Cost of Living in Metcalfe County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Metcalfe County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Metcalfe County ranks #318 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 10%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Metcalfe County, Kentucky
Metcalfe County offers genuine affordability
Metcalfe County's rent-to-income ratio of 13.6% sits well below Kentucky's 17.0% state average and well within the affordable range nationally. Renters pay $549 monthly on a median household income of $48,572—low costs on limited income, but proportionally fair.
Among Kentucky's most affordable
At 13.6%, Metcalfe County's rent-to-income ratio ranks better than most Kentucky counties, trailing only a few like McLean (10.2%). This places Metcalfe among the state's best options for housing affordability.
Metcalfe leads in affordability ratios
Metcalfe's 13.6% rent-to-income ratio outperforms most neighboring counties, beating Monroe's 15.3% and Morgan's 16.9%. Rent at $549 is among the region's lowest, second only to McLean's $602.
Housing costs: rent vs. ownership
Renters in Metcalfe pay $549 monthly (13.6% of income), while homeowners spend $558 monthly with a median home value of $103,100. Ownership and rental costs are nearly identical here, offering flexibility in choosing a housing path.
Metcalfe: small town, big savings
Metcalfe delivers genuine affordability with one of Kentucky's lowest rent-to-income ratios and minimal housing costs overall. It's ideal for relocators prioritizing low expenses, though job opportunities may be limited given the county's smaller size and lower median income.
Cost of Living Advisory: Metcalfe County
Affordability Verdict
Metcalfe County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $549/month — about 13.6% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Metcalfe County pay $549/month on average, compared to $558/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 2%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $21,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $23,914/year. With a median household income of $48,572, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Metcalfe County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kentucky, Metcalfe County is less affordable than Bath County by roughly 9% ($549/mo vs $600/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Metcalfe County
Rent Burden
13.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,133
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Metcalfe County
Median home value is $103,100. Estimated monthly cost: $823 vs. your max of $1,133.
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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