Cost of Living in Laurel County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Laurel County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Laurel County ranks #1,491 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 47%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Laurel County, Kentucky
Laurel close to state and national norms
Laurel County renters spend 16.6% of income on rent, slightly above Kentucky's 17.0% state average but well below the national 30% affordability threshold. With a median household income of $56,999 and $789 median rent, the county offers accessible housing for working households.
Middle-ground affordability in Kentucky
Laurel's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio sits near Kentucky's state average of 17.0%, placing it in the moderate tier of the state's housing affordability landscape. The county represents neither exceptional value nor unusual stress for renters.
Solid eastern Kentucky middle ground
Laurel County's $789 median rent and $56,999 median income position it between more distressed eastern counties and stronger central Kentucky markets. The $143,400 median home value reflects a stable, if modest, local real estate market.
Balanced housing and income
Renters allocate 16.6% of their $56,999 income to $789 monthly rent, leaving a solid margin for other necessities and emergency savings. Homeowners spend $647 monthly (13.6% of income) on median homes worth $143,400, making homeownership particularly attractive for those with financing access.
Reliable option for southeastern relocators
Laurel County delivers straightforward affordability without the economic challenges of more distressed neighbors or the premium pricing of stronger markets. If you're relocating to southeastern Kentucky, Laurel's near-average rent ratio and moderate home values offer a reliable, stable housing foundation.
Cost of Living Advisory: Laurel County
Affordability Verdict
Laurel County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $789/month — about 16.6% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $789/month rent versus $647/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $142/month cheaper — a 18% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $27,729/year. With a median household income of $56,999, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Laurel County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kentucky, Laurel County is less affordable than Hopkins County by roughly 6% ($789/mo vs $841/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Laurel County
Rent Burden
16.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,330
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Laurel County
Median home value is $143,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,145 vs. your max of $1,330.
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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