Cost of Living in Caldwell County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Caldwell County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Caldwell County ranks #325 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 10%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Caldwell County, Kentucky
Caldwell's rent stays below national pressure
At 15.1%, Caldwell County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national average, giving renters more breathing room than most Americans. This county spends less of its income on rent than the typical U.S. household, even though median income here ($57,618) trails the national median ($74,755) by nearly $17,000.
More affordable than most Kentucky counties
Caldwell ranks among Kentucky's more affordable counties for renters, with a 15.1% rent-to-income ratio below the state average of 17.0%. The median rent of $724 also undercuts the state median by $47, creating pockets of genuine housing relief in western Kentucky.
Competitive rents across western Kentucky
Caldwell's $724 monthly rent is the lowest among its peer counties, beating Carter County ($701 is lower, correction: Carter at $701 is actually lowest), but Caldwell offers better median income ($57,618) than Carter ($50,389) and Casey ($41,689). Renters here get stable affordability without sacrificing earning potential.
Housing takes 15% of paychecks here
Caldwell renters spend about $724 monthly while homeowners carry $646 in mortgage costs—both well-aligned with the $57,618 median household income. This balanced split means residents have room for other essentials without housing crowding out their budgets.
Caldwell offers stable, affordable housing
If you're relocating from higher-cost regions, Caldwell County delivers solid affordability with median home values of $113,500 and rent-to-income ratios that won't strain your budget. Compare these figures to adjacent counties—you'll find Caldwell competitive on price while maintaining healthy household income levels.
Cost of Living Advisory: Caldwell County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Caldwell County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $724/month in gross rent, with 26.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $724/month rent versus $646/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $78/month cheaper — a 11% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $27,686/year. With a median household income of $57,618, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Caldwell County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kentucky, Caldwell County is less affordable than Adair County by roughly 7% ($724/mo vs $775/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Caldwell County
Rent Burden
15.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,344
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Caldwell County
Median home value is $113,500. Estimated monthly cost: $906 vs. your max of $1,344.
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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