Cost of Living in Morehead, KY
Population 6,924 · Kentucky · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $35,000, median household incomes in Morehead land roughly 53% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Around 34% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Geographically, Morehead is about 55 miles east of Lexington-Fayette urban county, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 35% 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 Morehead
The median home value in Morehead is $176,300 — 42% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $791/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $35,000/year is 53% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.1%, 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, Morehead has a cost of living index of 59 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% less expensive.
Morehead 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Morehead, KY?
Morehead has a cost index of 59 (100 = national average). It is 41% below the national average.
What is average rent in Morehead, KY?
The median gross rent in Morehead is $791 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Morehead?
The median home value in Morehead is $176,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Morehead?
The median household income in Morehead is $35,000 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Morehead, KY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Morehead is 6.0%. The Kentucky state income tax top rate is 4.0%.
Is Morehead, KY affordable?
Yes, Morehead is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 59 — about 41% below the US national average of 100.
Morehead at a Glance
- Population
- 6,924
- Median Income
- $35,000
- Home Value
- $176,300
- Median Rent
- $791/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.1%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Kentucky Rankings
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