Cost of Living in Garrard County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Garrard County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Garrard County ranks #1,170 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 37%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Garrard County, Kentucky
Garrard leads affordability ratio
Garrard County's 15.2% rent-to-income ratio represents Kentucky's best housing affordability in this survey, where households earning $62,572 comfortably support $793 monthly rent. This central Kentucky county combines moderate incomes with carefully balanced housing costs, creating genuine financial flexibility for residents.
Best rent-to-income in Kentucky
Garrard County's 15.2% rent-to-income ratio leads all surveyed Kentucky counties, surpassing even top-tier alternatives like Fleming (16.4%) and Gallatin (16.5%). At $793/month, rents run slightly above the state median while the county's strong median income ($62,572) keeps affordability at its absolute best statewide.
Central Kentucky champion
Garrard's 15.2% ratio outpaces all nearby competitors: Estill (18.8%), Fayette (19.5%), Gallatin (16.5%), and Franklin (17.1%) all show higher housing burdens. While Garrard's $793 rent doesn't offer rock-bottom pricing like Fleming, the county's combination of decent income and moderate costs creates unmatched affordability.
Best housing balance in survey
Garrard households earning $62,572 spend $793 on rent (15.2% of income) or $891 on mortgage payments for homes valued around $186,800. With nearly 85% of income remaining for other expenses, Garrard residents enjoy the most financial breathing room among all counties surveyed.
Garrard offers Kentucky's best balance
If you're relocating to Kentucky and prioritize maximum housing affordability while maintaining reasonable income levels, Garrard County delivers the best rent-to-income ratio (15.2%) in this entire survey. The county's $793 rent and $62,572 median income combination leaves more discretionary funds for savings and quality of life than any alternative.
Cost of Living Advisory: Garrard County
Affordability Verdict
Garrard County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $793/month — about 15.2% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Garrard County pay $793/month on average, compared to $891/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 11%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,720/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $38,186/year. With a median household income of $62,572, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Garrard County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Garrard County sits 7% more expensive than Edmonson County ($739/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Garrard County
Rent Burden
15.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,460
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.1%
of gross income
The median home in Garrard County may be a stretch
Median home value is $186,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,491 vs. your max of $1,460.
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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