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City · 5,707 residents · Muhlenberg County, Kentucky

Central City , Kentucky

In Central City, a typical home is worth $143,600 and typical rent is $683 a month. Compared with all of Muhlenberg County, the typical home value is 13% higher and the share of households that own their home is 19 points lower.

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  • Typical home value

    $143,600

    13% above the county

    30% below Kentucky

    • Central City
    • Muhlenberg
    • Kentucky

  • Typical rent

    $683a month

    5% below the county

    29% below Kentucky

    • Central City
    • Muhlenberg
    • Kentucky

  • Typical household income

    $50,885a year

    2% below the county

    20% below Kentucky

    • Central City
    • Muhlenberg
    • Kentucky

  • Households that own their home

    59%

    19 points below the county

    9 points below Kentucky

    • Central City
    • Muhlenberg
    • Kentucky

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Average 2020–2024

Market now, with Zillow data

Zillow data
Typical home value
$118,285
15% less than 12 months ago

From Zillow (ZHVI), September 2026. The Census figures above are 5-year averages (2020–2024).

Central City is in Muhlenberg County. The FHA loan limit ($541,287 for a one-unit home), the fair market rents and the help on this page are those of all of Muhlenberg County. See the county

Data updated: October 1, 2026 11 official sources

Only here

What sets Central City apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

  1. According to Zillow, in the 12 months to September 2026 the typical home value in Central City fell 15%; in Kentucky, it barely changed.

  2. 59% of households in Central City own their home, against 79% in Muhlenberg County.

  3. Central City has the 4th lowest typical rent of the 85 cities in Kentucky with more than 5,000 people ($683).

  4. Nearby, in Princeton, the typical home value is $96,600: 33% less than in Central City ($143,600).

  5. Central City has the 7th lowest typical home value of the 83 cities in Kentucky with more than 5,000 people ($143,600).

  6. Central City has the 7th smallest share of rent-burdened renters of the 76 cities in Kentucky with more than 5,000 people (31%).

Sources: Zillow (September 2026 data); U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024). Zillow data

The homes here

Housing in Central City

What homes there are in Central City, what they cost, how that changed and how people live, from Census figures (2020–2024).

What homes there are

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Kind of home

In Central City, 7 in 10 homes are single-family detached houses, about the same as in Muhlenberg County.

Year built

In Central City, half of the homes were built before 1975; in Muhlenberg County, before 1978.

All homes, occupied or empty. A figure the Census cannot measure precisely enough here is not shown.

Census tables: B25024, B25034, B25035, B25041

What it costs here

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

Value of owner-occupied homes
Monthly rent with utilities

With a mortgage

$1,173 a month

Muhlenberg County: $1,167 a month

Without a mortgage

$456 a month

Muhlenberg County: $396 a month

Owners with a mortgage

52%

Muhlenberg County: 45%

In Central City, 52% of owners have a mortgage; their typical cost is $1,173 a month, about the same as in Muhlenberg County.

Value: what owners think their home is worth. Rent: rent plus utilities, for homes of every size. The FHA limit is the most an FHA loan (Federal Housing Administration) lends for a one-unit home; the fair market rent (FMR) is the one HUD uses for housing vouchers.

Census tables: B25075, B25063, B25088, B25081

How it changed

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2015–2019 and 2020–2024

Change since 2015–2019

The typical home value in Central City stayed about the same since 2015–2019: the Census sees no clear change.

The typical rent in Central City stayed about the same over that time: the difference is within the Census margin of error.

Change between two 5-year periods that do not overlap, in each period's dollars, not adjusted for inflation.

Census tables: B25077, B25064, B19013

How people live

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024

MeasureCentral CityMuhlenberg CountyKentuckyUnited States
Rental vacancy Unreliable estimateUnreliable estimate4.6%5.5%
Homeowner vacancy Unreliable estimateUnreliable estimate0.9%0.9%
More than one person per room Unreliable estimateUnreliable estimate2.0%3.4%
People per household 2.382.422.432.53
Drive alone 93%86%77%69%
Carpool Unreliable estimate7%9%9%
Public transit Unreliable estimateUnreliable estimate1%3%
Walk or bike Unreliable estimateUnreliable estimate2%3%
Work from home Unreliable estimate4%10%15%
Other means Unreliable estimateUnreliable estimate1%2%
Typical commute Unreliable estimate20 to 29 minutes20 to 29 minutes20 to 29 minutes

Much as in Muhlenberg County, a household in Central City has 2.38 people on average.

To get to work, 93% of workers in Central City drive alone; in Muhlenberg County, 86%.

Vacancy: empty homes offered for rent or for sale. Rooms: every room in the home, not only bedrooms. Commute: the minute range of the typical worker.

Census tables: B25004, B25003, B25014, B25010, B08301, B08303

Do the math

What would you pay each month for a home in Central City?

A typical home is within reach of the typical income

We start with a typical home in Central City, worth $143,600, an FHA loan with 3.5% down and the latest average rate (7.18%). That payment would take 27% of the typical household income in Central City, which is $50,885 a year.

The calculator's FHA and conventional loan limits are those of all of Muhlenberg County.

Your numbers

Local data
$

Starts at the typical home value in Central City. Change it to the price you have in mind.

Loan type
Your credit score

Your score changes which loans apply and FHA's minimum down payment. Your real rate also depends on your credit.

Down payment
%

That is $5,026 (3.5% of the price). The usual minimum for this loan is 3.5%.

This week's average ± a quarter or half point.

Term

National average as of November 5, 2026 (Freddie Mac); your rate may be different.

Adjust advanced details

Estimated monthly payment

Local data

$1,159

at 7.18% · 30 years

Loan amount
$140,999
Total interest
$202,865
Paid off in
November 2056

Includes $2,425 FHA upfront mortgage insurance premium.

Does it fit the income?

  • Comfortable

    up to $1,187 a month

    Your payment · 27%

  • Tight

    $1,187 to $1,527 a month

  • Hard

    more than $1,527 a month

Compared with the typical household income in Central City ($50,885 a year). Reference: HUD calls paying more than 30% of income for housing a cost burden.

Show the result as
per month$1,159
Principal & interest$955
Property tax$80
Home insurance$60
FHA mortgage insurance (MIP)$64

You need at least $5,026 for the down payment, plus closing costs.

Next step

This is an estimate to give you an idea, not a loan offer. Your real payment depends on your rate, your credit, and the insurance and taxes on the home you buy.

The city and its county

Central City and Muhlenberg County

Central City is in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. The U.S. Census Bureau publishes its own numbers for the city: home values, rent, household income, how many households own their home and the property tax. They are American Community Survey estimates (average 2020–2024).

Central City's own numbers

Typical home value
$143,600
Typical monthly rent
$683
Typical yearly household income
$50,885
Households that own their home
59%
Effective property tax rate
0.67%

U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (average 2020–2024).

Numbers for all of Muhlenberg County

FHA limit, one-unit home
$541,287
Conventional limit, one unit
$832,750
HUD fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
$909
Price change over 5 years (FHFA)
+61%
Homes in a high flood-risk zone
0.9%

HUD, FHFA and FEMA don't publish these numbers by city.

Other numbers are not published by city, only for the whole county: FHA and conventional loan limits, HUD’s fair market rents, FHFA’s price index and FEMA’s flood data. On this page, those numbers always say they are for all of Muhlenberg County.

Everything about Muhlenberg County

Buying

Buying a home in Central City

A typical home in Central City is worth $143,600: 13% above the county and 30% below Kentucky. With the typical household income in Central City ($50,885 a year), a typical home costs 2.8 times what the household earns in a year.

Years of income to pay for a typical home

The typical home value divided by the typical household income for one year. The lower it is, the less buying weighs.

  • Central City 2.8 years
  • Muhlenberg 2.5 years
  • Kentucky 3.2 years
  • United States 4.1 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Average 2020–2024

How prices have changed in Muhlenberg County

According to FHFA’s house price index, home prices in Muhlenberg County rose 75% in the 10 years through 2025.

FHFA does not publish this index by city: these are the numbers for all of Muhlenberg County.

Period County Kentucky U.S.
Last year (2025) +11.1% +3.9% +2.9%
5 years (2020–2025) +61% +50% +47%
10 years (2015–2025) +75% +84% +85%

The index follows the price of the same homes over time (sales and appraisals with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans). It is not the average price of a home. FHFA considers its annual county indexes experimental. Source: FHFA, 2025 data

Central City next to Muhlenberg County, Kentucky and the U.S.

Three numbers side by side. “Typical” means the median: half are above it and half below.

Typical home value
  • Central City $143,600
  • Muhlenberg $127,400
  • Kentucky $205,600
  • United States $332,700
Typical monthly rent
  • Central City $683
  • Muhlenberg $718
  • Kentucky $967
  • United States $1,413
Typical yearly household income
  • Central City $50,885
  • Muhlenberg $51,927
  • Kentucky $63,726
  • United States $80,734
See the full table
Central City next to Muhlenberg County and Kentucky
Measure Central City Muhlenberg County Kentucky U.S.
Typical home value $143,600 $127,400 $205,600 $332,700
Typical monthly rent $683 $718 $967 $1,413
Typical yearly household income $50,885 $51,927 $63,726 $80,734
Households that own their home 59% 79% 68% 65%
Typical yearly property tax $959 $790 $1,544 $3,119
Effective property tax rate 0.67% 0.62% 0.75% 0.94%
Renters with high rent for their income 31% 40% 45% 51%

“Typical” means the median: half are above and half are below. ▲ and ▼ say whether the city is above or below Muhlenberg County. “High rent” is the Census measure: renter households that pay 30% or more of their income in rent.

Four ways to pay for a typical home in Central City

For a typical $143,600 home in Central City, at Freddie Mac's average rate (7.18% as of November 5, 2026) over 30 years. The monthly payment adds principal and interest, Central City's typical property tax, an example home insurance and mortgage insurance when it applies.

  • FHA, 3.5% down $1,159a month

    Least cash to close
    Down payment
    $5,026
    Cash to close
    $9,334
    Rate
    7.18%
    Mortgage insurance
    FHA MIP · $64

  • Conventional, 5% down $1,132a month

    Down payment
    $7,180
    Cash to close
    $11,488
    Rate
    7.18%
    Mortgage insurance
    PMI · $68

  • Conventional, 20% down, no PMI $918a month

    Down payment
    $28,720
    Cash to close
    $33,028
    Rate
    7.18%
    Mortgage insurance
    None

  • ITIN, 15% down (example) $1,051a month

    Down payment
    $21,540
    Cash to close
    $25,848
    Rate
    8.18%
    Mortgage insurance
    None

The option that asks for the least cash to close is FHA, 3.5% down.

  • Cash to close = down payment plus 3% of the price in closing costs (example).
  • Minimum score: FHA requires 580 or higher for the minimum down payment (HUD Handbook 4000.1). * Fannie Mae requires 620 when a loan is underwritten by hand; its automated system has no fixed minimum.
  • The ITIN row is an example with a rate 1 percentage point higher: ITIN loans follow no federal rule and each lender sets its own down payment and rate. Nothing in this table promises an approval.

How much house can I afford? Estimate closing costs

Taxes and floods

Two costs that change from place to place

Property tax and flood insurance raise or lower what you pay each month. Here are the numbers for Central City and for Muhlenberg County.

Property tax

Effective rate in Central City

0.67%of the home’s value each year

$959 a year for the typical owner in Central City.

  • Central City 0.67%
  • Muhlenberg 0.62%
  • Kentucky 0.75%

What Kentucky publishes Homestead exemption for owners 65 or older or totally disabled (Kentucky Department of Revenue)

Exemptions and deadlines in Kentucky

Flood risk in Muhlenberg County

FEMA does not publish these numbers by city: they are for all of Muhlenberg County.

Homes in the high-risk zone
0.9%
115
Of those, with NFIP insurance
16%
County Kentucky U.S.
Homes in the high-risk zone 0.9% 3.5% 3.5%
Of those, with NFIP insurance 16% 19% 48%

Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage.

Look up your address on FEMA’s map

Renting

Renting in Central City

Typical rent in Central City is $683 a month: 5% below the county. In Central City, 31% of renter households pay 30% or more of their income in rent.

HUD publishes a fair market rent for all of Muhlenberg County, by unit size. To pay the 2-bedroom one ($909 a month) without spending more than 30% of your income, you would need to earn $17.48 an hour working full time.

HUD fair market rent for all of Muhlenberg County

What you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income, working full time.

Size Fair rent a month Hourly wage Yearly income
Studio $650 $12.50 $26,000
1 bedroom $695 $13.37 $27,800
2 bedrooms $909 $17.48 $36,360
3 bedrooms $1,083 $20.83 $43,320
4 bedrooms $1,220 $23.46 $48,800

Includes basic utilities. It isn't the lowest or highest rent: it's a reference point. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027

By ZIP code

Fair market rent by ZIP code in Central City

HUD also publishes a fair market rent for each ZIP code (Small Area FMR, fiscal year 2027). Central City is in ZIP code 42330.

For 2 bedrooms it is $1,000: $91 more than the fair market rent for Muhlenberg County ($909).

  • 42330 $1,000$1,320

1 of these ZIP codes crosses the city line: HUD sets the rent by ZIP code, not by city. A ZIP code counts for Central City when at least 50% of its land is inside the city or it covers at least 15% of the city (Census 2020 boundaries). Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Source: Census Bureau ZCTA-to-place relationship file Data from 2020 data Census Bureau ZCTA-to-place relationship file

Is your rent high for your ZIP?

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Central City

HUD lists 3 buildings with rents for lower incomes in Central City. These are the largest.

  • Central City Ha 507A S 9th St, Central City 42330 70 low-income homes · Run by Housing Authority of Central City · Average payment: $416 a month · Average wait: 7 months (270) 754-2521
  • Tammy Terrace Cleaton Road, Central City 42330 34 low-income homes · 2 bd: 23 · 3 bd: 10 · 4 bd: 1 · In service since 2006 · For families
  • Sandy Hill Apartments Cleaton RD., Central City 42330 29 low-income homes · 2 bd: 29 · In service since 2004 · For older adults

See all 6 buildings in Muhlenberg County Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026

Free help

Help to buy or rent in Central City

You do not have to do this alone. A HUD-approved housing counseling agency helps for free or at low cost: getting ready to buy, understanding your credit, or solving a problem with your rent.

We found no HUD-approved agencies with an office in Muhlenberg County. The nearest ones are below; many serve by phone or online.

An older woman smiles in front of her apartment building.

HUD counseling is free or low-cost

Assistance programs in Central City

No down payment, repair or rent-help program on our list is for Central City or Muhlenberg County. The ones below are statewide in Kentucky: they work in Central City the same as in the rest of the state.

Which programs do I qualify for? All programs in Kentucky

  • KHC Down Payment Assistance (DPA)

    Statewide in Kentucky

    Kentucky state corporation loan of up to $12,500 for the down payment and closing costs, repaid over 15 years as a second loan, for buyers who take a KHC mortgage. Offered by Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC).

    Repayable

    See the program Official page

Housing counselors near Central City

The HUD-approved agencies closest to the center of Central City, in a straight line, nearest first. If one says it serves in Spanish, its card says so.

  • Kentucky Legal Aid, Incorporated

    100 South Railroad Street, # 120, Madisonville · 21 miles away · Spanish

    • Mortgage delinquency and default
    • Pre-purchase counseling
    • and 1 more
    (270) 782-5740

  • Kentucky Legal Aid, Incorporated

    117 West 2nd Street, Owensboro · 33 miles away · Spanish

    • Mortgage delinquency and default
    • Pre-purchase counseling
    • and 1 more
    (270) 782-5740

  • Kentucky Legal Aid, Incorporated

    401 W 9th St Ste D, Hopkinsville · 36 miles away · Spanish

    • Mortgage delinquency and default
    • Pre-purchase counseling
    • and 1 more
    (270) 782-5740

All counseling agencies in Kentucky

Help in Spanish near Central City

3 of the 3 agencies on this list say they serve in Spanish.

Ask for service in Spanish

When you call, say “Spanish, please” or ask if someone speaks Spanish. If not, ask whether they offer an interpreter.

Housing authorities of Central City

HUD’s record names them for Central City or Muhlenberg County. They run public housing or Section 8 vouchers. Ask whether their waiting list is open.

One other authority has an office in Muhlenberg County: see the list Source: HUD

Cities

Nearby cities

The cities closest to Central City, with the typical home value.

Everything about Muhlenberg County Housing in Kentucky

Neighboring counties

If Muhlenberg County is out of reach, look next door. Each number is that county's own.

Keep going

Guides for your next step

Short explanations, in plain language and with official sources, for buying or renting in Central City.

All guides
Two parents walk hand in hand with their little daughter.

Questions

Housing questions about Central City

Short answers with the numbers for Central City and all of Muhlenberg County. If your case is different, a HUD-approved counseling agency can guide you for free or at low cost.

How much does a typical home cost in Central City?

The typical home value in Central City is $143,600, according to the U.S. Census Bureau (average 2020–2024). For comparison, in Muhlenberg County it is $127,400.

How much does it cost to rent in Central City?

Typical rent in Central City is $683 a month, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. HUD’s fair market rent for 2 bedrooms in Muhlenberg County is $909.

What is the FHA loan limit in Central City?

Central City uses the FHA limit for all of Muhlenberg County (2026): $541,287 for a one-unit home and $1,041,125 for a four-unit home.

How much property tax do owners pay in Central City?

The typical homeowner in Central City pays $959 a year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That is 0.67% of the home’s value; in Muhlenberg County, the rate is 0.62%.

Where can I find free help to buy or rent in Central City?

We found no HUD-approved counseling agencies with an office in Muhlenberg County; the nearest ones are on this page. They can help you get ready to buy, with your credit, or with rent.

Sources: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates (Average 2020–2024); FHA mortgage limits (HUD) (2026 data); Conforming loan limits (FHFA) (2026 data); Fair Market Rents (HUD) (Fiscal year 2027); Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (Fiscal year 2027); Census Bureau ZCTA-to-place relationship file (2020 data); HUD-approved housing counseling agencies (Retrieved November 6, 2026); Public Housing Agencies (HUD) (Retrieved November 6, 2026); Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) (As of November 5, 2026); FHFA House Price Index (HPI) (2025 data); Homes with flood insurance (NFIP, FEMA) (As of August 3, 2026).