Paducah, KY

Very Low · 56

Kentucky · Population 26,894 · Updated March 2026

$817
Median Rent / Month
$51,243
Median Income
$164,600
Median Home Value
$834
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Paducah

19.1%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Kentucky

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

4.0%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.0%
Sales Tax
0.83%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$9,804
Annual Rent
$2,050
State Income Tax
$1,366
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Paducah is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 56 (where 100 equals the national median), Paducah residents can expect to pay median rent of $817/month while earning a median household income of $51,243/year.

The median home value in Paducah, KY is $164,600, with typical monthly owner costs around $834 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 19.1% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Kentucky has a moderate income tax rate of 4.0%. Combined with a 6.0% sales tax rate and 0.83% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Paducah.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Paducah

What is the cost of living in Paducah, KY?
The cost of living index in Paducah, KY is 56 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $817, median household income is $51,243/year, and the median home value is $164,600.
Is Paducah, KY affordable?
Yes, Paducah is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 56. The rent-to-income ratio is 19.1%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Paducah, KY?
The median gross rent in Paducah, KY is $817 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $9,804.
What is the median household income in Paducah?
The median household income in Paducah, KY is $51,243 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Kentucky?
Kentucky has a top income tax rate of 4.0%, a sales tax of 6.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.83%.