Rent comparison · HUD FY2026

Shelby County vs Kentucky

How do Shelby County and Kentucky rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.

$1,027
Shelby County (1BR)
$794
Kentucky (1BR)
+29%
1BR difference

Side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent comparison. Data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

County
Shelby County
$1,027/mo 1BR
Population: 48,105
State
Kentucky
$794/mo 1BR

A 1-bedroom in Shelby County is 29% more expensive than Kentucky at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($1,027 vs $794). Both figures are the 40th percentile of gross rents (utilities included, telephone excluded) set by HUD for the federal fiscal year 2026. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher payment standards in each area are set between 90% and 110% of these FMR numbers. Source: HUD Fair Market Rents.

How Do Rents Compare By Bedroom?

Bedrooms Shelby County Kentucky Difference
Studio $954 $719 +$235 (+33%)
1 Bedroom $1,027 $794 +$233 (+29%)
2 Bedroom $1,143 $984 +$159 (+16%)
3 Bedroom $1,417 $1,277 +$140 (+11%)
4 Bedroom $1,697 $1,442 +$255 (+18%)

vs US National Average

National average 1BR: $959. Shelby County is 7% above the US average. Kentucky is 17% below.

Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).