Mercer County
FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rents in Kentucky. Population: 22,662.
Fair Market Rents (2026)
Studio
National avg: $893
$619/mo
↓ 0.8% YoY
-31% vs US
1 Bedroom
National avg: $959
$660/mo
↓ 0.2% YoY
-31% vs US
2 Bedroom
National avg: $1,175
$866/mo
↓ 0.1% YoY
-26% vs US
3 Bedroom
National avg: $1,525
$1,204/mo
↓ 0.9% YoY
-21% vs US
4 Bedroom
National avg: $1,756
$1,453/mo
↓ 0.2% YoY
-17% vs US
Year-over-Year Comparison
| Bedrooms | FY 2025 | FY 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $624 | $619 | $-5 (-0.8%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $661 | $660 | $-1 (-0.2%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $867 | $866 | $-1 (-0.1%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,215 | $1,204 | $-11 (-0.9%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,456 | $1,453 | $-3 (-0.2%) |
Affordability Snapshot
Based on the standard that rent should not exceed 30% of gross income:
Required annual income for 1 BR
$26,400
$2,200/month gross
Required annual income for 2 BR
$34,640
$2,887/month gross
Other Counties in Kentucky
Marion County
1 BR: $660/mo
Ohio County
1 BR: $660/mo
Boyle County
1 BR: $698/mo
Lewis County
1 BR: $660/mo
Wayne County
1 BR: $677/mo
Pulaski County
1 BR: $706/mo
Data source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, FY 2026 Fair Market Rents. Fair Market Rents represent the 40th percentile of gross rents for standard quality units in each area.