Cost of Living in Fulton County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Fulton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Fulton County ranks #1,546 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 49%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Fulton County, Kentucky
Fulton offers extreme affordability
Fulton County's 17.7% rent-to-income ratio masks a deeper story: median household income of just $36,834 (51% below the national average) yields rock-bottom rents of $542/month. This western Kentucky county offers some of America's most affordable housing in absolute terms, though lower incomes reflect limited economic opportunity.
Lowest-income Kentucky county surveyed
Fulton County shows the lowest median household income ($36,834) among all surveyed Kentucky counties, yet maintains a 17.7% rent-to-income ratio just above the state average. At $542/month, Fulton rents are the cheapest in the commonwealth—reflecting economic realities of this rural northwestern county.
Extreme rural affordability
Fulton's $542 rent dramatically undercuts regional alternatives: Fleming ($677), Estill ($689), and Floyd ($713) all cost substantially more. However, Fulton's low incomes and 17.7% ratio suggest that cheap rent alone doesn't solve affordability challenges when wages are this constrained.
Survival budgeting in rural west
Fulton households earning just $36,834 spend $542 on rent (17.7% of income) or $560 on mortgage payments for homes averaging $78,100. While housing costs stay relatively low, the extremely limited income leaves minimal margin for healthcare, transportation, childcare, and other necessities.
Fulton demands realistic expectations
Fulton County's ultra-low rents ($542/month) are genuinely affordable, but the county's strained economy (lowest median income in this survey) means you'll need either remote income, significant savings, or a job offer paying above the local median to avoid financial stress. Compare Fulton's housing bargain against limited employment prospects before relocating.
Cost of Living Advisory: Fulton County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Fulton County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $542/month in gross rent, with 32.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Fulton County pay $542/month on average, compared to $560/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 3%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $21,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,000/year. With a median household income of $36,834, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Fulton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Fulton County sits 9% less expensive than Lee County ($593/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Fulton County
Rent Burden
17.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$859
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Fulton County
Median home value is $78,100. Estimated monthly cost: $623 vs. your max of $859.
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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