Special Interest
Housing in Harlan County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Harlan County averages $678/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 Harlan County FMR Area are $694 for a studio, $699 for 1‑bedroom, $866 for 2‑bedroom, $1,142 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,147 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $188 increase for a 2-bedroom in Harlan County shows a 28% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Harlan County was 7.2% in 2024, compared to Kentucky at 5.1% and the national rate of 4.0%.
