salaryOwensboro is the 4th-largest city in Kentucky that we track, with 60,302 residents. Rent is lower than in 84% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs under 3 years of household income, which is easy by U.S. standards. Commutes are short, about 17.1 minutes.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $42,680 a year. That is $21 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Kentucky cities?
Yes. Rent here is cheaper than in most of Kentucky. It is number 30 of 87 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Owensboro?
Share of households by yearly income. 16.1% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Owensboro
| Size | Owensboro | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $974 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $694 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $980 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,186 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,165 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Owensboro overall?
Everyday prices in the Owensboro metro area are 11% below the U.S. average (index 88.6, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Owensboro
Life in Owensboro
What jobs pay in Owensboro
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $139,950 | 9.1% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $128,780 | 9.9% |
| Software Developer | $102,010 | 12.6% |
| Lawyer | $97,620 | 13.1% |
| Civil Engineer | $91,430 | 14.0% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $86,470 | 14.8% |
| Accountant | $77,800 | 16.5% |
| Dental Hygienist | $75,490 | 17.0% |
| Operations Manager | $73,460 | 17.4% |
| Plumber | $64,310 | 19.9% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $63,010 | 20.3% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $62,180 | 20.6% |
| Police Officer | $61,560 | 20.8% |
| HVAC Technician | $60,060 | 21.3% |
| Electrician | $55,030 | 23.3% |
| Market Research Analyst | $53,950 | 23.7% |
| Carpenter | $52,360 | 24.5% |
| Truck Driver | $50,600 | 25.3% |
| Customer Service Representative | $45,260 | 28.3% |
| Warehouse Worker | $39,380 | 32.5% |
| Nursing Assistant | $39,020 | 32.8% |
| Medical Assistant | $37,020 | 34.6% |
| Restaurant Cook | $30,010 | 42.7% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $29,790 | 43.0% |
| Retail Salesperson | $29,030 | 44.1% |
| Cashier | $27,870 | 45.9% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Owensboro?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $174 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $178,900 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $17,890 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Owensboro, KY?
Renting in Owensboro costs a median of about $1,067 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Kentucky median is $1,175.
How much do I need to make to live in Owensboro?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $42,680 a year, or $21 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Owensboro cheap or expensive?
Owensboro is rated OK: rent takes 21.1% of the typical household income of $60,781. It ranks 30th cheapest of 87 Kentucky cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Owensboro?
The median homeowner in Owensboro pays $1,642 a year in property taxes, about 0.92% of the median home value.
Is Owensboro more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 11% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Owensboro?
The median home value in Owensboro is $178,900, about 2.9 times the typical yearly household income.
60,302 people live in Owensboro. Numbers are typical (middle) values.