The Southeastern state of Kentucky offers scenic mountain views, thriving metropolitan cities and a broad range of medical and long-term care amenities, making it a prime retirement destination for older adults. Of its 4.5 million residents, nearly 17% are aged 65 and over, and this demographic is growing considerably faster than others.
On the 2024 Senior Living Report, Kentucky scores 27th in the nation for the overall comfort and quality of life it offers older adults. Across the report’s categories, the state has strong scores in Affordability, Senior Living & Housing and Health Care. Its overall cost of living is about 15% below the national median, and health care costs are nearly 10% lower than in the typical U.S. city, making it a budget-friendly option for those with limited incomes. Residents have access to high-performing medical facilities, such as the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital and Baptist Health Lexington in Lexington and Norton Hospital in Louisville. The state also has competitively priced assisted living rates averaging $3,448 monthly.
This introductory guide for assisted living in Kentucky highlights residential care rates in cities across the state, as well as some options for paying for care. It also lists some resources available to older adults and outlines the rules and regulations governing assisted living facilities within the state.