RentData

Average Rent in Madison County, KY↑ Rents rising 9.8% YoY

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 94,064

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Madison County, KY has rental prices ranging from $691/month to $1,600/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $859/month — 39% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $62,407/year, spending $859/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Madison County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $993/month, Madison County ranks #30 most expensive of the 107 cities tracked in Kentucky — more affordable than 72% of all US cities in our data.

The Madison County Rental Market

The Madison County, KY area has a population of about 94,064 and 38% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Madison County, KY have risen by $89/month (9.8%) over the past year, from $904 to $993. 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 Madison County, KY without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $34,360. The local median household income of $62,407 exceeds that threshold by $28,047, making Madison County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Madison County, KY has an unemployment rate of 5.9%, 2.0 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 FY2027
Studio
$691
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$859
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$993
↑9.8% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,375
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,600
Average
🔔
Get Rent Alerts
Be notified when rents change in Madison County
▼

Is Madison County, KY Affordable?

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

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$39,720/year
Local median income: $62,407
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $993/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in KYlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome 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 Madison County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Madison County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$993/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 4 years — worth it if you stay 4+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $993/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Madison County

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

Moving Cost Estimator

Estimate your moving costs based on FMCSA public mover data

Select your origin state to see the estimate

Estimates based on FMCSA average mover rates. Get at least 3 binding quotes from licensed movers. Protect your move →

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

🏘️Neighborhoods in Madison County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Madison County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in KY

See how Madison County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Madison County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋KY Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections