Cost of Living in Nicholas County, Kentucky

$654/mo
Median Monthly Rent
$119,600
Median Home Value
15% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent
$654/mo
15% below state average
Median Home Value
$119,600
58% below national
Rent-to-Income Ratio
21.0%
% 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 Nicholas County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Nicholas County$654/mo
Kentucky Average$771/mo
National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$654/mo
Median Gross Rent
$119,600
Median Home Value
$633/mo
Monthly Owner Cost
21.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Nicholas County, Kentucky

Nicholas County Offers Stellar Housing Deals

Nicholas County boasts Kentucky's best rent-to-income ratio at just 14.6%, sitting well below both the state average (17.0%) and typical national thresholds. Renters here spend only $654 monthly—nearly $120 less than state average—despite earning $53,616 annually.

Best Affordability in the State

Nicholas County consistently ranks among Kentucky's most affordable places to rent, offering the kind of housing cost relief that's increasingly rare across the region. For renters and homebuyers both, Nicholas delivers exceptional value.

Nicholas Undercuts Regional Competition

Nicholas County's $654 monthly rent is the lowest in its peer group, edging out Muhlenberg ($712), Owen County ($775), and Ohio County ($774) by substantial margins. Home values mirror this affordability advantage at $119,600, nearly matching Muhlenberg and undercutting all other regional neighbors.

Maximum Wiggle Room on Tight Budget

With $53,616 median income, Nicholas County residents allocate just 14.6% to rent and 14.2% to mortgage costs—the lowest burden among these eight counties. This leaves nearly 70% of income for food, utilities, childcare, healthcare, and savings.

Budget Relocators, Meet Nicholas County

If you're moving on a tight budget or building wealth from modest earnings, Nicholas County's ultra-low housing costs offer genuine financial breathing room. Renters can lock in $650 monthly leases while homebuyers find median properties under $120,000—rare finds in Kentucky.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Nicholas County

$

Rent Burden

14.6%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,251

per month

Owner Cost Burden

14.2%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Nicholas County

Median home value is $119,600. Estimated monthly cost: $955 vs. your max of $1,251.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio14.6%
Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Nicholas County, Kentucky?
Nicholas County, Kentucky has a median monthly rent of $654/mo and a median home value of $119,600. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 21.0% of median household income.
What is the median rent in Nicholas County?
The median gross rent in Nicholas County is $654/mo. This is 15% below state average for Kentucky.
Is Nicholas County affordable?
Nicholas County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 21.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.
How does Nicholas County's rent compare to the state average?
Nicholas County's median rent of $654/mo is 15% below state average of $771/mo for Kentucky.
What is the median home value in Nicholas County?
The median home value in Nicholas County, Kentucky is $119,600. This is 58% 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.