Average Rent in Ballard County, KY↑ Rents rising 10.1% YoY🔺 5th priciest in KY
HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 7,678
Market Overview
Ballard County, KY has rental prices ranging from $822/month to $1,551/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $902/month — 36% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $64,740/year, spending $902/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Ballard County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,180/month, Ballard County ranks #5 most expensive of the 107 cities tracked in Kentucky — pricier than 73% of all US cities in our data.
The Ballard County Rental Market
The Ballard County, KY area has a population of about 7,678 and 20% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Ballard County, KY have risen by $108/month (10.1%) over the past year, from $1,072 to $1,180. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Ballard County, KY without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $36,080. The local median household income of $64,740 exceeds that threshold by $28,660, making Ballard County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Ballard County, KY has an unemployment rate of 5.4%, 1.5 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2027Is Ballard County, KY Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in KYlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grant County | $840 | $899 | $1,146 | $1,365 | — |
| Meade County | $799 | $804 | $1,052 | $1,443 | — |
| Lexington | $986 | $1,205 | $1,416 | $1,948 | — |
| Carter County | $745 | $749 | $909 | $1,246 | — |
| Huntington | $858 | $864 | $1,006 | $1,287 | — |
| Clarksville | $1,061 | $1,068 | $1,307 | $1,786 | — |
Rent or Buy in Ballard County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Ballard County data
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Living in Ballard County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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💵Rent Affordability in Ballard CountySalary needed to afford rent here
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