Cost of Living in Simpson County, Kentucky
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Simpson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Simpson County ranks #1,769 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 44%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Simpson County, Kentucky
Simpson County renters face real affordability stress
Simpson County renters spend 21.1% of their $57,392 median household income on housing—nearly 4 percentage points above the national average and significantly higher than Kentucky's 17.0% state average. This level of rent burden puts Simpson among Kentucky's most strained rental markets.
Struggling on Kentucky's affordability scale
Simpson County's 21.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among the least affordable counties in Kentucky, well above the state average of 17.0%. The county's lower median household income of $57,392 amplifies the burden of relatively typical regional rents.
Rents don't match the wages here
Simpson County's $1,011 median rent is high relative to its peers—only $170 less than Scott County despite a $26,000 gap in household incomes. Compared to Taylor County's $691 rent and Todd County's $841, Simpson's rental market feels out of sync with local earning power.
Renters and homeowners both strain
Renters dedicate 21.1% of income to housing, while homeowners spend 19.7% on monthly costs of $943—making Simpson one of the few counties where renters face more burden than homeowners. At $57,392 median household income, even modest housing costs consume a significant share of household budgets.
Simpson requires careful financial planning
Simpson County is better suited for remote workers or those relocating with substantially higher incomes than the local median—standard rentals will consume over one-fifth of household earnings. If you're considering Simpson, compare rents to neighboring Taylor or Todd counties, where the same housing costs represent a smaller share of income.
Cost of Living Advisory: Simpson County
Affordability Verdict
Simpson County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,011/month — about 21.1% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Simpson County pay $1,011/month on average, compared to $943/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 7%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $40,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,414/year. With a median household income of $57,392, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Simpson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Simpson County sits 6% more expensive than Spencer County ($954/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Simpson County
Rent Burden
21.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,339
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.7%
of gross income
The median home in Simpson County may be a stretch
Median home value is $195,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,562 vs. your max of $1,339.
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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