Is Bardstown Safe, Pros and cons of living in Bardstown

Is it Safe to Live in Bardstown?

Bardstown, Kentucky, presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with some metrics indicating a safer environment than the national average, while others suggest caution. Overall crime rates in Bardstown are reported to be lower than the national average, with violent crime rates also showing a decrease compared to national figures (as reported by AreaVibes and FBI crime data). However, property crime rates are noted to be above average when compared to other communities nationwide (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

When considering specific crime statistics, the chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Bardstown is approximately 1 in 613, with a property crime rate of about 14 per one thousand population (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Bardstown ranks in the 69th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 69% of cities, though this analysis applies only to the city’s official boundaries (as reported by AreaVibes). Residents generally perceive the southeast part of the city as the safest, with crime risk varying by neighborhood (as reported by AreaVibes).

Housing Costs and Availability

The housing market in Bardstown offers a degree of affordability when compared to national averages, though local conditions show some fluctuations. The median home value in Bardstown is approximately $203,500 (as reported by Data USA), with other reports indicating a median sale price of $290,000 in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). This median home value is well below the national average of $281,900 (as reported by Livability.com) and $332,700 (as reported by Niche).

Rental prices in Bardstown are also noted to be significantly lower than the national average. The average rent is around $649 per month, which is 60% lower than the national average of $1,642 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). However, other sources indicate a median rent of $817 (as reported by Livability.com) or $1,400 in March 2024 (as reported by Redfin). Despite these variations, Bardstown’s housing market is generally considered more affordable than many other U.S. cities, with a lower cost of living compared to the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute and Salary.com).

Homeownership in Bardstown is relatively high, with a rate of 61.1% (as reported by Data USA) and even higher at 86.0% in another report (as reported by Livability.com). The housing market is described as somewhat competitive, with median days on market for homes for sale declining in some reports (as reported by Redfin and CommunityScale). Bardstown, KY needs approximately 851 new housing units over the next five years to keep pace with growth and address current shortages (as reported by CommunityScale).

Job Market and Economy

Bardstown’s economy is characterized by a diverse range of industries, with manufacturing playing a significant role. Major employers in the area include St. Joseph, Heaven Hill Brands, Inoac USA, Inc., and American Fuji Seal Inc. (as reported by Zippia). The region benefits from a diverse economy that is experiencing strong growth, with manufacturing, automotive, and construction being key sectors (as reported by Nelson County Economic Development Agency).

The average salary in Bardstown varies depending on the source, with figures ranging from $45,720 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter) to $57,596 (as reported by Livability.com) and $60,145 (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). The median household income was reported as $51,381 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes), with another source indicating $49,358 (as reported by CommunityScale) and $47,654 (as reported by Livability.com). These figures are generally lower than the national average median household income, which was $74,580 (as reported by Livability.com).

The unemployment rate in the Bardstown, KY Micropolitan Statistical Area was 4.30% recently, which is an increase from the previous month and year (as reported by YCharts). This is higher than the state average unemployment rate of 4.2% in February 2026 (as reported by USAFacts). The Nelson County unemployment rate was 3.8% in 2021 (as reported by Nelson County Economic Development Agency).

Climate and Weather

Bardstown experiences a climate with distinct seasons, featuring warm summers and cold winters. Average annual temperatures range from approximately 25°F to 87°F (as reported by Livability.com). The warmest month is typically July, with average highs around 87°F and lows in the mid-60s Fahrenheit (as reported by myPerfectWeather). January is the coldest month, with average highs in the low 40s and lows in the mid-20s Fahrenheit (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Annual precipitation in Bardstown averages around 50 to 52 inches (as reported by Livability.com and myPerfectWeather), with rainfall distributed relatively evenly throughout the year. May is often the wettest month, receiving about 5 inches of rain (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The area also experiences an average of 9 inches of snowfall annually (as reported by Livability.com).

Humidity can be noticeable during the summer months, particularly from July to August (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The most comfortable times to visit or live in Bardstown are generally considered to be from mid-April to June and again from September to October, when temperatures are milder and humidity is lower (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and Schools

Bardstown’s public school system is considered above average by some metrics, though performance can vary across different schools and districts. The Bardstown Independent School District serves approximately 2,778 students and has been ranked among the best school districts in Kentucky (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger.com). Bardstown High School ranks 92nd out of 254 high schools in Kentucky, with a strong four-year graduation rate of 93.5% (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).

However, overall math and reading proficiency scores for Bardstown public schools are below the state averages. Math proficiency is at 33%, and reading proficiency is at 38%, compared to state averages of 39% and 45%, respectively (as reported by Niche). Schools in Bardstown have an average ranking of 3 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Kentucky public schools (as reported by Niche).

The Bardstown Independent School District is noted for its diversity, ranking 12th out of 158 districts in Kentucky for diversity (as reported by Niche). Despite some academic performance challenges, Bardstown offers a range of public and private educational institutions, including Bardstown Elementary School and Bardstown Middle School, which are recognized among the top schools in the area (as reported by Niche).

Demographics

Bardstown is home to a population of approximately 13,804 residents (as reported by Niche), with recent estimates placing it around 14,365 (as reported by Census Reporter). The city is growing at an annual rate of about 0.92% (as reported by Census Reporter). The population is predominantly White, making up about 78.51%, followed by Black or African American at 13.76% (as reported by Census Reporter).

The median age in Bardstown is 38.1 years, with a slightly higher proportion of males to females (107.1 males per 100 females) (as reported by Census Reporter). A significant portion of the population, 24.9%, is under the age of 18, while 16.1% are 65 or older (as reported by Wikipedia).

The poverty rate in Bardstown is approximately 14.66% (as reported by Census Reporter), which is higher than the national average of 12.5% (as reported by Census Reporter). The median household income was reported at $51,381 in 2024 (as reported by Census Reporter), a figure that is lower than the national median income. Approximately 96% of Bardstown residents are U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA).