Cost of Living in McLean County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How McLean County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
McLean County ranks #76 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 2%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in McLean County, Kentucky
McLean County rents hit a sweet spot
At 10.2%, McLean County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national norm and beats Kentucky's state average of 17.0%. Renters here spend about $602 monthly on housing while earning a median household income of $70,549—a level of affordability that's genuinely rare in today's market.
Among Kentucky's most affordable
McLean County ranks among the state's most housing-affordable counties, with its 10.2% rent-to-income ratio significantly outperforming the 17.0% state average. This advantage extends to median home values too, at $145,600, making both rental and ownership options accessible.
McLean beats nearby counties
Compared to surrounding counties, McLean offers the lowest rent-to-income burden in the region at 10.2%, versus Mercer County's 15.3% or Morgan County's 16.9%. Median rent in McLean is just $602, well below the state average of $771 and cheaper than nearby Meade County's $976.
Housing costs: rent vs. ownership
Renters in McLean County spend $602 monthly (10.2% of income), while homeowners carry an $697 monthly cost with a median home value of $145,600. Together, these figures show that both paths to housing remain manageable on a median income of $70,549.
Consider McLean for value
If affordable housing is your priority, McLean County delivers: low rents, low ownership costs, and a rent-to-income ratio that's nearly half the state average. It's worth comparing against other Kentucky counties if you're weighing a move to the region.
Cost of Living Advisory: McLean County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in McLean County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $602/month in gross rent, with 23.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in McLean County is $602/month, while owner costs run $697/month. Renting saves approximately $95/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $24,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,871/year. With a median household income of $70,549, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in McLean County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kentucky, McLean County is less affordable than Grayson County by roughly 8% ($602/mo vs $653/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in McLean County
Rent Burden
10.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,646
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in McLean County
Median home value is $145,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,162 vs. your max of $1,646.
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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