Cost of Living in Perry County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Perry County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Perry County ranks #534 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 17%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Perry County, Kentucky
Perry County rents eat bigger slice of income
Renters in Perry County spend 21.1% of their income on housing, compared to the national average of roughly 18%. While close to the national norm, this gap widens when you consider Perry's median household income of $45,261—nearly $30,000 below the nation's $74,755 average, making every rent dollar stretch thinner.
Above average housing burden statewide
Perry County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.1% ranks above Kentucky's average of 17%, placing it among the state's less affordable counties for renters. The county's median rent of $795 runs slightly higher than Kentucky's state average of $771, compounding the affordability challenge.
Perry stands middle ground regionally
Perry County's $795 monthly rent falls between nearby Rockcastle County ($678) and Pike County ($837), though Perry's household income of $45,261 puts it closer to Pike's struggling renters. Among its eastern Kentucky peers, Perry occupies a tighter middle position on the affordability spectrum.
Housing claims over one-fifth of income
Perry renters pay $795 monthly while homeowners carry a $548 mortgage—a roughly 2-to-1 ratio favoring ownership. With median household income at $45,261 annually, renters dedicate 21.1% of gross income to housing, while homeowners spend about 14.6%, reflecting Kentucky's traditional ownership advantage.
Homeownership offers Perry affordability relief
If you're priced out of renting in Perry, homeownership becomes more viable: median home values sit at $90,700 with monthly costs of $548, making it one of the state's more achievable ownership markets. Consider whether buying—even with modest median income—could provide the stability and cost relief renting doesn't currently offer.
Cost of Living Advisory: Perry County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Perry County is affordable. The median rent is $795/month against a median household income of $45,261, putting rent at 21.1% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Perry County is $795/month, while owner costs run $548/month. Owning saves approximately $247/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $23,486/year. With a median household income of $45,261, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Perry County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Powell County where rent averages $743/month, Perry County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Perry County
Rent Burden
21.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,056
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Perry County
Median home value is $90,700. Estimated monthly cost: $724 vs. your max of $1,056.
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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