Cost of Living in Bell County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Bell County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Bell County ranks #1,290 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 41%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Bell County, Kentucky
Bell County faces severe affordability crisis
Bell County's 22.9% rent-to-income ratio represents a housing crisis, nearly 50% above the national affordability threshold of 15-17%. With the lowest median household income among these counties at $32,403, Bell residents face the nation's most acute housing stress.
Kentucky's most burdened housing market
Bell's 22.9% rent-to-income ratio is the worst among all these Kentucky counties, exceeding even Barren County (19.1%) by a significant margin. The combination of minimal incomes and modest rents still overwhelms Bell households.
Lowest income, disproportionate burden
Bell's median income of $32,403 is less than two-thirds of nearby Adair County ($50,316) and less than one-third of prosperous Boone County ($94,752). While its $617 median rent ranks among the region's lowest, it consumes a devastating share of Bell's limited earnings.
Bell's housing burden is unsustainable
Renters allocate $617 monthly to rent—22.9% of the $32,403 median income—while homeowners pay $391, reflecting a distressed market with minimal property values ($83,000 median). Nearly one-quarter of Bell renter income evaporates into housing costs, leaving inadequate resources for food, utilities, and healthcare.
Bell requires exceptional circumstances
Only relocate to Bell County if your income substantially exceeds the county median or employment opportunities guarantee wages well above regional norms. This county demands careful financial planning to ensure housing doesn't crowd out other essential needs.
Cost of Living Advisory: Bell County
Affordability Verdict
Bell County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $617/month — about 22.8% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $617/month rent versus $391/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $226/month cheaper — a 37% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $24,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $16,757/year. With a median household income of $32,403, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Bell County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Morgan County where rent averages $670/month, Bell County is approximately 8% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Bell County
Rent Burden
22.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$756
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Bell County
Median home value is $83,000. Estimated monthly cost: $663 vs. your max of $756.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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
What is the cost of living in Bell County, Kentucky?
What is the median rent in Bell County?
Is Bell County affordable?
How does Bell County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Bell County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Bell County, Kentucky? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Bell County
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.