Cost of Living in Barren County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Barren County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Barren County ranks #1,265 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 40%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Barren County, Kentucky
Barren faces Kentucky's affordability challenge
Barren County's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio is among Kentucky's highest, reflecting incomes of just $49,171 against rents that stretch household budgets significantly. This ratio exceeds the national comfort zone of 15-17%, signaling genuine housing stress for renters.
Strain evident in statewide rankings
Barren's 19.1% ratio ranks it among the state's least affordable counties, nearly 2 percentage points above Kentucky's 17.0% state average. Only a handful of Kentucky counties struggle more with housing affordability than Barren.
Higher rents, lower incomes
Barren's $784 median rent approaches Ballard's ($826) but homes are priced lower at $166,900 versus Ballard's $132,900, reflecting mixed market signals. Owner costs of $798 monthly compete with Ballard at $784, while incomes lag behind both neighbors.
Housing dominates the Barren budget
At $49,171 median income, renters paying $784 monthly dedicate 19.1% of earnings to rent alone, while homeowners allocate $798 or roughly 19.5% to mortgages. This leaves limited margin for healthcare, education, and emergencies in Barren households.
Barren requires income flexibility
Only relocate to Barren if your income significantly exceeds the county median or you can secure stable dual-income employment. Compare affordability with neighboring Adair and Allen before committing to a move.
Cost of Living Advisory: Barren County
Affordability Verdict
Barren County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $784/month representing approximately 19.1% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 28.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Barren County pay $784/month on average, compared to $798/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 2%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,200/year. With a median household income of $49,171, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Barren County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Barren County sits 6% less expensive than Pulaski County ($835/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Barren County
Rent Burden
19.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,147
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.5%
of gross income
The median home in Barren County may be a stretch
Median home value is $166,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,332 vs. your max of $1,147.
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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