Cost of Living in Ballard County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Ballard County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Ballard County ranks #953 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 30%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Ballard County, Kentucky
Ballard balances income and rent well
Ballard County's median household income of $64,740 sits notably below the national average of $74,755, yet its 15.3% rent-to-income ratio demonstrates solid affordability. Residents here manage housing costs efficiently despite earning less than their national counterparts.
Right at Kentucky's affordability line
Ballard's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio matches Allen County and beats the state average of 17.0%, placing it squarely in Kentucky's more affordable tier. The median rent of $826 slightly exceeds the state average of $771, offset by moderate incomes.
Mid-range rents, below-average homes
Ballard's $826 rent falls between Anderson County's higher-end market ($870) and Adair's modest rents ($775), while homeownership at $784 monthly stays competitive. The median home value of $132,900 positions Ballard as an affordable entry point to ownership in the region.
Ballard's housing splits evenly
Renters spend $826 monthly while homeowners pay $784, with both clusters consuming roughly 15% of the $64,740 median income. This equilibrium gives Ballard households flexibility for savings and other necessities.
Ballard suits pragmatic relocators
If you're moving for work with a moderate income, Ballard's balanced rent and ownership costs make it a smart choice without stretching your budget. Compare it to neighboring Allen and Bath counties to find your ideal rent-to-income fit.
Cost of Living Advisory: Ballard County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Ballard County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $826/month in gross rent, with 21.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Ballard County is $826/month, while owner costs run $784/month. Owning saves approximately $42/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,040/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,600/year. With a median household income of $64,740, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 21.0% of renter households in Ballard County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Adair County where rent averages $775/month, Ballard County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Ballard County
Rent Burden
15.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,511
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Ballard County
Median home value is $132,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,061 vs. your max of $1,511.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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