Rental Market in Elizabethtown, KY

Last updated: February 2026

Whether you are relocating to the area for a military assignment, starting a new job, or simply not ready to buy, understanding the Elizabethtown rental market helps you make smart housing decisions. Rents in E-town remain significantly lower than Louisville and most national metro areas, while demand stays strong thanks to a steady influx of renters tied to Fort Knox, local employers, and the regional college.

Average Rents in Elizabethtown

As of 2026, here is what renters can expect to pay in the Elizabethtown and Hardin County area:

• 1-bedroom apartment: approximately $850/month. Studios are available in limited supply, typically in the $650-$750 range.
• 2-bedroom apartment: approximately $1,050/month. This is the most common rental type in E-town, with options ranging from older complexes around $900 to newer units near $1,200.
• 3-bedroom apartment or townhome: approximately $1,250/month. Three-bedroom rentals include both apartment-style units and townhomes with small yards, the latter being popular with families.
• Single-family rental homes: $1,200-$1,500/month depending on size, condition, and neighborhood. Newer homes in desirable subdivisions command the upper end, while older homes in established areas sit closer to $1,200.

These figures compare favorably to Louisville, where two-bedroom apartments average $1,200-$1,400, and to the national median of approximately $1,400 for a two-bedroom unit. For a broader perspective on area expenses, see our cost of living guide.

Popular Rental Areas Near Fort Knox

Location matters for renters, especially those commuting to Fort Knox daily. Here are the most popular rental areas:

• Radcliff. Directly adjacent to the Fort Knox gates, Radcliff offers the shortest commute to post. It is the most military-concentrated rental market in the area, with a wide range of apartments and single-family rentals. Rents tend to be slightly lower than Elizabethtown proper.
• Vine Grove. A smaller community near Fort Knox's north entrance. Vine Grove offers affordable rentals in a quieter setting. It appeals to families who want proximity to post without Radcliff's denser commercial corridor.
• Elizabethtown (south and central). Rentals along Ring Road, near the Towne Mall area, and in established neighborhoods like Helmwood and Valley Creek are popular with both military families and civilian renters. The commute to Fort Knox is 15-25 minutes depending on the gate used.
• North Elizabethtown / I-65 corridor. Newer apartment complexes and rental homes along the I-65 corridor north of town attract Louisville commuters and young professionals who want quick highway access.

Who Rents in Elizabethtown

The E-town rental market serves a diverse tenant base:

• Military families. The largest single group of renters. Military families on 2-3 year PCS assignments often rent rather than buy, particularly for shorter tours or when they arrive during peak PCS season and want to take their time before purchasing. Military renters typically budget based on their BAH rate, which sets a practical ceiling on what they will pay.
• ECTC students. Students at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College create demand for affordable one- and two-bedroom units, particularly along the Dixie Highway corridor and near campus.
• Young professionals. Workers in healthcare (Baptist Health Hardin), logistics, manufacturing, and Fort Knox civilian positions who are early in their careers and not yet ready to buy.
• Transitional renters. Families who recently sold a home and are renting while they search for their next purchase, or newcomers renting while they explore different neighborhoods before committing.

Kentucky Lease Considerations

Kentucky's landlord-tenant laws establish the framework for rental agreements. Here are the key points renters should know:

• Security deposits. Kentucky does not set a statutory maximum on security deposits, though most landlords collect one month's rent. Landlords must return the deposit within 30-60 days of move-out, minus documented deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
• Lease terms. Most rentals use 12-month leases. Month-to-month agreements are also common, particularly for military tenants who may receive orders mid-lease. Either party can terminate a month-to-month agreement with 30 days' notice.
• SCRA protections. Military tenants are protected by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, which allows them to terminate a lease with 30 days' written notice after receiving PCS orders or deployment orders of 90 days or more. Landlords in the Fort Knox area are generally familiar with this process.
• Maintenance obligations. Kentucky law requires landlords to maintain the property in a habitable condition, including working plumbing, heating, and electrical systems. Tenants must report issues promptly and allow reasonable access for repairs.
• Rent increases. Kentucky has no rent control. Landlords can increase rent at lease renewal with proper notice. In E-town, rent increases have typically tracked inflation at 2-4% annually.

If you are deciding between renting and buying in Elizabethtown, our first-time homebuyer guide walks through the numbers and can help you determine which option makes the most financial sense for your situation.