Deep Dive: Relocation Report for Georgetown, KY (2026)

1. Georgetown: The Data Profile (2026)

Georgetown presents a distinct statistical profile for the 2026 post-remote workforce. With a population of 38,206, it operates as a micro-urban hub rather than a major metro. The economic engine is robust: the median income sits at $78,373, outperforming the US median of $74,580 by 5.1%. However, the educational attainment rate of 32.5% sits just below the national average of 33.1%, suggesting a workforce heavily weighted toward skilled trades and manufacturing rather than the knowledge economy typical of larger tech hubs.

Target Demographic:
The statistical target is the "High-Income/Low-Commuter" cohort. This profile fits remote workers seeking maximum purchasing power, or logistics/manufacturing professionals targeting the I-75 corridor. The 25.6% discount on housing costs relative to the US average makes this a prime location for wealth accumulation through real estate equity, provided the buyer accepts the trade-off of a smaller city infrastructure.

2. Cost of Living Analysis

The Cost of Living Index (COLI) for Georgetown is heavily subsidized by housing, which is 25.6% cheaper than the national baseline. While utilities are a notable outlier, the aggregate daily expenses remain below the US curve.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Note: Electricity is priced at 12.79 cents/kWh, significantly lower than the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income of $78,373 takes home approximately $59,800 annually after taxes. The estimated annual expense for a single adult is $28,740. This leaves a potential savings rate of $31,060, or roughly 52% of net income. This high savings rate is the city's primary value proposition.

3. Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the primary driver of Georgetown's affordability. The Housing Index of 74.4 indicates a market where the median home price is roughly $275,000 (derived from the index relative to the US median of $365,000). The gap between buying and renting is narrow, favoring long-term ownership.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
With a median home price of $275,000 and a median rent (3BR) of $1,450, the price-to-rent ratio is approximately 15.8. Generally, a ratio below 21 strongly favors buying. In Georgetown, the math is unequivocal: buying builds equity at a significantly lower entry cost. The 25.6% discount on the housing index means that a mortgage payment on a median home is likely lower than the rent for a comparable property, assuming a standard down payment.

4. Economic & Job Market Outlook

In 2026, Georgetown's economy is anchored by the automotive and logistics sectors (specifically Toyota Manufacturing). However, the "Post-Remote" landscape has introduced a new variable: the hybrid commuter.

Commute & RTO:
For residents working in Lexington (18 miles north) or Cincinnati (75 miles north), the commute is a critical factor. The I-75 corridor is notorious for congestion. A Lexington-Georgetown commute averages 35-45 minutes. However, for the 32.5% of the workforce in remote-capable roles, the local infrastructure is sufficient.

Employment Stability:
The unemployment rate in Georgetown is 4.7%. This is higher than the national average of 4.0%, a 0.7% deviation that suggests a tighter labor market or a lag in service-sector recovery. While the median income is high, the slightly elevated unemployment rate indicates potential volatility for job seekers outside of manufacturing or healthcare.

5. Quality of Life Audit

Georgetown offers a mixed bag of health metrics. While air quality is exceptional (low PM2.5), chronic health issues like obesity and diabetes are statistically higher than the US average.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Crime:

• Violent Crime: 154 per 100k residents (National Avg: 380). This is exceptionally safe.
• Property Crime: 1,980 per 100k residents (National Avg: 1,950). This is roughly average.

Air Quality Analysis:
Georgetown ranks in the top tier for air quality. With an AQI of 42 and PM2.5 levels of 7.5 µg/m³, the city is well below the EPA's action threshold. This is a significant health advantage over industrial metros.

Schools & Weather:
Schools in Scott County perform solidly, with graduation rates hovering around 92%. Weather-wise, the current temperature of 43.0°F and the forecast of 44°F high / 19°F low with mixed precipitation is typical. Winters are moderately cold with variable precipitation; summers are hot and humid.

6. The Verdict

Pros:

• High Purchasing Power: A median income of $78,373 combined with a 74.4 Housing Index creates a wealth-building environment.
• Safety: Violent crime is 60% lower than the national average.
• Air Quality: AQI of 42 is superior to 80% of US cities.

Cons:

• Health Profile: High rates of obesity (36.8%) and diabetes (11.2%) suggest a culture with health challenges.
• Unemployment: The rate of 4.7% is higher than the US average, indicating a potentially competitive local job market.
• Infrastructure: The I-75 corridor is a bottleneck for hybrid commuters.

Final Recommendation:
Georgetown is a High-Value Relocation Target for 2026, specifically for families and remote workers prioritizing asset accumulation over urban amenities. It is not recommended for young professionals seeking a vibrant nightlife or a high-density dating pool. If you can secure a remote salary or a job in manufacturing/healthcare, the financial math is undeniable.

7. FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Georgetown?
To live comfortably (saving 20% of income) as a single adult, a salary of $55,000 is sufficient. For a family of four, the target is $95,000.

2. How does the value compare to Lexington?
Georgetown is approximately 15% cheaper for housing than Lexington, but Lexington offers a more diverse economy and higher average wages. Georgetown wins on cost; Lexington wins on opportunity.

3. Are the safety stats accurate for the "small city" feel?
Yes. With a violent crime rate of 154 per 100k, Georgetown is statistically safer than most suburbs. The property crime rate is the only metric to monitor, sitting roughly at the national median.

4. What is the best timing for a move?
The housing market is most active in Q2 and Q3. However, given the current weather forecast of 19°F lows, moving in late winter (Q1) often yields lower rental rates and more negotiating power on home purchases.