Cost of Living in Jackson County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Jackson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Jackson County ranks #395 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 13%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Jackson County, Kentucky
Jackson County faces severe affordability crisis
Renters in Jackson County spend 22.0% of income on housing—the highest among these eight counties and far above Kentucky's 17.0% state average and national norms. Median household income of just $41,410 ranks lowest in this group and 45% below the national median, making housing genuinely unaffordable for most residents.
Among Kentucky's least affordable counties
Jackson County's 22.0% rent-to-income ratio places it in the bottom 10% of Kentucky counties—a severe affordability challenge. The combination of very low income and relatively high rents creates a crisis situation for renters.
Lowest income, highest rent burden
Jackson County's $758 rent is mid-range regionally, but on the region's lowest median income of $41,410, it creates the highest percentage burden. Compared to Hickman County's 13.5% burden, Jackson's 22% represents a fundamentally different housing crisis.
Housing costs overwhelm household budgets
Renters spend $758 monthly on a $41,410 annual income, consuming 22% of gross earnings—well above safe limits. Homeowners fare better at $514 monthly (roughly 15%), suggesting ownership is critical for those who can achieve it.
Jackson County requires caution and support
Jackson County's affordability crisis means relocation here requires either secured higher income or substantial savings reserves. If considering Jackson, understand that housing will consume a significant portion of your budget—plan accordingly and explore local assistance programs.
Cost of Living Advisory: Jackson County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Jackson County is affordable. The median rent is $758/month against a median household income of $41,410, putting rent at 22.0% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Jackson County is $758/month, while owner costs run $514/month. Owning saves approximately $244/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,320/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $22,029/year. With a median household income of $41,410, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Jackson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kentucky, Jackson County is less affordable than Lyon County by roughly 6% ($758/mo vs $809/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Jackson County
Rent Burden
22.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$966
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Jackson County
Median home value is $107,000. Estimated monthly cost: $854 vs. your max of $966.
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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