Kentucky · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Wolfe County, KY

The median household in Wolfe County, KY earns $30,417 a year ($2,535/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $866/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $34,640 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 9.8% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$30,417$2,535 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$866HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)90.2-9.8% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate14.3¢per kWh · EIA Residential KY
Census Population6,443Official resident count

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

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

Moderate cost burden (30–50%)
HUD Fair Market Rent$866Monthly market rent
Share of gross income34.2%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$34,640To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$760At 30% of $30,417
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Wolfe County, KY

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Wolfe 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 Wolfe County, KY
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$619$7,428$24,76024.4%
1-Bedroom Apartment$683$8,196$27,32026.9%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$866$10,392$34,64034.2%
3-Bedroom Home$1,081$12,972$43,24042.6%
4-Bedroom Home$1,209$14,508$48,36047.7%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Wolfe County, KY →

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

Based on the local median household income of $30,417/year ($2,535/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$1,267/moRent ($866 2-BR), utilities (~$128/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$760/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 90.2 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$507/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.

$30,417
$15,000$65,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$30,417
Net 84%
Fed 5%
KY 3%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$25,673After all taxes
Monthly deposit$2,139Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$987Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate15.6%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$1,470 / yr
Kentucky state income tax$947 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$2,327 / yr

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Wolfe County, KY

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

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Wolfe County, KY is $30,417 per year (approximately $2,535 per month).

What is the average rent in Wolfe County, KY?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Wolfe County, KY are $619 for a studio, $683 for 1 bedroom, $866 for 2 bedrooms, $1,081 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,209 for 4 bedrooms.

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

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Wolfe 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 Wolfe County, KY?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($866/month) in Wolfe County, KY requires a minimum gross household income of $34,640 per year ($2,887 per month).

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

For a typical household earning the median income of $30,417/year ($2,535/month) in Wolfe County, KY, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $1,267/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $760/month to discretionary spending, and $507/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Wolfe 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.