Special Interest
Housing in Laurel County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Laurel County averages $813/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 28% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Laurel County FMR Area are $636 for a studio, $707 for 1‑bedroom, $922 for 2‑bedroom, $1,118 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,270 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $109 increase for a 2-bedroom in Laurel County shows a 13% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Laurel County was 6.2% in 2024, compared to Kentucky at 5.1% and the national rate of 4.0%.
