Cost of Living in Prospect, KY

Population 4,518 · Kentucky · Data vintage 2023

136
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

The median resident in Prospect is 55 years old, well past the national midpoint, giving the city the retail and service mix of a retirement-dominant market. Household-income figures here read differently than in working-age cities: retirement and investment income weigh heavily in the totals.

Prospect sits roughly 13 miles north of Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance) — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 123% higher than Louisville/Jefferson County metro government (balance)'s $222,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 162
Rent 98

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

About the Cost of Living in Prospect

The median home value in Prospect is $494,000 — 62% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,287/month, 2% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $172,361/year is 131% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%, below 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, Prospect has a cost of living index of 136 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 36% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$494,000
62% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$612,614
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,287/mo
2% below avg
Zillow Rent
$2,399/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
32.0x
Favors renting
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 92.0%
Renter-occupied 8.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,287
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,901/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
23.9 min
11% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
19.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
68.4%
Carpooled
11.7%
Work from home
19.3%

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
$172,361
131% above avg
Per Capita Income
$98,261
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
6% below avg
Poverty Rate
2.2%
Labor Force Participation
56.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 36.3%
Graduate degree 35.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 55.2
Male median age 55.3
Female median age 55.2

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 55 — Moderate
33.7%
Good air days/yr
171
Max AQI recorded
269
PM2.5 days
94
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Prospect, KY?

Prospect has a cost index of 136 (100 = national average). It is 36% above the national average.

What is average rent in Prospect, KY?

The median gross rent in Prospect is $1,287 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Prospect?

The median home value in Prospect is $494,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Prospect?

The median household income in Prospect is $172,361 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Prospect, KY?

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

Is Prospect, KY affordable?

Prospect is above average in cost of living, with an index of 136 — about 36% higher than the national average.

Prospect at a Glance

Population
4,518
Median Income
$172,361
Home Value
$494,000
Median Rent
$1,287/mo
Unemployment
4.5%
Sales Tax
6.0%
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🗺️ County data for Kentucky

Explore county-level cost of living data

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