Cost of Living in Leslie County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Leslie County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Leslie County ranks #66 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 2%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Leslie County, Kentucky
Leslie County rents stay well below national stress
Leslie County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% sits comfortably below the national median household income burden, and renters here spend less of their paycheck on housing than most Americans. However, Leslie's median household income of $40,176 remains 46% below the national average of $74,755.
One of Kentucky's most affordable counties
Leslie County ranks among Kentucky's most housing-affordable counties, with a 15.5% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average of 17.0%. At just $520 per month, median rent is the lowest in the state and $251 below Kentucky's average.
Leslie leads region in rental affordability
Leslie County's $520 median rent is the cheapest among neighboring Appalachian counties—$73 less than Lee County and $131 below Letcher. Combined with reasonable local incomes, Leslie offers the best rent affordability ratio in this cluster.
Strong value for renters and buyers alike
Renters pay $520 monthly while homeowners spend $452, making Leslie one of the few counties where ownership is more affordable than renting. With a median home value of just $74,100 and median household income of $40,176, housing remains accessible for working families.
Leslie County: Appalachia's affordability leader
If rock-bottom housing costs are your priority, Leslie County delivers—among the nation's cheapest rents and home values. Verify local job opportunities align with your skills before committing, as the county's limited economic diversity is reflected in modest household incomes.
Cost of Living Advisory: Leslie County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Leslie County is affordable. The median rent is $520/month against a median household income of $40,176, putting rent at 15.5% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Leslie County is $520/month, while owner costs run $452/month. Owning saves approximately $68/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $20,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $19,371/year. With a median household income of $40,176, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Leslie County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kentucky, Leslie County is less affordable than McCreary County by roughly 12% ($520/mo vs $588/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Leslie County
Rent Burden
15.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$937
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Leslie County
Median home value is $74,100. Estimated monthly cost: $592 vs. your max of $937.
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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