RANK #659 / 996 · POP 111,005 · KY
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.2%
Elizabethtown, the county seat, serves as a central hub in Hardin County, Kentucky, located about 44 miles south of Louisville. This area, part of the Elizabethtown-Fort Knox Metropolitan Statistical Area, offers a blend of historical sites and modern amenities. Residents experience a relaxed pace of life with access to outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and camping at places like Freeman Lake Park and Saunders Springs Nature Preserve. The community provides a small-town feel while remaining connected to larger cities via major transportation routes like Interstate 65.
Life in Hardin County often appeals to families and young professionals. The public school system is rated above average, with institutions like John Hardin High School and East Hardin Middle School noted for their performance. The local economy is influenced by Fort Knox, a significant U.S. Army installation, and has seen recent growth in manufacturing. Major investments in energy and infrastructure are also shaping the economic landscape, contributing to job opportunities in various sectors.
Contracting economy
Prices declining
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.6x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
BlueOval SK Battery Park
Ford Motor Company and SK Innovation
|
$5,800M | Under Construction |
|
CPV Stonecrop Solar
Competitive Power Ventures (CPV)
|
$143M | In Development |
|
Telesto Solar Project
Lightsource bp
|
$140M | Proposed |
|
Stonefield Solar Project
Candela Renewables (Stonefield Solar, LLC)
|
$120M | Planned |
|
Rhudes Creek Solar Project
ibV Energy Partners
|
$100M | Proposed |
|
Glendale KY Highway 222/Interstate 65 Interchange Improvement
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Hardin County has a Boom Town Index score of 34/100, ranking #659 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +2.7% and a median household income of $64,136, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Hardin County is $186,500 with median rent at $909/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3439, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.8% year-over-year. Job growth: +2.7%. Home values changed -0.5% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.81% of Hardin County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.