Firstly why Frankfort, Kentucky?
I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:
- City: Frankfort
- State: Kentucky
- Population: 27,988 people
- Frankfort’s quick summary would be The state capital, celebrated for its historic architecture and the beautiful Capital Plaza.
Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:
- How many people move-in: 3,000 annually
- While this many move-out: 2,000 annually
- Net Migration: 1000 more people in (net) annual change
- Non-Citizen Move-in: 100
- Number of Homeless people: 100
You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it as the state capital provides government job opportunities attracting professionals
Perk #1: Frankfort Demographic Mix & Lifestyle
- The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 30%
- Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 72%
- Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
- The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Hispanic
- The median income is (and growing) $49,000
- Income Required to Live Comfortably in Frankfort is $48,000
- Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-1000 in negative cash flow
This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?
Perk #2: Housing & Frankfort’s Cost of Living
- Cost of Living Index: 70 (100 is the US average)
- Annual Property Tax Per House: $938
- Property Tax %: 1.17%
- Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,100
- Rent for an average house: $1,600
- Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Downtown
- Top 5 Growing Areas: Frankfort, Lawrenceburg, Shelbyville, Frankfurt, and probably could include Versailles
- Avg. Age of Homes in Frankfort: 51 years
- The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 0.7%
If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.
Perk #3: Job Market & Frankfort’s Economy
- 3 Industries gaining traction in Frankfort are Government, Retail, and Education
- Frankfort Job Scene: limited job market primarily in government and services
- The General Tech Scene: limited tech scene focused primarily on government services and local business initiatives , ,
- Frankfort Resident’s pay $700 in City Tax alone!
- Local Sales Tax in Frankfort: 6%
- No. of Independent Businesses: 50 (excluding chains and corporates)
- Number of Local Branch Banks: 2
Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.
Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Frankfort
- Monthly Transportation Costs: $80 on average per person
- Freeway Access: I-64 runs through Frankfort connecting it to the eastern region
- Commute Time: 22 minutes (public & private)
- Main Evening Traffic Area: backups on US-60
- Transportation Score: 28 out of 100 described as Some Transit
- No. of Vehicles Registered in Frankfort: 20,000
- Cars registered per Person: 0.7
- No. of Car Washes: 2 in and around the city
- DMV Website for Frankfort: drive.ky.gov
- The Bike-Friendly Score: 56 of 100
- Local Airport: Capital City
Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.
Perk #5: Frankfort’s Weather & Natural Factors
- The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
- General Weather in Frankfort is best described as experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers cold winters and colorful spring blooms and autumn foliage showcasing seasonal beauty
- Winter Weather in Frankfort i’d describe as mild with rainy conditions
- Spring Weather in Frankfort can be described as mild and rainy
- Summer’s in Frankfort are mostly warm and humid
- Fall ( the nicest time) in Frankfort is usually cool and pleasant
- How many days in a row over 90°F: 14 days in summer
- Days in a row in Frankfort below Freezing: 10
- Average Annual Rainfall: 44 inches
- Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality largely maintained by local efforts
- Frankfort Winter Air generally good air quality with minimal impacts
Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.
Perk #6: Frankfort Education & Schools
- The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
- Number of Colleges and Universities in Frankfort 1
- While the number of trade schools inside Frankforts’s city limits are 1
- Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Frankfort-Franklin County Public Library
If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.
Perk #7: Healthcare & Frankfort Stats
- Typical EMS Response Time: 7 minutes
- Registered Full-Time Frankfort only Doctors is about 15
- Local Hospitals here is 1
- Full-time Frankfort only Police Officers is about 130
- Crime Rate Index: 30/100
Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.
Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality
- Frankfort’s Monthly utility bill average is $80
- Frankfort’s Monthly Gym Membership: $34
- Frankfort’s Water Quality Score: 74
Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.
Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Frankfort
- Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 4 annually
- The General Local City Vibe: state capital with a small town vibe and historic sites
- You might enjoy local performances at community centers
- Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Frankfort features cozy bars and local dining options that create a comfortable atmosphere for evening gatherings
If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.
Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Frankfort
- The Objective Restaurant Scene Features local cafes and family-friendly dining
- The Number of Independent Restaurants are 8 scattered around Frankfort
- The Popular Sports Team is Frankfort High School
- Top Level Political Climate in Frankfort can be described as state capital with a mix of conservative and progressive views
- Frankfort’s Longer standing religious establishment is Frankfort First United Methodist Church
Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.
Perk #11: Frankfort Parks & Green Spaces
- Did you know Frankfort has 5 Parks?
- Frankfort Parks is Frankfort’s Green Space Center
- The local favorite Farmers Market is Frankfort Farmers Market normally open Saturday 7am-1pm
- Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, fishing, and historical tours
Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.
Perk #12: Frankfort Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity
- The Pace of Life in Frankfort can be described as quiet small-town pace with a strong political influence
- 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Frankfort exploring parks visiting historical sites hiking trails
- The Cities people commute to from Frankfort are Lexington 23 miles away Lawrenceburg 15 miles away Shelbyville 27 miles away
Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.
8 Drawbacks about Frankfort or are they?
No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.
- Traffic/Commute Issues
Maybe you read: backups on US-60. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts. - Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
Frankfort’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up. - Pricey Neighborhoods
If Downtown is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Frankfort are Lexington 23 miles away Lawrenceburg 15 miles away Shelbyville 27 miles away. - Crime Rate Concerns
With a 30 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this. - Harsh Climate Contrasts
Frankfort has 10 days in a row below freezing and 14 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it. - Limited Extra Funds
After general costs of living here in Frankfort people have an average (positive or negative) $-1000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here. - Homelessness or Social Challenges
100 homeless people living in Frankfort. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions. - Cultural/Political Mismatch
The general state capital with a mix of conservative and progressive views could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Frankfort.
Retiree & Senior Life in Frankfort
- Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can benefit from exemptions aimed at assisting fixed-income
- The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Lantern at Morning Pointe
- Frankfort Senior Center features educational programs activities and social engagement for older adults
If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.
Moving to Frankfort, Kentucky?
If Frankfort, Kentucky ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help
As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.
A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Frankfort, Kentucky, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!