Cost of Living in Russell, KY
Population 3,696 · Kentucky · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Russell can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $208,000 against $76,389 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country.
Russell lies roughly 100 miles east of the nearest major metro, Lexington-Fayette urban county — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 24% 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 Russell
The median home value in Russell is $207,900 — 32% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $803/month, 39% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $76,389/year is 2% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.3%, 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 66.6°F and lows of 46.3°F, with about 19.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Russell has a cost of living index of 65 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 35% less expensive.
Russell 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 43 | 47 | 57 | 69 | 76 | 83 | 86 | 86 | 80 | 69 | 57 | 47 |
| Low °F | 26 | 29 | 36 | 46 | 54 | 62 | 66 | 65 | 58 | 46 | 37 | 30 |
| Precip" | 3.10 | 3.37 | 4.16 | 3.91 | 4.51 | 4.20 | 5.08 | 3.95 | 3.16 | 3.02 | 3.07 | 3.57 |
| Snow" | 6.0 | 5.8 | 4.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 2.7 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Russell, KY?
Russell has a cost index of 65 (100 = national average). It is 35% below the national average.
What is average rent in Russell, KY?
The median gross rent in Russell is $803 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Russell?
The median home value in Russell is $207,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Russell?
The median household income in Russell is $76,389 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Russell, KY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Russell is 6.0%. The Kentucky state income tax top rate is 4.0%.
Is Russell, KY affordable?
Yes, Russell is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 65 — about 35% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Russell?
Russell has average high temperatures of 66.6°F and average lows of 46.3°F. Annual precipitation is 45.1". Average annual snowfall is 19.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Russell at a Glance
- Population
- 3,696
- Median Income
- $76,389
- Home Value
- $207,900
- Median Rent
- $803/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 66.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Kentucky Rankings
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