Special Interest
Housing in Bell County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Bell County averages $592/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 37% of household income on rent, above the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Bell County FMR Area are $597 for a studio, $790 for 1‑bedroom, $866 for 2‑bedroom, $1,133 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,294 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $274 increase for a 2-bedroom in Bell County shows a 46% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Bell County was 6.9% in 2024, compared to Kentucky at 5.1% and the national rate of 4.0%.
