Cost of Living in Central City, KY
Population 5,736 · Kentucky · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Central City sits on the smaller end of the Kentucky city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. At 6.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 50 miles north of Clarksville, Central City is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 40% lower than Clarksville's $236,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Central City
The median home value in Central City is $140,700 — 54% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $755/month, 43% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $49,025/year is 34% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. Kentucky's top state income tax rate is 4.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. Overall, Central City has a cost of living index of 51 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 49% less expensive.
Central City has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Central City, KY?
Central City has a cost index of 51 (100 = national average). It is 49% below the national average.
What is average rent in Central City, KY?
The median gross rent in Central City is $755 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Central City?
The median home value in Central City is $140,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Central City?
The median household income in Central City is $49,025 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Central City, KY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Central City is 6.0%. The Kentucky state income tax top rate is 4.0%.
Is Central City, KY affordable?
Yes, Central City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 51 — about 49% below the US national average of 100.
Central City at a Glance
- Population
- 5,736
- Median Income
- $49,025
- Home Value
- $140,700
- Median Rent
- $755/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.1%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Kentucky Rankings
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