Kentucky · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Pulaski County, KY

The median household in Pulaski County, KY earns $51,898 a year ($4,325/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $926/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $37,040 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 9.8% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$51,898$4,325 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$926HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)90.2-9.8% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate14.3¢per kWh · EIA Residential KY
Census Population65,897Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Pulaski County, KY

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$926Monthly market rent
Share of gross income21.4%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$37,040To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,297At 30% of $51,898
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Pulaski County, KY

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Pulaski County, KY. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Pulaski County, KY
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$662$7,944$26,48015.3%
1-Bedroom Apartment$706$8,472$28,24016.3%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$926$11,112$37,04021.4%
3-Bedroom Home$1,110$13,320$44,40025.7%
4-Bedroom Home$1,355$16,260$54,20031.3%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Pulaski County, KY →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Pulaski County, KY

Based on the local median household income of $51,898/year ($4,325/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$2,162/moRent ($926 2-BR), utilities (~$128/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,297/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 90.2 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$865/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Kentucky

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Kentucky state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$51,898
$20,000$105,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$51,898
Net 81%
Fed 8%
KY 3%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$42,181After all taxes
Monthly deposit$3,515Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,622Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate18.7%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$4,048 / yr
Kentucky state income tax$1,699 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$3,970 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Kentucky with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Pulaski County, KY

What is the median household income in Pulaski County, KY?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Pulaski County, KY is $51,898 per year (approximately $4,325 per month).

What is the average rent in Pulaski County, KY?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Pulaski County, KY are $662 for a studio, $706 for 1 bedroom, $926 for 2 bedrooms, $1,110 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,355 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Pulaski County, KY compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Pulaski County, KY is 90.2 (9.8% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Pulaski County, KY?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($926/month) in Pulaski County, KY requires a minimum gross household income of $37,040 per year ($3,087 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Pulaski County, KY?

For a typical household earning the median income of $51,898/year ($4,325/month) in Pulaski County, KY, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,162/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,297/month to discretionary spending, and $865/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Pulaski County, KY?

Residential electricity rates in Kentucky average 14.3¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $128 per month.