Cost of Living in Elsmere, KY

Population 9,151 · Kentucky · Data vintage 2023

71
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Elsmere 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.

Located 11 miles southwest of Cincinnati, Elsmere falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 27% lower than Cincinnati's $215,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 52
Rent 99

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

About the Cost of Living in Elsmere

The median home value in Elsmere is $157,200 — 48% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,303/month, 1% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $61,427/year is 18% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.0%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 64.4°F and lows of 44.9°F, with about 23.3" of annual snowfall. Overall, Elsmere has a cost of living index of 71 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 29% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$157,200
48% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$317,829
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,303/mo
1% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,644/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
10.1x
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 70.3%
Renter-occupied 29.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,303
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,917/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
20.4 min
24% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
72.5%
Carpooled
16.5%
Walked
0.3%
Work from home
8.2%

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
$61,427
18% below avg
Per Capita Income
$29,192
Unemployment Rate
6.0%
25% above avg
Poverty Rate
14.7%
Labor Force Participation
76.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 21.4%
Graduate degree 2.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 31.6
Male median age 30.8
Female median age 31.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
64.4°F
Avg Low
44.9°F
Annual Precip
45.3"
Annual Snowfall
23.3"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 404454667583868579675443
Low °F 232634445462666557463528
Precip" 3.303.174.164.534.674.753.833.433.113.353.233.73
Snow" 7.76.73.40.40.00.00.00.00.00.20.84.1

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Elsmere, KY?

Elsmere has a cost index of 71 (100 = national average). It is 29% below the national average.

What is average rent in Elsmere, KY?

The median gross rent in Elsmere is $1,303 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Elsmere?

The median home value in Elsmere is $157,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Elsmere?

The median household income in Elsmere is $61,427 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Elsmere, KY?

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

Is Elsmere, KY affordable?

Yes, Elsmere is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 71 — about 29% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Elsmere?

Elsmere has average high temperatures of 64.4°F and average lows of 44.9°F. Annual precipitation is 45.3". Average annual snowfall is 23.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Elsmere at a Glance

Population
9,151
Median Income
$61,427
Home Value
$157,200
Median Rent
$1,303/mo
Unemployment
6.0%
Avg High Temp
64.4°F
Sales Tax
6.0%
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