Cost of Living in Lewis County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lewis County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lewis County ranks #275 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 9%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lewis County, Kentucky
Lewis County's rent burden tops regional peers
Lewis County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.8% exceeds typical American affordability thresholds and signals housing stress for renters on local wages. With median household income of just $41,632—44% below the national average—the $757 monthly rent hits household budgets hard.
Among Kentucky's least affordable rentals
Lewis County's 21.8% rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds Kentucky's state average of 17.0%, making it one of the state's least affordable counties for renters. Median rent of $757 matches the state average exactly, but Lewis incomes are substantially lower.
Most expensive rent in the regional cluster
Lewis County's $757 median rent is the highest among its neighboring counties—$164 above Leslie and $106 above Letcher. Combined with the region's lowest median household income relative to rent costs, Lewis renters face the tightest affordability squeeze.
Housing consumes over one-fifth of income
Monthly rent of $757 and homeowner costs of $493 reveal that Lewis renters face notably higher expenses than homeowners here. With median household income of $41,632 annually, rent alone consumes 21.8% of typical household budgets—well above comfortable levels.
Lewis: choose carefully if renting
Lewis County's high rent-to-income ratio makes it challenging for renters, though homebuyers find median homes at reasonable $86,100 prices. Prioritize verifying stable local employment before relocating, as the county's economic situation requires dual-income or above-average wages to maintain comfort.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lewis County
Affordability Verdict
Lewis County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $757/month — about 21.8% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $757/month rent versus $493/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $264/month cheaper — a 35% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $21,129/year. With a median household income of $41,632, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 25.0% of renter households in Lewis County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Lyon County where rent averages $809/month, Lewis County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lewis County
Rent Burden
21.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$971
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Lewis County
Median home value is $86,100. Estimated monthly cost: $687 vs. your max of $971.
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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