RentData

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

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 11,318

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

Market Overview

Monroe County, KY has rental prices ranging from $650/month to $1,314/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $695/month — 50% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $49,430/year, spending $695/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Monroe County Compares

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

The Monroe County Rental Market

The Monroe County, KY area has a population of about 11,318 and 31% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Monroe 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 Monroe County, KY without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $27,800. The local median household income of $49,430 exceeds that threshold by $21,630, making Monroe County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Monroe County, KY has an unemployment rate of 4.9%, 1.0 percentage point 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
$650
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$695
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$909
↑5.0% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,259
Average
4 Bedrooms
$1,314
Average
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Is Monroe 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
$36,360/year
Local median income: $49,430
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $909/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 Monroe County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Monroe County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$909/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $909/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Monroe 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 Monroe County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Monroe County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in KY

See how Monroe County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Monroe County

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

📋KY Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections