainfall of 50.8 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
Cons
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
At a glance
Hardin County, KY is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 63/100
- Median home price
- $206k
- Property tax
- 0.7%
- Growing season
- 185 days (zone 7a)
- Annual rainfall
- 50.8"
- Broadband
- 94.2%
- Nearest hospital
- Baptist Health Hardin, 4.8 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Hardin County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Hardin County?
- Hardin County is in USDA hardiness zone 7a with a 185-day growing season, average summer highs of 84.6°F, and average winter lows of 25.6°F. The established crops are hay, soybeans, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $206,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.7%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 94.2% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Baptist Health Hardin is 4.8 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 4 hospitals in the county.
Explore Kentucky Resources
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you
LandWatch
Browse rural land, farms, and ranches for sale across every state.
Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
Invest in farmland online — vetted properties with passive income potential.
More counties in Kentucky
All Kentucky countiesNearby counties
The closest counties to Hardin County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
Your brand here — Reach our audience of professional directory owners and boost your sales.