Independent Living in Kentucky

Kentucky Independent Living Regulations

Each state regulates senior living communities differently. Because independent living is often provided by assisted living communities, states may regulate independent living within their guidelines for assisted living. You can use APFM’s guide to assisted living regulations to learn more about access to community records in Kentucky.

In Kentucky, independent living communities — also known simply as retirement communities — are geared towards seniors who are able to live on their own, without daily assistance, and prefer to live among people their age. This usually means residents are self-sufficient and do not require hands-on care. Think of independent living communities as age-restricted (typically 55+) complexes, which provide organized activities, meal services, and transportation.

Cost of Living

Overall, the cost of living in Kentucky is considered to be more affordable than the national average. Kentucky is rated as more affordable than the average rating in every index category, especially in housing costs. All index scores are based on a scale with the national average set at 100.

Price Indexes

• Cost of Living: 92
• Groceries: 90
• Housing: 77
• Utilities: 98
• Transportation: 93

Demographics

About 16% of Kentucky's population are seniors. In the 2016 presidential election, Kentucky leaned very conservative.

2016 Presidential Election

• 33% voted Democratic
• 63% voted Republican
• 5% voted third party

Population

• Median age: 39
• Over the age of 55: 30%
• 2018 population: 4,468,402
• 2020 population: 4,497,600
• Estimated 2025 population: 4,571,434

Miscellaneous

• 39% regularly attend a religious service
• 25% consider themselves atheist, agnostic, or a non-believer
• The state has a total of 7,745 congregations
• There are 67 Masonic lodges in the state

Climate and Weather

Kentucky has a humid subtropical climate, which means that the state experiences hot and muggy summers and mild to cold winters. Kentucky summers can be particularly intense, with many days over 95 degrees.

Humidity and Precipitation

• Average humidity level: 70%
• Average monthly precipitation: 4”
• Average maximum monthly precipitation: 6” (June)

Air Quality

• Average air quality index rating: 39 (Good)
• Average maximum air quality rating: 48 in June (Good)

Seasonal Temperatures

• Average temperature: 56°F
• Average summer temperature: 75°F
• Typical summer high: 94°F (July)
• Typical summer low: 56°F (June)
• Average winter temperature: 36°F
• Typical winter high: 52°F (February)
• Typical winter low: 19°F (January)