Average Rent in Barren County, KY↑ Rents rising 5.5% YoY

Barren County, KY has rental prices ranging from $696/month to $1,331/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $700/month — 50% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $49,171/year, spending $700/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Barren County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $916/month, Barren County ranks #46 most expensive of the 107 cities tracked in Kentucky — more affordable than 91% of all US cities in our data.

The Barren County Rental Market

The Barren County, KY area has a population of about 44,670 and 35% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Barren County, KY have risen by $48/month (5.5%) over the past year, from $868 to $916. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Barren County, KY without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $28,000. The local median household income of $49,171 exceeds that threshold by $21,171, making Barren County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Barren County, KY has an unemployment rate of 5.3%, 1.4 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.

Is Barren County, KY Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Barren County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Barren County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.