RentData

Average Rent in Meade County, KY Rents rising 7.3% YoY🔺 6th priciest in KY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 30,032

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

Market Overview

Meade County, KY has rental prices ranging from $841/month to $1,866/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $847/month — 39% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $70,163/year, spending $847/month on a 1-bedroom represents 14% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Meade County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,111/month, Meade County ranks #6 most expensive of the 98 cities tracked in Kentucky — pricier than 76% of all US cities in our data.

The Meade County Rental Market

The Meade County, KY area has a population of about 30,032 and 27% 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 Meade County, KY have risen by $76/month (7.3%) over the past year, from $1,035 to $1,111. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Meade County, KY without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $33,880. The local median household income of $70,163 exceeds that threshold by $36,283, making Meade County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Meade County, KY has an unemployment rate of 5.2%, 1.3 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 FY2025
Studio
$841
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$847
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,111
7.3% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,507
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,866
Average
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Is Meade 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
$44,440/year
Local median income: $70,163
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,111/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 Meade County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Meade County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,111/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 2 years — worth it if you stay 2+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,111/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Meade 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 Meade County

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💵Rent Affordability in Meade County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in KY

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📋KY Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections