Cost of Living in Wilmore, KY

Population 6,031 · Kentucky · Data vintage 2023

67
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Wilmore offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $211,000 — costs less than 3.3 times median household income of $64,245, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.7% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Wilmore sits roughly 15 miles southwest of Lexington-Fayette urban county — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 23% lower than Lexington-Fayette urban county's $272,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 69
Rent 65

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

About the Cost of Living in Wilmore

The median home value in Wilmore is $210,700 — 31% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $855/month, 35% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $64,245/year is 14% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.7%, 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, Wilmore has a cost of living index of 67 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 33% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$210,700
31% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$181,947
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$855/mo
35% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.5x
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 52.1%
Renter-occupied 47.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$855
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,469/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
22.7 min
16% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
11.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
58.9%
Carpooled
17.5%
Walked
11.2%
Work from home
11.9%

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
$64,245
14% below avg
Per Capita Income
$25,845
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
44% below avg
Poverty Rate
11.8%
Labor Force Participation
65.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 22.8%
Graduate degree 22.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 29.3
Male median age 29.4
Female median age 29.1

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 43 — Good
86.1%
Good air days/yr
122
Max AQI recorded
0
PM2.5 days
245
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Wilmore, KY?

Wilmore has a cost index of 67 (100 = national average). It is 33% below the national average.

What is average rent in Wilmore, KY?

The median gross rent in Wilmore is $855 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Wilmore?

The median home value in Wilmore is $210,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Wilmore?

The median household income in Wilmore is $64,245 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Wilmore, KY?

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

Is Wilmore, KY affordable?

Yes, Wilmore is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 67 — about 33% below the US national average of 100.