Cost of Living in Hopkins County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Hopkins County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Hopkins County ranks #1,514 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 48%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Hopkins County, Kentucky
Hopkins County edges above affordability threshold
Renters in Hopkins County spend 17.5% of income on housing, notably above Kentucky's 17.0% state average and above the national affordability comfort zone. Median rent of $841 runs substantially higher than the state median of $771, while median income of $57,610 provides limited cushion at 23% below the national median.
Below-average affordability within Kentucky
Hopkins County's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio places it in the least affordable quartile of Kentucky counties. Higher housing costs relative to local incomes suggest households here face tighter housing budgets.
High rents on modest incomes
Hopkins County's $841 rent is second-highest in this region behind only Henry County ($871), yet its median income of $57,610 is the lowest among the eight counties. This combination creates the steepest housing-to-income challenge here.
Housing absorbs significant income share
Renters pay $841 monthly while homeowners pay $693, a reversal that makes owning potentially more affordable than renting. On $57,610 income, renters spend 17.5% on housing while owners spend roughly 14%—suggesting a path to ownership might ease the affordability squeeze.
Hopkins requires careful financial planning
Hopkins County works best for renters willing to transition to ownership, where costs drop meaningfully, or for households earning $65,000+. If you're considering Hopkins, prioritize understanding the local job market and homeownership pathways.
Cost of Living Advisory: Hopkins County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Hopkins County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $841/month in gross rent, with 25.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Hopkins County is $841/month, while owner costs run $693/month. Owning saves approximately $148/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,640/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,700/year. With a median household income of $57,610, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Hopkins County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kentucky, Hopkins County is more affordable than Laurel County by roughly 7% ($841/mo vs $789/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Hopkins County
Rent Burden
17.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,344
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Hopkins County
Median home value is $128,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,028 vs. your max of $1,344.
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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