Cost of Living in Grayson, KY

Population 3,820 · Kentucky · Data vintage 2023

44
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Grayson's median household income of $28,548 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (40% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Geographically, Grayson lies roughly 85 miles east of the nearest major metro, Lexington-Fayette urban county. Median home values run roughly 54% lower than Lexington-Fayette urban county's $272,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 41
Rent 48

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

About the Cost of Living in Grayson

The median home value in Grayson is $125,600 — 59% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $632/month, 52% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $28,548/year is 62% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.4%, 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 66.6°F and lows of 46.3°F, with about 19.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Grayson has a cost of living index of 44 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 56% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$125,600
59% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$172,727
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$632/mo
52% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
16.6x
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 42.3%
Renter-occupied 57.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$632
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,246/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
24.5 min
9% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
3.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
67.3%
Carpooled
13.8%
Walked
15.5%
Work from home
3.4%

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
$28,548
62% below avg
Per Capita Income
$19,549
Unemployment Rate
8.4%
75% above avg
Poverty Rate
40.1%
Labor Force Participation
48.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 5.9%
Graduate degree 9.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 33.6
Male median age 31.4
Female median age 39.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
66.6°F
Avg Low
46.3°F
Annual Precip
45.1"
Annual Snowfall
19.8"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 434757697683868680695747
Low °F 262936465462666558463730
Precip" 3.103.374.163.914.514.205.083.953.163.023.073.57
Snow" 6.05.84.30.30.00.00.00.00.00.20.52.7

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 40 — Good
78%
Good air days/yr
153
Max AQI recorded
233
PM2.5 days
131
Ozone days

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

98%
4-Year Graduation Rate
16.5:1
Student-teacher ratio
12
Public schools
4,342
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Grayson, KY?

Grayson has a cost index of 44 (100 = national average). It is 56% below the national average.

What is average rent in Grayson, KY?

The median gross rent in Grayson is $632 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Grayson?

The median home value in Grayson is $125,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Grayson?

The median household income in Grayson is $28,548 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Grayson, KY?

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

Is Grayson, KY affordable?

Yes, Grayson is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 44 — about 56% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Grayson?

Grayson has average high temperatures of 66.6°F and average lows of 46.3°F. Annual precipitation is 45.1". Average annual snowfall is 19.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Grayson at a Glance

Population
3,820
Median Income
$28,548
Home Value
$125,600
Median Rent
$632/mo
Unemployment
8.4%
Avg High Temp
66.6°F
Sales Tax
6.0%
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