Cost of Living in Mercer County, Kentucky

$802/mo
Median Monthly Rent
$189,700
Median Home Value
4% above state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent
$802/mo
4% above state average
Median Home Value
$189,700
33% below national
Rent-to-Income Ratio
23.0%
% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating
Unaffordable
Rent over 50% of income

How Mercer County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Mercer County$802/mo
Kentucky Average$771/mo
National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$802/mo
Median Gross Rent
$189,700
Median Home Value
$848/mo
Monthly Owner Cost
23.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Mercer County, Kentucky

Mercer County: solid affordability choice

Mercer County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% beats both Kentucky's state average of 17.0% and sits well within the affordable range. With a median household income of $63,115 and monthly rent at $802, Mercer offers balanced housing costs compared to national trends.

Top-tier Kentucky affordability

Mercer County ranks among Kentucky's more affordable counties with a 15.3% rent-to-income ratio, outperforming the state average of 17.0%. This places Mercer in the upper tier for housing value across the commonwealth.

Mercer competes well regionally

Mercer County's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio edges out Montgomery County's 16.6% and Morgan County's 16.9%, though it trails McLean's exceptional 10.2%. At $802 monthly rent, Mercer sits between the region's cheapest and most expensive options.

Housing costs: rent vs. ownership

Renters in Mercer spend $802 monthly (15.3% of income), while homeowners carry an $848 monthly cost with a median home value of $189,700. Both rental and ownership pathways remain accessible on the $63,115 median household income.

Mercer County balances cost and value

Mercer offers solid housing affordability above the state average, with reasonable home values ($189,700) and competitive rents. It's a smart choice for relocators seeking a balance between cost, property values, and regional stability.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Mercer County

$

Rent Burden

15.2%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,473

per month

Owner Cost Burden

16.1%

of gross income

The median home in Mercer County may be a stretch

Median home value is $189,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,514 vs. your max of $1,473.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio15.2%
Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Mercer County, Kentucky?
Mercer County, Kentucky has a median monthly rent of $802/mo and a median home value of $189,700. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 23.0% of median household income.
What is the median rent in Mercer County?
The median gross rent in Mercer County is $802/mo. This is 4% above state average for Kentucky.
Is Mercer County affordable?
Mercer County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 23.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.
How does Mercer County's rent compare to the state average?
Mercer County's median rent of $802/mo is 4% above state average of $771/mo for Kentucky.
What is the median home value in Mercer County?
The median home value in Mercer County, Kentucky is $189,700. This is 33% below the national median home value of $281,900.
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.