Cost of Living in Breathitt County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Breathitt County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Breathitt County ranks #608 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 19%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Breathitt County, Kentucky
Breathitt offers deep rent savings
Breathitt County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% beats the national average, with a median rent of just $543 monthly—roughly 28% below the typical American renter's burden. The county's low-income economy creates genuinely affordable rental housing, though household incomes lag significantly behind national norms.
Affordable despite lower incomes
Breathitt County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio compares favorably to Kentucky's 17.0% state average, even as its median household income of $41,101 runs 27% below the state norm. This rare affordability advantage stems from exceptionally low rents rather than robust incomes.
Dramatically cheaper than most peers
Breathitt County's $543 rent is $200+ cheaper than neighbors Bourbon, Boyd, and Boyle, and its $61,800 median home value is half that of most regional peers. For renters and buyers on extremely tight budgets, Breathitt delivers unmatched cost savings.
Lowest costs, lowest incomes trade-off
Breathitt County's median household income of $41,101 is the lowest in this group, but housing costs mirror that reality—$543 rent and $450 home ownership payments stay proportionally affordable. The challenge here isn't affordability ratios but rather the absolute income levels available in this economically distressed county.
Breathitt for rock-bottom housing costs
If housing affordability is your sole metric, Breathitt County offers Kentucky's cheapest rents and home values—but weigh this against limited job opportunities and lower income levels. Consider Breathitt as a remote-work haven or retirement destination where your dollars stretch furthest.
Cost of Living Advisory: Breathitt County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Breathitt County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $543/month in gross rent, with 28.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $543/month rent versus $450/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $93/month cheaper — a 17% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $21,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $19,286/year. With a median household income of $41,101, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Breathitt County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kentucky, Breathitt County is less affordable than Bath County by roughly 10% ($543/mo vs $600/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Breathitt County
Rent Burden
15.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$959
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Breathitt County
Median home value is $61,800. Estimated monthly cost: $493 vs. your max of $959.
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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