Cost of Living in Livingston County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Livingston County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Livingston County ranks #677 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 22%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Livingston County, Kentucky
Livingston County rents affordable on local wages
Livingston County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% sits comfortably within national affordability norms, and the county's median household income of $59,713 exceeds most rural Kentucky neighbors by 20%+. At $912 monthly, rent remains manageable for the county's relatively stronger earning households.
Above Kentucky average in both rent and income
Livingston County's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio edges slightly above Kentucky's state average of 17.0%, while its $912 median rent is $141 higher than the state average. However, the county's median household income of $59,713 is notably higher than most Kentucky counties, offsetting the rent premium.
Higher rent, but stronger incomes justify it
Livingston County's $912 median rent is the highest in the regional cluster, but its $59,713 median household income is second only to Lyon County among these eight. The combination delivers reasonable affordability despite higher absolute rent levels.
Renters pay more, but earn more too
Monthly rent averages $912 while homeowner costs are $591, with median home values at $116,300—substantially higher than rural Appalachian neighbors. Livingston's median household income of $59,713 is the second-highest in the region, making the higher housing costs proportionally manageable.
Livingston offers stronger income-to-housing balance
Livingston County combines higher housing costs with meaningfully higher incomes, making it appealing to workers with steady employment or professional roles. If your income expectations align with the county's median of $59,713+, Livingston delivers reasonable affordability and higher home values.
Cost of Living Advisory: Livingston County
Affordability Verdict
Livingston County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $912/month representing approximately 18.3% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 28.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Livingston County pay $912/month on average, compared to $591/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 35%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $25,329/year. With a median household income of $59,713, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Livingston County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Livingston County sits 6% more expensive than McCracken County ($861/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Livingston County
Rent Burden
18.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,393
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Livingston County
Median home value is $116,300. Estimated monthly cost: $928 vs. your max of $1,393.
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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