Cost of Living in Rockcastle County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Rockcastle County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Rockcastle County ranks #26 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Rockcastle County, Kentucky
Rockcastle matches national affordability norms
Rockcastle County renters spend 16.8% of their $48,367 income on housing, nearly at the national average of roughly 18%, demonstrating balanced affordability. Median rent of $678 sits substantially below the national average, aided by strong relative income for an eastern Kentucky county.
Right at state average for rental burden
Rockcastle County's 16.8% rent-to-income ratio tracks almost exactly with Kentucky's 17% state average, making it a benchmark county for housing affordability statewide. At $678, Rockcastle's median rent runs 12% below the state average of $771, providing additional comfort for local renters.
Lowest rents, strong income combination
Rockcastle combines the second-lowest median rent ($678) with the second-highest median income ($48,367) in the regional sample, creating one of the easiest housing-income calculations. Only Robertson matches Rockcastle's affordability math, though Robertson's rent is slightly cheaper.
Ownership offers substantial savings
Rockcastle renters pay $678 monthly (16.8% of income) while homeowners manage just $457 mortgages at 11.3% of household income—a 5.5-point savings gap strongly favoring purchase. Median home value of $119,300 represents excellent entry-level ownership opportunity for Rockcastle households.
Rockcastle offers balanced housing stability
Rockcastle County delivers consistent affordability for both renters and owners, with moderate costs and competitive income that make either path viable without strain. For eastern Kentucky relocation, Rockcastle ranks among the top choices alongside Robertson, offering $678 rents and $119,300 home values that actually align with local earning power.
Cost of Living Advisory: Rockcastle County
Affordability Verdict
Rockcastle County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $678/month — about 16.8% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Rockcastle County pay $678/month on average, compared to $457/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 33%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $19,586/year. With a median household income of $48,367, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Rockcastle County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Lawrence County where rent averages $729/month, Rockcastle County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Rockcastle County
Rent Burden
16.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,129
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.3%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Rockcastle County
Median home value is $119,300. Estimated monthly cost: $952 vs. your max of $1,129.
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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