Cost of living in Harlan County, KY
Population 26,185 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Harlan County
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Harlan County
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Harlan County
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Harlan County
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Harlan County
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.
Taxes in Harlan County
State and local tax rates for Kentucky.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Harlan County
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Harlan County
What it costs to live in Harlan County each month.
- Rent $685
- Energy $194
- Water $55
- Groceries $312
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $349
- State tax $105
- Rent $867
- Energy $233
- Water $65
- Groceries $517
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $304
- State tax $124
- Rent $1,129
- Energy $291
- Water $75
- Groceries $784
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $304
- State tax $124
Frequently asked questions about Harlan County
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Harlan County?
In Harlan County, KY, a one-bedroom apartment averages $685 per month, a two-bedroom averages $867 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,129 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Harlan County?
In Harlan County, KY, the average household income is $37,198 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $31,385 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Harlan County?
The estimated cost of living in Harlan County, KY is approximately $2,500 per month for a single person, $3,394 for a couple, $5,777 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Harlan County?
The combined sales tax rate in Harlan County, KY is 6.00%, which includes the Kentucky state rate of 6.00% plus an average local rate of 0.00%.
Is Harlan County an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Harlan County, KY would need approximately $2,500 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $37,198 per year ($3,100 per month). Harlan County has a high cost of living relative to local earnings.
How much does healthcare cost in Harlan County?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Harlan County, KY is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 4.7% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Harlan County?
The average home value in Harlan County, KY is $73,100, with average annual property taxes of $722, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Harlan County compare to other areas?
You can compare Harlan County, KY with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Harlan County is in Kentucky.
Other counties in Kentucky
Browse the full list of counties in Kentucky, ranked by cost of living.
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About this data
All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.
- HUD FMR FY2025
- ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
- EIA
- ACS + national avg
- ACS
- USDA + BEA RPP