Where rent has outpaced income in Kentucky since 2019
Kentucky cities ranked by rent growth minus household income growth from 2019 to 2024 (Zillow yearly average rent, Census 5-year income). Cities with 15,000+ residents.
Key findings
- Bowling Green ranks first, with rent up 32.8% against household income up 15.8% since 2019.
- Across all 2 cities on this list, the median rent is $1,513/mo.
Data as of September 2026. Change in Zillow's yearly average rent from 2019 to 2024, minus the change in Census median household income over the same years. Updated monthly. Download this list (CSV)
Best value (RRS)Overheated (RRS)Most affordableMost expensiveRent fallingRent risingBest rent/incomeMost rent-burdenedRecord-high rentSeasonal swingsRent vs. income
2 cities
| Rank | City | Gap (points) | Rent since 2019 | Income since 2019 | Median rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Bowling GreenKY | +17.0 | +32.8% | +15.8% | $1,240/mo |
| 02 | CovingtonKY | +6.6 | +47.4% | +40.8% | $1,513/mo |