Cost of Living in Henderson County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Henderson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Henderson County ranks #1,972 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 37%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Henderson County, Kentucky
Henderson County slightly outpaces state average
Renters in Henderson County spend 16.4% of their income on housing, slightly better than Kentucky's 17.0% state average and closer to the national affordability benchmark. Median rent of $794 runs above the state average of $771, but median household income of $58,239 provides some cushion, though it remains 22% below the national figure.
Competitive affordability across Kentucky
Henderson County ranks in the upper half of Kentucky counties for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio just shy of the state mean. This moderate performance reflects balanced conditions—neither particularly tight nor unusually loose.
Mid-range costs in the eight-county set
Henderson County's $794 rent sits between Harrison County ($755) and Henry County ($871), while its median home value of $165,700 falls below Harrison but above Hart and Jackson. For renters, Henderson offers moderate pricing; for homebuyers, it's mid-tier.
Renters feel more pressure than owners
Renters pay $794 monthly while homeowners pay $876, a gap reflecting current market dynamics in Henderson. On a $58,239 income, renters spend 16.4% on housing versus homeowners at roughly 18%, suggesting renting may be the better value here.
Henderson offers balanced regional choice
Henderson County works well for households earning $58,000 to $65,000 and comfortable with modest housing-to-income ratios. Compare it against Harrison (cheaper, similar income) and Henry (pricier, similar income) to find your best fit.
Cost of Living Advisory: Henderson County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Henderson County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $794/month in gross rent, with 28.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Henderson County is $794/month, while owner costs run $876/month. Renting saves approximately $82/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,543/year. With a median household income of $58,239, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Henderson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Henderson County sits 7% more expensive than Powell County ($743/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Henderson County
Rent Burden
16.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,359
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Henderson County
Median home value is $165,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,323 vs. your max of $1,359.
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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