Cost of Living in Bath County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Bath County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Bath County ranks #940 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 30%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Bath County, Kentucky
Bath offers Kentucky's best rent value
Bath County's 13.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Kentucky's strongest affordability metrics, sitting well below the national comfort threshold of 15-17%. With a median household income of $54,128, residents enjoy exceptional rent-to-income alignment.
Top tier for Kentucky renters
Bath's 13.3% ratio decisively beats the Kentucky state average of 17.0%, placing it in the state's affordability elite. The county's $600 median rent is the lowest among these peer counties, a significant advantage for cost-conscious renters.
Unmatched rents across the region
Bath's $600 median rent stands $150-270 below neighboring Adair ($775), Allen ($750), and Ballard ($826), offering the best rental value in the region. However, owner costs of $804 monthly suggest a stronger homeownership market than rental market.
Bath's rental bargain explained
Renters spend just $600 monthly—only 13.3% of the $54,128 median income—while homeowners pay $804 or roughly 17.8% of income. This disconnect suggests Bath renters enjoy exceptional value, potentially reflecting an older housing stock or rural location.
Bath is the renter's sweet spot
If you prioritize affordable rents and can accept modest incomes, Bath County delivers unmatched value in Kentucky, with housing costs leaving room for other life priorities. Compare Bath's rental market against homeownership options in more expensive neighbors like Anderson County.
Cost of Living Advisory: Bath County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Bath County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $600/month in gross rent, with 21.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Bath County is $600/month, while owner costs run $804/month. Renting saves approximately $204/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $24,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,457/year. With a median household income of $54,128, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 21.0% of renter households in Bath County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kentucky, Bath County is less affordable than Harlan County by roughly 8% ($600/mo vs $651/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Bath County
Rent Burden
13.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,263
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Bath County
Median home value is $111,800. Estimated monthly cost: $893 vs. your max of $1,263.
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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