Special Interest
Housing in Carter County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Carter County averages $740/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Kentucky median of $967 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 32% of household income on rent, equal to the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Carter County FMR Area are $698 for a studio, $703 for 1‑bedroom, $866 for 2‑bedroom, $1,204 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,254 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $126 increase for a 2-bedroom in Carter County shows a 17% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Carter County was 8.3% in 2024, compared to Kentucky at 5.1% and the national rate of 4.0%.
