Counties › Kentucky

Cost of Living in Shelby County, KY

Population 49,096 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$1,033
Median home value$304,800
Median household income$82,604

The median rent in Shelby County, KY is $1,033/month, 7% higher than the Kentucky median and 27% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $304,800, 8% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $82,604 a year, 30% higher than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 15.0%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $41,320/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 3.7×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $1,541/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

Shelby County vs. Kentucky vs. U.S.

Shelby CountyKentuckyU.S.
Median rent$1,033$967$1,413
Median home value$304,800$205,600$332,700
Median household income$82,604$63,726$80,734
Homeownership rate73.9%68.3%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher32.8%27.6%35.7%
Poverty rate9.7%16.1%12.5%
Unemployment rate4.2%4.9%5.2%
Work from home12.6%10.2%15.1%
Median age40.939.138.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in Shelby County, KY?

The median gross rent in Shelby County, KY is $1,033 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in Shelby County, KY?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $41,320 a year in gross income.

Is Shelby County, KY expensive to live in?

Rent there is 27% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 3.7 times the median household income.

Other counties in Kentucky

Jefferson County, KYRent $1,149 · Income $69,866Fayette County, KYRent $1,164 · Income $69,479Kenton County, KYRent $1,069 · Income $80,548Warren County, KYRent $1,002 · Income $65,794Boone County, KYRent $1,373 · Income $99,414Hardin County, KYRent $971 · Income $67,647

Counties with a similar cost of living

Jefferson County, WIRent $1,035 · Income $83,750Botetourt County, VARent $1,035 · Income $81,213Clay County, MNRent $1,019 · Income $81,172Boone County, ILRent $1,041 · Income $84,571Christian County, MORent $1,058 · Income $83,437Lampasas County, TXRent $1,059 · Income $81,736

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

Explore more

Wix Alternatives for Small Businesses & Freelancers (2026)Best Web Hosting for First-Time Site Owners (2026)Mortgage Payment CalculatorDiscount CalculatorPlay: Tide Pool PopPlay: Orbit Dodge
Get the best finds weekly

New tools, top deals and new pages — one short email a week. No spam.