Cost of Living in Hazard, KY
Population 5,105 · Kentucky · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Hazard offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $146,000 — costs less than 2.1 times median household income of $68,582, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.3% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Hazard lies roughly 90 miles southeast of the nearest major metro, Lexington-Fayette urban county — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 46% lower than Lexington-Fayette urban county's $272,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Hazard
The median home value in Hazard is $146,100 — 52% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $718/month, 45% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $68,582/year is 8% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.3%, 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, Hazard has a cost of living index of 51 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 49% less expensive.
Hazard 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Hazard, KY?
Hazard has a cost index of 51 (100 = national average). It is 49% below the national average.
What is average rent in Hazard, KY?
The median gross rent in Hazard is $718 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Hazard?
The median home value in Hazard is $146,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Hazard?
The median household income in Hazard is $68,582 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Hazard, KY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Hazard is 6.0%. The Kentucky state income tax top rate is 4.0%.
Is Hazard, KY affordable?
Yes, Hazard is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 51 — about 49% below the US national average of 100.
Hazard at a Glance
- Population
- 5,105
- Median Income
- $68,582
- Home Value
- $146,100
- Median Rent
- $718/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.3%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Kentucky Rankings
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