HomeRule

Most affordable counties in Kentucky

Ranking of counties in Kentucky by what a typical household can afford at five income brackets. Monthly budget is 30% of gross income compared against Census ACS median owner cost with mortgage.

Kentucky AMI (4-person)
$84,200
HUD Income Limits
Counties with cost data
120
of 120 total
30%+ cost burdened
33.7%
HUD CHAS
Severely burdened (50%+)
15.4%

Kentucky vs national cost burden

Share of households paying 30%+ and 50%+ of income on housing (HUD CHAS).

Top 10 most affordable counties overall

Lowest median monthly owner cost with mortgage.

  1. 1.Menifee County
    $845/mo
  2. 2.Green County
    $875/mo
  3. 3.Lewis County
    $876/mo
  4. 4.Wolfe County
    $928/mo
  5. 5.Clinton County
    $937/mo
  6. 6.Lee County
    $945/mo
  7. 7.Owsley County
    $947/mo
  8. 8.Harlan County
    $949/mo
  9. 9.Wayne County
    $949/mo
  10. 10.Clay County
    $966/mo

Affordability by income bracket

Counties whose median owner cost fits under 30% of gross monthly income at each bracket.

Low income · $35,000/yr
around 50% of AMI · 30% monthly budget $875
1 affordable
Moderate income · $60,000/yr
around 80% of AMI · 30% monthly budget $1,500
113 affordable
Middle income · $90,000/yr
around 120% of AMI · 30% monthly budget $2,250
120 affordable
Upper middle · $140,000/yr
well above AMI · 30% monthly budget $3,500
120 affordable
High income · $200,000/yr
top quartile nationally · 30% monthly budget $5,000
120 affordable
Median owner cost statewide
$1,177
Census ACS, with-mortgage households.
Median household income
$53,804
Census ACS, state-level.

Browse other states

All states and the nationwide affordability map →

Frequently asked questions

How many counties in Kentucky are affordable on a $60k income?

At $60k household income, about 113 out of 120 Kentucky counties with reported data keep median owner cost under the 30% rule (roughly $1,500/mo).

What share of Kentucky households are cost burdened?

HUD CHAS 2017-2021 shows 33.7% of Kentucky households pay 30% or more of income on housing, with 15.4% severely burdened at 50% or more.

What counts as median income in Kentucky?

HUD's area median income for a 4-person household in Kentucky is $84,200 (most recent HUD Income Limits release). 80% AMI: $67,350; 50% AMI: $42,100.

How is affordability calculated on this page?

For each county, we compare the Census ACS median monthly owner cost with mortgage against 30% of monthly household income at five income brackets. Counties with monthly costs at or below the budget are counted as 'affordable' at that income.

Data sources

Disclaimer. HomeRule is not a real estate agent, lender, appraiser, or financial advisor. This content is for educational and informational purposes only. Actual costs vary significantly by property, location, and individual circumstances. Consult qualified professionals for personalized advice.