Cost of Living in Jessamine County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Jessamine County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Jessamine County ranks #1,849 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 41%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Jessamine County, Kentucky
Jessamine ranks better than nation
Jessamine County renters spend 15.9% of income on rent, beating the national average and well below what experts consider the affordability threshold of 30%. With a median household income of $74,886—matching the national median—residents here enjoy housing costs that are more manageable than most Americans face.
Top tier affordability in Kentucky
Jessamine's rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% ranks it among Kentucky's most affordable counties, outpacing the state average of 17.0%. The county's median rent of $994 exceeds the state average by $223, but higher local incomes make housing genuinely affordable for renters.
Pricier than peers but worth it
Jessamine's median rent of $994 runs higher than most neighboring Bluegrass Region counties, but so do local incomes and home values ($245,100 median). The trade-off reflects Jessamine's position as a more prosperous, fast-growing suburb of Lexington with stronger economic fundamentals.
Rent and ownership both reasonable
Renters allocate 15.9% of their $74,886 income to the $994 median rent, while homeowners pay $1,147 monthly (18.4% of income) on a median home valued at $245,100. Both housing pathways remain well within the 30% affordability benchmark, giving residents flexibility in how they house themselves.
Affordability meets opportunity
If you're relocating to Kentucky and want reasonable housing costs without sacrificing income potential, Jessamine offers the rare combination of above-average wages and manageable housing expenses. Compare these numbers to your current rent-to-income ratio—you may find Jessamine's Lexington proximity and affordability hard to beat.
Cost of Living Advisory: Jessamine County
Affordability Verdict
Jessamine County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $994/month — about 15.9% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Jessamine County pay $994/month on average, compared to $1,147/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 13%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $39,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $49,157/year. With a median household income of $74,886, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Jessamine County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kentucky, Jessamine County is more affordable than Trimble County by roughly 6% ($994/mo vs $935/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Jessamine County
Rent Burden
15.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,747
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.4%
of gross income
The median home in Jessamine County may be a stretch
Median home value is $245,100. Estimated monthly cost: $1,957 vs. your max of $1,747.
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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