Cost of Living in Lawrence County, Kentucky

$729/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$108,100

Median Home Value

5% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$729/mo

5% below state average

Median Home Value

$108,100

62% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

30.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Lawrence County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Lawrence County$729/mo

Kentucky Average$771/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$729/mo

Median Gross Rent

$108,100

Median Home Value

$526/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

30.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Lawrence County, Kentucky

Lawrence faces above-average rent burden

Lawrence County renters spend 19.2% of income on rent, exceeding Kentucky's 17.0% state average and reflecting a median household income of $45,584—about 39% below the national median. The county's rent-to-income stress reflects broader economic challenges in eastern Kentucky.

Below-average Kentucky affordability

Lawrence County's 19.2% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the state average of 17.0%, placing it among Kentucky's less affordable counties. While median rent ($729) is below state average, local income weakness drives the affordability disadvantage.

Modest rents, modest incomes

Lawrence County's $729 median rent is typical for eastern Kentucky, but the $45,584 median household income trails many comparable counties. This earnings weakness translates into a rent burden 2.2 percentage points above the state average.

Rent takes substantial income share

Lawrence County renters devote 19.2% of their $45,584 annual income to $729 monthly rent, a notably larger burden than state norms. Homeowners fare better: $526 monthly payments equal 13.8% of income, making homeownership ($108,100 median value) a considerably easier path if financing is available.

Weigh housing costs against employment

Lawrence County appeals to remote workers and retirees seeking low absolute housing costs, but traditional job seekers should carefully research employment prospects. If relocating, verify your income matches or exceeds $45,584 to avoid experiencing housing stress above the state average.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Lawrence County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

19.2%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,064

per month

Owner Cost Burden

13.8%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Lawrence County

Median home value is $108,100. Estimated monthly cost: $863 vs. your max of $1,064.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio19.2%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Lawrence County, Kentucky?

Lawrence County, Kentucky has a median monthly rent of $729/mo and a median home value of $108,100. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 30.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Lawrence County?

The median gross rent in Lawrence County is $729/mo. This is 5% below state average for Kentucky.

Is Lawrence County affordable?

Lawrence County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 30.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Lawrence County's rent compare to the state average?

Lawrence County's median rent of $729/mo is 5% below state average of $771/mo for Kentucky.

What is the median home value in Lawrence County?

The median home value in Lawrence County, Kentucky is $108,100. This is 62% below the national median home value of $281,900.