Cost of Living in Boyd County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Boyd County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Boyd County ranks #2,078 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 34%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Boyd County, Kentucky
Boyd rents stay below national average
Boyd County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% falls below the national standard, meaning renters here shoulder less housing burden than the typical U.S. household. At $839 per month, the median rent remains notably lower than what renters pay in most American counties.
Slightly above state average affordability
Boyd County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% edges above Kentucky's state average of 17.0%, placing it near the middle of the state's affordability spectrum. While not among the cheapest, Boyd offers reasonable rental costs relative to household incomes statewide.
Higher rent, lower home values
Boyd County's $839 monthly rent ranks highest among its regional peers—about $90 more than Bourbon and $94 more than Bracken. However, its median home value of $126,300 is significantly lower than most neighbors, making Boyd attractive for cost-conscious homebuyers.
Balance between rent and ownership
Boyd County's median household income of $60,659 supports both renters and homeowners reasonably well—rent consumes 16.6% of income while ownership costs claim 16.9%. This near-parity suggests renters and homeowners face comparable affordability pressures in Boyd.
Boyd works for budget-conscious buyers
If you're hunting for an affordable home purchase, Boyd County's median home value of $126,300 is among Kentucky's lowest. Renters should note that Boyd's rents run slightly higher than some peers, so compare carefully before relocating.
Cost of Living Advisory: Boyd County
Affordability Verdict
Boyd County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $839/month representing approximately 16.6% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 28.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Boyd County is $839/month, while owner costs run $854/month. Renting saves approximately $15/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $36,600/year. With a median household income of $60,659, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Boyd County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Boyd County sits 7% more expensive than Union County ($787/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Boyd County
Rent Burden
16.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,415
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Boyd County
Median home value is $126,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,008 vs. your max of $1,415.
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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