Average Rent in Powell County, KY↑ Rents rising 5.0% YoY🔻 5th cheapest in KY
HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 13,057
Market Overview
Powell 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 $695/month — 50% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $39,811/year, spending $695/month on a 1-bedroom represents 21% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Powell County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $909/month, Powell County ranks #103 most expensive of the 107 cities tracked in Kentucky — more affordable than 94% of all US cities in our data.
The Powell County Rental Market
The Powell County, KY area has a population of about 13,057 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 Powell 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 Powell 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 $39,811 exceeds that threshold by $12,011, making Powell County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Powell 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.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2027Is Powell County, KY Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in KYlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home 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 Powell County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Powell County data
Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.
Living in Powell 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore More
Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood
💵Rent Affordability in Powell CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in KYSee how Powell County ranks statewide
⚖️Compare Powell CountySide-by-side rent & cost of living with any city
📋KY Tenant RightsDeposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections