RentData

Average Rent in McCracken County, KY Rents rising 1.9% YoY🔺 12th priciest in KY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 67,584

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

McCracken County, KY has rental prices ranging from $693/month to $1,698/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $781/month — 44% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $62,385/year, spending $781/month on a 1-bedroom represents 15% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How McCracken County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,011/month, McCracken County ranks #12 most expensive of the 98 cities tracked in Kentucky — pricier than 66% of all US cities in our data.

The McCracken County Rental Market

The McCracken County, KY area has a population of about 67,584 and 33% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in McCracken County, KY have risen by $19/month (1.9%) over the past year, from $992 to $1,011. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in McCracken County, KY without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $31,240. The local median household income of $62,385 exceeds that threshold by $31,145, making McCracken County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

McCracken County, KY has an unemployment rate of 5.0%, 1.1 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.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across McCracken County's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Woodlawn-Oakdale ($128,693 median home value), Reidland ($223,777 median home value), Hendron ($232,159 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$693
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$781
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,011
1.9% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,218
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,698
Average
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Is McCracken 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
$40,440/year
Local median income: $62,385
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,011/month and 20% down on a home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in KYlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Grant County$759$848$1,098$1,323
Lexington$799$982$1,165$1,583
Carter County$657$661$867$1,215
Huntington$844$850$971$1,259
Clarksville$916$976$1,229$1,722
Bowling Green$882$993$1,173$1,413

Rent or Buy in McCracken County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real McCracken County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,011/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: $1,011/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in McCracken County

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in McCracken County

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💵Rent Affordability in McCracken County

Salary needed to afford rent here

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📋KY Tenant Rights

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