Cost of Living in Middlesborough, KY

Population 9,258 · Kentucky · Data vintage 2023

38
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Middlesborough run well below national norms — a median of $34,349 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $89,000). Around 29% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.

Located 45 miles north of Knoxville, Middlesborough falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 59% lower than Knoxville's $214,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 29
Rent 51

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

About the Cost of Living in Middlesborough

The median home value in Middlesborough is $88,700 — 71% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $670/month, 49% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $34,349/year is 54% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 11.2%, 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 67.5°F and lows of 46.2°F. Overall, Middlesborough has a cost of living index of 38 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 62% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$88,700
71% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$115,303
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$670/mo
49% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
11.0x
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 57.8%
Renter-occupied 42.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$670
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,284/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
19.9 min
26% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
60.7%
Carpooled
29.9%
Walked
4.1%
Bicycle
0.4%
Work from home
4.1%

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
$34,349
54% below avg
Per Capita Income
$21,393
Unemployment Rate
11.2%
134% above avg
Poverty Rate
28.8%
Labor Force Participation
42.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 9.6%
Graduate degree 5.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.8
Male median age 33.5
Female median age 47.8

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
67.5°F
Avg Low
46.2°F
Annual Precip
51.3"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 455058697784868680705849
Low °F 273036455462666558453630
Precip" 3.894.024.574.655.045.065.163.973.553.293.524.54

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 49 — Good
50.7%
Good air days/yr
131
Max AQI recorded
291
PM2.5 days
74
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Middlesborough, KY?

Middlesborough has a cost index of 38 (100 = national average). It is 62% below the national average.

What is average rent in Middlesborough, KY?

The median gross rent in Middlesborough is $670 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Middlesborough?

The median home value in Middlesborough is $88,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Middlesborough?

The median household income in Middlesborough is $34,349 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Middlesborough, KY?

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

Is Middlesborough, KY affordable?

Yes, Middlesborough is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 38 — about 62% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Middlesborough?

Middlesborough has average high temperatures of 67.5°F and average lows of 46.2°F. Annual precipitation is 51.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Middlesborough at a Glance

Population
9,258
Median Income
$34,349
Home Value
$88,700
Median Rent
$670/mo
Unemployment
11.2%
Avg High Temp
67.5°F
Sales Tax
6.0%
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