Average Rent in Mercer County, KY↑ Rents rising 5.0% YoY🔻 5th cheapest in KY

Mercer County, KY has rental prices ranging from $650/month to $1,519/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $725/month — 48% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $63,115/year, spending $725/month on a 1-bedroom represents 14% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Mercer County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $909/month, Mercer County ranks #103 most expensive of the 107 cities tracked in Kentucky — more affordable than 94% of all US cities in our data.

The Mercer County Rental Market

The Mercer County, KY area has a population of about 22,824 and 23% 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 Mercer 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 Mercer County, KY without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $29,000. The local median household income of $63,115 exceeds that threshold by $34,115, making Mercer County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Mercer 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 Mercer County, KY Affordable?

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

Rent or Buy in Mercer County?

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

Living in Mercer County

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