Cost of Living in Cynthiana, KY

Population 6,412 · Kentucky · Data vintage 2023

54
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Cynthiana is a smaller Kentucky community of around 6000 residents, where median household incomes of $49,817 and housing costs ($155,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. A poverty rate near 26% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.

Geographically, Cynthiana is about 25 miles northeast of Lexington-Fayette urban county, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 43% lower than Lexington-Fayette urban county's $272,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 51
Rent 58

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Cynthiana

The median home value in Cynthiana is $154,700 — 49% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $763/month, 42% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $49,817/year is 33% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.6%, below 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, Cynthiana has a cost of living index of 54 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 46% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$154,700
49% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$231,744
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$763/mo
42% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
16.9x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.9%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$636
1 BR
$721
2 BR
$872
3 BR
$1,187
4 BR
$1,336
Owner-occupied 47.3%
Renter-occupied 52.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$763
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,377/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
28.6 min
6% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
2.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
77.2%
Carpooled
10.1%
Walked
9.3%
Work from home
2.1%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 4.0%
Total Sales Tax 6.0%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 0.9%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$49,817
33% below avg
Per Capita Income
$23,996
Unemployment Rate
1.6%
66% below avg
Poverty Rate
26.0%
Labor Force Participation
55.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 4.5%
Graduate degree 9.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.3
Male median age 35.3
Female median age 41.7

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

96%
4-Year Graduation Rate
17.4:1
Student-teacher ratio
7
Public schools
2,998
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Cynthiana, KY?

Cynthiana has a cost index of 54 (100 = national average). It is 46% below the national average.

What is average rent in Cynthiana, KY?

The median gross rent in Cynthiana is $763 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Cynthiana?

The median home value in Cynthiana is $154,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Cynthiana?

The median household income in Cynthiana is $49,817 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Cynthiana, KY?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Cynthiana is 6.0%. The Kentucky state income tax top rate is 4.0%.

Is Cynthiana, KY affordable?

Yes, Cynthiana is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 54 — about 46% below the US national average of 100.