Average Rent in Kentucky (2026)
The average 1-bedroom fair market rent in Kentucky is $797/month as of 2026, covering 754 cities and 891 ZIP codes. Rents statewide have changed +1.7% year over year, so an increase above 1.7% exceeds the statewide trend. Data source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.
Average 1-Bedroom Fair Market Rent
$797/mo
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent FY2026 · 891 zip codes
Year-over-Year
↑ +1.7%
Source: Apartment List
Includes all regions. Louisville average: $1,038/mo →
Data through
The average 1-bedroom rent in Kentucky is $797/month according to HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent data, covering 754 cities and 891 ZIP codes. Rents have increased 1.7% year-over-year. The average 1-bedroom rent in Kentucky is 33% below the national average of $1,196/month.
Key Facts
How much is rent in Kentucky?
The average 1-bedroom rent in Kentucky is $797/month as of 2026, based on HUD Fair Market Rent data across 754 cities and 891 ZIP codes. Rents statewide have changed +1.7% year over year. Rents vary widely by city — see the table below for a breakdown.
What is a fair rent increase in Kentucky?
Based on market data, a rent increase around 1.7% is broadly in line with the Kentucky statewide trend for 2026. Increases above this level exceed the statewide average, though local conditions vary significantly. Check city and ZIP-level pages for your specific area.
Rent by City in Kentucky
| City | 1-BR Fair Market Rent |
|---|---|
| Louisville | $1,038 |
| Lexington | $1,121 |
| Owensboro | $849 |
| Pike County | $750 |
| Butler County | $660 |
| Bowling Green | $998 |
| Laurel County | $670 |
| Morgan County | $677 |
| Barren County | $693 |
| Pulaski County | $710 |
| Clay County | $760 |
| Madison County | $773 |
| Elizabethtown | $850 |
| Franklin County | $860 |
| Lyndon | $1,270 |
| Crittenden County | $660 |
| Marion County | $670 |
| Harlan County | $700 |
| Todd County | $700 |
| Fleming County | $710 |
Showing top 20 of 754 cities.
Sorted by number of zip codes. Source: HUD SAFMR FY2026.
Questions about rent in Kentucky
What is the average 1-bedroom rent in Kentucky?
The average 1-bedroom fair market rent in Kentucky is $797/month as of 2026, based on statewide coverage across 754 cities and 891 ZIP codes. This is 33% below the national average of $1,196/month.
What is a fair rent increase in Kentucky?
A rent increase up to about 1.7% is roughly in line with the recent statewide trend in Kentucky. A larger increase is above trend and should be checked against local city and ZIP data. The statewide average 1-BR rent is $797/month — your specific city may differ significantly.
Are rents going up or down in Kentucky?
Statewide rents in Kentucky have increased 1.7% year over year based on the trend shown on this page. This is based on Apartment List data covering multiple cities and ZIP codes across the state.
How broad is the rent coverage in Kentucky?
This page summarizes rent benchmarks across 754 cities and 891 ZIP codes in Kentucky, giving a broad statewide view before drilling down into city and ZIP-level pages. Data is sourced from HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents (FY2026) and supplemented with Apartment List trend data where available.
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Renter Tools
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Renter Guides
- How to Negotiate a Rent Increase →
A data-driven guide with free email templates for pushing back on your landlord.
- Rent Increase Laws in Kentucky →
See notice rules, caps, and tenant protections in Kentucky.
- What Should I Pay for Rent? →
How to compare rent prices and know if you're getting a fair deal.
Market data updated monthly from public and third-party sources. Actual rents vary by unit, building, and lease terms. For informational purposes only — not legal or financial advice. See methodology →