Cost of Living in Hart County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Hart County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Hart County ranks #341 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 11%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Hart County, Kentucky
Hart County's affordability masks lower incomes
Hart County renters spend 16.7% of income on housing, just below Kentucky's 17.0% state average but higher than the national affordability threshold of 14%. The catch: median household income here is only $49,653, nearly 34% below the national median of $74,755, so lower rents don't offset lower wages.
Mid-range affordability within Kentucky
Hart County's rent-to-income ratio places it roughly at the state median—neither particularly affordable nor stretched. Among Kentucky's 120 counties, this represents a middle-ground housing situation tied to regional wage patterns.
Cheapest rents in the regional group
Hart County offers the lowest median rent at $692 per month across this eight-county region, undercutting even Hickman County ($717). However, this affordability advantage is partly offset by the county's below-average median income of $49,653.
Low costs, but tight household budgets
Monthly housing runs $692 for renters and $691 for homeowners—essentially the same, and the lowest in the region. But with median income at just $49,653, housing absorbs 16.7% of earnings, leaving limited flexibility for other expenses.
Hart works if you're moving for income
Hart County's low housing costs make sense if you're relocating with a solid job already lined up or remote income. Without strong local wages to match the low rents, consider whether the area's job market aligns with your earning potential.
Cost of Living Advisory: Hart County
Affordability Verdict
Hart County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $692/month — about 16.7% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $692/month rent versus $691/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $1/month cheaper — a 0% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,614/year. With a median household income of $49,653, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 21.0% of renter households in Hart County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Powell County where rent averages $743/month, Hart County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Hart County
Rent Burden
16.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,159
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Hart County
Median home value is $124,600. Estimated monthly cost: $995 vs. your max of $1,159.
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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