Cost of Living in Lyon County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Lyon County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Lyon County ranks #336 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 11%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Lyon County, Kentucky
Lyon County balances higher homes and wages
Lyon County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% sits well below national affordability stress levels, with renters spending a manageable share of income on housing. The county's median household income of $64,464 is the region's highest and 14% below the national median, yet housing remains proportionally affordable.
Strong affordability with above-average income
Lyon County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio beats Kentucky's state average of 17.0%, placing it among the state's most affordable counties. With median household income of $64,464—among the highest in rural Kentucky—residents enjoy both strong earnings and reasonable housing costs.
Highest incomes, highest home values
Lyon County's $809 median rent is mid-range regionally, but its $64,464 median household income is the cluster's highest, delivering excellent affordability. The county's $183,600 median home value is also the highest here, reflecting a stronger overall economic profile.
Premium homes command proportional owner costs
Renters pay $809 monthly while homeowners spend $762, making ownership competitive with renting despite the county's premium home values of $183,600. With median household income of $64,464, housing consumes only 15.1% of renter income and roughly 14% for owners—the region's best balance.
Lyon County: best overall housing value proposition
Lyon County offers the region's strongest income-to-housing balance, with the highest median incomes and excellent affordability ratios for both renters and buyers. If you seek higher-quality homes in a stable economic environment, Lyon County's $183,600 median home value delivers genuine regional value.
Cost of Living Advisory: Lyon County
Affordability Verdict
Lyon County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $809/month — about 15.1% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Lyon County pay $809/month on average, compared to $762/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 6%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,657/year. With a median household income of $64,464, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Lyon County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Jackson County where rent averages $758/month, Lyon County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Lyon County
Rent Burden
15.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,504
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Lyon County
Median home value is $183,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,466 vs. your max of $1,504.
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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