Cost of Living in Madisonville, KY

Population 19,442 · Kentucky · Data vintage 2023

56
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Madisonville is a smaller Kentucky community of around 19000 residents, where median household incomes of $56,902 and housing costs ($152,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.8% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Geographically, Madisonville is about 45 miles south of Evansville, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 18% higher than Evansville's $129,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 50
Rent 65

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

About the Cost of Living in Madisonville

The median home value in Madisonville is $152,300 — 50% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $860/month, 35% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,902/year is 24% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.8%, 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, Madisonville has a cost of living index of 56 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 44% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$152,300
50% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$159,917
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$860/mo
35% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
14.8x
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 65.1%
Renter-occupied 34.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$860
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,474/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
20.5 min
24% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
85.4%
Carpooled
7.6%
Public transit
0.0%
Walked
1.3%
Work from home
5.5%

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
$56,902
24% below avg
Per Capita Income
$28,915
Unemployment Rate
7.8%
62% above avg
Poverty Rate
20.9%
Labor Force Participation
55.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 11.9%
Graduate degree 10.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 37.4
Male median age 35.6
Female median age 38.5

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

92%
4-Year Graduation Rate
16.1:1
Student-teacher ratio
19
Public schools
6,850
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Madisonville, KY?

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

What is average rent in Madisonville, KY?

The median gross rent in Madisonville is $860 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Madisonville?

The median home value in Madisonville is $152,300 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Madisonville?

The median household income in Madisonville is $56,902 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Madisonville, KY?

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

Is Madisonville, KY affordable?

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

Madisonville at a Glance

Population
19,442
Median Income
$56,902
Home Value
$152,300
Median Rent
$860/mo
Unemployment
7.8%
Sales Tax
6.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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