Cost of Living in Calloway County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Calloway County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Calloway County ranks #1,094 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 35%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Calloway County, Kentucky
Calloway renters face above-average affordability squeeze
At 19.2%, Calloway County's rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds the national benchmark and reflects strain on local households. Residents here earn just $51,854 annually while paying $828 monthly rent—meaning housing takes a larger bite than most Americans can comfortably manage.
Among Kentucky's tightest rental markets
Calloway's 19.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks worse than Kentucky's 17.0% state average, placing it in the more affordable-challenged category statewide. At $828 monthly, rents run $57 above the state median, squeezing working renters in this region.
Highest rents, lowest incomes nearby
Calloway faces the worst combination among peer counties: the second-highest rents ($828) paired with below-average incomes ($51,854). Only Christian County ($54,190 income, $999 rent) shows worse strain, making Calloway a cautionary case for renters on tight budgets.
Nearly one-fifth of income goes to rent
Calloway renters spend $828 monthly on rent—19.2% of the $51,854 median household income—leaving limited resources for food, healthcare, and savings. Homeowners pay $750 monthly, but with a median home value of $181,200, buying in requires substantial upfront capital most local households lack.
Calloway: weigh affordability against opportunity
Relocating to Calloway requires honest assessment—rents are elevated and incomes are lower than neighboring counties, tightening household budgets. Prospective residents should compare job prospects and salary potential here against nearby alternatives like Caldwell or Carter Counties before committing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Calloway County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Calloway County is affordable. The median rent is $828/month against a median household income of $51,854, putting rent at 19.2% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $828/month rent versus $750/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $78/month cheaper — a 9% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,143/year. With a median household income of $51,854, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Calloway County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kentucky, Calloway County is more affordable than Adair County by roughly 7% ($828/mo vs $775/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Calloway County
Rent Burden
19.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,210
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.4%
of gross income
The median home in Calloway County may be a stretch
Median home value is $181,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,447 vs. your max of $1,210.
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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