Average Rent in Rowan County, KY↑ Rents rising 7.2% YoY
HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 24,525
Market Overview
Rowan County, KY has rental prices ranging from $701/month to $1,633/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $791/month — 43% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $53,657/year, spending $791/month on a 1-bedroom represents 18% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Rowan County Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $977/month, Rowan County ranks #32 most expensive of the 107 cities tracked in Kentucky — more affordable than 74% of all US cities in our data.
The Rowan County Rental Market
The Rowan County, KY area has a population of about 24,525 and 37% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Rowan County, KY have risen by $66/month (7.2%) over the past year, from $911 to $977. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Rowan County, KY without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $31,640. The local median household income of $53,657 exceeds that threshold by $22,017, making Rowan County relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Rowan County, KY has an unemployment rate of 6.4%, 2.5 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 Rowan 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 Rowan County?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Rowan County data
Buying breaks even after 5 years — worth it if you stay 5+ years.
Living in Rowan County
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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💵Rent Affordability in Rowan CountySalary needed to afford rent here
🗺️All Cities in KYSee how Rowan County ranks statewide
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