Cost of Living in Harlan County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Harlan County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Harlan County ranks #766 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 24%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Harlan County, Kentucky
Harlan County faces affordability crisis
Harlan County renters spend 21.0% of income on housing—nearly double the national average and the worst ratio in this entire dataset. With a median household income of just $37,198 against $651 monthly rent, residents face genuine affordability strain.
Kentucky's least affordable county
Harlan County's 21.0% rent-to-income ratio far exceeds Kentucky's 17.0% state average and ranks as the state's least affordable among these eight counties. The convergence of low incomes ($37,198) with even modest rents creates unsustainable housing burdens.
Worst-positioned regionally
Harlan County's 21.0% rent-to-income ratio dwarfs every peer, with even the second-worst (Green County at 17.9%) offering significantly better affordability. Median incomes here trail all comparable counties by thousands of dollars.
Housing costs dominate budgets
Renters allocate $651 monthly while homeowners pay just $439 against a median income of $37,198—the lowest in this dataset. Renters dedicate 21% of earnings to housing, leaving minimal room for healthcare, food, transportation, or emergencies.
Challenging market for newcomers
Harlan County offers the lowest home values ($73,100) and some of the cheapest rents, but severe income limitations create a difficult affordability picture overall. Relocators should carefully assess local job prospects and wages before moving—the apparent bargains mask deeper economic challenges.
Cost of Living Advisory: Harlan County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Harlan County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $651/month in gross rent, with 29.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
At $651/month rent versus $439/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $212/month cheaper — a 33% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $26,040/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $18,814/year. With a median household income of $37,198, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Harlan County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kentucky, Harlan County is more affordable than Bath County by roughly 9% ($651/mo vs $600/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Harlan County
Rent Burden
21.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$868
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Harlan County
Median home value is $73,100. Estimated monthly cost: $584 vs. your max of $868.
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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