Cost of Living in Marshall County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Marshall County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Marshall County ranks #882 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 28%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Marshall County, Kentucky
Marshall avoids the affordability squeeze
Marshall County residents spend just 14.6% of income on rent—the lowest ratio among peer counties and well below Kentucky's 17% average. With a median household income of $63,611 nearing the national $74,755, Marshall combines stronger earnings with controlled housing costs.
Kentucky's affordability leaders
Marshall County ranks among Kentucky's best for housing affordability, with a 14.6% rent-to-income ratio that undercuts the state average by 2.4 percentage points. This efficiency reflects both reasonable rents and above-average household earnings for the state.
Strong income lifts affordability rank
Marshall's $63,611 median income tops all neighbors except Madison ($62,407), paired with $773 rent just above Marion's low of $731. This income strength makes Marshall's housing costs feel lighter than regional peers.
Balanced rent and ownership costs
Marshall renters allocate $773 monthly (14.6% of income) while owners pay $804, both figures consuming similar modest shares of the $63,611 median income. The median home value of $173,700 remains accessible to local wage earners.
Marshall combines income and value
Marshall offers perhaps the best overall package: strong median income ($63,611), low rent burden (14.6%), and a $173,700 median home value that won't stretch you thin. If you want regional stability with affordability, Marshall merits comparison to Madison and Marion.
Cost of Living Advisory: Marshall County
Affordability Verdict
Marshall County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $773/month — about 14.6% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Marshall County pay $773/month on average, compared to $804/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 4%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,920/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $34,457/year. With a median household income of $63,611, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Marshall County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Ballard County where rent averages $826/month, Marshall County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Marshall County
Rent Burden
14.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,484
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Marshall County
Median home value is $173,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,387 vs. your max of $1,484.
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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