Is Frankfort Safe, Pros and cons of living in Frankfort

Frankfort, Kentucky, offers a blend of historical charm and modern amenities, making it an attractive place to live for many. As the state capital, it boasts a rich heritage, evident in its well-preserved architecture and vibrant cultural scene. The city provides a more relaxed pace of life compared to larger metropolitan areas, yet it is strategically located to offer access to broader economic opportunities.

Choosing a new city involves weighing various factors, from safety and cost of living to job prospects and quality of life. Understanding these elements is crucial for making an informed decision. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Frankfort, Kentucky, covering key aspects that potential residents should consider.

Is it Safe to Live in Frankfort?

Frankfort, Kentucky, has a crime rate that is lower than the national average. In terms of violent crime, the rate is 43.7% lower than the national average, with 202 reported incidents per 100,000 individuals (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crimes in Frankfort are also lower than the national average, at 1,643 per 100,000 residents, which is 6.6% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by AreaVibes).

Overall, your chance of becoming a victim of crime in Frankfort is 1 in 55 (as reported by AreaVibes). The city is considered safer than 40% of other cities in the United States (as reported by AreaVibes). Year over year, the total crime rate in Frankfort has decreased by 21% (as reported by AreaVibes).

Cost of Living and Housing

Housing Costs

The housing market in Frankfort, Kentucky, presents a more affordable option compared to the national average. The median property value in Frankfort was $183,700 in the most recent data available (as reported by Data USA). This figure reflects a 7.05% year-over-year growth (as reported by Data USA).

The homeownership rate in Frankfort stands at 48.8% (as reported by Data USA). Renters in Frankfort face an average monthly rent of $957, which is 52.15% lower than the national average (as reported by Zillow). The rental price range for all property types falls between $606 and $5,000 (as reported by Zillow).

Cost of Living

Frankfort’s overall cost of living is generally considered favorable, especially when compared to many other cities in the United States. While specific cost of living indices can vary by source, general data suggests that essential expenses are often more manageable.

For example, the median household income in Frankfort was $53,073 in the most recent annual data (as reported by Data USA). This median income reflects a 2.5% decrease from the previous year (as reported by Data USA). The average annual household income was $73,834 in 2024, marking a 5.7% decrease from the prior year (as reported by Data USA).

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers

As the state capital, Frankfort has a stable employment base with government positions being significant. Beyond state government, key employers contribute to the local economy. Nitto, a global technology developer, opened a new facility in Frankfort, creating 220 full-time jobs (as reported by Kentucky.gov).

Other employers contributing to job growth include UniUni, which announced 70 new jobs, and Meridian Biotech, which added 35 new jobs. These companies focus on repurposing existing buildings, aligning with a vision for smart growth and adaptive reuse within the city (as reported by Kentucky.gov).

Unemployment and Salaries

Kentucky’s annual unemployment rate for 2025 was 4.6%, slightly higher than the U.S. annual rate of 4.3% (as reported by KYSTATS). In April 2025, Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.2% (as reported by Kentucky.gov).

The average annual salary in Frankfort is approximately $74,290, which breaks down to about $35.72 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Salaries in Frankfort typically range between $58,021 and $90,010 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). For entry-level laborers, the average hourly wage is $19.22 (as reported by Indeed).

Climate and Environment

Temperature and Precipitation

Frankfort, Kentucky, experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. The average maximum temperature in March reaches 65.8°F, while the average minimum temperature is 42.3°F (as reported by National Weather Service). March typically sees a mean temperature of 54.1°F (as reported by National Weather Service).

The average precipitation in March is 4.72 inches, with a total of 3.39 inches observed in March 2026 (as reported by National Weather Service). There are usually about 11 days in March with at least 0.01 inches of precipitation (as reported by National Weather Service).

Seasonal Averages

Frankfort’s climate is characterized by warm summers and cool winters. Average summer high temperatures typically range in the upper 80s Fahrenheit. Winters are generally cold, with average low temperatures dipping into the 20s Fahrenheit.

The city experiences moderate rainfall throughout the year, with higher amounts typically seen in the spring and summer months. Snowfall is common during the winter, though significant accumulations are not a daily occurrence.

Education and Demographics

School Ratings

Frankfort, Kentucky, is served by Frankfort Independent Schools, which holds a B+ overall rating (as reported by Niche). This district serves approximately 958 students in grades PK-12, with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1 (as reported by Niche).

According to state test scores, 40% of students are proficient in math and 43% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche). Within the district, Frankfort High School also holds a B+ rating, with 34% of students proficient in math and 42% in reading (as reported by Niche).

Demographics

Frankfort, Kentucky, has a population of approximately 28,503 people (as reported by Data USA). The majority of residents identify as White (Non-Hispanic), making up 5.07 times more than any other race or ethnicity (as reported by Data USA). Black or African American residents are the second most common group, followed by those identifying with two or more races (as reported by Data USA).

Approximately 95.9% of Frankfort’s residents are U.S. citizens (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Frankfort is 35.3 years (as reported by Data USA). The poverty rate is 19.1%, with a median household income of $53,073 (as reported by Data USA).

Pros and Cons of Living in Frankfort

Pros

Frankfort offers a lower cost of living and housing compared to national averages, making it an economically attractive option. The city provides a stable job market, particularly with government positions and growing industries like manufacturing.

Residents can enjoy a lower crime rate than the national average, contributing to a sense of safety and security. The city also boasts a rich history and a relaxed pace of life, appealing to those seeking a more tranquil environment.

Cons

While generally affordable, some economic indicators like median household income have seen a slight decline year-over-year, which could be a concern for some. The unemployment rate in Kentucky is also slightly higher than the national average.

Frankfort’s public school system, while rated B+, may not meet the expectations of all families, with proficiency rates in math and reading below the national average in some metrics. The city’s climate, while temperate, includes cold winters that may not appeal to everyone.