Cost of Living in Monroe County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
These figures are county medians, not a personal budget. Use them to frame rent, ownership, and income tradeoffs, then account for household size, commute, financing, insurance, taxes, debt, and local availability before making a decision.
How Monroe County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Monroe County ranks #287 of 3,142 counties for affordability (top 9%)
Sourced county brief
Monroe County Median Home Value Below Kentucky Unweighted Mean
In Monroe County, the median home value was estimated at $115,900, which is $44,935 below the Kentucky unweighted county mean of $160,835. The official B25071 median gross rent as a percentage of household income was 26.2%, which is 1.0 percentage point lower than the state unweighted county mean of 27.2%. The median gross rent for the county was $657 per month, compared to the state unweighted county mean of $793. Median selected monthly owner costs for all owner-occupied units were $634, whereas the state unweighted county mean was $753. Among renter-occupied households, the median income was $34,960. These figures are derived from the American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates and are intended for snapshot analysis only. They do not constitute financial advice or market predictions. See ACS table B25071 for the underlying estimate.
Source record
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25064 Median Gross Rent
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25071 GRAPI
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25077 Median Home Value
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25088 Selected Monthly Owner Costs
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25119 Household Income by Tenure
Data version acs5-2020-2024 · Method cost-brief-v1
Cost of Living Advisory: Monroe County
Affordability Verdict
ACS B25071 estimates median gross rent at 26.2% of renter household income in Monroe County, which is below the 30% affordability benchmark. This is a median percentage among renter-occupied units, not the share of households above a threshold.
Rent vs. Own
Median gross rent is $657 per month; median selected monthly owner costs are $634. These ACS medians describe different tenure groups and are not a personalized rent-versus-buy calculation.
Income Needed
Using the common 30% budgeting benchmark, $26,280 in annual gross income would allocate 30% to the county's median gross rent. This is a reproducible illustration, not evidence that a particular household can afford housing.
Regional Context
The Kentucky unweighted mean of county median rents is $793 per month. Monroe County's $657 median is 17.2% below that comparison value.
Data version acs5-2020-2024 · Method cost-advisory-v2
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Monroe County
Rent Burden
15.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,197
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Monroe County
Median home value is $115,900. Estimated monthly cost: $925 vs. your max of $1,197.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
$0/yr
Needed to stay within recommended threshold
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
What is the cost of living in Monroe County, Kentucky?
What is the median rent in Monroe County?
Is Monroe County affordable?
How does Monroe County's rent compare to the state average?
What is the median home value in Monroe County?
Counties with Similar Housing Costs
Planning a Move?
Researching the cost of living in Monroe County, Kentucky? Compare moving quotes from top providers and save on your relocation.
Compare Moving QuotesCompare Mortgage Rates in Monroe County
Whether you're buying in Monroe County, Kentucky, or refinancing, compare rates from top lenders using the terms each lender provides.
See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2020-2024). Data is informational only and is not personalized financial advice.
CostByCounty participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a commission when you use our links, at no extra cost to you.