Cost of Living in Mason County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Mason County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Mason County ranks #1,415 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 45%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Mason County, Kentucky
Mason matches Kentucky's housing burden
Mason County residents spend 16.9% of income on rent, matching nearly exactly Kentucky's 17.0% state average while earning $51,473—well below the national median of $74,755. This alignment suggests Mason follows typical state housing pressures.
Square with Kentucky's average
Mason County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio sits virtually at Kentucky's 17.0% state average, placing it in the middle tier of county affordability. The $724 median rent slightly exceeds Kentucky's $771 median, offset by below-average household income.
Mid-range costs, mid-range income
Mason's $51,473 median income ranks lower than Marshall ($63,611) or Madison ($62,407) but exceeds Martin ($46,185) and Magoffin ($33,632). The $724 rent reflects this middle position within the region.
Rent and ownership near parity
Mason renters spend $724 monthly (16.9% of income) while owners pay $712, both amounts consuming similar budget shares from the $51,473 median household income. The median home value of $157,500 requires meaningful savings but remains within reach for working families.
Mason offers typical Kentucky value
Mason provides a straightforward regional option without extreme affordability or cost premiums, but also without standout advantages over Marion or Marshall. If you're scanning the region, Marion ($731 rent, 15.8% ratio) edges Mason on pure affordability metrics.
Cost of Living Advisory: Mason County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Mason County is affordable. The median rent is $724/month against a median household income of $51,473, putting rent at 16.9% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Mason County is $724/month, while owner costs run $712/month. Owning saves approximately $12/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $28,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $30,514/year. With a median household income of $51,473, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Mason County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Adair County where rent averages $775/month, Mason County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Mason County
Rent Burden
16.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,201
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.6%
of gross income
The median home in Mason County may be a stretch
Median home value is $157,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,257 vs. your max of $1,201.
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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