Cost of Living in Russell County, Kentucky

$660/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$148,200

Median Home Value

14% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$660/mo

14% below state average

Median Home Value

$148,200

47% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

29.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Russell County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Russell County$660/mo

Kentucky Average$771/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$660/mo

Median Gross Rent

$148,200

Median Home Value

$562/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

29.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

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.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Russell County

Your Annual Household Income

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

Your rent-to-income ratio15.7%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Russell County, Kentucky?

Russell County, Kentucky has a median monthly rent of $660/mo and a median home value of $148,200. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 29.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Russell County?

The median gross rent in Russell County is $660/mo. This is 14% below state average for Kentucky.

Is Russell County affordable?

Russell County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 29.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Russell County's rent compare to the state average?

Russell County's median rent of $660/mo is 14% below state average of $771/mo for Kentucky.

What is the median home value in Russell County?

The median home value in Russell County, Kentucky is $148,200. This is 47% below the national median home value of $281,900.