Cost of Living in Carroll County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Carroll County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Carroll County ranks #620 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 20%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Carroll County, Kentucky
Carroll County rents strain more than national average
At 17.7%, Carroll County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national benchmark, signaling rental pressure despite median income ($57,753) below the U.S. average. The $853 monthly rent consumes a noticeably larger share of household income than typical American renters face.
Above state average affordability pressure
Carroll's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Kentucky's 17.0% state average, placing it squarely in the state's more strained rental markets. At $853, Carroll rents run $82 above the state median, creating measurable affordability challenges for renters earning $57,753 annually.
Mid-range costs with mid-range incomes
Carroll's $853 rent is higher than western counties like Caldwell ($724) and Carter ($701) but lower than Christian ($999) and Calloway ($828). Its $57,753 income falls between these peers, making Carroll neither the most nor least affordable but squarely in the challenged middle.
Rent takes nearly one-fifth of paychecks
Carroll renters pay $853 monthly—17.7% of the $57,753 median household income—leaving tight margins for other necessities. Homeowners spend $690, creating a $163 monthly gap that reflects broader affordability pressures affecting renters more acutely than buyers.
Carroll requires budget discipline from renters
If you're relocating as a renter, Carroll County demands careful budget planning given its 17.7% rent-to-income ratio. Prospective residents should prioritize income stability and compare Carroll's rental market to nearby Caldwell ($724 rent, 15.1% ratio) or Carlisle ($792 rent, 15.3% ratio) for potentially better affordability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Carroll County
Affordability Verdict
Carroll County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $853/month — about 17.7% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Carroll County is $853/month, while owner costs run $690/month. Owning saves approximately $163/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $34,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,571/year. With a median household income of $57,753, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Carroll County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Mercer County where rent averages $802/month, Carroll County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Carroll County
Rent Burden
17.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,348
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Carroll County
Median home value is $129,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,036 vs. your max of $1,348.
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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