Shepherdsville, KY Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Shepherdsville, KY: What You Need to Know

Shepherdsville is located on the banks of the Salt River in north-central Kentucky. The city touts itself as “Salt of the Earth” for its historic role as Kentucky’s first commercial producer of salt.  

The Local History

The salt licks discovered by surveyor Capt. Thomas Bullitt in 1773 served as the economic foundation for Bullitt County and Shepherdsville. The city was named after Adam Shepherd, who owned 900 acres and built a mill and store along the Salt River. In 1793, Shepherdsville received its charter. It became the seat of Bullitt County when the county was formed in 1796. The area’s commercial saltworks resulted in the employment of hundreds of people to support the industry. In the 1830s, competition from Virginian saltworks ended the economic boom.

Things to Do in Shepherdsville

Different states took sides during the Civil War, but Kentucky chose neutrality. Civil War historic sites in the area explain the state’s unique stance. The Fort DeWolf Historical Marker highlights the fort’s location on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad at Shepherdsville. Union troops protected the railroad from the start of the war as a vital supply line for federal troops in Tennessee. A marker on the railroad bridge over the Salt River memorializes the fact that Confederate troops destroyed it three times.

The Cost of Living in Shepherdsville

Looking for an affordable Southern city? Preferably small and close-knit? With Shepherdsville (population: 12,442), you can check both boxes on your list. The city’s cost of living rate, food, and housing costs are 9.3%, 28.3%, and 29.9% lower than the national average, respectively. The median gross rent in Shepherdsville is $786. Kentucky has a 5% flat income tax and a 6% sales tax. It also levies an inheritance tax. 

Know Your Neighborhoods

As a suburb of Louisville, residents of Shepherdsville get the best of both worlds: access to big-city amenities and the tranquility of country living. Mount Washington and Hillview are great choices for families looking for topnotch schools for their children. Both are bedroom communities, so don’t expect a nightlife. On the upside, Louisville is just a short drive away for entertainment and other events. 

Weather and Climate

It doesn’t snow much in Shepherdsville – only seven inches of snow per year compared with the national average of 28 inches. However, it receives about 46 inches of rain annually versus the U.S. average of 38 inches. Shepherdsville’s location makes it vulnerable to flooding, such as on Feb. 26, 2018, when the river crested. The flood closed roads but at least, it caused only minor damage.