Cost of Living in Russell County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Russell County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Russell County ranks #231 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 7%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Russell County, Kentucky
Russell County achieves strong affordability balance
Russell County renters spend 15.7% of their $50,520 income on housing, comfortably below the national average of roughly 18%, creating one of the region's least-stressed rental markets. At $660 monthly, Russell's median rent is among the lowest in the sample while supported by above-average household income.
Below state average for rental burden
Russell County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% sits clearly below Kentucky's 17% average, placing it in the state's more affordable rental markets. The county's $660 median rent runs 14% below the state average of $771, delivering genuine savings for Russell renters.
Low rent, solid income creates ease
Russell County's $660 rent rivals Rockcastle's $678 while matching Rowan's $53,657 median income advantage over the struggling southern counties. Among the eight-county sample, Russell delivers consistent affordability without sacrifice, landing clearly in the top tier for housing-income alignment.
Ownership advantage clear and substantial
Russell renters pay $660 monthly (15.7% of income), while homeowners manage $562 mortgages at just 13.3% of household income—a 2.4-point edge favoring purchase. Median home value of $148,200 aligns well with $50,520 income, making homeownership a realistic and financially sensible path for Russell families.
Russell offers rental and ownership value
Russell County delivers strong affordability across housing options: $660 rents consume just 15.7% of income, while $562 mortgages on $148,200 homes cost only 13.3%, both well below state and national averages. For eastern Kentucky relocation, Russell ranks with Rockcastle and Robertson as a top choice, offering accessible housing and reasonable income expectations.
Cost of Living Advisory: Russell County
Affordability Verdict
Russell County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $660/month — about 15.7% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Russell County is $660/month, while owner costs run $562/month. Owning saves approximately $98/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $26,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,086/year. With a median household income of $50,520, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Russell County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Muhlenberg County where rent averages $712/month, Russell County is approximately 7% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Russell County
Rent Burden
15.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,179
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.3%
of gross income
The median home in Russell County may be a stretch
Median home value is $148,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,183 vs. your max of $1,179.
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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