Cost of Living in Hardin County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Hardin County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Hardin County ranks #1,782 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 43%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Hardin County, Kentucky
Hardin County's higher price point
Hardin County renters spend 16.8% of income on housing—reasonable by national standards but notable because rents here are the highest in this dataset at $947 monthly. Against a $67,608 median income, the county represents premium pricing for Kentucky.
Above-average rents, solid affordability ratio
Hardin County's 16.8% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Kentucky's 17.0% state average despite the state's highest median rent of $947. Local incomes are also among the strongest, allowing residents to absorb these elevated costs.
Premium pricing in the region
Hardin County's $947 rent substantially exceeds all peers—the next-highest is Grant County at $855—and its median home value of $205,900 is also the region's highest. The county attracts higher-income households willing to pay more.
Higher costs, higher incomes
Renters pay $947 monthly while homeowners carry $988 against a median household income of $67,608. Housing claims roughly 17-18% of earnings, manageable given local wage levels but the highest absolute costs in this county group.
For those prioritizing amenities
Hardin County commands Kentucky's premium housing prices, suggesting stronger local economies, schools, or amenities than rural peers. If you're relocating with solid income and value access to more developed areas, Hardin's higher costs may reflect genuine investment returns.
Cost of Living Advisory: Hardin County
Affordability Verdict
Hardin County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $947/month representing approximately 16.8% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 23.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Hardin County is $947/month, while owner costs run $988/month. Renting saves approximately $41/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $37,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $42,343/year. With a median household income of $67,608, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Hardin County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kentucky, Hardin County is less affordable than Shelby County by roughly 5% ($947/mo vs $998/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Hardin County
Rent Burden
16.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,578
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.5%
of gross income
The median home in Hardin County may be a stretch
Median home value is $205,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,644 vs. your max of $1,578.
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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