Cost of Living in Hancock County, Kentucky

$752/mo
Median Monthly Rent
$137,600
Median Home Value

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent
$752/mo
2% below state average
Median Home Value
$137,600
51% below national
Rent-to-Income Ratio
26.0%
% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating
Unaffordable
Rent over 50% of income

How Hancock County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Hancock County$752/mo
Kentucky Average$771/mo
National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$752/mo
Median Gross Rent
$137,600
Median Home Value
$726/mo
Monthly Owner Cost
26.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio

National Ranking

Affordability Rank

Hancock County ranks #105 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 3%)

Most AffordableLeast Affordable

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Hancock County, Kentucky

Hancock County's exceptional affordability

Hancock County renters spend just 13.5% of income on housing—the best ratio in this dataset and far below national standards of 28-30%. At $752 monthly rent against $66,836 median income, the county delivers uncommon affordability.

Kentucky's affordability standout

With a 13.5% rent-to-income ratio, Hancock County decisively beats Kentucky's 17.0% state average and ranks among the state's most affordable counties. The combination of moderate rent and strong income makes this county exceptionally livable.

Best affordability in the region

Hancock County's 13.5% rent-to-income ratio tops every other county in this analysis, including Grant County (15.1%) and Greenup County (16.8%). Its balanced rents and strong median income of $66,836 stand out starkly.

Housing that leaves room to breathe

Renters allocate $752 monthly while homeowners pay $726 against a median income of $66,836. Housing claims roughly 13-14% of earnings, the lowest burden in this dataset and well within financial health guidelines.

Top choice for affordability seekers

Hancock County offers the rare combination of affordable rents and strong wages, making it Kentucky's standout option for those prioritizing financial breathing room. If housing affordability tops your relocation checklist, Hancock deserves your first serious look.

Cost of Living Advisory: Hancock County

Affordability Verdict

Hancock County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $752/month — about 13.5% of the typical household income here.

Rent vs. Own

The median rent in Hancock County is $752/month, while owner costs run $726/month. Owning saves approximately $26/month.

Income Needed

To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,114/year. With a median household income of $66,836, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Hancock County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.

Regional Context

Hancock County sits 7% more expensive than Carter County ($701/month) in terms of median gross rent.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Hancock County

$

Rent Burden

13.5%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,560

per month

Owner Cost Burden

13.0%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Hancock County

Median home value is $137,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,099 vs. your max of $1,560.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio13.5%
Recommended max30.0%

Income Needed Calculator

See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing

$
Rent Affordability

$0/yr

Needed to stay within recommended threshold

Median income:$0/yr
Can you afford it? Yes
Your income: $66,836Needed: $30,080
Owner Cost Affordability

$0/yr

Needed to stay within recommended threshold

Median income:$0/yr
Can you afford it? Yes
Your income: $66,836Needed: $31,114
Mortgage Affordability

$0/yr

Needed to stay within recommended threshold

Median income:$0/yr
Can you afford it? Yes
Your income: $66,836Needed: $32,023

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

What is the cost of living in Hancock County, Kentucky?
Hancock County, Kentucky has a median monthly rent of $752/mo and a median home value of $137,600. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 26.0% of median household income.
What is the median rent in Hancock County?
The median gross rent in Hancock County is $752/mo. This is 2% below state average for Kentucky.
Is Hancock County affordable?
Hancock County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 26.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.
How does Hancock County's rent compare to the state average?
Hancock County's median rent of $752/mo is 2% below state average of $771/mo for Kentucky.
What is the median home value in Hancock County?
The median home value in Hancock County, Kentucky is $137,600. This is 51% below the national median home value of $281,900.

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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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