Cost of Living in Pendleton County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Pendleton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Pendleton County ranks #631 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 20%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Pendleton County, Kentucky
Pendleton Delivers Competitive Affordability
Pendleton County's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's best, sitting 2.6 percentage points below Kentucky's average while monthly rent of $800 remains modest. With $66,601 median household income, Pendleton residents earn well above many rural Kentucky peers, keeping housing costs proportionally light.
Top-Tier Kentucky Affordability
Pendleton County ranks among Kentucky's most affordable places overall, combining solid incomes with restrained housing costs to produce one of the state's lowest rent burdens. The county's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio places it firmly in the affordability elite.
Pendleton Competes Well Regionally
Pendleton's $800 rent undercuts Oldham ($1,142) substantially while slightly exceeding Owen County ($775) and matching Muhlenberg-area pricing. Home values of $160,800 place Pendleton between Nicholas County's bargains ($119,600) and Owen County's higher values ($165,000), offering solid middle ground.
Efficient Income-to-Housing Allocation
At $66,601 annual income, Pendleton residents allocate just 14.4% to rent and 14.9% to mortgage costs—among the lowest ratios in the study. This leaves over 70% of income for all other household expenses, emergencies, and wealth-building.
Pendleton Balances Value and Earnings
If you're seeking a Kentucky county where solid incomes meet restrained housing costs, Pendleton County offers rare equilibrium. Renters and homebuyers alike will find reasonable prices and strong earning potential—a combination that supports financial stability and long-term growth.
Cost of Living Advisory: Pendleton County
Affordability Verdict
Pendleton County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $800/month — about 14.4% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Pendleton County is $800/month, while owner costs run $827/month. Renting saves approximately $27/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $32,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,443/year. With a median household income of $66,601, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Pendleton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Kentucky, Pendleton County is less affordable than Madison County by roughly 6% ($800/mo vs $851/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Pendleton County
Rent Burden
14.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,554
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Pendleton County
Median home value is $160,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,284 vs. your max of $1,554.
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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