Is Elizabethtown Safe, Pros and cons of living in Elizabethtown
Elizabethtown, Kentucky, offers a blend of small-town charm and growing city amenities, making it an appealing place for many to consider relocating. Nestled in Hardin County, this city provides a unique lifestyle that balances community roots with access to broader opportunities. Understanding the nuances of living in Elizabethtown, from its safety and cost of living to its job market and educational landscape, is key for anyone contemplating a move.
This comprehensive overview aims to provide prospective residents with a clear picture of what life is like in Elizabethtown. By examining various aspects such as crime rates, economic indicators, climate, and demographics, individuals can make a more informed decision about whether Elizabethtown is the right fit for their needs and aspirations.
Is it Safe to Live in Elizabethtown?
Crime Overview
Elizabethtown presents a mixed safety profile, with crime rates that are generally lower than the national average in many categories. The overall crime rate is reported to be 61% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Specifically, violent crimes in Elizabethtown are 62% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
However, a closer look reveals neighborhood variations and specific crime types that warrant attention. While the west part of the city is considered the safest, your chance of being a victim of crime can vary significantly by neighborhood (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The city has a crime rate of 23.72 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Violent Crime Statistics
Violent crime statistics for Elizabethtown indicate a rate that is considerably lower than the national average. There were 46 violent crimes reported in Elizabethtown, which equates to 137 per 100,000 individuals, falling below the national average by 61.8% (as reported by AreaVibes).
The violent crime rate is 2.121 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade.org). Elizabethtown ranks in the 73rd percentile for safety regarding violent crime, meaning it is safer than 73% of cities in the U.S. (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Property Crime Statistics
Property crime rates in Elizabethtown are also reported to be below the national average. The city recorded 234 property crimes, amounting to 698 per 100,000 residents, which is 60.3% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Over a five-year period, Elizabethtown recorded 1,813 property crimes (according to Crime Explorer).
The property crime rate averages 56.0 per 100k residents, which is 65.8% below the national average (as reported by Crime Explorer). This indicates that Elizabethtown remains a relatively safe place to live concerning property crime.
Cost of Living in Elizabethtown
Housing Expenses
The cost of living in Elizabethtown is generally considered to be lower than the national average. Housing expenses, in particular, are more affordable, with median home prices being 3.4% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Monthly rent prices are also more accessible, at 21.1% lower than typical rates (according to AreaVibes).
The median home value in Elizabethtown is $228,992 (as reported by Livability.com). As of April 2026, the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Elizabethtown, KY, is $1,250, which is 36% lower than the national average (as reported by Zumper). For context, houses in Elizabethtown, KY, rent between $700 and $3,500, with an average rent of $1,379 (as reported by Zillow).
Overall Affordability
Elizabethtown’s overall cost of living is favorable when compared to national and state averages. The cost of living index stands at 96, making it 4% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This affordability extends to various essential expenses.
Daily expenses such as groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities are priced consistently with urban area averages, ensuring manageable living costs for residents (as reported by AreaVibes). For singles, total monthly expenses are around $1,844, and for a family of four, they are approximately $4,048 (as reported by Salary.com).
Job Market and Economy
Employment Landscape
Elizabethtown boasts a dynamic economy with a diverse range of employers, contributing to a robust job market. The city is home to major employers across various sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. Key companies such as Walmart, FedEx, and Kroger are significant contributors to local employment (as reported by Indeed.com).
The manufacturing sector is a substantial part of Elizabethtown’s economy, providing employment for a significant workforce and attracting global companies (as reported by Made Here Elizabethtown). Advanced manufacturing is a particularly strong sector, with companies like Kruger Packaging and Flex Films USA offering numerous career opportunities.
Salaries and Wages
The average salary in Elizabethtown, KY, is approximately $55,274 per year as of April 2026 (as reported by ReadySetHire). This figure reflects a competitive earning potential within the region, though salaries can vary based on occupation and experience. The average hourly wage for workers in the Elizabethtown, KY Metropolitan Statistical Area was $25.47 in May 2024, compared to the nationwide average of $32.66 (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Higher-paying fields in the area include management, computer and mathematical sciences, and architecture and engineering (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics). Occupations such as Pharmacist, Nurse Practitioner, and Traveling Nurse offer some of the highest average salaries in Elizabethtown.
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in Elizabethtown, KY, has remained relatively stable, reflecting a healthy job market. As of April 2026, the unemployment rate was 4.70% (as reported by Y-Charts). This rate is lower than the long-term average of 5.96% for the area.
For comparison, the unemployment rate in Kentucky was 4.2% in February 2026 (as reported by USAFacts). This suggests that Elizabethtown’s local job market is performing in line with or better than the state average.
Climate in Elizabethtown
Temperature Ranges
Elizabethtown experiences distinct seasonal temperature variations, with summers that are warm and winters that are cool. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from a low of 24°F to a high of 86°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The hottest month is July, with average highs around 86°F and lows of 66°F.
Conversely, January sees the lowest temperatures, with an average high of 42°F and an average low of 24°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city experiences approximately 136 days per year with comfortable weather, generally between mid-April to June and September to October.
Rainfall and Precipitation
The city has a relatively wet climate, receiving an average annual precipitation of approximately 52 inches (as reported by Livability.com) or 48 inches (as reported by Livability.com). April is typically the wettest month, with around 159 mm of rainfall (as reported by myPerfectWeather), while August is the driest, still receiving about 90 mm.
Annual snowfall averages about 4 inches (as reported by Livability.com). The amount of rainfall varies, with some sources indicating an average of 52 inches and others stating 48 inches per year (as reported by myPerfectWeather, Livability.com). This consistent precipitation contributes to the region’s green landscape.
Education in Elizabethtown
School District Performance
Elizabethtown is served by two primary school districts: Hardin County Public Schools and Elizabethtown Independent Schools. Both districts offer a range of educational options for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Elizabethtown High School has a rating of 3.77 out of 5 stars (as reported by Niche).
John Hardin High School and Central Hardin High School are also part of the educational landscape, with ratings of 3.79 and 3.92 out of 5 stars, respectively (as reported by Niche). School performance can vary, with some schools showing strong academic results while others face challenges such as high chronic absenteeism rates (as reported by SchoolDigger.com).
Higher Education Opportunities
For residents seeking higher education, Elizabethtown offers access to local and regional institutions. Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (ECTC) provides a variety of certificate and degree programs, along with customized training options for businesses (as reported by Made Here Elizabethtown). ECTC plays a vital role in workforce development for the region.
Nearby universities, such as the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville, are also popular choices for students graduating from Elizabethtown’s high schools (as reported by Niche). These institutions offer a broad spectrum of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Demographics of Elizabethtown
Population and Age Distribution
Elizabethtown is home to approximately 32,576 residents as of the most recent Census data (as reported by Point2Homes). The population is projected to reach 33,876 by 2026 (as reported by Elizabethtown Demographics). The median age in Elizabethtown is around 35.7 years (as reported by Data USA, Elizabethtown Demographics).
The age distribution shows a significant portion of the population in the working-age brackets, with 31.3% between 25 and 44, and 20.8% between 45 and 64 (as reported by Point2Homes). Around 21.5% of the population are children under 15.
Racial and Ethnic Makeup
The racial composition of Elizabethtown is predominantly White, making up about 75.4% of the population (as reported by Point2Homes). Other significant racial groups include African American at 11.5% and Asian at 3.1% (as reported by Point2Homes). A portion of the population, around 8.1%, identifies with two or more races.
Citizenship is high, with 97% of residents being U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA). Approximately 6.2% of residents were born outside the country (as reported by Point2Homes).
Income and Household Data
The average annual household income in Elizabethtown was $83,205 in 2024 (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau). The median household income was $60,760 in 2024 (as reported by Elizabethtown Demographics). A notable 13.4% of Elizabethtown families live below the poverty line (as reported by Elizabethtown Demographics).
Households in Elizabethtown average two members, with 59% being families and 41% consisting of individuals or non-relatives (as reported by Point2Homes). The median individual income was $35,773 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA).