Salem, Livingston County, Kentucky Property Taxes
Median Salem, KY effective property tax rate: 0.87%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the Kentucky state median of 1.02%.
Median Salem, KY home value: $41,750
Median annual Salem, KY tax bill: $256, $2,144 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Livingston County calculated?
Property taxes in Salem, KY are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.
Understanding Salem’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Salem, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated March 1, 2025
Salem, Livingston County, Kentucky Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
0.87%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$363
$337
Property Tax Rates Across Salem, Livingston County, Kentucky
Local government entities determine tax rates, which can differ significantly within a state. Annually, each county estimates the budget needed to provide essential services, dividing this by the total value of all taxable property in its jurisdiction. This calculation determines the property tax rate. Although voting and legislation play a role in setting these rates and budgets, this is essentially the annual procedure.
In Salem, located in Livingston County, Kentucky, the effective property tax rate is 0.87%. This rate is lower than the national median property tax rate of 1.02%. The median property tax bill in Salem is also likely below the national median of $2,400, offering potential savings for property owners. By comparing Salem’s rate to other cities in Kentucky and the national figures, property owners can better understand their tax obligations and potential savings. This insight can be particularly beneficial for those considering appealing their property tax assessments or seeking exemptions. Understanding these nuances can lead to substantial savings over time and ensure that property owners are not overpaying on their taxes.
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Salem Tax Rate
0.87%
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Livingston County Tax Rate
0.92%
Median Effective Kentucky Tax Rate
1.02%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Salem, Livingston County, Kentucky
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
42078 | 0.20% | 0.45% | 0.87% | 1.01% | 1.49% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Salem, Livingston County, Kentucky
When examining property taxes in Salem, Kentucky, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial. The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Livingston County appraisal district estimates the market value for tax purposes. The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.
In Livingston County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of April. Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Salem.
For example, the median home price in Salem is $41,750, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 42078 has the highest median home price at $41,750.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Salem, Livingston County, Kentucky
Source: Ownwell

$40,000
$64,000
$88,000
Median Salem Market Value
$41,750
Median Livingston County Market Value
$67,000
Median Kentucky Market Value
$110,000
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Salem, Livingston County, Kentucky
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
42078 | $5,000 | $15,000 | $41,750 | $85,000 | $150,000 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Salem, Livingston County, Kentucky
Median Salem Tax Bill
$256
Median Livingston County Tax Bill
$417
Median Kentucky Tax Bill
$1,031
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Salem, Livingston County, Kentucky
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
42078 | $45 | $87 | $256 | $562 | $1,003 |
Source: Ownwell