Cost of Living in Letcher County, Kentucky

$651/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$70,500

Median Home Value

16% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$651/mo

16% below state average

Median Home Value

$70,500

75% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

28.0%

% 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 Letcher County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Letcher County$651/mo

Kentucky Average$771/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$651/mo

Median Gross Rent

$70,500

Median Home Value

$473/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

28.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Letcher County, Kentucky

Letcher rent-to-income ratio tracks national norms

Letcher County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.3% aligns closely with typical American housing burden levels, meaning renters here spend a reasonable share of income on housing. Yet the county's median household income of $40,501—just 54% of the national average—undercuts this affordability advantage.

Above state average in affordability pressure

Letcher County's 19.3% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Kentucky's state average of 17.0%, placing housing affordability slightly above the statewide norm. Median rent of $651 sits well below the state average of $771, though local incomes lag proportionally.

Mid-range rent among Appalachian peers

Letcher County's $651 median rent falls between Leslie County's $520 and Lewis County's $757, positioning it squarely in the regional middle. However, Letcher's 19.3% rent-to-income ratio is the highest among nearby counties, signaling tighter household affordability.

Rent costs outpace homeownership expenses

Renters in Letcher pay $651 monthly compared to homeowners' $473, making purchase significantly more affordable than renting. Median home value of $70,500 combined with a median household income of $40,501 makes homeownership a realistic goal for many residents.

Letcher suits buyers more than renters

If you're ready to buy, Letcher County offers affordable homes and manageable owner costs, though renters face above-average affordability pressure. Investigate local employment in your field—coal mining's decline has reshaped the county's job market significantly.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Letcher County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

19.3%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$945

per month

Owner Cost Burden

14.0%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Letcher County

Median home value is $70,500. Estimated monthly cost: $563 vs. your max of $945.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio19.3%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Letcher County, Kentucky has a median monthly rent of $651/mo and a median home value of $70,500. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 28.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Letcher County?

The median gross rent in Letcher County is $651/mo. This is 16% below state average for Kentucky.

Is Letcher County affordable?

Letcher County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 28.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

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

Letcher County's median rent of $651/mo is 16% below state average of $771/mo for Kentucky.

What is the median home value in Letcher County?

The median home value in Letcher County, Kentucky is $70,500. This is 75% below the national median home value of $281,900.