7 Most Affordable and Safe Places to Live in Kentucky

With home prices going through the roof—literally—many are moving to places known to be affordable. One state that is ranked the most affordable to buy a home is the Bluegrass State, better known as Kentucky. 

Despite what some may think, Kentucky can be a great state to live in. Nature lovers will love locations such as Mammoth Cave, the many nature trails you can find in the state, and the mountains. Those looking for city life will enjoy Louisville, while Bowling Green can be a fantastic place for a college student or those who are young at heart. While the summers can get swampy, the winters are usually mild, and the rain invites plenty of fauna for you to enjoy!

Those looking for a safe place to move can also rejoice,knowing Kentucky is ranked 7th in low violent crime rates and public safety. If you want a place that combines safety and affordability, your old Kentucky home may be for you. Knowing that, we decided to look at seven affordable and safe places to live. 

That said, total affordability and safety are difficult to achieve, with some not achieving that perfect balance. Many places are affordable due to poverty, and poverty can lead to crime. On the other hand, safe communities tend to be tightly-knit suburban towns where the prices can go high. So, some places may slide one way or the other. Keep that in mind. 

When considering what town to settle down in, research the neighborhoods and ask the locals what the safest places are. The data is important, but so are the lived experiences of the residents. That said, let’s look at seven towns that you can settle down in!

Before we begin, here are a few facts about Kentucky that will help you consider if moving to Kentucky is right for you.

1. Taxes
   Kentucky’s flat income tax rate is 4.5%, around the national average.
   Depending on the city you live in, you may be expected to pay more, with the total tax rate being about 7.25% in some areas. At 6%, Kentucky’s median property tax rate is lower than most states. The sales tax rate is 6%, with no additional sales taxes by cities or counties.
2. Climate
   Kentucky generally has a humid, subtropical climate. One can expect hot summers, mild winters with occasional arctic temperatures, and moderate falls and springs. Rainfall is quite common year-round, with severe thunderstorms and tornadoes being two threats one may face when living there.

1. Princeton- Peak Small-Town Life

Princeton is situated in the western Kentucky area. It’s a picture-perfect small-town experience, with a population of a little over 6,000. So, if you want someplace to live a quiet life, Princeton may be for you. And if you want a little more excitement in your life, Princeton is just an hour and a half from the Music City itself, Nashville, TN!

It’s also a relatively safe town, safer than 28% of the cities in the U.S. The violent crime rate is below the state average, but property crime is about equal to the state average. So, while not the safest location, it’s also a town where people keep to themselves. As long as you live a quiet life and do not bother anyone, you should be safe. Your neighborhood and income level may also determine your safety in Princeton. The income level is lower-middle class at around $46k, but there are many areas for higher-income individuals. 

Princeton is a great place to enjoy nature. It’s near the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation area, where you can hike, boat, or just disappear from nature for a while. 

Because it’s a tightly-knit small town, there’s also a lot of local culture. For example, do you want to eat fresh? The Caldwell County Farmers Market can give you freshly-grown fruits and veggies. If you like experiencing history and culture, Big Springs Park has a historic Cherokee campsite, and the Adsmore Museum can give you a look into life back in the day. Enjoy some country ham? Just head over to Newsom’s Old Mill Store, and you can get some salty aged country ham that will make your mouth water. 

Overall, Princeton is a great place if you’re looking for something affordable but not too low-income. It’s a small town you should go to if you enjoy the beautiful life Kentucky has to offer. Read below to see more statistics. 

A. Median Household Income, Median Home Value, Annual Spend for Homeowners, and Annual Spend for Renters

Princeton MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $46,317.

B. Employment Prospects

• As of June 2024, the unemployment rate is 5%, slightly above the Kentucky state average of 4.6% and the U.S. national average of 4.1%. 
• The poverty rate is 15.6%, below the Kentucky state average of 16.4% and above the U.S. poverty rate of 11.1%. 
• The average commute time is 23.6 minutes. 

C. Healthcare
Princeton has Caldwell Medical Center and Health First CHC. If you need urgent care, Princeton has a Fast Pace health center. 

D. Education
These statistics come from 2018-2022 and reflect individuals aged 25 or higher. 

• High school graduate or higher: 82.50%, below Kentucky’s rate of 88.20% and the U.S. national average of 89.1%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 16.80%, below Kentucky’s rate of 26.5% and the U.S. average of 34.3%.

E. Leisure
Princeton has many parks, including City County Park, Dotson Park, and Big Springs.  

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2. Old Louisville- Best for Those Living in Louisville

Finally, we have Old Louisville, a Louisville neighborhood. We wanted to include a place in Louisville, as some readers may be looking to move to the city for career reasons or because they want to live close to all the action. 

As the name implies, this is Louisville’s historic district. Here, you can expect Victorian architecture, plenty of historical building signs, and feeling like you’re away from the city but close to it at the same time.

The average home price is $372k, a little higher than others on this list. However, it’s relatively cheap compared to a good chunk of Louisville, making it an affordable option if you want to live in the Louisville area. 

Louisville has a bad rep for crime, but Old Louisville is one of the better neighborhoods, with crime being 21% below the national average. When you’re in Old Louisville, it’s possible to be in the city without worrying about being robbed or attacked. The violent crime rate is low. 

However, some neighborhoods in Old Louisville may be a bit infamous for property crimes. Always do your research before you decide where to live and have home security measures in place!

Besides being close to everything happening in Louisville, Old Louisville has plenty of stuff within walking distance. You can find plenty of unique breweries and food places, and some museums give you a glimpse into Louisville’s rich history. It’s also near Central Park, so you can enjoy nature without having to take a road trip. 

Overall, Old Louisville is like any city where the property costs will cost you. If you’re renting, you may pay a lot less, as is the nature of cities. And depending on where you live, property crime may be problematic. But as long as you do your research, you will find that Old Louisville can be a great place to live!

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The Pros and Cons of Living in Kentucky

Whether you’re looking for exciting city life, suburbs to raise a family, or a little R&R in the countryside, Kentucky has something to offer everyone. It’s an affordable, friendly place with beautiful scenery, picturesque bourbon distilleries, and historical sites…

A. Median Household Income, Median Home Value, Annual Spend for Homeowners, and Annual Spend for Renters: 

Old Louisville MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $33,879.

B. Employment Prospects: 

• As of June 2024, the unemployment rate is 7%, slightly above the Kentucky state average of 4.6% and the U.S. national average of 4.1%. 
• The poverty rate is 7.5%, below the Kentucky state average of 16.4% and the U.S. poverty rate of 11.1%. 
• The average commute time is 23.8 minutes.

C. Healthcare
You are near Louisville’s many hospitals, such as UofL and Jewish Hospitals. In the immediate area, you have the All Around urgent care center. 

D. Education
These statistics come from 2018-2022 and reflect individuals aged 25 or higher. 

• High school graduate or higher: 39%, drastically below Kentucky’s rate of 88.20% and the U.S. national average of 89.1%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 14.78%, below Kentucky’s rate of 26.5% and the U.S. average of 34.3%.

E. Leisure
In addition to Louisville’s many parks and recreational facilities, you’re near historic monuments and locations such as Conrad’s Castle, Central Park, and the Filson Historical Society. 

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3. Middlesboro- Best for Affordable Homes

Despite its name being called this, it’s located in the bottom right corner of the state. All jokes aside, Middlesboro is one of the most affordable places to live in Kentucky, with some sources putting the median home price as low as $87,000. Nowadays, the idea of a home being below six digits is unheard of in most areas! It’s much below lower than the national average. 

Despite its affordable prices, Middlesboro is so low on this list because the crime rate is a little high, with 362 annual crimes. This may be due to its poverty rate, which is nearly 30%. But like any location, it’s all about where you live. The north side of Middlesboro is considered the safest, so you can balance safety and affordable home prices. 

With that said, violent crimes are very low. The crime rate mainly focuses on property crimes. Middlesboro has many safe neighborhoods, and as long as you have good home security, you’re in the clear. The income is slightly above $35,000, so if you have a larger income, you should find no shortage of homes that will suit your needs in safer, more affordable neighborhoods. 

Middlesboro also has plenty to do. It’s near Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, where Daniel Boone’s original trail originates. It also has a mall and plenty of events on its Main Street.

Also, if you want to go to a bigger city, it’s only about an hour and a half drive from Knoxville, TN, where you can enjoy city life and get lost in nature. 

Overall, if you want extremely affordable homes, Middlesboro is for you. It’s also great if you want to be in a small, but not too small, town. However, you do need to be mindful of the crime rate in some neighborhoods, particularly when it comes to the violent crime department. Read below to look at the details. 

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A. Median Household Income, Median Home Value, Annual Spend for Homeowners, and Annual Spend for Renters

Middlesboro MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $35,798. 

B. Employment Prospects

• As of June 2024, the unemployment rate is 6.60%, above the Kentucky state average of 4.6% and the U.S. national average of 4.1%. 
• The poverty rate is 29.2%, above the Kentucky state average of 16.4% and the U.S. poverty rate of 11.1%. 
• The average commute time is 17.8 minutes.

C. Healthcare
Middlesboro has Middlesboro ARH Hospital for medical emergencies. If you have a minor issue, visit Fast Pace Health, which is the walk-in clinic. Middlesboro Nursing & Rehabilitation is also available for those needing rehab. 

D. Education
These statistics come from 2018-2022 and reflect individuals aged 25 or higher. 

• High school graduate or higher: 79.80%, below Kentucky’s rate of 88.20% and the U.S. national average of 89.1%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 13.30%, below Kentucky’s rate of 26.5% and the U.S. average of 34.3%. 

E. Leisure
Middlesboro is near many parks, including Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Lincoln Park, Buddy Massengill Park, and Ford Woods Park. Walt Overbay Field is also handicap-accessible. 

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4. Madisonville- The Best Balance of Affordability and Safety

If you’re looking for an industrial career, Madisonville is one of the best places to live. This is because of all the highways and railways the city is located next to. And even if you’re not, there’s still plenty to do and see in Madisonville. 

At $143k for an average home, Madisonville is decently affordable, with many home options available. It is ranked 48% safer than other U.S. cities, making it a place where you can rest easy.

For example, its violent crime and property crime rates are far below the state and national averages. Overall, Madisonville is a more middle-class city, with an average income of around $50k. If you have that income, you should be able to find a safe, affordable home somewhere in Madisonville. 

Madisonville is a town that is close to cities with plenty to do. For example, it’s close to Evansville, Indiana. But on its own, Madisonville has plenty of sites to see. The Mahr Park Arboretum has gorgeous trees and crystal-clear bodies of water. If you like to go golfing, Madisonville City Park has a sprawling golf course, even with a mini golf course for kids or casual players. 

There are also plenty of events to do in this town. One example is the Illuminated Hot Air Balloon Glow. You can see hot air balloons fly high in the sky, lighting up the night. It’s mind-blowing, especially if you’re sitting around in nature. 

Overall, if you’re looking for a middle-class town with low crime rates, Madisonville may be for you. Some people who are looking for truly cheap homes may not want to go here. However, some neighborhoods in Madisonville may offer more affordable homes. Here are some statistics that break it down. 

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A. Median Household Income, Median Home Value, Annual Spend for Homeowners, and Annual Spend for Renters: 

Madisonville MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $54,234.

B. Employment Prospects: 

• As of June 2024, the unemployment rate is 6.10%, above the Kentucky state average of 4.6% and the U.S. national average of 4.1%. 
• The poverty rate is 21%, above the Kentucky state average of 16.4% and the U.S. poverty rate of 11.1%. 
• The average commute time is 19.4 minutes. 

C. Healthcare
Madisonville has many health centers, including the Owensboro Health Family Medicine, Baptist Health Deaconess, First Care Urgent Clinic, and Hillside Nursing & Rehab. 

D. Education
These statistics come from 2018-2022 and reflect individuals aged 25 or higher. 

• High school graduate or higher: 89.80%, above Kentucky’s rate of 88.20% and the U.S. national average of 89.1%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 20.80%, below Kentucky’s rate of 26.5% and the U.S. average of 34.3%.  

E. Leisure
Madisonville has many parks and recreation areas. Madisonville City Park includes unique amenities like golf, mini-golf, and disc golf courses. There’s Dr. Festus Claybon Park and Larry Carney Center for events. 

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5. Williamsburg- Great for Outdoorsy Types

Williamsburg is an eastern town that won’t cost much to live in. Its median home rate is $92k, meaning you can find affordable homes that give you plenty of legroom. Again, there’s nothing better than finding a house that costs under 100k nowadays! As for the crime rate, Williamsburg is safer than about 46% of U.S. cities, so you can relax in your home without worrying too much about an uninvited guest. Its violent and property crime rates are known for being below the state average, meaning you can rest easy. 

One reason this town is affordable is its income, which is $33,875. So, this is a lower-class town. If you can come in with a decent income, you should find a great home and neighborhood without breaking the bank. 

Williamsburg is also a great place to live because there is so much to do, especially if you like to get out and explore nature. As you may know, Kentucky summers get hot and humid, and there are times when it feels like it never cools down! That’s why the Kentucky Splash Water Park has big slides and an 18,000-square-foot wave pool. 

Are you feeling a little more adventurous? Williamsburg is near Cumberland Falls State Park, which has one of the most breathtaking waterfalls you’ll ever see. There’s also plenty of canoeing, hiking, and other events. If you’re the type of person who loves going outdoors, there are two words you’ll never say in Williamsburg, and that is “I’m bored.”

Another little piece of trivia is that Williamsburg is near the original Kentucky Fried Chicken. There’s even a little museum that tells the story of Colonel Sanders. No, you won’t find the secret recipe in the museum, but you may find some good chicken!

Overall, Williamsburg is a great, inexpensive town that has a good amount of things to do. Usually, you have to choose between the cost of living and amenities, but this town has both. Read below to see how the statistics work. 

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A. Median Household Income, Median Home Value, Annual Spend for Homeowners, and Annual Spend for Renters: 

Williamsburg MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $33,875.

B. Employment Prospects: 

• As of June 2024, the unemployment rate is 5.4%, slightly above the Kentucky state average of 4.6% and the U.S. national average of 4.1%. 
• The poverty rate is 33%, which is drastically above the Kentucky state average of 16.4% and the U.S. poverty rate of 11.1%. 
• The average commute time is 12 minutes. 

C. Healthcare
Williamsburg has several medical clinics, such as Preferred Healthcare, Bryant Family Medicine, and Williamsburg Nursing Home. It also has Express Care, which is an urgent care center. 

D. Education
These statistics come from 2018-2022 and reflect individuals aged 25 or higher. 

• High school graduate or higher: 76.40%, below Kentucky’s rate of 88.20% and the U.S. national average of 89.1%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 23.40%, below Kentucky’s rate of 26.5% and the U.S. average of 34.3%.  

E. Leisure
Williamsburg is near many parks, including Bill Woods Park, Briar Creek Park, City Park. It is also where the Kentucky Splash Waterpark & Campground is located. 

6. Central City- Both Safety and Affordability

Again, the balance of safety and affordability can be difficult to achieve, as affordability is often linked to crime. But Central City does a good job. The city has a “B” ranking in crime and is safer than 65% of most cities. Other statistics rank Central City as having a below-average violent crime rate but a slightly higher property crime rate. If you choose a neighborhood known for being safe, you should be able to enjoy what Central City has to offer without worrying too much about crime. 

However, the median home price is affordable, being about $147k. With a population of almost 6,000, it’s another way to enjoy small-town Kentucky life. That said, the average income is over $50k, making the town more middle-class than other small towns in Kentucky. If you want that balance between folksy small-town life and having several conveniences, this city may be the place for you. 

While not much of a “city,” Central City does deserve the “Central” part of its name for being near many major locations. It’s not too far from Bowling Green, so if you have a college-aged child, they can attend Western Kentucky University. If you want to go on a night out in the town, it’s only 80 miles away from Nashville. It’s a great town if you have a car that’s easy on gas and love to travel. 

But this isn’t to say that there isn’t anything to do in Central City. If you love music, there’s the Muhlenberg Musical Mission, where many music events take place. It also has several parks and unique bites to eat. It’s not the most exciting place for someone young and full of energy, but if you’re willing to travel or like the quiet, Central City may be the place for you!

Overall, Central City is great if you love small-town living with a middle-class twist. Look below to see how the statistics work in your favor. 

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A. Median Household Income, Median Home Value, Annual Spend for Homeowners, and Annual Spend for Renters: 

Central City MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $52,184.

B. Employment Prospects: 

• As of June 2024, the unemployment rate is 2%, slightly below the Kentucky state average of 4.6% and the U.S. national average of 4.1%. 
• The poverty rate is 15.6%, below the Kentucky state average of 16.4% and above the U.S. poverty rate of 11.1%. 
• The average commute time is 20.3 minutes. 

C. Healthcare
Central City has the Owensboro Home Health Care facility and Fast Pace urgent care. 

D. Education
These statistics come from 2018-2022 and reflect individuals aged 25 or higher. 

• High school graduate or higher: 87%, below Kentucky’s rate of 88.20% and the U.S. national average of 89.1%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 13.30%, below Kentucky’s rate of 26.5% and the U.S. average of 34.3%.

E. Leisure
While Central City lacks an official website, it is near many leisurely spots, such as the Muhlenberg Music Museum and Lake Malone State Park. 

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7. Owensboro- A Growing, Affordable Town

Owensboro sits right at the northern border, with you reaching Indiana by crossing the Ohio River. If you’re looking for a Kentucky town that’s safe, affordable and has plenty to do, Owensboro may be the town you’re looking for. 

Owensboro has a median home price of around $151k, making it one of the most affordable places in the state. Its violent crime rate is about equal to the U.S. national average, and its property crime rate is slightly above the state average. It’s a middle-class city, but there are some more impoverished neighborhoods. If your income equals or exceeds Owensboro’s, you should be safe as you move. 

One reason you may want to move to Owensboro is because there is a variety of places to visit, including stores and restaurants. If you’re a fan of Bluegrass, you can enjoy the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum. Downtown Owensboro is also filled with beautiful views of the Ohio River. During the summer, Owensboro has Friday after 5, which is a street festival in the downtown area. If you’re into geek or anime culture, you can attend OMGcon, an annual convention.

If you’re a nature fan, you’ll also be in heaven in Owensboro, with plenty of parks and nature trails. Enjoy Panther Creek Park’s historic buildings and bridges, or bike at Rudy Mines Mountain. 

Owensboro is a growing town with plenty to do, so you should get situated there before prices go up! It’s a middle-class town with homes that aren’t the cheapest but not too expensive, either. That perfect balance best describes Owensboro. It’s not a big city, but it’s not a town with nothing to do. Read below to look at the exact statistics. 

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A. Median Household Income, Median Home Value, Annual Spend for Homeowners, and Annual Spend for Renters: 

Owensboro MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $51,982.

B. Employment Prospects: 

• As of June 2024, the unemployment rate is 5.20%, slightly above the Kentucky state average of 4.6% and the U.S. national average of 4.1%. 
• The poverty rate is 18.5%, above the Kentucky state average of 16.4% and the U.S. poverty rate of 11.1%. 
• The average commute time is 17.5 minutes. 

C. Healthcare
Owensboro has many health facilities. There’s the Owensboro Health Regional hospital for general needs, and the Owensboro Health Healthpark as a medical center. The city also has numerous urgent care centers, including Mercy Urgent Care and Chautauqua Health and Rehabilitation. 

D. Education
These statistics come from 2018-2022 and reflect individuals aged 25 or higher. 

• High school graduate or higher: 90.10%, above Kentucky’s rate of 88.20% and the U.S. national average of 89.1%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 25.60%, below Kentucky’s rate of 26.5% and the U.S. average of 34.3%.  

E. Leisure
Owensboro has 25 parks and 8 recreational facilities. From sprawling nature trails to playing pickleball, you should have no shortage of things to do! 

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Conclusion

These seven places provide a decent balance between affordability and safety. As mentioned, striking that perfect balance can be difficult, and it can all depend on what neighborhood you live in and who your neighbors are. Always tour the neighborhood, talk to residents, and start building a community before moving in.

Also, even if you move to a safe place, crime can happen to anyone. So, no matter where you live, be sure to have a sound home security system, lock your doors, and possibly get a dog. Finally, home prices can fluctuate, so always check to see if the towns we listed are still affordable or if you need to look elsewhere. In Kentucky, home prices are always quite affordable but may increase depending on how much the town has grown. No matter where you choose, you can rest easily knowing that it will be in an affordable, quiet area with plenty of stuff to do!