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Cost of Living in Kentucky

2026 Census HTOPS data on expenses, housing, employment, and more in Kentucky (KY).

75.58%
Expense Difficulty
4.04%
Behind on Rent
5.67%
Uninsured
59.06%
Employed
25.42%
AI Usage
$830
Median Rent
44.6%
Cost-Burdened Renters
3.2%
Unemployment Rate

Kentucky vs. National Average

Expense Difficulty4.8 pts better
KY: 75.58%
US: 80.39%
Rent Behind4.6 pts better
KY: 4.04%
US: 8.6%
Uninsured2.0 pts better
KY: 5.67%
US: 7.67%
Employed2.2 pts better
KY: 59.06%
US: 56.85%
AI Usage1.0 pts better
KY: 25.42%
US: 24.45%

Cost of Living Overview

About This Data

Census HTOPS data is reported at the Census Division level. Metrics for Kentucky reflect the East South Central division. Supplemental rent and unemployment data come from the American Community Survey (via FRED) and Bureau of Labor Statistics respectively.