City Report · KY

Frankfort

Pop. 28,503·35th most expensive in Kentucky·One of the most affordable rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$1,035/mo
Year-over-Year
-3.4%
Month-over-Month
-10.1%
vs US Median
-$927
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Frankfort · $1,035
More affordable than 97% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
76/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 13% below what Frankfort's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,035/mo
Expected by trend
$1,192/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Frankfort's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$880
1 BR
$970
2 BR
$1,180
3 BR
$1,540
4 BR+
$1,760
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$1,180/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,035 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$12,420/yr
At $1,035/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 3.4% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (-3.4% YoY, -10.1% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Frankfort, KY is roughly split between renters and owners, has a median income below the national average, 28.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
28,503
Median income
$53,073
Median age
35.3
Renters
51.2%
Age distribution
22.6%
26.8%
21.7%
12.8%
16%
Under 1822.6%
18–3426.8%
35–5421.7%
55–6412.8%
65+16%
Gender
49.3%
50.7%
Male49.3%
Female50.7%
Race & ethnicity
72.9%
14.2%
White72.9%
Black14.2%
Hispanic6.4%
Asian2.3%
Other4%
Education (25+)
30.8%
31.7%
28.4%
No HS diploma9.2%
HS diploma30.8%
Some college31.7%
Bachelor's+28.4%
Housing tenure
48.8%
51.2%
Owner48.8%
Renter51.2%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Frankfort, KY has changed in 5 years

Rent
$796 → $1,035
up 30.0%
Income
$51,731 → $53,073
up 2.6%
Population
28,479 → 28,503
up 0.1%
Renter share
54% → 51.2%
-2.8 pts
Bachelor's+
28% → 28.4%
+0.4 pts

Across the past five years, the going rent in Frankfort, KY has shifted from $796 to $1,035, up 30.0% since 2021. Census figures show median household income at $53,073 today, compared with $51,731 five years earlier. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. The renter share has eased from 54% to 51.2%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

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View Frankfort rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Frankfort on your salary?

At $1,035/mo, how Frankfort rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Frankfort rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Frankfort. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Frankfort

About renting in Frankfort, KY

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Frankfort is $1,035/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $880/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,180/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $970/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,540/mo.

At 23% of local median household income ($53,073/yr), Frankfort ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 3.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Frankfort an affordable city for renters?

Frankfort is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,035/mo, rent takes approximately 23% of the local median household income ($53,073/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Frankfort falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Frankfort?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $41,000/year (~$20/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,035/mo in Frankfort. The local median household income is $53,073/yr, meaning the typical Frankfort household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Frankfort?

Rent in Frankfort has decreased 3.4% over the past year as of August 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does Frankfort rent compare to other cities in Kentucky?

Frankfort is one of the more affordable cities in Kentucky for rent, ranking #35 out of 36 tracked cities at $1,035/mo.

What percentage of Frankfort residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 51.2% of Frankfort households are renters, while 48.8% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Frankfort has a strong rental market.

How does Frankfort rent compare to the national average?

Frankfort's median rent of $1,035/mo is $927 (47%) below the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Kentucky, it ranks #35 out of 36 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
23%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,035/mo, rent takes ~23% of Frankfort's median household income ($53,073/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Frankfort 23%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4%
Run the Frankfort affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Frankfort, KY

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