Cost of Living in Murray, KY
Population 17,888 · Kentucky · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Murray's median household income of $40,348 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 (25% here).
Murray is about 55 miles west of Clarksville, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 18% lower than Clarksville's $236,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Murray
The median home value in Murray is $193,300 — 37% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $835/month, 36% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $40,348/year is 46% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, 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 69.3°F and lows of 48.2°F, with about 8.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Murray has a cost of living index of 63 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 37% less expensive.
🏠 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 45 | 50 | 60 | 70 | 79 | 87 | 90 | 90 | 83 | 72 | 59 | 48 |
| Low °F | 27 | 31 | 38 | 48 | 58 | 66 | 69 | 67 | 59 | 48 | 38 | 31 |
| Precip" | 3.85 | 3.94 | 4.64 | 5.17 | 4.87 | 4.51 | 4.30 | 3.11 | 3.55 | 3.99 | 4.09 | 4.30 |
| Snow" | 2.7 | 3.0 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 1.8 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Murray, KY?
Murray has a cost index of 63 (100 = national average). It is 37% below the national average.
What is average rent in Murray, KY?
The median gross rent in Murray is $835 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Murray?
The median home value in Murray is $193,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Murray?
The median household income in Murray is $40,348 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Murray, KY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Murray is 6.0%. The Kentucky state income tax top rate is 4.0%.
Is Murray, KY affordable?
Yes, Murray is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 63 — about 37% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Murray?
Murray has average high temperatures of 69.3°F and average lows of 48.2°F. Annual precipitation is 50.3". Average annual snowfall is 8.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Murray at a Glance
- Population
- 17,888
- Median Income
- $40,348
- Home Value
- $193,300
- Median Rent
- $835/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 69.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Kentucky Rankings
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