Average Rent in Bell County, KY↑ Rents rising 5.0% YoY🔻 5th cheapest in KY
HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 23,878
Market Overview
Bell County, KY has rental prices ranging from $633/month to $1,352/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $787/month — 44% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $32,403/year, spending $787/month on a 1-bedroom represents 29% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Bell County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $909/month, Bell County ranks #103 most expensive of the 107 cities tracked in Kentucky — more affordable than 94% of all US cities in our data.
The Bell County Rental Market
The Bell County, KY area has a population of about 23,878 and 39% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Bell County, KY have risen by $43/month (5.0%) over the past year, from $866 to $909. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Bell County, KY without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $31,480. The local median household income of $32,403 exceeds that threshold by $923, making Bell County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Bell County, KY has an unemployment rate of 6.5%, 2.6 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 Bell 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 Bell County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Bell County data
Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.
Living in Bell 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 Bell CountySalary needed to afford rent here
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