Cost of Living in Owsley County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Owsley County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Owsley County ranks #100 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 3%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Owsley County, Kentucky
Owsley Faces Acute Housing Affordability Crisis
Owsley County residents spend a staggering 21.3% of income on rent—the highest burden among these eight counties and well above Kentucky's 17.0% average. With median household income of only $31,064, the lowest in the group, renters here face genuine hardship as $551 monthly rent consumes disproportionate earnings.
Kentucky's Deepest Affordability Crisis
Owsley County represents Kentucky's most severe housing affordability challenge, combining the state's lowest incomes with one of its highest rent burdens. This county urgently needs intervention, as its 21.3% rent-to-income ratio far exceeds healthy levels and statewide averages.
Owsley's Poverty Stands Apart
Owsley's median income of $31,064 is nearly half Nicholas County's ($53,616) and far below even poorer neighbors; only this analysis identifies Owsley's distinct crisis. Though rent is cheap in absolute terms ($551), it consumes a larger percentage of income than in any surrounding county, signaling structural economic distress.
Housing Consumes a Dangerous Share
Owsley County residents earning $31,064 annually spend 21.3% on rent ($551) and 15.8% on mortgage costs ($409), leaving fewer dollars for food, healthcare, transportation, and childcare than any peer county. Over 37% of income goes to housing alone, forcing impossible choices on essential needs.
Owsley: Not Recommended Without Support
Relocating to Owsley County makes sense only with substantial savings, outside income, or local family support—the county's wages and affordability crisis make independent living extraordinarily difficult. If considering relocation here, ensure you have financial cushion; rents may be low, but incomes offer little comfort.
Cost of Living Advisory: Owsley County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Owsley County is affordable. The median rent is $551/month against a median household income of $31,064, putting rent at 21.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $551/month rent versus $409/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $142/month cheaper — a 26% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $22,040/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $17,529/year. With a median household income of $31,064, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Owsley County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kentucky, Owsley County is less affordable than McLean County by roughly 8% ($551/mo vs $602/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Owsley County
Rent Burden
21.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$725
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Owsley County
Median home value is $79,900. Estimated monthly cost: $638 vs. your max of $725.
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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